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.

HELOC vs. Construction Loan: Financing Options to Build a New Home

Compare a HELOC and a construction loan to understand interest rates, repayment terms, and financing options for building a new home.

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

April 22, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do Deferred Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score?

February 28, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand how deferred student loans can affect your credit score, credit report, and debt-to-income ratio while preparing for future borrowing needs.

Balance Transfer Card vs. Personal Loan

February 27, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare balance transfer credit cards and personal loans for debt consolidation, including interest costs, fees, repayment timelines, and the best option for your financial situation.

How Much Is a Gold Bar Worth?

February 24, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn what determines the price of a gold bar, how gold spot prices and purity affect its value, and what buyers should know about premiums and resale costs.

How to Store Your Gold Investment

February 5, 2026 Investment Retirement Funding Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore gold storage options, including secure home storage and professional vaults, while comparing costs, insurance, security risks, and considerations for protecting your investment.

Best Jewelry and Engagement Ring Financing

January 12, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore jewelry and engagement ring financing options, compare interest rates and repayment terms, and learn how to manage the cost of a major purchase responsibly.

Physical Gold vs. Gold ETFs: Which Is the Better Investment in 2026 and Beyond?

January 8, 2026 Investment Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare physical gold and gold ETFs in 2026 by examining fees, liquidity, storage, tax considerations, and investment risks to help determine which approach fits your portfolio.

Are Student Loans Installment or Revolving Credit?

January 7, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn why student loans are generally classified as installment credit, how they differ from revolving credit cards, and how each type of debt can affect your credit score.

Best Free Financial Literacy Courses to Take Online in 2026

January 6, 2026 Investment Retirement Funding Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover free online financial literacy courses in 2026 that can help you improve budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and overall personal finance knowledge.

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