Sarah Sharkey

Opening a savings account does not impact your credit score because you aren’t borrowing money and the activity in your savings account isn’t reported to a credit agency. Most financial institutions will run a soft credit inquiry when you open… read more…

Investing $100 a month gives you the chance to make regular progress toward your financial goals. Sticking to a regular commitment can help you build wealth over time. If you are ready to invest $100 a month, your returns will… read more…

Portfolio variance measures risk by assessing the dispersion of asset returns in a portfolio. Essentially, portfolio variance measures the spread of returns in a portfolio. A portfolio full of assets that have high correlations will have higher portfolio variance. If… read more…

Merchant banking offers specialized financial services to large corporations and high-net-worth individuals. The high-end services available through this type of financial institution aren’t available to the general public. But if you or your company meet the qualifications, you’ll find several… read more…

Divorce is obviously a difficult chapter in anyone’s life. In addition to sorting out personal matters, dealing with the financial fallout of divorce is often messy. Whether you are paying alimony or receiving alimony, understanding how long alimony lasts is… read more…

The amount a $10 million annuity would pay depends on when you make the investment, the returns attached to your annuity and the details of the contract. With that, it’s challenging to nail down a specific amount. However, we can… read more…

Opening a savings account does not impact your credit score because you aren’t borrowing money and the activity in your savings account isn’t reported to a credit agency. Most financial institutions will run a soft credit inquiry when you open… read more…

On the surface, Ally and Schwab are very similar. The full-service brokerage firms each offer the ability to build an investment portfolio with the help of robo-advisors or financial planners and both offer banking tools as well. But the investment… read more…

When comparing Robinhood to TD Ameritrade and Fidelity, the differences are immediately obvious. While Fidelity and TD Ameritrade are two full-service brokerage firms that offer ample resources to investors, Robinhood is an app-based trading platform with limited information about the… read more…

Every investor needs to choose a strategy that makes sense for them and helps them achieve their financial goals. The barbell strategy is one investment strategy that might suit your needs if you have the time to properly manage it… read more…

Inflation has been running wild across the country throughout 2022. With costs soaring, it’s easy to feel the pressure on your household budget because the reality is that your paycheck cannot buy as much as it used to. That’s why… read more…

A second-to-die policy is designed for couples who want to share a life insurance policy with specific beneficiaries, such as children and grandchildren. The life insurance company will only make a payout to the beneficiaries after the last survivor passes… read more…

A financial windfall is something to celebrate. But if you don’t play your cards right, the government will expect a major portion of the cash. The good news is that smart tax planning strategies can help you minimize your tax… read more…

Medicaid provides a way to pay for medical costs. But it can also lay claim to the assets that you leave behind, including life insurance if you do not have a designated beneficiary. Let’s break down what what Medicaid can claim… read more…

The stock market can be volatile, creating ups and downs that can be impossible to predict. Knowing when to sell stocks can make a big difference in your long-term investment portfolio whether you’re only investing long-term or if you’re looking… read more…

A bear market marks a time of uncertainty for investors. It’s uncomfortable to watch your portfolio potentially free fall during a bear market. But knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel can help. So, how long… read more…

As Web3 emerges, a new asset class can be found in digital real estate that many are considering as potential investments in their portfolios. There are many different ways to invest in digital real estate, but first it’s important to… read more…

If you use PayPal, Venmo and other third-party payment networks, then you might get a 1099-K form from the IRS. This form reports transactions from third-party payment networks. And depending on how big your payment is and what it’s for,… read more…

Voluntary life insurance is a type of insurance offered as part of a group insurance policy that typically covers employees in the event of their death. It is an additional benefit offered by employers that they typically don’t pay into,… read more…

Donating real estate to charity can come with a myriad of benefits. Not only will you help out a worthy cause, but also take advantage of tax benefits that can lower your overall personal tax burden. The largest benefit is,… read more…

As a business owner, you might find yourself asking, “Do I need a CPA for my small business?” This is because It’s often not required to hire a certified public accountant (CPA) for your small business. But in many cases,… read more…

An estate plan indicates what you want to do with your assets after you are gone. Depending on your goals, you may want to leave some funds or other assets to charity. It’s possible to create estate plans with charities as beneficiaries. A financial advisor could help you include charitable donations as part of your estate… read more…

If you have $10,000 to invest in interest-producing assets, understanding how much you can earn per year is key. The amount you can earn in interest varies based on the asset you choose. Let’s break down how much interest $10,000… read more…

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent $5,177 on healthcare costs in 2020. With healthcare costs eating into many American budgets, you may wonder if a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) can cover some of those expenses or leave you on the hook for necessary medical care. Let’s break down… read more…

Philanthropic giving allows you to make an impact by donating to organizations that reflect your values and support your causes. If you want to include philanthropic giving in your estate plan, there are many common ways. Let’s break down how you can do it. A financial advisor can help you incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan.… read more…