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Featured

Understanding the different types of advisors: Which is right for you
Financial Advisors

Understanding the different types of advisors: Which is right for you

Key takeaways The financial services industry uses more credential acronyms than most other professions, and they are not self-explanatory. CFP, ChFC, RICP, CFA, CPA, RIA, IAR: each stands for something…

Ricardo Ramirez
Ricardo Ramirez September 9, 2026

Latest News

Wealth management vs. financial planning: What’s the difference? Financial Advisors
• 15 min read

Wealth management vs. financial planning: What’s the difference?

By Ricardo Ramirez Key takeaways The two terms appear on the websites of independent advisors, regional banks, wirehouses, and boutique…
Ricardo Ramirez Ricardo Ramirez
What is a fiduciary? Why the legal standard matters Financial Advisors
• 16 min read

What is a fiduciary? Why the legal standard matters

Key takeaways What fiduciary actually means The word fiduciary comes from the Latin “fiducia”, which translates roughly as “trust”. In…
Ricardo Ramirez Ricardo Ramirez
Guide to small business owner-friendly retirement options Retirement Accounts & Workplace Plans
• 21 min read

Guide to small business owner-friendly retirement options

Key takeaways Why small business owners need a dedicated retirement plan Employees at large companies are often automatically enrolled in…
Ricardo Ramirez Ricardo Ramirez
How to use BrokerCheck to verify financial professionals Financial Advisors
• 17 min read

How to use BrokerCheck to verify financial professionals

Key takeaways Hiring someone to manage a substantial portfolio is a significant act of professional trust. The credentials displayed on…
Ricardo Ramirez Ricardo Ramirez

Meet Our Expert Authors

Ricardo Ramirez

Ricardo Ramirez

Contributing Writer

Ricardo is a writer with an M.A. in English and a background in rhetoric and composition. He specializes in transforming financial research into engaging, reader-focused stories that balance clarity, curiosity, and search performance.

Kate Farley

Kate Farley

Editor

Kate has an MS in editorial journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She uses her backgrounds in journalism, retirement reporting and writing, as well as content management to edit Steady Retire's articles.