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Source: https://due.com/feed/

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<title>Mortgage Rate Report Released to Guide Homebuyers</title>
<link>https://due.com/mortgage-rate-report-released-to-guide-homebuyers/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:52:27 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93556</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>A new report on average mortgage rates across various home loan types was released Thursday, providing potential homebuyers with critical information to make informed decisions during their house hunting process. The report breaks down interest rates for different mortgage products, allowing consumers to compare options as they navigate the housing market. This information comes at […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/mortgage-rate-report-released-to-guide-homebuyers/">Mortgage Rate Report Released to Guide Homebuyers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A new report on <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">average mortgage rates</a> across various home loan types was released Thursday, providing potential homebuyers with critical information to make informed decisions during their house hunting process.</p>
<p>The report breaks down interest rates for different mortgage products, allowing consumers to compare options as they navigate the housing market. This information comes at a time when many prospective buyers are carefully weighing their financing options amid changing economic conditions.</p>
<h2>Understanding Mortgage Options</h2>
<p>The Thursday report offers a comprehensive look at rates for conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/j/jumboloan.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jumbo mortgages</a>. By presenting this data, the report helps homebuyers identify which loan type might best suit their financial situation and homeownership goals.</p>
<p>Conventional loans, which aren’t backed by the federal government, typically require higher credit scores but may offer competitive rates for qualified borrowers. FHA loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, often feature more flexible qualification requirements, making them popular among first-time homebuyers.</p>
<p>VA loans, available to service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses, continue to offer some of the most favorable terms in the market, including the possibility of no down payment. Meanwhile, jumbo mortgages, which exceed conforming loan limits, cater to buyers in higher-priced markets.</p>
<h2>Market Impact and Buyer Considerations</h2>
<p>The timing of this report is significant as housing market dynamics continue to evolve. Interest rates have been a key factor influencing buyer decisions, with even small percentage differences potentially translating to thousands of dollars over the life of a loan.</p>
<p>Financial experts suggest that prospective homebuyers should consider several factors when selecting a mortgage type:</p>
<ul>
<li>Down payment requirements and available funds</li>
<li>Credit score and history</li>
<li>Length of time planning to stay in the home</li>
<li>Monthly budget constraints</li>
<li>Long-term financial goals</li>
</ul>
<p>“The right mortgage isn’t just about getting the lowest rate,” notes one housing market analyst. “It’s about finding the loan structure that aligns with your financial situation and homeownership goals.”</p>
<h2>Regional Variations</h2>
<p>The report also highlights regional differences in mortgage rates and product availability. Buyers in high-cost areas may need to consider jumbo loans, while those in moderate markets might find conventional loans more appropriate.</p>
<p>Local housing market conditions can significantly impact which mortgage product offers the best value. In competitive markets where quick closings are advantageous, loan types with streamlined approval processes might give buyers an edge, even if they don’t offer the absolute lowest rate.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Shopping for a mortgage should be as thorough as shopping for the house itself,” according to one mortgage broker quoted in connection with the report. “The right financing can make or break your homebuying experience.”</p></blockquote>
<p>The report serves as a reminder that mortgage selection requires careful consideration of both short-term affordability and long-term financial implications. As buyers compare their options, they’re encouraged to consult with financial advisors and mortgage professionals who can provide personalized guidance.</p>
<p>With housing inventory challenges persisting in many markets, having pre-approved financing with favorable terms can give buyers a competitive advantage when making offers. The Thursday report provides a valuable starting point for this critical aspect of the homebuying process.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/mortgage-rate-report-released-to-guide-homebuyers/">Mortgage Rate Report Released to Guide Homebuyers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<item>
<title>Mortgage Rate Report Helps Homebuyers Compare Loan Options</title>
<link>https://due.com/mortgage-rate-report-helps-homebuyers-compare-loan-options-4/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:52:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93554</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>A new report released Monday provides homebuyers with comprehensive information on average mortgage rates across various types of home loans. The data aims to help prospective homeowners make informed decisions when selecting mortgage products during their house hunting process. The report breaks down current interest rates for different mortgage categories, giving shoppers a clear picture […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/mortgage-rate-report-helps-homebuyers-compare-loan-options-4/">Mortgage Rate Report Helps Homebuyers Compare Loan Options</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A new report released Monday provides homebuyers with comprehensive information on <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">average mortgage rates</a> across various types of home loans. The data aims to help prospective homeowners make informed decisions when selecting mortgage products during their house hunting process.</p>
<p>The report breaks down current interest rates for different mortgage categories, giving shoppers a clear picture of financing costs in today’s housing market. With this information, buyers can better understand which loan options might best suit their financial situation and homeownership goals.</p>
<h2>Comparing Loan Types and Rates</h2>
<p>The Monday report offers side-by-side comparisons of several mortgage products, including conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and jumbo mortgages. Each loan type comes with distinct advantages and requirements that can significantly impact a buyer’s monthly payment and overall cost of homeownership.</p>
<p>Conventional loans, which aren’t backed by government agencies, typically require higher credit scores but may offer competitive rates for qualified borrowers. FHA loans, insured by the Federal Housing Administration, often feature more flexible qualification standards and lower down payment requirements, making them popular among first-time homebuyers.</p>
<p>VA loans, available to service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses, continue to offer some of the most favorable terms in the market, including the possibility of no down payment. Jumbo mortgages, which exceed conforming loan limits, cater to buyers in higher-priced markets.</p>
<h2>Making Informed Mortgage Decisions</h2>
<p>Financial experts suggest that homebuyers should consider several factors beyond just the interest rate when selecting a mortgage:</p>
<ul>
<li>Loan term (15-year vs. 30-year options)</li>
<li>Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate structures</li>
<li>Down payment requirements</li>
<li>Private mortgage insurance costs</li>
<li>Closing costs and fees</li>
</ul>
<p>“Understanding the full picture of what each loan type offers is crucial for homebuyers,” said a mortgage specialist familiar with the report. “The right mortgage choice depends on individual circumstances, including how long you plan to stay in the home, your financial stability, and your long-term goals.”</p>
<p>The timing of this report coincides with ongoing fluctuations in the housing market, where interest rates have been subject to change based on broader economic conditions. Buyers are encouraged to use this information as a starting point for discussions with lenders about personalized rate quotes.</p>
<h2>Market Context and Implications</h2>
<p>The release of this <a href="https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mortgage rate comparison</a> comes during a period when housing affordability remains a significant concern for many Americans. Interest rates, which have seen considerable movement over the past year, play a major role in determining monthly payments and purchasing power.</p>
<p>For a typical homebuyer, even a half-percentage point difference in interest rates can translate to thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. This makes rate shopping and loan comparison essential steps in the homebuying process.</p>
<p>Housing market analysts note that being armed with accurate, up-to-date information on mortgage options gives buyers an advantage in negotiations and helps them set realistic budgets for their home search.</p>
<p>The report serves as a valuable resource for consumers navigating the complex mortgage landscape, especially first-time homebuyers who may be less familiar with the various financing options available to them.</p>
<p>Prospective homeowners are advised to check the latest figures and speak with multiple lenders to secure the most favorable terms possible as they continue their house hunting journey.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/mortgage-rate-report-helps-homebuyers-compare-loan-options-4/">Mortgage Rate Report Helps Homebuyers Compare Loan Options</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>U.S. labor market weak with Americans stuck with part-time work</title>
<link>https://due.com/u-s-labor-market-weak-with-americans-stuck-with-part-time-work/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Rowe]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:00:37 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93557</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The faltering U.S. labor market is pushing more Americans into part-time work and lower-paying roles they don’t want. The official unemployment rate remains low at 4.3%, but alternative measures show deeper strain. A broader gauge of unemployment—which counts people working part-time but seeking full-time jobs, and those who stopped looking out of discouragement—rose to 8.1% […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/u-s-labor-market-weak-with-americans-stuck-with-part-time-work/">U.S. labor market weak with Americans stuck with part-time work</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="242" data-end="458">The faltering U.S. labor market is pushing more Americans into part-time work and lower-paying roles they don’t want. The official <a href="https://due.com/unemployment-reports-impact-on-stock-market/">unemployment</a> rate remains low at 4.3%, but alternative measures show deeper strain.</p>
<p data-start="460" data-end="812">A broader gauge of unemployment—which counts people working part-time but seeking full-time jobs, and those who stopped looking out of discouragement—rose to 8.1% in August, its highest in nearly four years. That rate has been climbing steadily for two years. New data this week also confirmed the 2024 job market was weaker than previously reported.</p>
<h3 data-start="460" data-end="812">U.S. labor market weak with Americans stuck with part-time work</h3>
<p>“There are more people finding themselves in a delicate position when it comes to their opportunities to find work and bounce back,” said <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorydaco/">Gregory Daco</a>, chief economist at EY-Parthenon. He pointed out that one in four job seekers have been unemployed for at least six months. Just a year ago, it was one in five.</p>
<p>A large number of these workers are taking part-time jobs outside of their fields. Over the past ten months, 36-year-old Anna Whitlock, a former tech project manager, has applied for hundreds of jobs without getting hired. “I’ve applied to grocery stores, I’ve applied to coffee stands, I’ve applied to a dozen administrative assistant positions locally, and I’m getting rejections from all of them,” said Whitlock, who now works part-time as a nanny in Yakima, Wash., earning $20 an hour.</p>
<p>Some professionals who left jobs are struggling to return to full-time work. James Reynolds, 34, quit a wireless company job in June but has not been able to replace his six-figure salary. “Just keeping afloat is a challenge,” said Reynolds, who now earns $18 an hour working part-time at a Denver sandwich shop.</p>
<p>Others, like Kristal Andersen, former university faculty manager, have sent out hundreds of applications with no success. “For now, my family of four is living paycheck-to-paycheck, penny-to-penny,” she said.</p>
<p>The increase in part-time employment is helping many people in the short term. However, it is also leaving households with <a href="https://due.com/tariff-friendly-grocery-shopping-how-to-save-money-without-compromising-quality/">lower incomes</a>, fewer benefits, and less hope for long-term stability.</p>
<p><em><strong>Featured Image Credit: Mikhail Nilov; Pexels: Thank you!</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/u-s-labor-market-weak-with-americans-stuck-with-part-time-work/">U.S. labor market weak with Americans stuck with part-time work</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<media:content xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/U.S.-labor-market-weak-with-Americans-stuck-with-part-time-work-1024x682.jpg" width="800" height="533"><media:credit role="illustrator" scheme="urn:ebu">Due</media:credit></media:content> </item>
<item>
<title>Do You Need a Financial Advisor? Here’s My Honest Take</title>
<link>https://due.com/do-you-need-a-financial-advisor-heres-my-honest-take/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 14 Sep 2025 13:03:59 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Money Tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92757</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>I used to think financial advisors were either for rich people or for people who were completely hopeless with money. Then I started wondering if I might be missing something — like, was I supposed to have one by now? Should I feel guilty for managing my own investments? After talking to friends, reading a […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/do-you-need-a-financial-advisor-heres-my-honest-take/">Do You Need a Financial Advisor? Here’s My Honest Take</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I used to think financial advisors were either for rich people or for people who were completely hopeless with money. Then I started wondering if I might be missing something — like, was I supposed to have one by now? Should I feel guilty for managing my own investments?</p>
<p>After talking to friends, reading a bunch of articles, and honestly evaluating my own situation, I realized this question is way more nuanced than I initially thought. The answer isn’t a simple yes or no – it depends on your specific circumstances, personality, and what you’re trying to accomplish.</p>
<p>Let me walk you through what I discovered about when a financial advisor makes sense and when you might be better off going it alone.</p>
<h2>The Signs You Probably Don’t Need One (Yet)</h2>
<p><strong>Your Financial Life Is Pretty Straightforward</strong> If you have a steady job, contribute to a 401(k), maybe have a Roth IRA, and your <a href="https://due.com/investment-strategies-to-simplify-your-portfolio-and-save-money-on-fees/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7551">investment strategy</a> consists of “buy index funds and wait,” you’re probably doing fine on your own. Simple situations don’t require complex solutions.</p>
<p><strong>You Actually Enjoy This Stuff.</strong> Some people genuinely like researching investments, reading about <a href="https://due.com/top-10-experts-fo-follow-for-personal-finance-advice/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7552">personal finance</a>, and managing their own portfolios. If you’re one of those people and you have the time, why pay someone else to do something you enjoy?</p>
<p><strong>Your Assets Are Under $100,000.</strong> This isn’t a hard rule, but most quality financial <a href="https://due.com/jag-capital-advisors-charged-for-3-million-fraud-damage/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7566">advisors charge</a> percentage-based fees that don’t make economic sense for smaller portfolios. Paying 1% annually on $50,000 ($500) might not deliver enough value to justify the cost.</p>
<p><strong>You’re Young and Just Starting Out.</strong> If you’re in your 20s or early 30s with decades until retirement, your investment strategy can be pretty simple: save as much as possible in <a href="https://due.com/top-15-low-cost-index-funds-for-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7548">low-cost index funds</a>. You probably don’t need professional help for that.</p>
<p><strong>You’re Comfortable Making Financial Decisions.</strong> If <a href="https://due.com/navigating-market-volatility-amid-trade-tensions/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7556">market volatility</a> doesn’t keep you awake at night and you can stick to your investment plan during both bull and bear markets, you might have the temperament to go solo.</p>
<h2>The Signs You Might Benefit from Professional Help</h2>
<p><strong>You’re Losing Sleep Over Financial Decisions:</strong> If you constantly worry about whether you’re doing the right thing, or if market movements cause you genuine stress, an <a href="https://due.com/how-much-does-a-financial-advisor-cost/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7576">advisor might provide peace of mind that’s worth the cost</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Your Situation Got Complicated:</strong> Multiple <a href="https://due.com/retirement-income-sources-and-million-dollar-strategies/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7568">income sources</a>, stock options, rental properties, business ownership, inheritance, divorce – these situations can benefit from professional guidance because the stakes are higher and the rules more complex.</p>
<p><strong>You Keep Procrastinating:</strong> Have you been meaning to <a href="https://due.com/setting-the-facts-straight-should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-before-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7561">set up a retirement</a> account for two years? Still haven’t figured out your <a href="https://due.com/asset-allocation-in-an-online-world/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7569">asset allocation</a>? Sometimes paying someone forces you actually to deal with your finances.</p>
<p><strong>You’re Approaching Major Life Changes:</strong> Getting married, having kids, buying a house, <a href="https://due.com/financial-roadmap-for-a-secure-future/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7558">planning for retirement</a> – these transitions involve financial decisions that can benefit from professional input.</p>
<p><strong>You Make Emotional </strong><a href="https://due.com/stocks-vs-mutual-funds-which-is-right-for-you/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7578">Financial Decisions:</a> Do you buy stocks when they’re hot and sell when they crash? Do you constantly second-guess your investment choices? An advisor can provide the behavioral coaching that might be more valuable than investment management.</p>
<p><strong>You Have Serious Money:</strong> Once you have substantial assets (usually $500,000+), the complexity increases and the potential <a href="https://due.com/critical-trust-mistakes-that-could-cost-your-family-thousands-and-how-to-avoid-them/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7563">cost of mistakes</a> grows. Professional management might pay for itself through better <a href="https://due.com/retirees-kickstart-your-year-with-smart-tax-planning/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7553">tax planning</a> and risk management.</p>
<h2>The Middle Ground Options I Discovered</h2>
<p>You don’t have to choose between “expensive full-service advisor” and “completely on your own.” There are some interesting in-between options:</p>
<p><strong>Robo-Advisors with Human Support</strong> Companies like Betterment, Wealthfront, or Vanguard Personal Advisor Services offer automated <a href="https://due.com/prioritizing-reinvestment/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7562">investing with access to human</a> advisors when you need them. Fees are typically 0.25%-0.50% annually.</p>
<p><strong>Hourly Fee-Only </strong><strong>plan</strong><strong>ners:</strong> Some <a href="https://due.com/16-strategies-to-simplify-your-financial-planning-and-save-money-on-advisory-fees/">advisors will review</a> your situation and provide a financial plan for a flat fee ($1,000-$3,000) or an hourly rate ($150-$400). You get professional advice without ongoing management fees.</p>
<p><strong>One-Time Consultations</strong> Many advisors offer single sessions where you can get specific questions answered or have your overall strategy reviewed. This might cost $300-$800, but it could be worth it for peace of mind.</p>
<p><strong>Target-Date </strong>Funds: <a href="https://due.com/tax-reduction-strategy-investment-fund-generating-losses-while-maintaining-positive-returns/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7575">These automatically adjust your investments</a> as you age and essentially provide professional management built into a single fund. Total costs are usually under 0.20% annually.</p>
<h2>The Real Cost-Benefit Analysis</h2>
<p>Let’s get practical about this. Say you have $300,000 <a href="https://due.com/mass-ave-global-and-ceo-charged-for-misleading-investors/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7560">invested and you’re considering an advisor who charges</a> 1% annually ($3,000 per year).</p>
<p><strong>What you get for that $3,000:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Professional investment management</li>
<li>Rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting</li>
<li><a href="https://due.com/several-countries-set-to-default-in-the-coming-years-says-sp-global/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7549">Financial planning and goal setting</a></li>
<li>Behavioral coaching during <a href="https://due.com/decoding-the-stock-markets-volatility/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7570">market volatility</a></li>
<li>Tax planning advice</li>
<li><a href="https://due.com/estate-planning-key-steps-for-smooth-asset-transfer/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7550">Estate planning</a> coordination</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What you’re giving up:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>$3,000 annually that could be invested</li>
<li>Some control over your <a href="https://due.com/investment-decisions/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7547">investment decisions</a></li>
<li>The satisfaction of managing your own money</li>
</ul>
<p>Whether this trade-off makes sense depends on your specific situation and how much you value these services.</p>
<h2>Questions to Ask Yourself</h2>
<p><strong>Time and Interest:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Do I have <a href="https://due.com/mastering-time-management-and-consistency/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7572">time to manage</a> my investments properly?</li>
<li>Do I actually want to spend time on this?</li>
<li>Am I keeping up with necessary tasks like rebalancing?</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Knowledge and Confidence:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Do I <a href="https://due.com/understanding-investing-beyond-individual-stocks/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7559">understand what I’m investing</a> in?</li>
<li>Am I confident in my <a href="https://due.com/thrilling-cd-investment-strategies-for-2024/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7565">investment strategy</a>?</li>
<li>Do I know how to <a href="https://due.com/how-to-adjust-your-financial-planning-as-you-age/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7573">adjust my plan as I age</a>?</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Emotional Factors:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Can I stick to my plan during <a href="https://due.com/surviving-market-downturns-a-guide/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7557">market downturns</a>?</li>
<li>Do I make impulsive financial decisions?</li>
<li>Does <a href="https://due.com/gen-z-feels-judged-over-money-management-skeptical-of-american-dream/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7567">managing money</a> stress me out?</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Complexity:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Are my finances getting more complicated?</li>
<li>Do I have <a href="https://due.com/retire-richer-how-to-master-your-taxes-and-keep-more-of-your-money-legally/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7555">tax planning needs beyond basic strategies</a>?</li>
<li>Am I dealing with estate planning issues?</li>
</ul>
<h2>What I Learned About Advisor Quality</h2>
<p>If you do decide to work with an advisor, not all of them are created equal. Here’s what to look for:</p>
<p><strong>Fiduciary Standard:</strong> Make sure they’re legally required to act in your best interest, not just provide “suitable” advice.</p>
<p><strong>Transparent Fees:</strong> You should understand precisely what you’re paying for and for what services.</p>
<p><strong>Appropriate Credentials:</strong> Look for CFP (<a href="https://due.com/decoding-the-certified-financial-planners-role/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7546">Certified Financial Planner</a>) or similar credible certifications.</p>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Clear Communication:</strong> They should be able to explain their recommendations in terms you understand.</span></p>
<p><strong>No High-Pressure Sales:</strong> Good advisors don’t push specific products or pressure you to make immediate decisions.</p>
<h2>The Timing Question</h2>
<p>Maybe you don’t need an advisor right now, but you might later. Your needs change as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your income increases</li>
<li>Your assets grow</li>
<li>Your life becomes more complex</li>
<li>You approach retirement</li>
<li>You face major life transitions</li>
</ul>
<p>There’s nothing wrong with starting out managing your own <a href="https://due.com/making-money-work-for-you-maximize-your-bank-account/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7571">money and later deciding to work</a> with a professional. Many people follow this path.</p>
<h2>The DIY Success Formula</h2>
<p><strong>If you decide to go it alone, here’s what successful DIY investors typically do:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Keep it simple</strong> with broad market index funds</li>
<li><strong>Automate everything</strong> — contributions, investing, rebalancing</li>
<li><strong>Stay educated, </strong><a href="https://due.com/financial-considerations-of-a-career-change-in-your-50s/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7564">but don’t overthink every decision </a></li>
<li><a href="https://due.com/financial-considerations-of-a-career-change-in-your-50s/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7564"><strong>Have a written plan</strong></a> and stick to it</li>
<li><strong>Review annually,</strong> but don’t constantly tinker</li>
</ul>
<h2>My Honest Take</h2>
<p>After going through all this, I think most people starting their <a href="https://due.com/finance-automation/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7574">financial journey don’t need</a> a financial advisor right away. If you can handle the basics – contributing to retirement accounts, investing in low-cost index funds, maintaining an <a href="https://due.com/40-smart-ways-to-build-an-emergency-fund/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7554">emergency fund</a> – you’re probably fine on your own.</p>
<p>But there are definitely situations where professional help makes sense: when your finances get complicated, when you’re dealing with major life changes, or when you simply don’t have the time or interest to manage things yourself.</p>
<p>The key is being honest about your situation, your knowledge level, and your comfort with financial decisions. There’s no shame in either direction – some people thrive managing their own money, others sleep better knowing a professional is handling it.</p>
<p>Don’t work with an advisor just because you think you’re “supposed to.” But also don’t avoid one out of pride if you genuinely think professional help would benefit your situation.</p>
<p>The most important thing is having a plan and actually following it. Whether you create that plan yourself or pay someone to help you develop it matters less than actually having one and sticking with it over time.</p>
<p>Your financial situation will evolve, and what makes sense today might not make sense in five years. That’s perfectly normal. The goal is to make thoughtful decisions based on your current situation, not where you think you should be.</p>
<p><em>Featured Image Credit: Photo by Kindel Media; <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-love-people-office-7979597/">Pexels</a></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/do-you-need-a-financial-advisor-heres-my-honest-take/">Do You Need a Financial Advisor? Here’s My Honest Take</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<media:content xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Need-a-Financial-Advisor-1024x683.jpg" width="800" height="534"><media:credit role="illustrator" scheme="urn:ebu">Due</media:credit></media:content> </item>
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<title>What Is a Wealth Advisor?</title>
<link>https://due.com/what-is-a-wealth-advisor/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Deanna Ritchie]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 13:07:22 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Money Tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92751</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>I used to think “wealth advisor” was just a fancy term for “financial advisor” – like how some places call their janitors “custodial engineers.” Turns out there’s actually a meaningful difference, and understanding it might help you figure out whether you need one or if you’re overthinking your financial situation. Here’s what I discovered about […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/what-is-a-wealth-advisor/">What Is a Wealth Advisor?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I used to think “wealth advisor” was just a fancy term for “financial advisor” – like how some places call their janitors “custodial engineers.” Turns out there’s actually a meaningful difference, and understanding it might help you figure out whether you need one or if you’re overthinking your financial situation.</p>
<p>Here’s what I discovered about wealth advisors, who they’re really for, and whether the extra cost makes sense for regular folks like us.</p>
<h2>So What’s the Difference?</h2>
<p>Think of it like this: a regular financial advisor is like a general practitioner doctor who can handle most of your health needs. A wealth advisor is more like a specialist who focuses on complex cases.</p>
<p><strong>Regular financial advisors</strong> typically help with things like:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://due.com/setting-the-facts-straight-should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-before-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7472">Setting up retirement</a> accounts</li>
<li>Picking <a href="https://due.com/etfs-offer-tax-efficient-alternative-to-mutual-funds/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7474">mutual funds</a></li>
<li>Basic <a href="https://due.com/dont-panic-plan-how-to-start-saving-for-your-childs-college-fund/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7489">financial planning</a></li>
<li>Insurance needs</li>
<li>Maybe some tax guidance</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Wealth advisors</strong> deal with more complex stuff:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://due.com/sec-to-host-second-annual-conference-on-emerging-trends-in-asset-management/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7483">Managing multiple investment accounts across different asset</a> types</li>
<li>Advanced <a href="https://due.com/retirees-kickstart-your-year-with-smart-tax-planning/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7466">tax planning</a> and strategies</li>
<li><a href="https://due.com/estate-planning-key-steps-for-smooth-asset-transfer/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7463">Estate planning for substantial assets</a></li>
<li><a href="https://due.com/financial-acumen/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7476">Business succession</a> planning</li>
<li>Multi-generational wealth transfer</li>
<li>Alternative investments like <a href="https://due.com/strategies-for-incorporating-private-equity-and-venture-capital-into-your-retirement-portfolio/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7467">private equity</a> or hedge funds</li>
</ul>
<p>The keyword here is “wealth.” These advisors typically work with people who have substantial assets – usually $1 million or more, though some start at $500,000 or $2 million, depending on the firm.</p>
<h2>What Do They Actually Do All Day?</h2>
<p>I was curious about this because the fees seemed high, so I looked into what you’re actually paying for.</p>
<p><strong>Portfolio Management:</strong> They don’t just throw your money into a few index funds and call it good. Wealth advisors often create sophisticated portfolios that might include stocks, bonds, <a href="https://due.com/unmasking-the-real-estate-wealth-myth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7468">real estate</a>, commodities, private investments, and international holdings. They’re constantly rebalancing and adjusting based on market conditions and your needs.</p>
<p><strong>Tax Strategy:</strong> This is where they can really earn their fees. Wealth advisors work closely with tax professionals to minimize your tax burden through strategies like tax-loss harvesting, strategic Roth conversions, <a href="https://due.com/maximize-your-impact-smart-strategies-for-end-of-year-charitable-giving/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7461">charitable giving strategies</a>, and timing capital gains and losses.</p>
<p><strong>Estate Planning Coordination:</strong> If you have substantial assets, passing them to your heirs efficiently becomes complicated. <a href="https://due.com/set-it-and-forget-it-8-best-automated-strategies-to-build-wealth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7488">Wealth advisors work with estate attorneys to set</a> up trusts, plan for estate taxes, and structure inheritances in ways that benefit your family.</p>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Risk Management:</strong> They help protect your wealth through proper insurance coverage, diversification strategies, and planning for various “what if” scenarios.</span></p>
<p><strong>Access to Exclusive </strong><a href="https://due.com/how-to-potentially-double-your-money-through-investing/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7470">Investments Wealth</a> advisors often have access to investments that aren’t available to regular investors – private equity funds, hedge funds, private real estate deals, and other alternative investments.</p>
<h2>The Money Talk: What Does This Cost?</h2>
<p>Here’s where it gets interesting. Wealth <a href="https://due.com/jag-capital-advisors-charged-for-3-million-fraud-damage/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7484">advisors typically charge</a> based on a percentage of your assets, usually 0.5% to 2% annually. But unlike regular financial advisors, they often <a href="https://due.com/federal-financial-services-provider-agrees-to-a-4-2m-fund-to-end-gender-discrimination-claims/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7485">provide a much broader range of services</a>.</p>
<p>For someone with $2 million invested:</p>
<ul>
<li>At 1% annually = $20,000 per year</li>
<li>At 1.5% annually = $30,000 per year</li>
</ul>
<p>That sounds like a lot, but wealth advisors argue they can often save you more than their fee through tax planning, better investment access, and <a href="https://due.com/critical-trust-mistakes-that-could-cost-your-family-thousands-and-how-to-avoid-them/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7464">avoiding costly mistakes</a>.</p>
<h2>Who Actually Needs One?</h2>
<p><strong>You Probably Need a Wealth Advisor If:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You have $1 million+ in <a href="https://due.com/prioritizing-reinvestment/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7471">investable assets</a></li>
<li>Your financial situation is complicated (multiple <a href="https://due.com/retirement-income-sources-and-million-dollar-strategies/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7475">income sources</a>, business ownership, complex tax situations)</li>
<li>You’re spending significant time managing your own finances, and it’s becoming overwhelming</li>
<li>You need estate planning for substantial assets</li>
<li>You want access to <a href="https://due.com/beyond-your-401k-looking-at-safe-alternative-investments-for-your-retirement-portfolio/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7477">alternative investments</a></li>
<li>Tax <a href="https://due.com/16-strategies-to-simplify-your-financial-planning-and-save-money-on-advisory-fees/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7465">planning could save you more than the advisor’s fee</a></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>You Probably Don’t Need One If:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Your assets are under $500,000</li>
<li>Your financial situation is straightforward</li>
<li>You’re comfortable managing your own portfolio of <a href="https://due.com/why-investing-in-sp-500-index-funds-beats-crypto-every-time/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7478">index funds</a></li>
<li>You enjoy learning about investing and have the time for it</li>
<li>You’re just starting your investment journey</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Honest Truth About Value</h2>
<p>I tried to figure out whether these advisors are actually worth their high fees, and the answer seems to be “it depends.”</p>
<p><strong>Where They Add Real Value:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://due.com/smart-investments-yielding-returns-and-tax-savings/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7479">Tax savings</a></strong>: Good wealth advisors can often save high earners more in taxes than they charge in fees</li>
<li><strong>Behavioral coaching</strong>: They keep you from making emotional <a href="https://due.com/investment-decisions/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7460">investment decisions</a> during market chaos</li>
<li><strong>Access and expertise</strong>: Connections to exclusive <a href="https://due.com/revolutionizing-investing-strategies-for-market-shifts/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7481">investments and deep knowledge of complex strategies</a></li>
<li><strong><a href="https://due.com/do-automations-actually-save-time-or-are-they-time-wasters/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7480">Time savings</a></strong>: If your time is valuable, delegating financial management might make economic sense</li>
<li><strong>Estate planning</strong>: For substantial estates, proper planning can save families hundreds of thousands in taxes</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Where They Might Not Be Worth It:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Simple portfolios</strong>: If you’re happy with <a href="https://due.com/why-i-believe-simple-index-fund-investing-is-the-path-to-wealth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7473">index fund investing</a>, you might be overpaying for complexity you don’t need</li>
<li><strong>Small portfolios</strong>: The percentage-based fee model doesn’t make sense for smaller amounts</li>
<li><strong>DIY personalities</strong>: If you enjoy <a href="https://due.com/financial-planning-for-digital-nomads-managing-money-across-borders/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7487">managing your own money</a> and have the knowledge, why pay someone else?</li>
</ul>
<h2>Different Types of Wealth Advisors</h2>
<p><strong>Private Wealth Managers at Big Firms:</strong> Places like Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, and UBS. They typically require $1-5 million minimums and offer comprehensive services. You get access to the firm’s research and investment platforms.</p>
<p><strong>Independent Wealth Advisors:</strong> Smaller firms or solo practitioners who often provide more personalized service. They might have lower minimums but varying levels of resources.</p>
<p><strong>Family Offices:</strong> These are for the really wealthy – typically $25 million+. They provide comprehensive financial services for ultra-high-net-worth families.</p>
<p><strong>Robo-Advisors with Human Support:</strong> Companies like Betterment Premium or Vanguard Personal Advisor Services offer some wealth management features at much lower costs, though with less personalization.</p>
<h2>Red Flags to Watch For</h2>
<p><strong>Promises of Guaranteed Returns:</strong> No legitimate advisor can guarantee investment returns. If someone promises you’ll definitely earn X% annually, run.</p>
<p><strong>Pressure to Move All Your Assets:</strong> Good advisors should be willing to work with your existing accounts and strategies, not demand you transfer everything immediately.</p>
<p><strong>Lack of Transparency About Fees:</strong> You should understand precisely what you’re paying for and for what services. If they’re dodgy about fee structure, that’s a problem.</p>
<p><strong>Too-Good-To-Be-True Exclusive Investments:</strong> While wealth advisors do have access to some exclusive opportunities, be skeptical of anything that sounds like a can’t-miss deal.</p>
<h2>The Alternative Approach</h2>
<p>Here’s something interesting I learned: you don’t necessarily need to hire one person to do everything. Some people create their own “wealth advisory team” by working with:</p>
<ul>
<li>A fee-only financial planner for overall strategy</li>
<li>A tax professional for tax planning</li>
<li>An estate attorney for legal matters</li>
<li>A low-cost <a href="https://due.com/etfs-vs-stocks-which-should-you-choose-for-your-investment-portfolio/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7482">investment platform for portfolio</a> management</li>
</ul>
<p>This can sometimes be more cost-effective than a full-service wealth advisor, though it requires more coordination on your part.</p>
<h2>Questions to Ask Before Hiring One</h2>
<ul>
<li>What’s your minimum asset requirement?</li>
<li>How do you charge for services?</li>
<li>What specific services do you provide?</li>
<li>How often will we meet?</li>
<li>What’s your investment philosophy?</li>
<li>Can you provide references from similar clients?</li>
<li>Are you a fiduciary? (They should be working in your best interest)</li>
<li>What happens if I want to leave?</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
<p>Wealth advisors aren’t just expensive financial advisors – they’re specialists who focus on complex <a href="https://due.com/several-countries-set-to-default-in-the-coming-years-says-sp-global/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7462">financial situations that come</a> with substantial assets. Whether you need one depends less on how much <a href="https://due.com/ai-and-personal-finance-how-to-use-ai-to-transform-your-money/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7486">money you have and more on how complex your financial</a> life has become.</p>
<p>If you’re sitting on $2 million in index funds within a simple portfolio and are comfortable managing it yourself, you might not need a wealth advisor. But if you have multiple income sources, own a business, face complex tax situations, or want access to sophisticated <a href="https://due.com/investment-strategies-to-simplify-your-portfolio-and-save-money-on-fees/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7469">investment strategies</a>, the cost might be justified.</p>
<p>The key is being honest about your situation. Don’t hire a wealth advisor because you think it’s what wealthy people are supposed to do. Hire one because they can genuinely add more value than they cost.</p>
<p>And remember, you don’t have to make this decision forever. Your financial needs evolve as your wealth grows. What makes sense today might not make sense in five years, and that’s perfectly fine.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/what-is-a-wealth-advisor/">What Is a Wealth Advisor?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Personal Loans vs Top-Up Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know</title>
<link>https://due.com/personal-loans-vs-top-up-loans-what-borrowers-need-to-know/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:52:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93528</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The process of obtaining additional funds through loans presents borrowers with two main options: applying for a new personal loan or opting for a top-up loan on an existing credit facility. Each option comes with distinct requirements and benefits that can significantly impact the borrower’s experience. New personal loans require complete underwriting processes, while top-up […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/personal-loans-vs-top-up-loans-what-borrowers-need-to-know/">Personal Loans vs Top-Up Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The process of obtaining additional funds through loans presents borrowers with two main options: applying for a new personal loan or opting for a top-up loan on an existing credit facility. Each option comes with distinct requirements and benefits that can significantly impact the borrower’s experience.</p>
<p>New personal loans require complete underwriting processes, while top-up loans offer streamlined alternatives with potentially faster approval times and reduced documentation requirements. Understanding these differences can help borrowers make informed decisions based on their financial needs and time constraints.</p>
<h2>New Personal Loan Process</h2>
<p>When applying for a new personal loan, borrowers must undergo a complete underwriting process. This means the lending institution evaluates the application from scratch, regardless of any previous relationship with the borrower.</p>
<p>The process typically includes:</p>
<ul>
<li>Submission of complete financial documentation</li>
<li>Credit history evaluation</li>
<li>Income verification</li>
<li>Assessment of debt-to-income ratio</li>
</ul>
<p>This thorough evaluation leads to longer processing times as lenders must verify all information before approving the loan. Borrowers should expect to wait several days or even weeks before receiving funds, depending on the financial institution’s procedures.</p>
<h2>Top-Up Loan Advantages</h2>
<p>In contrast, top-up loans build upon existing loan relationships, offering several advantages to current borrowers. These loans allow customers to borrow additional money on top of their current loan amount.</p>
<p>The key benefits include:</p>
<p><strong>Minimal documentation requirements</strong> – Since the lender already has the borrower’s information and payment history, they typically request fewer documents for verification purposes.</p>
<p><strong>Faster processing</strong> – Without the need for comprehensive underwriting, top-up loans are processed more quickly. Many lenders can approve these requests within days or sometimes hours.</p>
<p><strong>Potential interest rate advantages</strong> – Top-up loans may come with lower interest rates compared to new personal loans, especially for borrowers with good repayment records on their existing loans.</p>
<h2>Making the Right Choice</h2>
<p>The decision between a new personal loan and a top-up loan depends on several factors. For borrowers with existing loans in good standing, top-up loans offer convenience and speed. The reduced documentation and faster processing make them attractive for urgent financial needs.</p>
<p>However, new personal loans might be more suitable in certain situations. For instance, if a borrower wants to switch lenders for better terms or if their current lender doesn’t offer top-up options, a new loan application becomes necessary.</p>
<p>Financial experts suggest comparing the total cost of both options before making a decision. While top-up loans may have lower interest rates, they could extend the overall loan tenure, potentially increasing the total interest paid over time.</p>
<p>Borrowers should also consider their credit profile. Those who have improved their credit scores significantly since taking their original loan might qualify for better rates with a new loan from a different lender.</p>
<p>Understanding these distinctions helps borrowers navigate their options when seeking additional funds, allowing them to choose the path that best suits their financial circumstances and time requirements.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/personal-loans-vs-top-up-loans-what-borrowers-need-to-know/">Personal Loans vs Top-Up Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<media:content xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/personal_loans_borrowers_1757609420-1024x576.webp" width="800" height="450"><media:credit role="illustrator" scheme="urn:ebu">Due</media:credit></media:content> </item>
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<title>Anglo American Acquires Teck Resources in $53 Billion Copper Deal</title>
<link>https://due.com/anglo-american-acquires-teck-resources-in-53-billion-copper-deal/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:52:26 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93525</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Anglo American has reached an agreement to purchase Canadian mining company Teck Resources, forming a $53 billion copper powerhouse. The acquisition comes at a strategic moment as data centers supporting artificial intelligence operations drive unprecedented demand for electricity and copper resources. The merger represents one of the largest mining industry deals in recent years and […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/anglo-american-acquires-teck-resources-in-53-billion-copper-deal/">Anglo American Acquires Teck Resources in $53 Billion Copper Deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anglo American has reached an agreement to purchase Canadian mining company Teck Resources, forming a $53 billion <a href="https://www.eenews.net/articles/supreme-court-powerhouse-aligns-with-tribe-to-stop-copper-mine/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">copper powerhouse</a>. The acquisition comes at a strategic moment as data centers supporting artificial intelligence operations drive unprecedented demand for electricity and copper resources.</p>
<p>The merger represents one of the largest mining industry deals in recent years and positions the combined entity to capitalize on growing copper needs across the technology sector. Copper, essential for electrical wiring and components, has seen its value increase as <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/nsf-expanding-national-ai-infrastructure-new-data-systems" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI infrastructure expands</a> globally.</p>
<h2>Strategic Timing Amid AI-Driven Demand</h2>
<p>The acquisition aligns with significant shifts in copper markets driven by technological advancement. Data centers, which form the backbone of AI computing systems, require substantial electrical infrastructure and cooling systems that depend heavily on copper components.</p>
<p>Industry analysts note that a single large-scale data center can use more electricity than some small towns, creating ripple effects throughout resource markets. The timing of Anglo American’s move suggests the company anticipates continued growth in this sector.</p>
<p>The deal combines Anglo American’s global mining portfolio with Teck’s significant North American copper assets, creating a more geographically diverse operation with increased production capacity.</p>
<h2>Market Implications</h2>
<p>The $53 billion valuation reflects both current copper prices and expectations of future demand growth. Copper has emerged as a critical material for the green energy transition and digital infrastructure development, with limited new mining projects coming online in recent years.</p>
<p>The merger creates one of the world’s largest copper producers at a time when:</p>
<ul>
<li>AI data centers are projected to more than double their energy consumption within five years</li>
<li>Electric vehicle production continues to increase globally</li>
<li>Renewable energy infrastructure expansion requires significant copper resources</li>
</ul>
<p>Financial markets responded positively to the announcement, with mining sector stocks showing gains as investors consider the implications of increased consolidation in the copper supply chain.</p>
<h2>Industry Consolidation Trend</h2>
<p>The Anglo American-Teck deal represents part of a broader pattern of consolidation within the mining sector. Companies are seeking scale and diversification to manage market volatility and meet growing demand from technology and green energy sectors.</p>
<p>For Teck Resources, the acquisition provides access to Anglo American’s global operations and financial resources. Anglo American gains significant North American copper assets and strengthens its position in a market expected to face supply constraints.</p>
<p>Mining industry experts suggest the deal may trigger additional merger activity as companies position themselves to meet growing material demands from technology infrastructure projects.</p>
<p>The combined company will face regulatory review in multiple jurisdictions, though initial market reaction suggests investors expect the deal to receive necessary approvals given the strategic importance of copper resources.</p>
<p>As AI applications continue to expand across industries, the electrical infrastructure supporting these systems will require substantial copper resources, potentially validating the strategic vision behind this major mining industry consolidation.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/anglo-american-acquires-teck-resources-in-53-billion-copper-deal/">Anglo American Acquires Teck Resources in $53 Billion Copper Deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Mexican government raises tariffs on imports to bolster their industries</title>
<link>https://due.com/mexican-government-raises-tariffs-on-imports-to-bolster-their-industries/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Rowe]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:00:02 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93521</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Mexico City In an effort to boost domestic industry and offset imports from Asia, the Mexican government is taking steps to increase tariffs on imports of essential goods from nations with which it does not have a trade agreement. The Economy Ministry said the bill, presented to Congress along with the 2026 federal budget proposal, […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/mexican-government-raises-tariffs-on-imports-to-bolster-their-industries/">Mexican government raises tariffs on imports to bolster their industries</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Mexico City In an effort to boost domestic industry and offset imports from Asia, the Mexican government is taking steps to increase <a href="https://due.com/the-economic-impact-of-tariffs-lessons-from-history-and-current-risks/">tariffs</a> on imports of essential goods from nations with which it does not have a trade agreement. The Economy Ministry said the bill, presented to Congress along with the 2026 federal budget proposal, targets imports of about 1,500 products worth roughly $52 billion.</p>
<h3>Mexican government raises tariffs on imports to bolster their industries</h3>
<p>“These products already had a tariff…what we’re going to do is increase it to the cap that we’re permitted by the World Trade Organization,” Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Wednesday. The measure will affect steel, textiles, toys, home appliances, footwear, automobiles, and auto parts.</p>
<p>The United States, Canada, the European Union, and Japan are among the more than 50 nations with which Mexico has trade agreements. Among countries without a deal, China continues to be the largest exporter, followed by South Korea, India, and Russia. Currently, about 5% of Mexico’s new car sales are of Chinese manufacture. “The Mexican auto industry is 23% of national manufacturing, so we have to protect it,” Ebrard said. “One way is to increase the tariffs paid on those light vehicles imported so cheaply, below the reference price so to speak.”</p>
<p>Officials said the measure will preserve more than 320,000 industrial jobs in key manufacturing states. The push also relates to ongoing and upcoming trade negotiations with the United States and Canada, said Finance Minister <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_Amador_Zamora">Edgar Amador</a>. Amador said Mexico’s priority is to reindustrialize sectors weakened by “not always fair competition.” He noted, “I don’t think we’re the only ones” pursuing such measures.</p>
<p>In addition to immigration and drug trafficking disputes that previously led Washington to impose tariffs outside of the USMCA framework, the U.S. has put pressure on Mexico regarding cheap imports from China. Instead of threatening retaliation, Mexico engaged in direct negotiations. Phone conversations between President Claudia Sheinbaum and <a href="https://due.com/trumps-strategic-tariff-negotiations-with-mexico-and-canada-yield-border-security-results/">President Trump</a> produced several tariff delays, including a 90-day reprieve announced in August.</p>
<p><em><strong>Featured Image Credit: Engin Akyurt; Pexels; Thank you!</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/mexican-government-raises-tariffs-on-imports-to-bolster-their-industries/">Mexican government raises tariffs on imports to bolster their industries</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>The Un-Resume: What Happens When Your Identity Isn’t Your Job Title?</title>
<link>https://due.com/the-un-resume-what-happens-when-your-identity-isnt-your-job-title/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[John Rampton]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:02:25 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[life in retirement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[un-resume]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[you aren't your job title]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92188</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Think about how you were introduced in the past. It was probably related to your work. “She’s a lawyer.” “He runs his own marketing company.” In other words, what you did wasn’t just your job title; it was who you were. In fact, Pew Research found that almost four in ten workers (39%) say their […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/the-un-resume-what-happens-when-your-identity-isnt-your-job-title/">The Un-Resume: What Happens When Your Identity Isn’t Your Job Title?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Think about how you were introduced in the past. It was probably related to your work. “She’s a lawyer.” “He runs his own marketing company.” In other words, what you did wasn’t just your job title; it was who you were. In fact, <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/30/how-americans-view-their-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pew Research</a> found that almost four in ten workers (39%) say their job or career plays a significant role in who they are.</p>
<p>And now? It’s not.</p>
<p><a href="https://due.com/retire-like-you-mean-it-planning-for-the-life-you-actually-want/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Perhaps you retired</a>. You may have <a href="https://due.com/mitigating-capital-gains-tax-post-business-sale/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sold your business</a>. <a href="https://due.com/from-burnout-to-balance-how-smart-scheduling-can-save-you-time-stress-and-money/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Burnout</a> may have forced you to take a break. Regardless of the reason, one day you woke up and noticed you no longer had a title above your name.</p>
<p>So, who are you now?</p>
<p>Welcome to the world of the <i>Un-Resume</i>. In this space, your value isn’t summed up by bullet points on LinkedIn or polished elevator pitches. It isn’t about your past accomplishments. It’s all about who you’re becoming.</p>
<h2><b>The Identity Trap of High-Achievers</b></h2>
<p>It’s no secret that modern work culture rewards <a href="https://due.com/decoding-entrepreneurial-hustle-and-rest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hustle</a>. Busyness is a badge of honor for us. As a result, our titles become shorthand for our intelligence, ambition, and relevance. When a culture values output over introspection, it’s easy to confuse identity with activity.</p>
<p>But when the meetings stop, the emails stop coming, and no one expects a quarterly report from you, there’s a void. Many people find that terrifying, not liberating.</p>
<p>Losing a job title <a href="https://due.com/what-if-you-dont-want-to-stop-working-rethinking-retirement-on-your-terms/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">(even by choice</a>) can feel like losing self-worth, status, and purpose. It wasn’t just a paycheck for entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives. It was who you were.</p>
<h2><b>The Problem With Defining Yourself by Your Work</b></h2>
<p>There’s nothing wrong with being immensely proud of your career accomplishments, your impact, or your expertise. But it becomes a problem when your professional role or achievements replace your entire <a href="https://due.com/embracing-authenticity-for-self-acceptance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sense of self</a>.</p>
<p>When someone detaches from their work-based identity, what often happens is;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Existential confusion</b><strong> sets in.</strong> Suddenly, self-questioning emerges, manifesting in questions like,<i> “If I’m not a founder/teacher/lawyer anymore, then what exactly am I?”</i></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Loss of community.</b> Having no immediate, daily social fabric leads to feelings of isolation and a diminished sense of belonging.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Restlessness or guilt.</b> Instead of being able to relax, pursue hobbies, or simply be, you find yourself plagued by unsettling restlessness or guilt, convinced that you should be active.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Fear of irrelevance. </b>It’s possible to develop a creeping, unsettling worry that you’ve surpassed your peak, that your best years are behind you, or that you are just no longer important or valued.</li>
</ul>
<p>This isn’t just emotional fluff. According to<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/10/toll-job-loss#:~:text=%E2%80%9CLosing%20a%20job%20and%20being,lot%20of%20difficulties%20for%20people.%E2%80%9D" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> research</a>, retirement, unemployment, and career pivots are among the most stressful life events. Because of this, some individuals experience unmotivation, anxiety, or <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9288177/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">depression</a>.</p>
<p>Despite this transition, your story is not over. It’s the<a href="https://due.com/embracing-the-next-chapter-a-guide-to-transitioning-to-full-time-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> beginning of a new chapter</a>.</p>
<h2><b>What If Your Value Isn’t What You Produce?</b></h2>
<p>Imagine a version of yourself without your <a href="https://due.com/choose-title-as-a-freelancer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">professional title</a>. Suppose you were introduced to the world and yourself from a completely different angle?</p>
<p>Consider responding based on the following instead of the familiar <i>“I’m a [former title]” </i>answer;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>What genuinely interests me?</b> Are there any topics, ideas, or skills that I wish to explore purely for the sake of learning?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Is there anything that truly lights me up?</b> What activities, interactions, or creative pursuits give me genuine joy and energy?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>What kind of conversations do I enjoy having?</b> Is there anything that stimulates my mind and connects me deeply with others?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Who do I want to become now consciously?</b> In this new phase of my life, what qualities, traits, or aspects of my character do I want to cultivate and embody?</li>
</ul>
<p>Embracing the Un-Resume mindset means defining your worth not by what you do for a living, but by how you live, the authentic impact you have on others, and the joy you cultivate every day. It’s a profound and often challenging shift in a world obsessed with external productivity.</p>
<h2><b>Step 1: Let Yourself Grieve the Ending</b></h2>
<p>Leaving behind a meaningful career, even one you feel ready to leave, is still a profound loss. This needs to be acknowledged. Permit yourself to grieve. Take pride in the contributions you made, the identity you built, and the routines you cherished. Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or professionals who can empathize and understand. It’s okay to feel uncertain, unsteady, or even profoundly sad, even if you made the conscious decision to leave.</p>
<p>Creating a “career eulogy” can be a powerful exercise. Consider what you are most proud of, the <a href="https://due.com/turning-your-lifetime-of-skills-into-a-profitable-business/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">skills you mastered</a>, the colleagues you connected with, and what you are now truly ready to let go of. By doing this emotional bookkeeping, we can process the past and make room for what lies ahead.</p>
<h2><b>Step 2: Audit the Non-Work Parts of You</b></h2>
<p>Is there anything intrinsically meaningful left when you remove the business card, LinkedIn profile, and professional facade? It’s not about finding a new “job,” but about discovering neglected parts of yourself.</p>
<p>Here are some introspective prompts to get you started;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/mastering-acceptance-in-human-relationships/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Relationships</b></a><b>.</b> When I have more time, with whom (family, friends, mentors) do I want to spend it?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/the-golden-years-tarnished-understanding-common-health-issues-in-retirement-and-how-to-safeguard-your-well-being/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Health</b></a><b>.</b> How do I truly want my body to feel daily? How do I prioritize mental and physical well-being?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Play.</b> When was the last time I engaged in an activity solely for its own sake, without any expectation of results or productivity? Where do I find genuine joy and lightness?</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Contribution.</b> Without a title, a paycheck, or external validation, where can I offer my unique skills, wisdom, and energy to help others?</li>
</ul>
<p>You shouldn’t use this list to allocate your “leisure time” to tasks. Instead, it’s a profound tool for self-awareness — an honest assessment of your deepest desires and untapped potential.</p>
<h2><b>Step 3: Rebuild Identity Through Values, Not Titles</b></h2>
<p>Rather than anxiously pursuing a new title or role, consciously anchor your evolving identity in your deepest values. Regardless of any external role you hold, these are the principles, qualities, and beliefs you hold dearest.</p>
<p>Perhaps you now deeply value creativity, <a href="https://due.com/the-ultimate-10-year-countdown-to-retirement-your-golden-runway-to-freedom/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">freedom</a>, <a href="https://due.com/the-art-of-lifelong-learning-continuing-your-education-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">learning</a>, genuine humor, or selfless service. By considering these rediscovered values, you will be able to organically guide your next steps and how you spend your time and energy.</p>
<p>Consider, for instance;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to mentoring young founders, a former corporate executive might join the board of a non-profit organization.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re a retired nurse committed to caring for others, you may consider <a href="https://due.com/volunteering-in-retirement-find-purpose-and-make-a-difference/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">volunteering</a> as a grief counselor or as a new parent supporter.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">An ex-consultant who loves freedom and exploration might embark on a world tour and document their adventures through writing or photography.</li>
</ul>
<p>The ultimate path forward doesn’t require replicating your old level of “success” or attaining a similar external status. The key is to align your time, energy, and choices with your authentic self.</p>
<h3><b>Step 4: Experiment With Low-Stakes Exploration</b></h3>
<p>You don’t need a fully articulated master plan or a complete “rebrand” in 30 days. There’s a risk that pressure could backfire.</p>
<p>Instead, treat this stage of life as a prototype phase. Engage in small, low-risk experiments and embrace curiosity, like;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">With no pressure to excel, consider auditing a class in something that genuinely interests you.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">For connection and exploration, consider joining a local writing group, volunteering for a shift, or participating in a community club.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Spend two weeks without a strict schedule and observe what naturally emerges in terms of activities, rhythms, and interests.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Whether it’s a <a href="https://due.com/turning-a-blog-into-a-million-dollar-asset/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blog</a>, art project, or personal podcast, start something anonymously, detached from external expectations.</li>
</ul>
<p>By detaching yourself from immediate outcomes or public recognition, you grant yourself the invaluable freedom to play, learn, grow, and explore without inhibition. It’s precisely here that true reinvention begins.</p>
<h2><b>Step 5: Rewrite Your Story (Yes, Literally)</b></h2>
<p>A practical and tangible way to embrace the Un-Resume mindset is to write yourself a new bio — one that has nothing to do with your previous profession.</p>
<p>Instead of a traditional, work-centric introduction, try: <i>“I’m a retired CFO with extensive merger and acquisition experience.”</i></p>
<p>Based on your audit and values, create something that reflects your true self. For example, <i>“I’m a curious traveler, an avid ceramicist, a grandmother, and a lifelong learner who believes that it’s never too late to </i><a href="https://due.com/overcoming-the-fear-of-starting-something-new-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>start something new</i></a><i> and discover unexpected joys.”</i></p>
<p>You should write multiple versions of your personal bio. Perhaps one for your closest friends, capturing your essence. A second could be for your inner self to remind you of your evolving identity daily. There’s also one for the amazing person you’re still discovering every day.</p>
<p>The goal here isn’t just to reframe your past accomplishments in a more positive light. It’s about allowing yourself to develop, expand, and grow authentically beyond the confines of your previous profession.</p>
<h2><b>Final Thought: You Are More Than a Title</b></h2>
<p>You are not your last job. It’s not your productivity score that defines you. You’re not a LinkedIn headline or a calendar size.</p>
<p>As a person, you have dreams, wounds, talents, quirks, and the ability to change directions frequently.</p>
<p>The Un-Resume invites you to drop the scripts, peel off the labels, and live from a deeper place. It cares deeply about what’s on your heart, not what’s on your business card.</p>
<p><em><strong>Image Credit: Pixabay; Pexels</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/the-un-resume-what-happens-when-your-identity-isnt-your-job-title/">The Un-Resume: What Happens When Your Identity Isn’t Your Job Title?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>What Is a Fiduciary Advisor? And Why It Matters More Than You Think</title>
<link>https://due.com/what-is-a-fiduciary-advisor-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[John Rampton]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:02:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Money Tips]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92755</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Don’t you think that all financial advisors should have to put their clients’ interests first? — Isn’t that the whole point of getting advice? Turns out that is entirely wrong! Discovering this felt like finding out that not all doctors are required to help you get better. The word “fiduciary” kept popping up when I […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/what-is-a-fiduciary-advisor-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/">What Is a Fiduciary Advisor? And Why It Matters More Than You Think</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Don’t you think that all financial advisors should have to put their clients’ interests first? — Isn’t that the whole point of getting advice? Turns out that is entirely wrong! Discovering this felt like finding out that not all doctors are required to help you get better.</p>
<p>The word “fiduciary” kept popping up when I researched financial advisors, and I initially brushed it off as fancy financial jargon. But once I understood what it actually means, I realized this might be one of the most important questions to <a href="https://due.com/your-january-financial-check-up-17-key-questions-for-your-advisor/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7545">ask any advisor</a>: “Are you a fiduciary?” Let me explain why.</p>
<h2>The Simple Truth About Fiduciary</h2>
<p>A fiduciary advisor is legally required to act in your best interest. Not their best interest, not their company’s best interest – your best interest. Period.</p>
<p>Sounds obvious, right? Here’s the shocking part: not all financial advisors are fiduciaries. Some are only required to give you “suitable” advice, which is a much <a href="https://due.com/understanding-impacts-of-lower-interest-rates/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7534">lower standard than “best interest”</a> advice.</p>
<p>Think of it like this: if you ask someone for restaurant recommendations, a fiduciary would suggest the best restaurant for your taste and budget. A non-fiduciary might recommend the restaurant that gives them the biggest kickback, as long as the food won’t poison you (that’s the “suitable” standard).</p>
<h2>The Different Standards Explained</h2>
<p><strong>Fiduciary Standard:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Must act in your best interest at all times</li>
<li>Must disclose all conflicts of interest</li>
<li>Must put your <a href="https://due.com/trump-criticizes-fed-chair-powell-ahead-of-interest-rate-decision/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7532">interests ahead</a> of their own</li>
<li>Legally liable if they don’t meet this standard</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Suitability Standard:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Only <a href="https://due.com/real-estate-investing-for-retirement-income-7-key-strategies-you-need-to-know/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7543">needs to recommend investments</a> that are “suitable” for you</li>
<li>Can recommend higher-fee products if they’re still appropriate</li>
<li>Less strict disclosure requirements</li>
<li>Lower legal liability</li>
</ul>
<p>Here’s a real example: imagine you’re looking for a bond fund. A fiduciary advisor would recommend the <a href="https://due.com/top-15-low-cost-index-funds-for-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7518">low-cost index fund</a> that’s best for you, even if they make less money from it. An advisor following the suitability standard could recommend a higher-fee actively <a href="https://due.com/trump-proposes-closing-carried-interest-tax-loophole-for-hedge-fund-managers/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7526">managed fund</a> that pays them more commission, as long as it’s not entirely inappropriate for your situation.</p>
<h2>Who Are the Fiduciaries?</h2>
<p><strong>Registered <a href="https://due.com/sec-hits-investment-advisors-for-violation-of-marketing-rules/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7529">Investment Advisors</a> (RIAs):</strong> These are always fiduciaries. They’re regulated by either the SEC or state regulators and must act in your best interest.</p>
<p><strong>Fee-Only Financial Planners:</strong> These advisors don’t earn commissions from selling products, so their incentives are more aligned with yours. They’re typically fiduciaries.</p>
<p><strong>Some Robo-Advisors:</strong> Companies like Betterment and Wealthfront operate under fiduciary standards.</p>
<h2>Who Might Not Be Fiduciaries?</h2>
<p><strong>Broker-Dealers:</strong> Traditional stockbrokers often operate under the suitability standard, though this is changing with new regulations.</p>
<p><strong>Insurance Agents:</strong> When selling insurance products, they typically follow suitability standards.</p>
<p><a href="https://due.com/hidden-bank-fees-that-are-draining-your-account-and-how-to-avoid-them/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7523">Bank Investment Representatives:</a> The person at your bank selling investment products might not be a fiduciary.</p>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Some Advisors, </strong>Such as those at <a href="https://due.com/southwest-airlines-makes-big-operational-changes-after-2024-financial-report/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">large wirehouses and Representatives at big firms, might operate</a> under suitability standards for certain services.</span></p>
<h2>The Gray Areas That Confused Me</h2>
<p>Here’s where it gets tricky: some advisors operate under both standards depending on what they’re doing for you.</p>
<p>They might be a fiduciary when providing investment advice, but follow suitability standards when selling insurance products. Or they might be a fiduciary for fee-based services but not for commission-based transactions.</p>
<p>This is why it’s important to ask specifically: “Are you acting as a fiduciary for all the <a href="https://due.com/federal-financial-services-provider-agrees-to-a-4-2m-fund-to-end-gender-discrimination-claims/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7537">services you’re providing</a> me?</p>
<h2>Why This Actually Matters</h2>
<p><strong>The </strong>Fee Difference: <a href="https://due.com/16-strategies-to-simplify-your-financial-planning-and-save-money-on-advisory-fees/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7538">Non-fiduciary advisors</a> might recommend investments with higher fees because they earn more from them. Over decades, seemingly minor fee differences can <a href="https://due.com/critical-trust-mistakes-that-could-cost-your-family-thousands-and-how-to-avoid-them/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7539">cost you tens of thousands</a> of dollars.</p>
<p><strong>Product Recommendations:</strong> A fiduciary is more likely to recommend simple, low-cost <a href="https://due.com/why-investing-in-sp-500-index-funds-beats-crypto-every-time/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7527">index funds</a> if that’s what’s best for you. A non-fiduciary might push more complex (and profitable for them) products.</p>
<p><strong>Conflict of Interest Disclosure:</strong> Fiduciaries must tell you about potential conflicts upfront. Others might be less transparent about how they’re compensated.</p>
<p><strong>Your Legal Protection</strong> If a fiduciary advisor doesn’t act in your best interest, you have stronger legal recourse.</p>
<h2>Real-World Examples</h2>
<p><strong>Example 1: The Expensive Mutual Fund;</strong> You <a href="https://due.com/futures-trading-in-retirement-accounts-what-you-need-to-know/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7524">need a large-cap stock</a> fund. The fiduciary advisor recommends a Vanguard <a href="https://due.com/nifty-midcap-50-index-funds-offer-growth-access-to-mid-sized-companies/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7530">index fund</a> with 0.03% fees. The non-fiduciary advisor recommends their company’s actively <a href="https://due.com/investors-gain-access-to-top-fund-manager-strategies-through-low-cost-etfs/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7528">managed fund</a> with 1.5% fees because it pays them a higher commission. Although both funds might perform similarly, the fee difference can cost you thousands over time.</p>
<p><strong>Example 2: The Unnecessary Insurance</strong> A fiduciary might tell a young, single person with no dependents that they don’t need <a href="https://due.com/unlocking-your-retirement-potential-a-deep-dive-into-life-insurance-retirement-plans-lirps/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7520">life insurance</a> right now. A non-fiduciary insurance agent might still try to sell them a policy because that’s how they <a href="https://due.com/nvidia-earnings-spark-record-setting-day/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7531">earn money</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Example 3: The Complex Annuity</strong><a href="https://due.com/unpacking-annuities-can-you-really-trust-this-guaranteed-income-promise-in-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7521"> An elderly client wants a simple income in retirement</a>. A fiduciary might recommend a straightforward <a href="https://due.com/tax-efficient-diversification-through-municipal-bonds/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7540">bond ladder or dividend-focused portfolio</a>. A non-fiduciary might suggest a complex <a href="https://due.com/the-truth-about-annuity-fees-what-you-need-to-know/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7522">annuity with high fees</a> and surrender charges because the commission is substantial.</p>
<h2>How to Find Out if Someone Is a Fiduciary</h2>
<p><strong>Ask Directly:</strong> “Are you a fiduciary?” and “Will you <a href="https://due.com/hospice-provider-to-pay-3-85m-to-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7544">act as a fiduciary for all services you provide</a> me?” Don’t accept vague answers.</p>
<p><strong>Get It in Writing:</strong> Ask them to put their fiduciary commitment in writing. Honest fiduciaries won’t hesitate to do this.</p>
<p><strong>Check Their Registration:</strong> Look them up on the <a href="https://due.com/regulation-crowdfunding-and-the-state-of-angel-investing-to-be-discussed-by-sec/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7525">SEC’s Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website or your state regulator’s</a> site.</p>
<p><strong>Review Their Form is Called, an ADV:</strong> This document discloses how they’re compensated, potential conflicts of interest, and their fiduciary status.</p>
<h2>The Compensation Question</h2>
<p><strong>How an advisor gets paid often (but not always) indicates their fiduciary status.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Fee-Only</strong>: Typically fiduciaries. You pay them directly for advice.</p>
<p><strong>Fee-Based</strong>: May act as fiduciaries for certain services but earn commissions on others.</p>
<p><strong>Commission-Only</strong>: Usually not fiduciaries. They’re paid by selling you products.</p>
<p>The cleanest arrangement is usually fee-only, where you <a href="https://due.com/how-to-pay-yourself-without-killing-your-cash-flow/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7541">pay the advisor directly and they don’t earn money</a> from recommending specific products.</p>
<h2>What About Robo-Advisors?</h2>
<p>Most major robo-advisors (Betterment, Wealthfront, Vanguard Digital Advisor) operate as fiduciaries. They use algorithms to recommend low-cost index funds based on your goals and risk tolerance, which aligns with the fiduciary standard.</p>
<h2>Common Misconceptions I Had</h2>
<p><strong>“All advisors are fiduciaries.”</strong> Nope. Many operate under the lower suitability standard.</p>
<p><strong>“Fiduciary advisors are always more expensive.”</strong> Not necessarily. Fee-only fiduciary <a href="https://due.com/how-much-does-a-financial-advisor-cost/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7535">advisors might actually cost</a> less over time because they’re not steering you toward high-fee products.</p>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>“The fiduciary rule fixed everything.”</strong> There have been various regulatory attempts to expand fiduciary requirements, but the landscape is still complex and varies by advisor type.</span></p>
<p><strong>“Big firm advisors are automatically fiduciaries.”</strong> Size doesn’t determine fiduciary status. Some large firms operate under suitability standards.</p>
<h2>Red Flags to Watch For</h2>
<p><strong>Reluctance to Answer the Fiduciary Question:</strong> If someone dodges this question or gives vague answers, be suspicious.</p>
<p><strong>Heavy Product Sales Pitch:</strong> If the conversation quickly turns to specific products they’re pushing, they might not be operating as a fiduciary.</p>
<p><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong>Unclear Fee Structure:</strong> Fiduciaries should be transparent about how they’re compensated.</span></p>
<p><strong>Promises of Guaranteed. </strong><a href="https://due.com/investment-returns/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7519">Returns. No legitimate fiduciary advisor can guarantee investment</a> returns.</p>
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
<p>Asking whether someone is a fiduciary isn’t about being difficult – it’s about <a href="https://due.com/understanding-feds-impact-on-interest-rates/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7542">understanding whose interests</a> they’re legally required to put first. You want someone who’s legally obligated to give you their best advice, not someone who can recommend whatever makes them the most money as long as it won’t completely harm you.</p>
<p>This doesn’t mean all non-fiduciary advisors are bad people trying to rip you off. Many genuinely want to help their clients. But the legal standards are different, and that matters when you’re trusting someone with your <a href="https://due.com/sec-what-does-your-financial-future-look-like/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7517">financial future</a>.</p>
<p>The good news is that finding fiduciary advisors isn’t difficult once you know what to look for. Fee-only financial planners, registered investment advisors, and many robo-advisors all operate under fiduciary standards.</p>
<p>When in doubt, ask the simple question: “Are you acting as my fiduciary?” A real fiduciary will say yes immediately and put it in writing. Anyone who hesitates or gives a complicated answer probably isn’t one.</p>
<p>Your money, your future – make sure the <a href="https://due.com/money-gift-guide-94-best-personal-finance-gifts-to-give-in-2024/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7533">person giving</a> you advice is legally required to put your interests first.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/what-is-a-fiduciary-advisor-and-why-it-matters-more-than-you-think/">What Is a Fiduciary Advisor? And Why It Matters More Than You Think</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Trump’s Fiscal Policy Under Scrutiny as Deficit Debate Intensifies</title>
<link>https://due.com/trumps-fiscal-policy-under-scrutiny-as-deficit-debate-intensifies/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:52:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93513</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>As the national conversation around fiscal responsibility gains momentum, Yardeni Research President Ed Yardeni has offered his analysis on President Donald Trump’s economic approach during a recent appearance on the financial program ‘Making Money.’ The discussion comes at a critical time when lawmakers and economic experts are increasingly focused on the growing federal deficit and […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/trumps-fiscal-policy-under-scrutiny-as-deficit-debate-intensifies/">Trump’s Fiscal Policy Under Scrutiny as Deficit Debate Intensifies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the national conversation around fiscal responsibility gains momentum, Yardeni Research President Ed Yardeni has offered his analysis on President Donald Trump’s economic approach during a recent appearance on the financial program ‘Making Money.’</p>
<p>The discussion comes at a critical time when lawmakers and economic experts are increasingly focused on the growing federal deficit and its long-term implications for the American economy. Yardeni, a respected voice in financial markets, shared insights on the administration’s fiscal strategy and its potential impact.</p>
<h2>The Current Deficit Situation</h2>
<p>The federal deficit has become a hot-button issue in Washington and on Wall Street as policymakers grapple with balancing economic growth initiatives against mounting national debt. Trump’s administration has implemented significant tax cuts and pushed for increased spending in certain sectors, creating tension between stimulating the economy and maintaining fiscal discipline.</p>
<p>Yardeni’s analysis addressed how these policies have affected government revenue streams and spending patterns during Trump’s term. The growing gap between federal income and expenditures has raised concerns among fiscal conservatives and market watchers alike.</p>
<h2>Tax Policy Impact</h2>
<p>A central element of Trump’s economic approach has been tax reform, particularly the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-a-comparison-for-businesses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tax Cuts and Jobs Act</a> passed during his administration. Yardeni examined how these tax changes have influenced corporate behavior, consumer spending, and overall economic growth.</p>
<p>The tax cuts were designed to stimulate business investment and economic expansion, with the administration arguing that resulting growth would eventually help address deficit concerns. Critics have questioned whether the economic benefits have been sufficient to offset reduced tax revenues.</p>
<p>“The tax policy changes have certainly altered the economic landscape,” Yardeni noted during the discussion, weighing both the positive growth effects and the revenue implications for the federal budget.</p>
<h2>Spending Priorities and Budget Concerns</h2>
<p>The Trump administration’s spending priorities have also factored into the deficit equation. Increased allocations for defense, infrastructure proposals, and other initiatives have contributed to higher government expenditures.</p>
<p>Yardeni’s analysis touched on how these spending decisions align with traditional Republican fiscal philosophy and where they diverge. The expert highlighted several key areas where budget tensions have emerged:</p>
<ul>
<li>Defense spending increases versus deficit reduction goals</li>
<li>Infrastructure investment proposals and their funding mechanisms</li>
<li>Entitlement program sustainability in the current fiscal environment</li>
<li>Emergency spending measures and their long-term budget impact</li>
</ul>
<h2>Market Reactions and Economic Outlook</h2>
<p>Financial markets have responded to these fiscal policies in complex ways. Yardeni provided insight into how investors have interpreted the administration’s approach to government finances and what signals this might send about future economic conditions.</p>
<p>Bond markets in particular have been closely watched for reactions to deficit projections, as government borrowing needs can influence interest rates and investment patterns across the economy.</p>
<p>“Market participants are constantly evaluating the sustainability of current fiscal policy,” Yardeni explained, noting that investor confidence remains a crucial factor in economic stability.</p>
<p>The economic expert also addressed how the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy has interacted with the administration’s fiscal approach, creating a complex dynamic that influences everything from mortgage rates to business investment decisions.</p>
<p>As the deficit debate continues to intensify, Yardeni’s analysis provides valuable context for understanding the economic trade-offs and potential long-term consequences of current fiscal policy choices. With election cycles approaching and economic challenges persisting, how the administration navigates these fiscal pressures will likely remain at the center of financial discussions in the months ahead.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/trumps-fiscal-policy-under-scrutiny-as-deficit-debate-intensifies/">Trump’s Fiscal Policy Under Scrutiny as Deficit Debate Intensifies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Universal Horror Unleashed Opens First Permanent Maze in Vegas</title>
<link>https://due.com/universal-horror-unleashed-opens-first-permanent-maze-in-vegas/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:52:27 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93508</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>A new permanent horror attraction has made its debut in Las Vegas, bringing the thrills of Universal’s seasonal Halloween Horror Nights to a year-round venue. Universal Horror Unleashed has opened its doors, featuring immersive horror mazes that were previously only available during limited-time events at Universal theme parks. The new attraction marks Universal’s first venture […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/universal-horror-unleashed-opens-first-permanent-maze-in-vegas/">Universal Horror Unleashed Opens First Permanent Maze in Vegas</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A new <a href="https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/universal-horror-unleashed-las-vegas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">permanent horror attraction</a> has made its debut in Las Vegas, bringing the thrills of Universal’s seasonal Halloween Horror Nights to a year-round venue. <a href="https://www.universalhorrorunleashed.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Universal Horror Unleashed</a> has opened its doors, featuring immersive horror mazes that were previously only available during limited-time events at Universal theme parks.</p>
<p>The new attraction marks Universal’s first venture into creating a permanent horror experience outside of its theme parks, choosing Las Vegas as the location to expand its popular horror brand. For many visitors, including one first-time participant, the maze represents their initial foray into the world of themed horror experiences.</p>
<h2>From Seasonal to Permanent Scares</h2>
<p>Halloween Horror Nights has built a devoted following since its inception at Universal theme parks, where it operates as a seasonal event typically running from September through early November. The limited availability has always been part of its appeal, creating a sense of urgency among horror fans.</p>
<p>With Universal Horror Unleashed, the company has transformed this temporary attraction into a permanent fixture on the Las Vegas entertainment landscape. This strategic move allows Universal to capitalize on the popularity of its horror brand throughout the year rather than limiting it to the Halloween season.</p>
<h2>First-Time Experience</h2>
<p>For newcomers to the horror maze concept, Universal Horror Unleashed offers an introduction to the immersive horror experiences that have made Halloween Horror Nights a must-visit attraction for thrill-seekers. One such visitor recently completed her first horror maze at the new Vegas location.</p>
<p>These mazes typically feature elaborate sets, professional scare actors, special effects, and storylines often based on popular horror films and television shows. The experience is designed to be intensely atmospheric, combining visual frights with startling moments as visitors navigate through the carefully designed spaces.</p>
<h2>Vegas Entertainment Expansion</h2>
<p>The opening of Universal Horror Unleashed represents part of a broader trend in Las Vegas entertainment, which has increasingly embraced themed experiences beyond traditional gambling and shows. The city has seen a growth in immersive attractions that appeal to younger demographics and visitors seeking unique entertainment options.</p>
<p>For Universal, the permanent Vegas location provides several advantages:</p>
<ul>
<li>Year-round revenue from a previously seasonal concept</li>
<li>Access to the millions of tourists who visit Las Vegas annually</li>
<li>Opportunity to maintain brand presence outside of its theme park locations</li>
<li>Testing ground for new horror concepts that might later appear in the theme parks</li>
</ul>
<p>The attraction joins other entertainment options in Las Vegas that have moved beyond the traditional casino model, including immersive art installations, themed dining experiences, and interactive shows.</p>
<h2>Horror Tourism Growing</h2>
<p>The horror entertainment sector has seen significant growth in recent years, with haunted attractions becoming increasingly sophisticated and drawing larger audiences. What was once primarily associated with small local haunted houses during October has evolved into a year-round industry with professional production values.</p>
<p>“Horror has proven to be one of the most resilient entertainment genres, with consistent appeal across generations,” said a spokesperson for the attraction. “By bringing our horror expertise to Las Vegas, we’re meeting the demand for high-quality frightening experiences that exists throughout the year.”</p>
<p>Universal Horror Unleashed represents a significant investment in the horror entertainment space, suggesting confidence in the continued popularity of immersive scare experiences. For first-time participants and horror veterans alike, the permanent attraction offers a taste of Halloween thrills regardless of the season, cementing Las Vegas as a destination for those seeking frights along with the city’s other entertainment options.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/universal-horror-unleashed-opens-first-permanent-maze-in-vegas/">Universal Horror Unleashed Opens First Permanent Maze in Vegas</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Oracle and OpenAI sign $300 Billion cloud computing deal</title>
<link>https://due.com/oracle-and-openai-sign-300-billion-cloud-computing-deal/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Rowe]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:00:40 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93518</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>According to those familiar with the agreement, OpenAI and Oracle inked a $300 billion contract to buy processing power over a five-year period. The deal, which is among the biggest cloud contracts ever and far outpaces OpenAI’s present revenue, highlights the skyrocketing expenses of constructing AI data centers in spite of cautions about a possible […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/oracle-and-openai-sign-300-billion-cloud-computing-deal/">Oracle and OpenAI sign $300 Billion cloud computing deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>According to those familiar with the agreement, OpenAI and Oracle inked a $300 billion contract to buy processing power over a five-year period. The deal, which is among the biggest cloud contracts ever and far outpaces OpenAI’s present revenue, highlights the skyrocketing expenses of constructing AI data centers in spite of cautions about a possible bubble.</p>
<p>The power capacity required by the contract is 4.5 gigawatts, which is equivalent to the consumption of roughly four million homes or more than two Hoover Dams. Following the company’s announcement that it had added $317 billion in future contract revenue in the quarter ending August 31, Oracle’s stock jumped as much as 43% on Wednesday. Oracle signed contracts with three distinct clients during the quarter, Chief Executive Safra Catz informed analysts.</p>
<h3>Oracle and OpenAI sign $300 Billion cloud computing deal</h3>
<p><a href="https://due.com/elon-musks-expanding-influence-balancing-multiple-ventures-and-government-tasks/">Elon Musk</a> is now one of the richest people in the world, with a net worth of almost $400 billion, after Chairman Larry Ellison’s wealth increased by more than $100 billion due to the stock rally.</p>
<p>The OpenAI agreement, scheduled to begin in 2027, poses risks for both parties. In June, OpenAI reported $10 billion in revenue, less than one-fifth of the $60 billion it must pay annually under the contract.Oracle, on the other hand, is securing a significant portion of its future earnings from a single client and will probably require debt in order to obtain the AI chips needed for the expansion.</p>
<p>The enormous commitment is a reflection of CEO <a href="https://x.com/sama">Sam Altman’s</a> willingness to take risks as he balances developing custom chips with Broadcom, introducing a rival iPhone, and establishing Stargate, a new cloud company. According to The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI informed investors that it does not anticipate making a profit until 2029 and that it expects to lose $44 billion in the interim.</p>
<h3>Altman’s computing shortage</h3>
<p>Altman’s ongoing computing shortage slows OpenAI’s product launches and model development. The larger AI sector faces similar pressures as it invests hundreds of billions in data centers that, in some places, strain local power systems. According to Morgan Stanley, between now and 2028, businesses will spend $2.9 trillion on servers, chips, and data center infrastructure.</p>
<p>Tech companies are using Wall Street’s expanding debt markets, which some financiers compare to a contemporary gold rush, to finance the expansion. The OpenAI-Oracle partnership is predicated on <a href="https://due.com/how-to-use-chatgpt-without-it-being-super-obvious-the-art-of-authentic-ai-assistance/">ChatGPT’s</a> rapid expansion, with adoption reaching billions of customers, companies, and governments. However, the business still has to deal with escalating expenses, a competitive talent pool, tense negotiations with Microsoft, and regulatory scrutiny due to its for-profit reorganization.</p>
<p>Though progress has been slow, OpenAI launched Stargate with SoftBank in an attempt to alleviate its infrastructure bottleneck. OpenAI now regards the Oracle deal as a component of the Stargate initiative. The company had long depended on Microsoft as its only source of computing power, but it recently received permission to diversify.</p>
<p><em><strong>Featured Image Credit: Sanket Mishra; Pexels: Thank you!</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/oracle-and-openai-sign-300-billion-cloud-computing-deal/">Oracle and OpenAI sign $300 Billion cloud computing deal</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Gold vs. Silver: Which Precious Metal Makes More Sense?</title>
<link>https://due.com/gold-vs-silver-which-precious-metal-makes-more-sense/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:02:03 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Money Tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92753</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>I never really understood the appeal of investing in precious metals until a friend mentioned he’d been buying silver coins as a hedge against inflation. That got me curious – why silver instead of gold? And more importantly, does either one actually make sense for regular investors like us? After digging into this, I discovered […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/gold-vs-silver-which-precious-metal-makes-more-sense/">Gold vs. Silver: Which Precious Metal Makes More Sense?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I never really understood the appeal of investing in precious metals until a friend mentioned he’d been buying silver coins as a hedge against inflation. That got me curious – why silver instead of gold? And more importantly, does either one actually make sense for regular investors like us?</p>
<p>After digging into this, I discovered there’s more to the gold versus silver debate than just “shiny things that hold value.” Each metal has its own personality, different uses, and different investment characteristics. Let’s figure out what’s really going on here.</p>
<h2>Why Do People Buy Precious Metals Anyway?</h2>
<p>Before we compare gold and silver, it’s worth <a href="https://due.com/understanding-investing-beyond-individual-stocks/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7496">understanding why anyone invests</a> in metals at all. It’s not because they <a href="https://due.com/retirement-doesnt-mean-broke-generating-income-after-your-career/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7505">generate income</a> like stocks or bonds – they just sit there being shiny.</p>
<p>The main reasons people buy precious metals:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Inflation hedge</strong>: Metals have historically held purchasing power when paper <a href="https://due.com/most-stocks-lose-money-over-10-years-heres-why/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7502">money loses</a> value</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://due.com/building-your-financial-fortress-saving-for-an-emergency-in-uncertain-times/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7495">Economic uncertainty</a> protection</strong>: When markets crash or currencies wobble, metals often hold steady</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://due.com/tax-efficient-diversification-through-municipal-bonds/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7506">Portfolio diversification</a></strong>: They typically move differently from stocks and bonds</li>
<li><strong>Physical asset ownership</strong>: You can literally hold your investment in your hands</li>
<li><strong>No counterparty risk</strong>: Unlike stocks or bonds, metals don’t depend on any company or government staying solvent</li>
</ul>
<p>Think of precious metals as financial insurance – you hope you never need them, but they’re there if everything else goes sideways.</p>
<h2>Gold: The Reliable Older Sibling</h2>
<p>Gold has been considered valuable for literally thousands of years. It’s been money, jewelry, and a store of wealth across every civilization that discovered it.</p>
<p><strong>What Makes Gold Attractive:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Stability</strong>: <a href="https://due.com/gold-prices-signal-inflation-protection-potential/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7490">Gold prices</a> are generally less volatile than other investments</li>
<li><strong>Liquidity</strong>: You can sell gold almost anywhere in the world</li>
<li><strong><a href="https://due.com/european-central-bank-policymakers-warn-of-trade-war-with-us/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7499">Central bank</a> holdings</strong>: Governments hold gold as reserves, which supports demand</li>
<li><strong>Limited supply</strong>: There’s only so much gold that can be mined</li>
<li><strong>Cultural significance</strong>: Gold has been valued across all cultures and time periods</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Current Gold Reality:</strong> As of <a href="https://due.com/2025-financial-projections-align-with-recent-years-estimates/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7501">recent years</a>, gold trades around $2,000 per ounce (though it fluctuates). It’s had some great years and some mediocre ones, but over very long periods, it has roughly kept pace with inflation.</p>
<h2>Silver: The Volatile Younger Sibling</h2>
<p>Silver is like gold’s more energetic cousin – it can move much more dramatically in both directions.</p>
<p><strong>What Makes Silver Interesting:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Industrial demand</strong>: Unlike gold, silver is heavily used in electronics, <a href="https://due.com/solar-panel-contractor-fined-for-safety-standard-negligence/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7500">solar panels</a>, medical equipment, and photography</li>
<li><strong>Lower price point</strong>: At around $25 per ounce, it’s more accessible for smaller investors</li>
<li><strong>Higher volatility</strong>: Silver <a href="https://due.com/gold-prices-signal-inflation-protection-potential-2/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7511">prices can swing much more dramatically than gold</a></li>
<li><strong>Supply and demand dynamics</strong>: Industrial usage affects price more directly than with gold</li>
<li><strong>Gold-silver ratio</strong>: Historically, silver has been undervalued compared to gold at certain times</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>The Industrial Factor:</strong> What’s interesting about silver is that about 50% of its demand comes from industrial uses. This means silver prices are influenced by both <a href="https://due.com/infrastructure-investment-surge-driven-by-ai-energy-demands/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7507">investment demand</a> (like gold) and industrial demand (like copper). When the <a href="https://due.com/us-economy-grows-3-3-in-second-quarter-exceeding-estimates/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7512">economy is growing</a> and manufacturing is strong, silver often does well. When the industry slows down, silver can get hit harder than gold.</p>
<h2>Comparing the Two: What I Found</h2>
<p><strong>Price Volatility:</strong> Silver is much more volatile than gold. While gold might move 10-15% in a year, silver can easily move 30-50%. This makes silver potentially more rewarding but definitely more nerve-wracking.</p>
<p><strong>Accessibility:</strong> At $25 per ounce versus $2,000, silver is much easier to start with if you’re testing the waters. You can buy a few silver coins with $100, while meaningful gold purchases require much more capital.</p>
<p><strong>Storage Considerations:</strong> Here’s something I hadn’t thought about – silver is much bulkier than gold. $10,000 worth of gold fits in your palm, while $10,000 worth of silver would fill a shoebox. If you’re planning to store physical metals, this matters.</p>
<p><strong>Liquidity:</strong> Both are liquid, but gold has a slight edge. You can sell gold anywhere in the world, while silver markets can be slightly more limited in some areas.</p>
<h2>Different Ways to Invest in Each</h2>
<p><strong>Physical Metals:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Coins</strong>: American Eagles, Canadian Maples, and other government-minted coins</li>
<li><strong>Bars</strong>: More metal for your money, but less liquid than coins</li>
<li><strong>Rounds</strong>: Private mint products, usually the cheapest option</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Paper/Digital Investments:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>ETFs</strong>: SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) or iShares Silver Trust (SLV) let you own metals without storage hassles</li>
<li><strong>Mining stocks</strong>: <a href="https://due.com/silicon-valley-companies-investing-heavily-in-humanoid-robots/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7510">Invest in companies</a> that mine gold or silver (much more volatile)</li>
<li><strong>Futures contracts</strong>: For experienced traders only</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Storage Options:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Home safe</strong>: Convenient but carries security and insurance risks</li>
<li><strong>Safety deposit box</strong>: Secure but not insured by the bank</li>
<li><strong>Professional storage</strong>: Companies like APMEX or local coin shops offer storage services</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Costs Nobody Talks About</h2>
<p><strong>Premium over Spot Price:</strong> You never pay exactly the market price for physical metals. Dealers charge premiums of 3-10% over the “spot <a href="https://due.com/90-of-american-homes-see-a-price-rise-according-to-q1-report/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7513">price” you see</a> on financial websites. Silver premiums are often a higher percentage-wise than gold premiums.</p>
<p><strong>Storage and Insurance:</strong> If you store metals at home, you might need additional insurance. Professional storage <a href="https://due.com/the-hidden-costs-of-retirement-no-one-talks-about-how-to-prepare-for-the-unexpected/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7509">costs money</a>. These ongoing costs eat into returns.</p>
<p><strong>Bid-Ask Spreads:</strong> When you sell, dealers typically pay less than the spot price. The difference between <a href="https://due.com/smart-buying-items-worth-purchasing-before-price-hikes/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7514">buy and sell prices</a> can be 5-10%.</p>
<p><strong>No Income Generation:</strong> Unlike stocks or bonds, metals don’t pay dividends or interest. Your only return comes from price appreciation.</p>
<h2>What the Ratios Tell Us</h2>
<p>The gold-to-silver ratio is something precious metals <a href="https://due.com/markets-bounce-back-as-investors-watch-middle-eastern-tension/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7491">investors watch</a> closely. It shows how many ounces of silver equal one ounce of gold.</p>
<p>Historically, this ratio has averaged around 60:1, meaning 60 ounces of silver equal one ounce of gold. When the ratio is much higher (like 80:1), some <a href="https://due.com/trump-media-insider-trading-case-sees-investor-convicted/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7497">investors see</a> silver as undervalued. When it’s lower (like 40:1), gold might look more attractive.</p>
<p>Currently, the ratio sits around 80:1, which makes some silver enthusiasts think silver is due for a catch-up.</p>
<h2>The Practical Reality Check</h2>
<p><strong>For Most Investors:</strong> Precious metals should probably be a small part of your portfolio – maybe 5-10% at most. They’re insurance, not <a href="https://due.com/investing-in-ai-private-infrastructure-growth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7508">growth investments</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Starting Small:</strong> If you’re curious about metals, silver might be easier to begin with due to the <a href="https://due.com/stretching-a-dollar-retiree-friendly-countries-with-lower-cost-of-living/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7503">lower cost</a> per ounce. You can buy a few coins and see how you feel about owning physical assets.</p>
<p><strong>ETFs vs Physical:</strong> ETFs are more convenient and liquid, but you don’t actually own metal you can hold. Physical ownership gives you true possession but comes with storage and security challenges.</p>
<h2>Common Mistakes I’ve Seen</h2>
<p><strong>Treating Metals Like Growth Investments:</strong> Precious metals are wealth preservation tools, not wealth creation tools. Don’t expect stock-market-like returns.</p>
<p><strong>Buying from TV Commercials:</strong> Those late-night coin commercials often charge huge premiums. Stick to reputable dealers with transparent pricing.</p>
<p><strong>Not <a href="https://due.com/understanding-bitcoins-recent-value-fluctuations/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7515">Understanding</a> What You’re Buying:</strong> Some coins have collectible premiums beyond their metal value. Unless you’re a collector, stick to bullion coins that track metal prices closely.</p>
<p><strong>Going All-In:</strong> Metals shouldn’t dominate your portfolio. They’re <a href="https://due.com/asset-allocation-in-an-online-world/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7504">portfolio diversifiers</a>, not core holdings.</p>
<h2>Which One Makes More Sense?</h2>
<p>Here’s my take after looking into this: it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.</p>
<p><strong>Choose Gold If:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You want stability and wealth preservation</li>
<li>You have larger amounts to invest</li>
<li>You prefer lower volatility</li>
<li>You want maximum liquidity</li>
<li>Storage space is limited</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Choose Silver If:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You’re comfortable with higher volatility</li>
<li>You’re starting with smaller amounts</li>
<li>You believe in <a href="https://due.com/economic-growth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7516">industrial demand growth</a></li>
<li>You think silver is undervalued relative to gold</li>
<li>You want more potential upside (with more risk)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Consider Both If:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>You want precious metals exposure, but aren’t sure which</li>
<li>You have enough capital to diversify within metals</li>
<li>You like the different characteristics each offers</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Bigger Picture</h2>
<p>Honestly, the gold versus silver debate might be missing the point. The bigger question is whether precious metals make sense in your overall <a href="https://due.com/investment-strategies-to-simplify-your-portfolio-and-save-money-on-fees/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7492">investment strategy</a> at all.</p>
<p>For most people <a href="https://due.com/exploring-the-dynamics-of-quick-desires-vs-building-wealth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7493">building wealth</a>, the bulk of their money probably belongs in stocks, bonds, and real estate – assets that can grow over time and generate income. Precious metals are more about preserving the wealth you’ve already built.</p>
<p>That said, having some exposure to assets that move independently of stocks and bonds isn’t a terrible idea. Whether that’s 5% in gold, 5% in silver, or 2.5% in each probably matters less than having a well-diversified portfolio overall.</p>
<p>If you’re just starting your investment journey, focus on the basics first – <a href="https://due.com/40-smart-ways-to-build-an-emergency-fund/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7494">emergency fund</a>, retirement accounts, and broad market index funds. Once you have a solid foundation, then you can explore whether adding some shiny metals makes sense for your situation.</p>
<p>The most important thing? Don’t let the gold-versus-silver debate distract you from <a href="https://due.com/set-it-and-forget-it-8-best-automated-strategies-to-build-wealth/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7498">building wealth</a> through more traditional means. Precious metals are seasoning, not the main course.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/gold-vs-silver-which-precious-metal-makes-more-sense/">Gold vs. Silver: Which Precious Metal Makes More Sense?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>The Small Business Owner’s Annuity Guide: Securing Personal Income Beyond Your Enterprise</title>
<link>https://due.com/the-small-business-owners-annuity-guide-securing-personal-income-beyond-your-enterprise/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[John Rampton]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:03:27 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Startups]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[annuities]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[exit strategy]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[small business owners]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92153</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Entrepreneurs are used to betting on themselves. From the ground up, you’ve invested time, money, and energy. As well as being your biggest asset, your business is most likely the primary retirement plan you have. However, tying your financial future solely to your business is risky. After all, as the State of Owner ReadinessTM Research by […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/the-small-business-owners-annuity-guide-securing-personal-income-beyond-your-enterprise/">The Small Business Owner’s Annuity Guide: Securing Personal Income Beyond Your Enterprise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://due.com/key-financial-tools-to-help-entrepreneurs-scale-their-businesses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Entrepreneurs</a> are used to betting on themselves. From the ground up, you’ve invested time, money, and energy. As well as being your biggest asset, your business is most likely the primary retirement plan you have.</p>
<p>However, tying your financial future solely to your business is risky. After all, as <a href="https://exit-planning-institute.org/state-of-owner-readiness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the State of Owner ReadinessTM Research by Exit Planning Institute </a>reports, 70% to 80% of small businesses never sell.</p>
<p>So, what happens if your exit fails to yield the results you expected? Or, what if market conditions shift? You may also want a financial safety net that isn’t tied to your company’s performance.</p>
<p>It’s here that <a href="https://due.com/understanding-annuities-benefits-for-small-business-owners/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">annuities </a>come into play, an often-overlooked, but powerful tool for growing small business income.</p>
<p>Annuities deserve a place in your financial plan, and this post explains why and how to use them to make your long-term income plans work for you.</p>
<h2><b>Why Entrepreneurs Need Income Diversification</b></h2>
<p>Business owners often neglect their retirement accounts. As <a href="https://www.wealthrabbit.com/blog/entrepreneur-retirement-crisis-2025-wealthrabbit-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WealthRabbit’s 2025 Small Business Retirement Report</a> indicates, one in five small business owners doesn’t have a retirement plan. Moreover, most have saved less than $50,000 — even those close to retirement.</p>
<p>Instead, they reinvest profits into the business and defer personal income to afford their lifestyle. However, that “someday” plan is vulnerable to;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>During the exit phase, there was a market downturn.</b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Unplanned health issues.</b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Business valuations are lower than expected.</b></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Deals that fail or take years to materialize.</b></li>
</ul>
<p>Despite this, retirement still occurs. As such, even if your business is thriving or sellable, you still need a consistent, dependable income.</p>
<p>Unlike most business assets, annuities guarantee lifetime income that’s not subject to <a href="https://due.com/annuities-vs-market-risk-who-wins-in-the-long-run-for-your-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market volatility</a>, customer behavior, or investor interest.</p>
<h2><b>What Is an Annuity, in Entrepreneur Terms?</b></h2>
<p>You can think of an annuity as a self-created pension. A lump sum or series of payments is paid to the insurance company. In return, they guarantee you a stream of income, either immediately or in the future.</p>
<p>However, you’ve probably heard mixed things about annuities. The reason for this is that not all are created equal. Many are overly complex, commission-heavy, or loaded with fees. Others, however, are transparent, flexible, and designed for people like you to be confident in their financial future.</p>
<p>So, let’s get to the bottom of how annuities can help you reach your goals and separate the signal from the noise.</p>
<h2><b>The 3 Biggest Benefits of Annuities for Entrepreneurs</b></h2>
<h3><b>1. They provide an income that you can’t outlive.</b></h3>
<p>Unlike your business, which may sell for a lump sum or fail, <a href="https://due.com/unpacking-annuities-can-you-really-trust-this-guaranteed-income-promise-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">annuities provide lifetime income</a>. If you don’t have a pension or defined benefit plan, this is especially important.</p>
<p>With annuity income, you can cover your baseline expenses, including mortgage, food, and healthcare. As a result, you no longer have to worry about how your company performs or whether the stock market will crash to maintain your lifestyle.</p>
<h3><b>2. You’re less dependent on business liquidity.</b></h3>
<p>Often, entrepreneurs delay personal savings, expecting a windfall when they sell their businesses. Sadly, converting an idea into cash can take a long time. Even worse, it may never happen at the price you want.</p>
<p>When you direct a portion of your profits into an annuity, you create personal liquidity that doesn’t depend on finding a buyer.</p>
<h3><b>3. They provide psychological freedom.</b></h3>
<p>When you know that some of your future income is locked in, you can take smarter risks. Among the possibilities are;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Rushing <a href="https://due.com/am-i-ready-to-sell-my-company-crucial-questions-to-ask/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the sale of your business</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Finding your second act or passion project.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Ensuring <a href="https://due.com/achieving-financial-security-in-uncertain-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financial security</a> while reducing your workload.</li>
</ul>
<p>In short, annuities enable you to consider your business in a broader context.</p>
<h2><b>Types of Annuities That Make Sense for Business Owners</b></h2>
<p>It’s important to remember that not all annuities are created equal. Listed below are a few worth exploring:</p>
<h3><b>Single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs).</b></h3>
<p>As soon as you contribute a lump sum, <a href="https://due.com/when-do-immediate-annuities-start-paying/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you’ll be able to receive monthly payments</a>. Ideally, you would do this if you are nearing retirement and want to convert a portion of your business profits into guaranteed income.</p>
<p><b>Use case:</b> To cover basic living expenses, you sell part of your business and want to turn $150K into a monthly cash flow.</p>
<h3><b>Deferred income annuities (DIAs).</b></h3>
<p>Payments are made now, and income starts later, such as when you’re 70 or 75 years old. <a href="https://due.com/annuity/the-difference-immediate-annuities-and-deferred-annuities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">In comparison to immediate annuities</a>, these are great for longevity planning.</p>
<p><b>Use case:</b> You’re 55, but plan to work for another 10 years, and want to guarantee future income that kicks in after age 65.</p>
<h3><b>Multi-year guaranteed annuities (MYGAs).</b></h3>
<p>These are similar to fixed-income investments. It’s a way to lock in a fixed interest rate over a defined time period, like 3 or 5 years.</p>
<p><b>Use case:</b> If you have excess cash from your business, you may want to park it in an account at a higher yield than a savings account, without having to worry about market risk.</p>
<h3><b>Qualified longevity annuity contracts (QLACs).</b></h3>
<p>This type of annuity is purchased with funds from a qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or IRA. In <a href="https://due.com/terms/qualified-longevity-annuity-contract-qlac/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">QLACs</a>, income payments can be deferred until you’re 85. In addition to deferring required minimum distributions (RMDs), this can potentially reduce your taxable income in retirement.</p>
<p><b>Use case:</b> If you plan on living a long time, you don’t want to drain your retirement funds.</p>
<h2><b>Common Objections—and Why They Don’t Always Hold Up</b></h2>
<h3><b>“Aren’t annuities expensive?”</b></h3>
<p>Yes, <a href="https://due.com/annuity/become-familiar-with-annuity-fees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some annuities have high fees</a>. However, many low-fee, no-commission annuities are available directly or through fee-only advisors. As such, you need to be selective. Ideally, you shouldn’t buy products from commission-earning salespeople.</p>
<h3><b>“I’d rather invest in real estate or the market.”</b></h3>
<p>That’s great, but annuities aren’t a replacement. You can use them as a supplement to your risk-based investments, offering a safety net that the markets can’t match.</p>
<h3><b>“What if I die early and don’t get my money’s worth?”</b></h3>
<p>Annuities often come with beneficiary riders that provide a refund or a percentage of unused funds to your heirs. So, you’re not just throwing money away.</p>
<h2><b>How Much Should You Allocate to an Annuity?</b></h2>
<p>A financial advisor may recommend annuities to cover essential expenses like housing, food, and healthcare. By doing so, you won’t be concerned about investment returns or business cash flow when it comes to your basic lifestyle.</p>
<p>Here’s a simple strategy;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Make a list of your non-negotiable expenses each month.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">If you receive Social Security or any other type of pension, subtract it.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Cover the gap with an annuity.</li>
</ul>
<p>To make this easier to understand, here’s an example;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Essential expenses: $4,000/month</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Social Security: $2,200/month</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Annuity gap: $1,800/month</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Depending on your age, a fixed annuity could provide you with that amount with a lump sum of roughly $300,000.</li>
</ul>
<p>In this way, the remaining assets (including business equity) can be used for growth, travel, legacy, or reinvestment purposes.</p>
<h2><b>Tax Considerations for Entrepreneurs</b></h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Deferred growth</b>. Until withdrawn, <a href="https://due.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-non-qualified-annuities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-qualified annuity</a> earnings grow tax-deferred.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>IRA integration</b>. If you have a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k), you can buy a qualified annuity with those funds.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Exit strategy planning</b>. Annuities are an excellent way to reduce risk and lock in income when selling a business.</li>
</ul>
<p>This can’t be stressed enough. If you’re considering annuities as part of your broader wealth planning, work with a tax-savvy advisor.</p>
<h2><b>Closing Thought: Your Business Is Not Your Retirement Plan</b></h2>
<p>While you have built something valuable, you are not your business. You are more than your company’s <a href="https://due.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-effective-cash-flow-management/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cash flow </a>or its sale price.</p>
<p>You won’t get rich from annuities. There’s nothing glamorous about them. However, they provide entrepreneurs with something they rarely get: peace of mind. It says, “Even if everything changes, I’m covered.”</p>
<p>If you’re optimizing payroll, inventory, or growth projections, consider asking yourself: How can I ensure my income remains strong long after the business closes?</p>
<p>The answer might be an annuity.</p>
<p><em><strong>Image Credit: Craig Adderley; Pexels</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/the-small-business-owners-annuity-guide-securing-personal-income-beyond-your-enterprise/">The Small Business Owner’s Annuity Guide: Securing Personal Income Beyond Your Enterprise</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Music App Turns Skeptic Into Singing Chef</title>
<link>https://due.com/music-app-turns-skeptic-into-singing-chef/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 16:52:28 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93500</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>What began as a reluctant gesture to appease a friend has transformed into a nightly musical ritual for one home cook. The individual, who initially played music only to humor a companion, now finds themselves unconsciously humming the same tunes while preparing evening meals. This unexpected shift from skepticism to enjoyment highlights how music can […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/music-app-turns-skeptic-into-singing-chef/">Music App Turns Skeptic Into Singing Chef</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What began as a reluctant gesture to appease a friend has transformed into a <a href="https://musicalstagecompany.com/mt-scavenger-hunt-little-night-music/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nightly musical ritual</a> for one home cook. The individual, who initially played music only to humor a companion, now finds themselves unconsciously humming the same tunes while preparing evening meals.</p>
<p>This unexpected shift from skepticism to enjoyment highlights how music can subtly integrate into daily routines, even for those who might initially resist its charms.</p>
<h2>From Reluctance to Routine</h2>
<p>According to the account, the person pressed “play” on what appears to be a music application or playlist solely to satisfy someone else’s request. “We pressed ‘play’ to humor her,” they explained, suggesting an initial lack of personal interest in the musical selection.</p>
<p>However, what started as an act of accommodation quickly evolved into personal enjoyment. The music, originally played without expectation of personal engagement, has now become a soundtrack to <a href="https://thebakermama.com/recipes/kids-in-the-kitchen-activities-edition/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cooking activities</a>.</p>
<p>The transition is particularly noteworthy because it occurred without conscious effort. The individual didn’t deliberately choose to adopt the music into their routine—instead, they found themselves automatically humming the songs during dinner preparation.</p>
<h2>Music’s Influence on Daily Activities</h2>
<p>This anecdote reflects broader research on how music affects behavior and mood. Studies have shown that music can:</p>
<ul>
<li>Improve mood and emotional state during routine tasks</li>
<li>Increase productivity in repetitive activities</li>
<li>Create lasting associations between songs and specific activities</li>
<li>Transfer from passive listening to active engagement (like humming)</li>
</ul>
<p>The kitchen, in particular, has long been a space where music and food preparation intertwine. Many home cooks report that music makes cooking more enjoyable and can even influence the rhythm of their culinary work.</p>
<p>“Music has a way of embedding itself in our minds without our awareness,” notes a psychology researcher who studies music cognition. “When we hear songs repeatedly, especially during activities we enjoy like cooking, our brains form associations that can trigger automatic responses like humming or singing along.”</p>
<h2>The Social Element</h2>
<p>The story also highlights how social connections influence our musical experiences. The initial act—playing music to “humor her”—suggests that personal music preferences often develop through social channels.</p>
<p>What begins as accommodation to another person’s taste can evolve into genuine appreciation. This pattern appears frequently in how people discover new music, with recommendations from friends and family serving as powerful introductions to previously unexplored genres or artists.</p>
<p>The transition from skeptic to enthusiast in this case demonstrates how musical preferences aren’t fixed but can evolve through exposure and positive associations.</p>
<p>For this particular cook, what started as an act of kindness has resulted in an enhanced cooking experience, with dinner preparation now accompanied by a personal soundtrack that was initially someone else’s choice.</p>
<p>As the boundary between obligatory listening and genuine enjoyment disappeared, the music transformed from background noise into an integral part of the cooking ritual—proof that sometimes the most meaningful additions to our routines arrive through unexpected channels.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/music-app-turns-skeptic-into-singing-chef/">Music App Turns Skeptic Into Singing Chef</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<media:content xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/singing_chef_music_1757436620-1024x576.webp" width="800" height="450"><media:credit role="illustrator" scheme="urn:ebu">Due</media:credit></media:content> </item>
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<title>AI Startup Valuations Surge as Investors Rush In</title>
<link>https://due.com/ai-startup-valuations-surge-as-investors-rush-in/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Brad Anderson]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:52:28 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93497</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Artificial intelligence companies are experiencing unprecedented growth in valuations as investor enthusiasm reaches new heights. The phenomenon extends beyond publicly traded companies, with America’s leading private AI startups now commanding premium valuations from eager investors positioning themselves ahead of potential initial public offerings. The current investment climate shows a marked preference for AI-related businesses, creating […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/ai-startup-valuations-surge-as-investors-rush-in/">AI Startup Valuations Surge as Investors Rush In</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Artificial intelligence companies are experiencing unprecedented growth in valuations as investor enthusiasm reaches new heights. The phenomenon extends beyond publicly traded companies, with America’s leading <a href="https://www.private-ai.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">private AI startups</a> now commanding premium valuations from eager investors positioning themselves ahead of potential initial public offerings.</p>
<p>The current investment climate shows a marked preference for AI-related businesses, creating a competitive environment where venture capitalists and institutional investors are willing to pay increasingly higher prices for stakes in promising AI ventures.</p>
<h2>Private Market Frenzy</h2>
<p>While public markets have seen AI-related stocks surge over the past year, a parallel boom is occurring in private markets. Investors are racing to secure positions in what they perceive as the next generation of tech giants before these companies go public.</p>
<p>This rush has led to significant valuation increases for AI startups across various sectors, including machine learning infrastructure, generative AI applications, and specialized AI solutions for industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.</p>
<p>The investment surge comes as many analysts predict a wave of <a href="https://www.cooley.com/news/coverage/2025/2025-07-17-ai-focused-biotech-unicorns-face-chilly-market-where-ipos-arent-guaranteed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AI-focused IPOs</a> in the coming years, with investors hoping to replicate the success seen in companies that have already gone public with AI at their core.</p>
<h2>Investment Strategies Shifting</h2>
<p>Traditional investors are adjusting their strategies to gain exposure to private AI companies. Some are participating in late-stage funding rounds that were previously dominated by specialized venture capital firms. Others are investing in funds specifically created to target pre-IPO AI companies.</p>
<p>The competition for deals has intensified as more investors seek to enter the space. This has resulted in:</p>
<ul>
<li>Compressed due diligence timelines</li>
<li>Higher entry valuations</li>
<li>Less favorable terms for investors</li>
<li>Larger funding rounds than typically seen at comparable stages</li>
</ul>
<h2>Market Implications</h2>
<p>The high valuations in private markets may have significant implications for how these companies eventually perform when they go public. Historical patterns suggest that companies entering public markets with extremely high private valuations face greater pressure to deliver exceptional results.</p>
<p>“The current environment reminds me of the dot-com era in some ways,” said a venture capital investor who requested anonymity. “There’s genuine technological revolution happening, but also a lot of FOMO driving investment decisions.”</p>
<p>Some financial analysts have expressed concern about potential valuation bubbles forming in the AI sector. They point to companies receiving billion-dollar valuations despite having limited revenue or unproven business models.</p>
<h2>Long-term Outlook</h2>
<p>Despite concerns about inflated valuations, many investors remain convinced of the transformative potential of AI technologies. They argue that the current investment wave represents a rational response to a technological shift comparable to the internet or mobile computing revolutions.</p>
<p>Market observers note that while not all AI startups will succeed, those that establish dominant positions in their respective niches could generate substantial returns for early investors.</p>
<p>As more private AI companies prepare for public market debuts, investors and analysts will be watching closely to see if public market valuations match the optimistic outlook currently prevailing in private funding rounds.</p>
<p>For now, the AI investment boom shows no signs of slowing, as capital continues to flow into what many see as the next frontier of technological and economic growth.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/ai-startup-valuations-surge-as-investors-rush-in/">AI Startup Valuations Surge as Investors Rush In</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<media:content xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" medium="image" type="image/jpeg" url="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ai_startup_valuations_surge_1757433020-1024x576.webp" width="800" height="450"><media:credit role="illustrator" scheme="urn:ebu">Due</media:credit></media:content> </item>
<item>
<title>Top 15 Custodial Investment Accounts</title>
<link>https://due.com/top-custodial-investment-accounts/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[John Rampton]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:04:21 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Money Tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Personal Finance]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=92474&preview=true&preview_id=92474</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>There is a ranking of custodial investment accounts that serve families in setting up future investment opportunities for minors. Each account is evaluated based on clear facts and performance results. The list offers insight into account fees, investment choices, ease of navigation, and customer service aspects. Understanding these factors can help decision-makers select accounts that […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/top-custodial-investment-accounts/">Top 15 Custodial Investment Accounts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8; margin-top: 24px;">There is a ranking of custodial investment accounts that serve families in setting up future investment opportunities for minors. Each account is evaluated based on clear facts and performance results. The list offers insight into account fees, investment choices, ease of navigation, and <a href="https://due.com/why-customer-service-still-sucks-and-how-to-fix-it/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7596">customer service</a> aspects. Understanding these factors can help decision-makers select <a href="https://due.com/zoho-books-and-quickbooks-online-top-accounting-solutions-for-different-business-needs/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7617">accounts that suit specific needs</a>. The evaluation is based on the following criteria:</p>
<ul style="list-style: disc; padding-left: 20px;">
<li>Ease of Use</li>
<li>Fee Structure</li>
<li><a href="https://due.com/retirement-investment-options/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7594">Investment Options</a></li>
<li>Customer Service</li>
<li>Security Measures</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="comparison-table" style="text-align: center; margin: 48px 0 24px 0; font-size: 32px; color: black; line-height: 1.8;">Top 15 Custodial Investment Accounts</h2>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; overflow: hidden;">
<thead style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<tr>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; width: 60px; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;"></th>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;">Company</th>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;">Rating</th>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;">Fees</th>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;">Investment Options</th>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;">Minimum Investment</th>
<th style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; background-color: black; color: white; text-align: center;">Customer Support</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">1</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://fidelity.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fidelity Investments</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.8</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Varied</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">24/7</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">2</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://schwab.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Charles Schwab</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.7</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Extensive</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Standard</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">3</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://tdameritrade.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TD Ameritrade</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.6</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Moderate</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Broad</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Responsive</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://etrade.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">E*TRADE</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.5</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Moderate</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Broad</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Standard</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">5</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://vanguard.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Vanguard</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.6</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Index Focused</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Basic</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">6</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://merrilledge.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Merrill Edge</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.5</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Moderate</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Diverse</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Responsive</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">7</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://betterment.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Betterment</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.7</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Robo-Driven</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">24/7</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">8</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://ally.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ally Invest</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.4</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Moderate</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Varied</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Standard</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">9</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://interactivebrokers.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Interactive Brokers</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.3</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Competitive</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Wide</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Extended</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">10</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://robinhood.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Robinhood</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.2</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Focused</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Minimal</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">11</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://sofi.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SoFi Invest</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.3</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Modern</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Responsive</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">12</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://stash.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stash</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.1</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Moderate</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Simplified</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$5</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Basic</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">13</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://acorns.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Acorns</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Automated</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$5</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Standard</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ffffff;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">14</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://wealthfront.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wealthfront</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.4</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Robo-Driven</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$500</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Extended</td>
</tr>
<tr style="background-color: #f9fafb;">
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">15</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: left;"><a style="color: #2563eb; text-decoration: none;" href="https://m1finance.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">M1 Finance</a></td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">4.5</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Low</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Customizable</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">$0</td>
<td style="padding: 8px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center;">Responsive</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Fidelity Investments</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426673.webp" alt="Screenshot of Fidelity Investments homepage" data-domain="fidelity.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Fidelity <a href="https://due.com/budgeting-family-pet/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7611">Investments offers a wide range of custodial options for families</a>. The platform features a friendly design and clear instructions for account setup. Users benefit from an extensive selection of investment vehicles. Detailed <a href="https://due.com/worst-paying-college-majors/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7612">investment research and educational</a> content make the experience accessible for beginners.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">The firm uses a secure system that provides effective protection. Fidelity consistently receives high marks for reliability and ease of navigation. The account setup and <a href="https://due.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-effective-cash-flow-management/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7615">management process remains simple and effective</a>. Metrics such as customer retention and online reviews support its strong performance.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Excellent<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low cost<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Varied<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> 24/7 support<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Strong</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-top: 32px; margin-bottom: 48px;">
<thead>
<tr style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<th style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 16px;" colspan="1">Summary of Online Reviews</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Users mention that <em><strong>“Fidelity offers a clear and dependable experience”</strong></em> which appeals to both new and experienced investors.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Charles Schwab</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426677.webp" alt="Screenshot of Charles Schwab homepage" data-domain="schwab.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Charles Schwab delivers flexible account <a href="https://due.com/strategic-retirement-planning-using-options-to-manage-risk/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7613">options with clear account management</a> tools. Their platform is simple while offering many valuable investment products. The firm provides educational resources and advanced research features. Fees remain low with straightforward pricing. Schwab’s digital tools support both novice and seasoned investors.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Verified metrics highlight fast account opening and reliable customer support. The company demonstrates a balanced mix of technology and human assistance. For families seeking secure custodial accounts, Schwab is a trusted choice.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Very Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low cost<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Extensive<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Standard hours<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Strong</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-top: 32px; margin-bottom: 48px;">
<thead>
<tr style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<th style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 16px;" colspan="1">Summary of Online Reviews</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Customers note that <em><strong>“Schwab combines reliable service with intuitive design”</strong></em> for easy account maintenance.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">TD Ameritrade</h2>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">TD Ameritrade is known for its user-friendly layout and extensive research tools. The account service is tailored to meet custodial needs with a range of investment choices. The digital interface supports easy navigation and timely access to performance data. Numerous charts and educational materials help customers make informed choices.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">The account setup is maintained with a straightforward process. Performance measurements and user satisfaction scores are consistently positive. The platform provides detailed account reports and regular updates. It is a strong option for families who need secure yet flexible investment support.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Very Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Fair<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Broad<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Responsive<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin-top: 32px; margin-bottom: 48px;">
<thead>
<tr style="background-color: black; color: white;">
<th style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black; text-align: center; color: white; font-size: 16px;" colspan="1">Summary of Online Reviews</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Users highlight that <em><strong>“TD Ameritrade delivers clear research tools with easy navigation”</strong></em> that add value to the experience.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">E*TRADE</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426680.webp" alt="Screenshot of E*TRADE homepage" data-domain="etrade.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">E*TRADE offers a balance between usability and a wide range of investment instruments. The platform supports detailed trade execution and interactive tools. Customers value the well-structured layout and easy account initialization. Fee transparency and clear pricing models contribute to its appeal. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">E*TRADE ensures that both new and experienced users have access to <a href="https://due.com/illegal-information-market-rydox-shut-down-by-federal-authorities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">informative market</a> research and guidance.</span></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Account management is simplified by an intuitive dashboard that organizes all relevant data. This custodial account is well-suited for families looking for solid online investment support.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Fair<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Varied<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Standard<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Feedback reveals that <em><strong>“E*TRADE is praised for its clear fee structure and intuitive interface”</strong></em> by several users.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Vanguard</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426684.webp" alt="Screenshot of Vanguard homepage" data-domain="vanguard.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Vanguard is known for its low-cost <a href="https://due.com/top-long-term-investments-for-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7599">investment products and long-term</a> performance. The custodial accounts <a href="https://due.com/nifty-midcap-50-index-funds-offer-growth-access-to-mid-sized-companies/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7590">offer stability with a strong focus on index funds</a>. The website design helps families access investment research and monitor performance. Ease of account setup and low fees create an appealing package.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Vanguard clients benefit from a history of reliable returns. Clear guidance and market data make managing the account straightforward. The platform uses a trusted system to ensure customer information remains safe and secure.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Very Low<br />
<a href="https://due.com/apple-stock-surge-defies-sales-decline-as-index-investing-reshapes-market-dynamics/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7604">Investment Options: Index</a> Focused<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Basic<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Very High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Many users comment that <em><strong>“Vanguard provides clear benefits with low fees and simple navigation”</strong></em> for long-term growth.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Merrill Edge</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426690.webp" alt="Screenshot of Merrill Edge homepage" data-domain="merrilledge.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Merrill Edge provides a balanced approach that works well for families seeking custodial investment accounts. The platform integrates research and portfolio tracking with a clear layout. Customers appreciate its user-friendly interface and detailed financial insights. Pricing is straightforward and focuses on keeping costs manageable.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">The account management tools are designed for clarity and ease. Metrics from reviews support the account’s reliability, and the firm shows strong dedication to security. This option offers a flexible mix of services for varied <a href="https://due.com/top-11-compound-interest-investments-for-retirement/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7593">investment interests</a>.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Moderate<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Diverse<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Responsive<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Reviewers state that <em><strong>“Merrill Edge offers clear tools and competitive pricing”</strong></em> which helps in managing custodial portfolios.</td>
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</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Betterment</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426695.webp" alt="Screenshot of Betterment homepage" data-domain="betterment.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Betterment uses an automated <a href="https://due.com/the-minimalist-approach-to-personal-finance-how-to-simplify-your-life-while-saving-money/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7616">approach to simplify</a> custodial investments. The platform organizes investments with minimal manual input. <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Simple <a href="https://due.com/top-savings-account-interest-rates-available-nationwide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">account setup and automated portfolio rebalancing interest</a> many families.</span> Clients find that the low fees and straightforward performance metrics make it easy to understand.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">The service integrates tax-efficient <a href="https://due.com/retire-richer-how-to-master-your-taxes-and-keep-more-of-your-money-legally/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7580">strategies</a> and detailed reports. Betterment offers a modern online experience that meets basic investment needs while relying on automated support. Its performance metrics and user feedback consistently show satisfaction with the digital approach.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Excellent<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Automated<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> 24/7<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Clients <strong><a href="https://due.com/farmland-investments-outperform-sp-500-with-remarkable-stability/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7589">remark that “Betterment simplifies investing</a><em> while keeping costs low”</em></strong> which is essential for custodial accounts.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Ally Invest</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426699.webp" alt="Screenshot of Ally Invest homepage" data-domain="ally.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Ally <a href="https://due.com/tax-efficient-investment-strategy-review/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7606">Invest is designed for efficient</a> account management with an appealing digital interface. The website is straightforward and supports easy trade execution. Clients enjoy a balanced mix of automated features and human oversight. Price points <a href="https://due.com/chinese-e-commerce-giants-remain-competitive-despite-trump-tariffs/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7598">remain competitive</a> while ensuring a smooth account experience.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">The platform <a href="https://due.com/leading-u-s-companies-are-having-their-best-patch-in-two-years-says-data-provider/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7607">provides detailed market data</a> and interactive charts to help monitor account performance. Security measures are solid, and the account maintains user-friendly tools that aid in timely decision-making.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Moderate<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Varied<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Standard<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Strong</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Reviews indicate that <em><strong>“Ally Invest offers a clear interface and competitive rates”</strong></em> for smooth transaction experiences.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Interactive Brokers</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426703.webp" alt="Screenshot of Interactive Brokers homepage" data-domain="interactivebrokers.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Interactive <a href="https://due.com/dont-get-wiped-out-protecting-your-investments-from-broker-failure/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7586">Brokers presents a strong technical platform for managing custodial investments</a>. The service offers a range of tools for advanced trading—detailed charts and data analytics aid in assessing <a href="https://due.com/three-market-trends-to-watch-this-week/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7583">market trends</a>. The interface provides real-time updates and secure access to account information. While it may appear complex at first, available tutorials assist users in navigating the system. Review data shows that the platform consistently meets the needs of investors looking for in-depth analysis in a secure environment.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Fair<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Competitive<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Wide<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Extended<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Very High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Users appreciate that <em><strong>“Interactive Brokers provides detailed tools for advanced investors”</strong></em> and <a href="https://due.com/r-r-donnelley-and-sons-given-a-2-1m-charge-amid-data-security-concerns/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7584">secure handling of data</a>.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Robinhood</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426707.webp" alt="Screenshot of Robinhood homepage" data-domain="robinhood.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Robinhood is known for its <a href="https://due.com/understanding-tariffs-historical-impact-and-economic-risks-in-modern-trade-policy/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7605">modern design and simplified trading</a> processes. The custodial account is geared toward users who prefer minimal complexity: a clear user interface and straightforward functionality guide account management. The platform focuses on essential features and reduces unnecessary complications.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Customer feedback shows satisfaction with the ease of monitoring account activity. Although the selection of investments is more focused, it meets the needs of families starting early. Safety and data integrity are maintained with solid security protocols.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Excellent<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Focused<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Minimal<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Good</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Reviews mention that <em><strong>“Robinhood is appreciated for its easy-to-use approach and modern feel”</strong></em> though service options remain basic.</td>
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<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">SoFi Invest</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426711.webp" alt="Screenshot of SoFi Invest homepage" data-domain="sofi.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">SoFi <a href="https://due.com/understanding-bonds-in-modern-investing/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7601">Invest offers a modern</a> platform with a focus on digital efficiency and transparent pricing. The custodial account provides straightforward digital onboarding and a user-friendly dashboard. Essential <a href="https://due.com/prioritizing-reinvestment/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7587">investment tools are available to monitor performance and manage asset</a> allocation. The website prioritizes ease while providing concise account metrics and market news. With clear fee disclosure and a secure system, it suits families seeking a balanced digital experience. Many users are satisfied with the smooth <a href="https://due.com/trusts-for-digital-entrepreneurs-protecting-intellectual-property-and-online-business-assets/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7614">online process and quick access to financial</a> data.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Very Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Modern<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Responsive<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Users state that <em><strong>“SoFi Invest provides a smooth digital experience with clear cost benefits”</strong></em> leading to overall satisfaction.</td>
</tr>
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</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Stash</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426716.webp" alt="Screenshot of Stash homepage" data-domain="stash.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Stash focuses on an accessible and easy-to-understand investment experience. The platform clearly explains each step in setting up a custodial account. It offers simple investing ideas while promoting <a href="https://due.com/dont-panic-plan-how-to-start-saving-for-your-childs-college-fund/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7585">financial education</a> for younger users. The <a href="https://due.com/the-hidden-cost-of-convenience-credit-card-processing-fees-and-their-impact-on-consumers/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7608">fee structure is clearly outlined and the process</a> is straightforward. Stash has been noted for its clean design and supportive community resources. The account meets basic investment needs with easy management tools and direct access to relevant market information.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Moderate<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Focused<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Basic<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Adequate</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Several reviews highlight that <em><strong>“Stash makes </strong></em><a href="https://due.com/mass-ave-global-and-ceo-charged-for-misleading-investors/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7588">investing simple and provides educational insights” for new investors</a>.</td>
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</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Acorns</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426720.webp" alt="Screenshot of Acorns homepage" data-domain="acorns.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Acorns specializes in automatic <a href="https://due.com/investment-strategies-to-simplify-your-portfolio-and-save-money-on-fees/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7581">investment strategies aimed at saving</a> small amounts over time. The platform rounds up purchases to <a href="https://due.com/alternative-assets/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7582">invest the difference into diversified portfolios</a>. Its custodial <a href="https://due.com/top-checking-accounts-offer-diverse-features-for-every-banking-need/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7610">account services offer</a> a simple way for families to start small-scale investing. The account setup is intuitive, and users appreciate the automatic savings features.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Transparent fee information and clear performance tracking support the account’s appeal. The service is designed to be user-friendly while ensuring safety and security.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Excellent<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Automated<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Standard<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Feedback shows that <em><strong>“Acorns automatically saves and invests spare change efficiently”</strong></em> for regular users.</td>
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</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">Wealthfront</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426724.webp" alt="Screenshot of Wealthfront homepage" data-domain="wealthfront.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Wealthfront uses automated management to provide a clear, data-oriented custodial service. The platform assembles <a href="https://due.com/forecasting-lower-returns-navigating-investment-strategies/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7600">investments based on established strategies</a>. Clients appreciate features like automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting. The interface focuses on <a href="https://due.com/stock-market-valuations-hit-historic-highs-according-to-key-metrics/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7602">key financial metrics</a> to help users track performance. With low costs and a focus on long-term planning, Wealthfront presents a trustworthy option. Its straightforward design, combined with regular financial updates, supports reliable investment tracking.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Very Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Automated<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Extended<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> Very High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Many users note that <em><strong>“Wealthfront delivers automated services with a focus on long-term returns”</strong></em> and dependable security.</td>
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</table>
<h2 style="line-height: 1.8;">M1 Finance</h2>
<p><img decoding="async" style="display: block; max-width: 600px; width: 100%; box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0,0,0,0.15); border: 1px solid #e5e7eb; margin: 32px auto;" src="https://cdn.due.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image_1754426729.webp" alt="Screenshot of M1 Finance homepage" data-domain="m1finance.com" /></p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">M1 Finance offers a flexible approach where investors can customize their portfolios. The custodial accounts include options to tailor asset allocations according to individual goals. The interface presents a clear view of <a href="https://due.com/improving-investment-performance-through-diversification/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7591">investment performance</a> along with custom settings. Fee details are provided clearly to ensure transparency. The platform balances automated services with flexible control. Users appreciate the efficiency in monitoring and adjusting portfolio strategies. The tool provides a secure and clear path for managing <a href="https://due.com/unlocking-financial-freedom-through-early-investment/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7579">early investments</a>.</p>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;"><b>Ease of Use:</b> Very Good<br />
<b>Fee Structure:</b> Low<br />
<b>Investment Options:</b> Customizable<br />
<b>Customer Service:</b> Responsive<br />
<b>Security Measures:</b> High</p>
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<td style="padding: 10px; border: 1px solid black;">Users report that <em><strong>“M1 Finance merges flexibility with low fees, <a href="https://due.com/high-yield-savings-accounts-offer-smart-returns-with-5-apy/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7597">offering smart</a> control over investments”</strong></em> that suits diverse needs.</td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<h2 style="font-size: 28px; margin-top: 48px; line-height: 1.8;">Final Thoughts</h2>
<p style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8;">Each custodial investment account has distinct strengths that address different family needs. Some platforms provide a straightforward and modern digital experience, while others offer a <a href="https://due.com/unlocking-your-social-security-wealth-a-guide-to-maximizing-your-benefits/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7603">wealth of detailed analysis and secure</a> service. Decision-makers can select accounts based on ease of use, fee models, investment variety, customer support, and security measures. The data support each option’s performance and user satisfaction. Readers are encouraged to compare choices based on these <a href="https://due.com/five-key-factors-driving-stock-market-optimism-for-2025/" data-wpil-monitor-id="7592">key factors</a> to align with their specific goals.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/top-custodial-investment-accounts/">Top 15 Custodial Investment Accounts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Robinhood to launch social media platform Robinhood Social</title>
<link>https://due.com/robinhood-to-launch-social-media-platform-robinhood-social/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Rowe]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=93504</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The well-known brokerage for retail traders, Robinhood Markets, intends to integrate its own social media network into its mobile application. Users will be able to post trades, follow other investors, and follow the market movements of prominent individuals. This is thanks to the new feature known as Robinhood Social. Robinhood to launch social media platform […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/robinhood-to-launch-social-media-platform-robinhood-social/">Robinhood to launch social media platform Robinhood Social</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The well-known brokerage for retail traders, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robinhoodapp/?hl=en">Robinhood Markets</a>, intends to integrate its own social media network into its mobile application. Users will be able to post trades, follow other investors, and follow the market movements of prominent individuals. This is thanks to the new feature known as Robinhood Social.</p>
<h3>Robinhood to launch social media platform Robinhood Social</h3>
<p>Like Reddit or X, the platform will have a feed of brief posts. According to Robinhood, it will confirm every trade that has been posted, including when a user entered and left a position. That action tackles a major issue on other networks, where <a href="https://due.com/ai-is-reshaping-sales-and-marketing-heres-what-investors-should-know/">investors</a> frequently find it difficult to verify the authenticity of posts or the trades that accompany them. The performance of an author, including trading statistics and profit rate, will also be visible to users.</p>
<p>Users can click a symbol in a post to instantly place their own trade in addition to sharing trades in prediction markets, stocks, options, and cryptocurrency. In the first quarter of next year, Robinhood intends to release a beta version to roughly 10,000 users.</p>
<p>The action demonstrates Robinhood’s plan to incorporate social investing straight into its platform. Social media has long been used by retail traders to coordinate high-profile trades, share strategies, and discuss <a href="https://due.com/three-market-trends-to-watch-this-week/">market trends</a>. The most prominent instance occurred in 2021, when Reddit communities stoked a stock market mania for GameStop. Robinhood wants to capture that behavior and bring it in-house by building its own network.</p>
<h3>Platform launch comes at a time of highs</h3>
<p>The company is having a good year at the time of the launch. Profits at Robinhood have increased in tandem with a bull market that has boosted the brokerage industry as a whole. The business made a significant move into cryptocurrency in July, announcing plans to create its own blockchain and provide tokenized U.S. stocks to clients abroad. Additionally, it has branched out into more conventional financial services like banking and managed accounts.</p>
<p>The momentum of Robinhood has translated into the performance of its stock. The company’s shares have more than tripled this year, and it recently joined the S&P 500. Robinhood aims to increase user engagement and differentiate itself in a crowded brokerage market by fusing trading with social interaction. It remains to be seen if investors will embrace Robinhood Social as they did Reddit and X, but the initiative highlights the company’s readiness to combine innovation, community, and finance.</p>
<p><em><strong>Featured Image Credit: Andrew Neel; Pexels: Thank you!</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/robinhood-to-launch-social-media-platform-robinhood-social/">Robinhood to launch social media platform Robinhood Social</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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<title>Why Retirees Love Annuities (Even If Advisors Don’t)</title>
<link>https://due.com/why-retirees-love-annuities-even-if-advisors-dont/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Deanna Ritchie]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:06:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Annuities]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Retirement Planning]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[annuities]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[financial advice]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[retirees]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://due.com/?p=91618</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Retirees often wonder, “Will I outlive my money? ” In a world where pensions disappear and markets remain unpredictable, annuities consistently deliver peace of mind. Despite their appeal, annuities have a controversial reputation. Many financial advisors avoid or dismiss them. Ask retirees, however, and you’ll hear a different story: they treasure knowing they’ll receive a […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/why-retirees-love-annuities-even-if-advisors-dont/">Why Retirees Love Annuities (Even If Advisors Don’t)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://due.com/investment-strategies-for-retirees-balancing-risk-and-reward/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Retirees</a> often wonder, “Will I outlive my money? ” In a world where <a href="https://due.com/pensions-are-disappearing-can-annuities-fill-the-gap/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pensions disappear</a> and markets remain unpredictable, annuities consistently deliver peace of mind.</p>
<p>Despite their appeal, annuities have a controversial reputation. Many <a href="https://due.com/hiring-a-financial-advisor-for-retirement-is-it-worth-it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financial advisors</a> avoid or dismiss them. Ask retirees, however, and you’ll hear a different story: they treasure knowing they’ll receive a check every month, regardless of the circumstances.</p>
<p>So why the disconnect? In this article, we’ll examine why annuities remain popular among retirees, as well as why advisors tend to view them skeptically.</p>
<p><b>What Exactly Is An Annuity?</b></p>
<p><a href="https://due.com/11-signs-youre-ready-to-secure-your-future-with-an-annuity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">An annuity</a> is a contract between you and an insurance company. Typically, you give the insurer a lump sum or make payments over time, and in return, they pay you regularly, often for the rest of your life. In a way, it’s like creating a personal pension.</p>
<p><a href="https://due.com/how-to-classify-the-different-types-of-annuities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annuity types</a> include;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Immediate Annuities</b>. After funding, payments begin</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Deferred Annuities</b>. Your money can grow as payments start later</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Fixed Annuities</b>. Guaranteed interest rates and predictable payments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Variable Annuities</b>. Depending on investment performance, payments fluctuate</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Indexed Annuities</b>. With some downside protection, tied to a market index (like S&P 500)</li>
</ul>
<p>Annuities all share one thing: a promise of guaranteed income, which retirees greatly value</p>
<h2><b>Why Retirees Find Annuities So Appealing</b></h2>
<p>When it comes to retirement, annuities offer security, predictability, and simplicity during a time meant for leisure, not financial stress.</p>
<h3><b>Peace of mind.</b></h3>
<p>In retirement, you should unwind, pursue hobbies, enjoy your family, and not constantly monitor your investment portfolio. With annuities, retirees can turn their hard-earned savings into <a href="https://due.com/unpacking-annuities-can-you-really-trust-this-guaranteed-income-promise-in-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a guaranteed, predictable, and reliable income</a>. This eliminates concerns about potential market downturns or excessive spending.</p>
<h3><b>Protection against longevity risk.</b></h3>
<p>One of the most significant, yet often underestimated, financial risks in retirement isn’t just market volatility – it’s <a href="https://due.com/longevity-risk-how-to-prepare-your-finances-for-a-longer-life-expectancy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longevity risk</a>. According to <a href="https://news.nationwide.com/joining-the-century-club-the-new-retirement-risk-americans-arent-ready-for/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Nationwide Retirement Institute survey</a>, nearly three in four Americans fear they will run out of money before they run out of time.</p>
<p>One of the only financial tools specifically designed to address this very real concern is annuities, particularly lifetime annuities. No matter how long you live, they continue to pay out, providing an invaluable financial safeguard.</p>
<h3><b>Embracing simplicity.</b></h3>
<p>Generally, retirees don’t want to manage complicated <a href="https://due.com/diversifications-role-in-investment-portfolios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">investment portfolios</a>. Constantly monitoring market fluctuations, rebalancing assets, and making complex withdrawal decisions can be exhausting. With annuities, you can set it and forget it.</p>
<p>Once established, they simply deliver regular checks, simplifying financial management and releasing mental energy for more enjoyable pursuits. This simplicity is highly beneficial to retirees who want to be hands-off with their retirement income.</p>
<h3><b>Positive behavioral benefits.</b></h3>
<p>Investing in annuities can promote sound financial behavior in retirement. By offering retirees a reliable “income floor,” they can subtly reduce their temptation to overspend. Retirement income guarantees enable retirees to stay on budget and feel confident in the longevity of their overall financial plan when basic living expenses are covered.</p>
<h3><b>Offers customizable coverage.</b></h3>
<p>Flexibility is an often-overlooked advantage of annuities. As with life insurance policies, annuities can be customized with various “riders” to enhance their benefits. The riders allow you to add valuable protections and modify your coverage.</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/annuities-long-term-care/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Long-term care rider</b></a><b>.</b> Due to the high costs associated with long-term care, this rider is increasingly useful as the number of adults over 65 increases. By protecting your other assets, your annuity helps cover the costs of long-term care if you need it later in lif.e</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/terms/guaranteed-minimum-withdrawal-benefit-gmwb/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Guaranteed Minimum Withdrawal Benefit (GMWB)</b></a><b>.</b> With this rider, you can withdraw a predetermined amount every year, regardless of market performance, until you recoup your whole investment value. You can access your funds without sacrificing your principal.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/terms/guaranteed-minimum-income-benefit-gmib/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB)</b></a><b>. </b>You will receive a minimum income stream even if your underlying investments perform poorly or lose money. In the event of market downturns, it acts as a safety net.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Impaired risk rider.</b> A specialized rider like this is crucial for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Since income is needed over a shorter period, annuities offer significantly higher payments.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Inflation rider.</b> This rider protects your annuity payments from inflation eroding their purchasing power. Over time, it maintains the purchasing power of your income despite being capped at a certain percentage.</li>
</ul>
<h3><b>Spousal protection.</b></h3>
<p>As a couple, concern over the financial well-being of the surviving spouse is paramount. In a <a href="https://due.com/terms/joint-life-with-last-survivor-annuity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">joint life annuity</a>, income payments continue after the death of one spouse at a reduced rate. Being able to rely on a stable income stream is a significant comfort and security for the surviving partner</p>
<h3><b>A “bridge” to delayed Social Security benefits.</b></h3>
<p><a href="https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/why-retirement-gets-better-with-annuities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to research from Wharton</a>, defined-contribution retirement accounts can benefit from deferred income annuities. In addition, a variable deferred income annuity with equity exposure would be beneficial to retirees’ well-being. In addition, lower-paid and less-educated retirees would be better off using their retirement assets to bridge their consumption ga.p</p>
<h2><b>Why Financial Advisors Exercise Caution (And Sometimes Criticism)</b></h2>
<p>Considering the benefits of annuities, why do some advisors hesitate to recommend them? There are four main reasons for their caution;</p>
<h3><b>Complexity and lack of transparency.</b></h3>
<p>Some annuity products are incredibly complex, making them a significant challenge for advisors. In addition to <a href="https://due.com/the-truth-about-annuity-fees-what-you-need-to-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high fees</a>, some annuities can have hidden surrender charges (penalties for early withdrawals) and confusing riders (additional benefits)</p>
<p>A product that is hard to explain clearly to clients is understandably unwelcome, as well as harder to compare objectively with alternatives that are easy to explain. Transparency can erode trust when there is a lack of it.</p>
<h3><b>Perceived lower returns.</b></h3>
<p>Most annuities, especially those with extensive guarantees, offer less growth potential than stock market investments. When growth-oriented advisors prioritize maximizing investment performance, this can feel like settling. As such, an advisor focusing on accumulation might view annuities as detrimental.</p>
<h3><b>Loss of liquidity.</b></h3>
<p>If you invest a substantial sum in an annuity, it <a href="https://due.com/can-you-access-your-money-early-understanding-annuity-liquidity/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">often becomes illiquid</a>. It can result in significant penalties, surrender charges, or the loss of crucial benefits if these funds are accessed early. Having little access to funds in case of an emergency or an unforeseen opportunity is a major drawback for advisors who emphasize financial flexibility. Often, clients want easy access to their money.</p>
<h3><b>Conflicts of interest.</b></h3>
<p>Some annuity products have historically paid substantial commissions to agents or advisors. In the past, commission structures have led to instances of product pushing or mis-selling, tarnishing the entire annuity category.</p>
<p>To avoid any ethical gray areas or the appearance of a conflict of interest, fiduciary advisors may simply avoid annuities altogether to act in their clients’ best interests.</p>
<h2><b>Bridging the Gap: When Annuities Make Sense</b></h2>
<p>Annuities are like any financial instrument. Their value depends entirely on how, when, and for whom they are used. Understanding where they fit into a comprehensive retirement plan is key.</p>
<p>In many cases, annuities are a wise investment for those who;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/annuities-vs-market-risk-who-wins-in-the-long-run-for-your-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Market fluctuations</a> can be unpredictable, so you want income that is guaranteed</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Want a protective layer to protect their savings from outliving them</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">In your later years, you prefer a hands-off approach to investment management</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to a modest pension or Social Security, you need to supplement your income with other sources</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Peace of mind and <a href="https://due.com/achieving-financial-security-in-uncertain-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financial security </a>are your top priorities</li>
</ul>
<p>Essentially, annuities are the perfect solution for many seniors’ deepest financial concerns and anxieties</p>
<h2><b>The Rise of the “Income Floor” Strategy</b></h2>
<p>Forward-thinking financial planners are increasingly adopting a balanced retirement income strategy referred to as an<a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/understanding-flooring-approach-retirement-income-planning" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> “income floor.”</a> This involves providing retirees with guaranteed, predictable sources of income. By establishing an income floor, retirees can then invest with increased risk with their remaining portfolio, achieving growth without compromising their basic needs.</p>
<p>An income floor typically consists of;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://due.com/maximizing-social-security-benefits-at-62/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Social Security benefits</a></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Pensions (if available)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Lifetime annuities</li>
</ul>
<p>A Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) or a Deferred Income Annuity (DIA) would be ideal in this situation. They’re simple, transparent, and low-cost, making them an excellent choice for people seeking guaranteed income.</p>
<h2><b>Modern Annuities Are Better Than You Think</b></h2>
<p>Historically, advisors were cautious about annuities, but the landscape has changed in recent years. With today’s sophisticated and transparent annuity market’</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Lower fees.</b> “No-commission” annuities are now available from some insurers, removing conflicts of interest often associated with traditional sales.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Enhanced flexibility.</b> Annuities and contracts have become more customizable thanks to riders and contract structures like <a href="https://due.com/inflation-protected-annuities-a-shield-against-rising-costs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inflation protection</a>.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Greater transparency.</b> Comparing annuity quotes, features, and ratings of various insurers has become easier than ever with online tools and platforms.</li>
</ul>
<p>In addition, innovative products have emerged, such as buffered annuities and registered index-linked annuities (RILAs). For retirees seeking more than just fixed returns, hybrid products provide market participation, growth potential, and downside protection.</p>
<h2><b>What To Watch Out For</b></h2>
<p>Annuities can be beneficial, but due diligence is essential. Five key steps are outlined below;</p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Understand the type.</b> SPIAs designed solely for income differ greatly from complex variable annuities with numerous riders. Be sure you understand what kind of annuity you are buying.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Compare quotes.</b> Despite the same product and benefit, annuities are not one-size-fits-all, and prices can vary significantly among insurers. Compare quotes from multiple companies with the help of an independent, licensed advisor who can help.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Check the insurer’s financial strength. </b><a href="https://due.com/how-to-calculate-your-annuity-payments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Annuity payments </a>are backed by the insurance company’s economic health and claim-paying ability. Consider insurers with high financial strength ratings, like A.M. Best, Moody’s, or S&P.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Read the fine print.</b> Review all terms and conditions thoroughly before signing any contract. Be aware of the surrender period, what payout options are available, death benefits, and inflation-adjusted income payments.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><b>Don’t annuitize everything.</b> While annuities provide security, maintaining liquidity is essential for emergencies and future opportunities. In general, retirement savings should be annuitized to cover necessary expenses, but not so much that you cannot use them.</li>
</ul>
<h2><b>Final Thoughts: Don’t Dismiss Annuities—Understand Them</b></h2>
<p>While annuities aren’t a magic bullet, they aren’t the enemy either. They can be a powerful tool for retirees seeking security, simplicity, and guaranteed income.</p>
<p>Advisors shouldn’t automatically avoid them. But, retirees shouldn’t blindly chase them. Creating a plan that integrates thoughtfully is the ke.y</p>
<p><a href="https://due.com/keys-to-successful-retirement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Retirement success</a> isn’t about chasing returns. It’s about peace of mind. For many, annuities provide exactly that.</p>
<h2><b>FAQs</b></h2>
<h3><b>Are annuities safe?</b></h3>
<p>In particular, fixed and immediate annuities from well-rated insurers. Rather than the stock market, they’re backed by the insurance company. Before buying, check the insurer’s financial strength.</p>
<h3><b>Do annuities keep up with inflation?</b></h3>
<p>Not always. A basic annuity usually offers fixed payments. There are, however, some policies that provide inflation riders or COLAs that adjust payments annually. It’s also possible to offset inflation risk by combining annuities with investments that grow over time.</p>
<h3><b>Can I leave money to heirs with an annuity?</b></h3>
<p>If you choose the right options, yes. Payments to beneficiaries can continue if you pass away early, if you have a “cash refund” or “period certain” rider. There is no death benefit with a life-only annuity.</p>
<h3><b>What’s the best age to buy an annuity?</b></h3>
<p>It depends. In the 40s and 50s, deferred annuities are purchased for future income, while immediate annuities are purchased during retirement (late 60s and 70s). For lifelong income security, wait until you’re ready.</p>
<p><em><strong>Image Credit: SHVETS production; Pexels</strong></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://due.com/why-retirees-love-annuities-even-if-advisors-dont/">Why Retirees Love Annuities (Even If Advisors Don’t)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://due.com">Due</a>.</p>
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