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Browse our latest financial articles and insights.
Gold ETF vs Physical Gold
Gold just had a *monster* year: The yellow metal smashed through **53** all-time highs in 2025, delivering [roughly 65% returns](https://www.gold.org/goldhub/research/gold-outlook-2026) for the full year. Gold prices have continued climbing into 2026, recently trading above $5,100 per ounce. If you're looking to jump in, you face a fundamental choice: **Gold ETFs** or **Physical Gold**. Both give you real gold exposure, but they suit different people. ETFs win on cost and convenience. Physical gold wins on tangible ownership and systemic risk protection. **We have written the go to [Beginners Guide to Gold ETF Investing](https://financer.com/invest/gold-etf-investing/). ** This guide specifically breaks down costs, liquidity, security, taxes, and practical considerations for gold ETFs compared to physical gold, so you can make the call that fits your situation.
ETFs vs Mutual Funds
You've probably heard that building a diversified investment portfolio is crucial for long-term wealth. **Both ETFs and mutual funds offer you an easy way to own hundreds or even thousands of stocks** without the pressure of picking individual companies. But here's the thing: as of the end of 2025, global ETF assets hit a record [$19.85 trillion](https://etfexpress.com/2026/01/21/assets-in-the-global-etf-industry-hit-record-usd19-85-trillion-in-2025-etfgi/), showing a massive shift in how Americans invest. U.S. ETFs alone pulled in a record [$1.49 trillion in net inflows during 2025](https://www.etf.com/sections/monthly-etf-flows/us-etfs-pull-record-149-trillion-2025). The gap between ETFs and mutual funds keeps narrowing: * **2021:** Cumulative net flows (new money invested) into ETFs since their launch first [surpassed those of mutual funds](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/graphic-global-etfs-saw-record-141738555.html). * **2024:** Passive mutual funds and ETFs combined captured 51% of total AUM, with the ETF component (29%) surpassing the mutual fund component (22%) within the passive category. * **2030:** PwC projects global ETF AUM could [reach $35 trillion by 2030](https://etfexpress.com/2026/03/02/etf-assets-under-management-set-to-reach-usd35trn-by-2030-pwc/), more than doubling from current levels. Some analysts expect U.S. ETF AUM to overtake mutual fund AUM even sooner. This guide breaks down ETFs vs mutual funds across costs, taxes, trading flexibility, and performance. You'll learn which option fits your specific goals, whether you're investing a set amount each month, actively managing your portfolio, or building long-term wealth. By the end, you'll know exactly which investment type delivers better after-tax returns for your situation.
DSCR Loan
DSCR loans let real estate investors qualify for financing based on a property's rental income instead of their personal income. No W-2s, no tax returns, no pay stubs. So how does a DSCR loan work? Instead of looking at your paycheck, lenders evaluate whether the rental property generates enough income to cover the mortgage payment. This makes DSCR loans one of the most practical financing tools available for building a rental property portfolio in 2026. If you're self-employed, own multiple properties, or simply prefer keeping your personal finances separate from your investments, a DSCR loan might be exactly what you need. This guide covers everything from how the DSCR ratio works to current interest rates, qualification requirements, and common mistakes investors make when applying.
Low-Income Home Equity Loans
**Yes, you can get a home equity loan with low income.** Lenders care more about your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and how much equity you have in your home than about your raw income number. The national average home equity loan rate sits around 7.84% as of early 2026, and homeowners with strong equity positions can qualify even on modest incomes. The key is understanding what lenders actually evaluate and positioning your application to highlight your strengths. This guide breaks down the real requirements, practical strategies to improve your odds, and alternative options if a traditional home equity loan doesn't work out.
Cheapest States to Live
In today's economic climate, where housing costs have skyrocketed and [inflation](/personal-finance/inflation/) continues to impact everyday expenses, finding a place where your dollar stretches further has become more critical than ever. With residential real estate prices up [60% from 2019 to 2025](https://www.nchfa.com/news/policy-matters-blog/new-report-us-housing-market-finds-record-numbers-across-three-key-metrics) and mortgage rates holding steady around [6.0% in early 2026](https://fortune.com/article/current-mortgage-rates-03-04-2026/), many Americans are rethinking their location strategy. The rise of remote work has opened unprecedented opportunities to live in more affordable states without sacrificing career prospects. But choosing the cheapest state isn't just about low rent: it's about understanding the complete financial picture, including taxes, healthcare costs, utility expenses, and quality of life trade-offs.
Top Finance Influencers
Personal finance influencers inspire, guide, and equip people to take charge of their money and build wealth. But with hundreds of social media influencers and industry experts to choose from, who actually delivers reliable financial advice? Financer has put together our list of the **top 30 finance influencers** in the U.S. for 2026. These personal finance influencers are seen as respected industry leaders, and they have the experience, reputation, and track record to back it up.
Apps Like Earnin
Cash advance apps like Earnin help you access money you have already earned before your actual payday. They skip the traditional loan process, charge no interest, and typically require no credit check. If you need to borrow money instantly, these apps are a faster alternative to payday loans. Earnin lets you cash out up to $150 per day and up to $1,000 per pay period, with optional tips instead of mandatory fees. But Earnin is not the only option. Apps like Earnin and Dave now offer higher limits, faster funding, and additional tools like credit building and budgeting. We tested and compared the top cash advance apps available in 2026 to help you find the right fit for your situation.
Alternative Investments
If your portfolio is nothing but stocks and bonds, you're leaving money on the table. Alternative investments give you access to asset classes that move independently of Wall Street, which means better protection when the market drops and more ways to grow your wealth over time. The catch? Most people don't know how to invest in alternative investments or where to start. This guide breaks down exactly what alternatives are, which types are worth considering, and how platforms like EXANTE make it easier to access them from a single account.
SoFi High Yield Savings
SoFi's high yield savings account is one of the most talked-about online savings options right now. With a 3.30% APY for members with direct deposit, zero fees across the board, and FDIC protection that can extend up to $3 million, it checks a lot of boxes for people looking to earn more on their [savings](https://financer.com/personal-finance/savings-accounts/). But is it actually the right pick for you? This review breaks down everything about the SoFi high yield savings account: current rates, bonus offers, features, limitations, and how it compares to both traditional banks and other high-yield alternatives.
Coign Credit Card
The [Coign credit card](https://www.coign.com) is a VISA cash-back card built specifically for conservative consumers. Founded by Rob Collins, the card positions itself as an alternative to mainstream banks that cardholders feel fund causes they disagree with. Coign offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee, and donates a portion of merchant fees to conservative charities chosen by its members. The card runs on the VISA network and comes with standard fraud protection. But is 1% cash back competitive in 2026? And does the political branding justify potential trade-offs? Here is what you need to know before applying.
Seeking Alpha Premium Review
As a long-time personal subscriber to Seeking Alpha Premium, I have firsthand experience with why this platform has earned its spot as one of the most respected investment research tools since 2004. With over 20 million monthly visits, Seeking Alpha provides a depth and detail in stock research that few platforms can match. For years, I've relied on my premium membership as my go-to resource for transparent and insightful research on individual companies. **I strongly recommend Seeking Alpha Premium to anyone looking for high-quality, in-depth investment research.** That said, Seeking Alpha Premium isn't for everyone. If you're new to [investing](/invest/invest/), prefer a passive approach, or just want general investment news, the platform's detailed and active nature might feel overwhelming. Seeking Alpha is ideal for those who want deep [market analysis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_analysis) and high-quality investment research sourced from a diverse community of experts, not curated by a single company or entity.
Robinhood IRA
[Robinhood](/review/robinhood/) launched its IRA in January 2023, and the product has gone through several upgrades since then. The biggest draw right now is the IRA match: Robinhood Gold members get a 3% match on every eligible dollar they contribute to a self-directed IRA, while non-Gold users still get 1%. No employer required. No complicated paperwork. Just open the account, fund it, and Robinhood adds extra money on top. In this Robinhood IRA review, we break down how it actually works in 2026, what it costs, where it falls short, and whether the match makes it worth choosing over Fidelity or Schwab.
