Personal Finance

The financial circumstances of Americans have improved over the last several years—but some groups, including woman, millennials, African-Americans and Hispanics—are struggling. These findings come from the National Financial Capability Study, released this month by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

When you place an order to buy or sell securities, you may get more—or less—than you bargained for. Understanding the benefits and risks of various types of orders can help you avoid unintended losses and better ensure your trades are executed in a timely manner and at a price with which you are comfortable.

There are certain risks that go along with online dating. But did you know that investment fraud is one of them? Do some checking before you trust someone with your heart—or your money.

According to a new report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), one in five borrowers from auto title loan companies have their vehicles seized when they fall behind on repayment of their loans. The CFPB report illustrates just how difficult it is for many borrowers to avoid getting caught in the title-loan trap.

Dramatic news coverage of viral outbreaks often catch the interest of stock scammers looking to capitalize on fears of a potential pandemic. Investors should be wary of promotions touting stocks that claim to protect against the spread of viruses or other harmful diseases.

It can be a surprise to learn that the broker you have worked with over the years is leaving your current firm. If you’re thinking about whether to follow your broker or stay with your current firm, examine the key issues that will help you make an informed decision.

Hurricane Season officially starts next week. While it may not be possible to predict when the next hurricane or other natural disaster will take place, here are some to help you protect against stock scams that tout the promise of huge gains in the wake of the next "big one."

Investors can now buy securities through crowdfunding. This advisory is designed to help the public understand the crowdfunding rules and processes so they can make informed decisions about the risks and rewards of investing in these early-stage businesses.

FINRA fined MetLife Securities, Inc. (MSI) $20 million and ordered it to pay $5 million to eligible customers for making negligent material misrepresentations and omissions on variable annuity (VA) replacement applications. FINRA’s enforcement action offers an opportunity to take a closer look at the VA exchange decision process.

New research suggests that seniors may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of heightened emotions on decision making. Researchers at the Stanford Center on Longevity, FINRA Foundation and AARP found that inducing emotions, such as excitement and anger, in older adults increased their intention to buy falsely advertised items.