Menninger & Associates Articles

Financial Planning Articles by Michael Menninger, CFP and Kyle Ryan, CFP, ChFC

Michael and the team are widely quoted in publications nationwide. Check out some articles on financial planning that they have been featured in.

*Topics discussed and disclosures displayed in articles dated prior to November 28, 2022 reflect the requirements from previous Broker-Dealers. Please see the footer of the website for how services are currently provided.

Best Checking Accounts for College Students in 2026: Compare Top Banks

Compare the best checking accounts for college students in 2026 by fees, minimum balance requirements, ATM access, and mobile banking features.

5 Types of Short-Term Loans That Might Work (and 5 to Absolutely Avoid)

April 21, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare five short-term loan options with common high-risk alternatives to understand borrowing costs, repayment requirements, and how to avoid expensive debt traps.

Indiana HELOC Rates and Lenders

April 19, 2026 Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn about Indiana HELOC rates and lenders, including borrowing requirements, potential fees, and how to compare home equity financing options.

Home Equity Loan Terms

April 15, 2026 Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand common home equity loan terms, including interest rates, repayment periods, fees, and borrowing conditions, before using your home equity.

The Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Precious Metals

April 15, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover how to invest in precious metals, compare gold, silver, and other options, and understand diversification, market volatility, and investment costs.

4 Ways to Get Equity Out of Your Home Without Refinancing

April 14, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover four ways to access your home equity without refinancing your mortgage, including the potential costs, benefits, and trade-offs of each option.

How Does Figure Use Blockchain for Its HELOCs?

April 14, 2026 Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how Figure uses blockchain technology in its HELOC process and what homeowners should know about digital home equity lending, loan costs, and repayment.

Expert Insights: How to Transfer Your IRA to a Gold IRA Safely and Easily

April 14, 2026 Investment Retirement Funding Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to transfer an IRA to a gold IRA, understand rollover rules and potential tax implications, and evaluate precious metals as part of a retirement investment strategy.

FHA Loan Requirements: How to Get Help Buying Your First Home

March 25, 2026 Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore FHA loan requirements for first-time homebuyers, including credit scores, down payments, debt-to-income ratios, and ways to prepare for mortgage approval.

Apps to Get Your Paycheck Early

March 13, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover paycheck advance apps, compare their fees and eligibility requirements, and learn how early wage access may affect your monthly budget and cash flow.

Personal Loans in Wisconsin

March 12, 2026 Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore personal loan options in Wisconsin, compare lender requirements and interest rates, and learn what to consider before borrowing money for major expenses.

What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Personal Loan?

March 10, 2026 Investment Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover what makes a good personal loan interest rate, how credit scores and loan terms affect APR, and how to compare borrowing offers before applying.

Signature Personal Loans

March 10, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how signature personal loans work, what lenders typically require, and how unsecured borrowing costs and repayment terms compare with other financing options.

How Many Times Can You Refinance a Student Loan?

March 9, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Find out how many times you can refinance a student loan, what lenders consider, and how repeated refinancing may affect interest rates, repayment terms, and borrower protections.

Should Married Couples Consolidate Student Loans?

March 5, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn whether married couples should consolidate student loans by comparing repayment options, potential savings, eligibility, and the risks of combining financial obligations.

10 Ways to Pay for College With No Money

March 5, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore 10 ways to pay for college with limited savings, including financial aid, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loan options.

How to Invest in Gold for Absolute Beginners: Top 10 FAQ Answered

March 3, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Get answers to 10 common questions about investing in gold, including investment options, costs, risks, diversification, and ways beginners can approach the precious metals market.

Why You Need a Personal Loan Agreement Between Family Members or Friends

March 3, 2026 Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn why a personal loan agreement between family members or friends is important, what terms to include, and how to document repayment schedules, interest, and loan obligations to prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties.

How Many Times Can You Refinance a House?

March 3, 2026 Investment Insights Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how often you can refinance a mortgage, what lenders consider, and how closing costs, interest rates, and your financial goals affect refinancing decisions.

What to Do If You’re Denied a Personal Loan

March 2, 2026 Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Find out why personal loan applications are denied and discover practical ways to improve your credit profile, address lender concerns, and explore alternative financing.

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