Stock-ing stuffer. Online brokerage Stockpile.com makes it easy to give shares of stock or ETFs—even fractional shares. You can mail or e-mail a gift card to the recipient, who then opens a Stockpile account (an adult must open a custodial account if the recipient is younger than age 18). The minimum investment is only $5, and you can choose from more than 1,000 stocks and ETFs. For an e-gift of stock, you’ll pay $2.99 for the first trade and 99 cents for each additional stock, plus 3% of the transaction. Account holders pay 99 cents per trade to sell shares.
Time with a pro. Help new grads or newlyweds get started on the right financial path, or provide a money check-up for anyone else, by giving a couple of hours of a financial planner’s time. Search NAPFA.org for advisers who charge by the hour. Planners in the Garrett Planning Network typically charge a flat fee of $400 to $600 for two hours. Advisers with the XY Planning Network cater to Gen Xers and millennials and charge $150 to $250 an hour, or $100 to $200 per month for a longer-term commitment. Garrett and XY planners offer sessions in person or via video chat.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly States for Investing in 2025 (Hint: There Are Two)State Taxes Living in one of these places could lower your 2025 investment taxes — especially if you invest in real estate.
-
Want To Retire at 55? See If You Can Answer These Five QuestionsWho said you can’t retire at 55? If you say yes to these questions, you may be on your way to an early retirement.
-
21 Last-Minute Gifts for Grandparents Day 2025 to Give Right NowHoliday Tips Last-minute gifting is never easy. But here are some ideas to celebrate Grandparents Day.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Alabama Tax-Free Weekend 2025Tax Holiday Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 back-to-school Alabama sales tax holiday.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-FreeState Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween, and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
-
Florida Back-to-School Tax-Free Holiday 2025Sales Taxes The new tax-free holiday in Florida brought month-long savings on computers, clothing and other school supplies.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
