Personal Finance
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Roger is a financial and business writer who brings his extensive experience as a financial advisor to his writing. He writes on a full range of financial planning related topics including all aspects of personal and business insurance. His experience as a financial advisor includes helping clients evaluate their personal insurance needs and in some cases helping them obtain the coverage needed.
Prior to working as a financial writer and advisor, Roger held a number of corporate financial positions with several companies.
Roger’s work has been featured on TheStreet, Investopedia, Morningstar Magazine, Go Banking Rates, US News & World Report, Yahoo! Finance, Investor Junkie, and numerous other sites. He also ghostwrites for a number of financial services firms as well as for financial advisors.
Roger earned his bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and his MBA degree from Marquette University.
My blog: The Chicago Financial Planner
Articles by Roger Wohlner
Money Market Account Vs. Money Market Fund: What’s The Difference?
Money market accounts and money market funds are short-term investment vehicles with similar names and different characteristics.
Investing for Kids: How to Open a Brokerage Account for Your Child
There are various types of brokerage accounts available for kids. The right type of account will depend on your personal financial situation and investment goals.
Portfolio Diversification Explained: Definition, Importance, Strategy
Investment diversification is a way to mitigate investment risk while gaining exposure to several different asset classes or market sectors.
Asset Classes: What Are They and How to Use Them in Investing
Asset classes are classifications of investments with similar characteristics. Diversification among different asset classes is critical in building a portfolio that prioritizes gain while minimizing risk.
What is a Roth IRA?
Roth IRAs offer an alternative to traditional IRAs in terms of their tax treatment and other factors. They may be a good addition to your retirement savings efforts.
What is a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)?
A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is a retirement account that offers investors the chance to hold a variety of alternative investments inside of their IRA.
401(k) Matching: Meaning, How It Works, and How to Get the Most Out of It
A 401(k) match is a contribution made by an employer to match some or all of an employee’s contributions to a company retirement plan. Employer contributions can also be made on a nonmatching basis. Not all 401(k) plans offer a match.
8 Alternative Investments to Diversify Your Portfolio in 2024
Alternative investments offer another investing option beyond traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Alternatives can help investors diversify their portfolios.
Can You (and Should You) Use an IRA to Buy a Home?
The issue of whether you can use an IRA, or if you should use your IRA to buy a house is complicated. It's important to understand all sides of this issue before making a decision.
How to Make Roth IRA Withdrawals Tax- and Penalty-Free
Roth IRAs offer the possibility for tax and penalty-free withdrawals, but the rules are complex. It’s important to understand these rules to be sure you are getting the most out of your Roth IRA.
Roth IRA Contribution and Income Limits 2023 and 2024
Roth IRA contribution and income limits generally are revised each year. These limits determine how much you can contribute to an IRA in general and to a Roth IRA specifically.
5 Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor for You
A financial advisor can be a key ally in helping you reach your financial goals. It is critical to find the right advisor for your individual needs.
Bear Market vs. Bull Market: How Are They Different & What Investors Need to Know
A bull market occurs when securities are on the rise and increasing in value. Learn how to invest during a bull market, compared to a bear market, in this article.
What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? Benefits, Limits, Conversion
The backdoor Roth IRA is a technique to allow taxpayers who earn too much to contribute directly to a Roth IRA to still be able to contribute to one using a backdoor approach.
UTMA Account vs. UGMA Account vs. 529 Plan: Key Differences
UTMA accounts, UGMA accounts, and 529 plans are all designed to save for a child’s educational expenses—though the first two are custodial accounts that can be used for more than education. The best option depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
What Is an UGMA Account and How Does It Work?
An UGMA account is a custodial account that is established for a minor beneficiary and funded by parents or others. All money in the account must be used for the benefit of the minor beneficiary.
UTMA vs. UGMA: Which Investing Account for Minors to Choose?
UTMA and UGMA accounts are custodial accounts that are used to save for the benefit of a minor beneficiary. The acronyms hail from the state laws that put these accounts in place - Uniform Transfer to Minors Act and Uniform Gifts to Minors Act. Learn how to use them.
ETFs vs. Index Funds: Which Are Better?
ETFs and index mutual funds both offer a number of advantages for investors. Which type of investment is better for you? Learn more.
IPO Stock: What It Is and How to Buy It
An initial public offering (IPO) occurs when a stock first goes on sale to the public. IPOs can be risky, so you should research before investing.
What Is an UTMA Account and How Does It Work?
An UTMA account is a custodial account that can be used to fund college expenses and a wide range of other expenses for a minor beneficiary.
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