Finance

Sponsored: Six Ways to Use Robinhood for Investing, Retirement Planning and More

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2024

Sponsored: Six Ways to Use Robinhood for Investing, Retirement Planning and More

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, The Hollywood Reporter may receive an affiliate commission.

In an ever-evolving financial landscape, investment options are getting more and more complicated. Managing personal finances can seem even more and more daunting. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Robinhood makes it easier than ever to navigate the brave new world of everyday investing. Robinhood continues to redefine the investment experience, offering a user-friendly mobile app and website that streamline the complexities of personal finance.

The innovative, commission-free platform offers a plethora of products and resources to help individuals manage their money with ease. As Robinhood continues to disrupt the investment space, the company is democratizing finance for a new generation of investors. Keep reading below for more on Robinhood’s offerings, from commission-free trades and retirement planning to educational resources and more.

1. Commission-Free Trades – 24/5

Robinhood simplifies the process of buying and selling stocks, ETFs, options and cryptocurrencies, making it more accessible than ever. Renowned for its intuitive interface and straightforward approach, Robinhood provides users with a user-friendly platform to manage their portfolios, track market trends, and execute trades from either their mobile devices or desktop computers. The app offers real-time market data, customizable watchlists, and easy-to-use trading tools, ensuring users can stay informed and execute trades from anywhere with ease.

As the only US retail brokerage to offer 24/5 trading of single-name stocks, Robinhood’s 24-Hour Market enables traders to respond to market-moving news in real-time. This feature allows traders to adapt their portfolios based on up-to-the-minute information, thereby leveling the playing field and ensuring extended trading is no longer exclusive.

2. Educational Resources and Timely News & Information

Understanding and keeping track of the latest information and news related to investments can be challenging. Robinhood offers educational resources, including articles, tutorials, and investment guides, covering topics such as stock market 101, investing strategies and financial planning. Additional resources include timely news updates, market data, research reports, earnings calendars and analyst ratings, providing everything users need to stay informed.

3. Advanced Trading Options

For experienced users, Robinhood Gold offers a premium membership with exclusive benefits. With features like 5.0 percent interest on uninvested brokerage cash and access to powerful investment tools, Robinhood Gold provides added value for investors seeking more from their trading experience. For a low monthly subscription fee, users can unlock benefits to manage returns and optimize their investment strategy.

4. Retirement Planning

Planning for retirement is one of the key tenets of investment planning, and Robinhood Retirement makes it easy. This innovative feature offers the first IRA with a 1 percent match, making it accessible to gig economy workers and others without employer-sponsored plans. With Robinhood Retirement, our users not only easily invest in their future, they also get free money through the matching program.

5. Fractional Shares

Investing in fractional shares of stocks and ETFs allows users to diversify their portfolios and invest in high-priced assets with smaller amounts of money. Robinhood makes diversification more accessible with Fractional Shares, enabling users to invest in fractions for as little as $1. This helps to manage risk, making it possible to build a diversified portfolio on any budget.

Diversification is key to building a resilient investment portfolio, and Robinhood makes it easy with Fractional Shares. Instead of buying whole shares of expensive stocks or ETFs, you can invest in fractions for as little as $1. This allows you to spread your investments across a variety of assets, helps to manage risk. Whether you’re interested in tech giants like Amazon or blue-chip stocks like Apple, Fractional Shares make it possible to build a diversified portfolio on any budget.

6. Robust Security Measures

Robinhood prioritizes the security of its users’ accounts and personal information. The platform employs industry-standard security protocols, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, to safeguard user data and prevent unauthorized access.

Disclosures

_{*As of Nov. 2nd, 2023 via Bankrate.}

_{All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible. Robinhood Gold is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC and is a subscription offering premium services for a fee. The Brokerage Cash Sweep Program is an added feature to your Robinhood Financial LLC brokerage account. Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to program banks. Program banks pay interest on your swept cash, minus any fees paid to Robinhood. As of March 15, 2024, the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) that you will receive is 5.00% for Robinhood Gold members. The APY might change at any time at the program banks’ discretion. Additionally, any fees Robinhood receives may vary and is subject to change. Neither Robinhood Financial LLC nor any of its affiliates are banks.}

_{Terms apply to the boosted rate promotion. For more information, view our terms and conditions.}

_{You must have compensation (wage income) in order to contribute to an IRA. The funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. For more information refer to the IRA Match FAQ.}

_{Funds being contributed into or distributed from retirement accounts may entail tax consequences. Contributions are limited and withdrawals before age 59 1/2 may be subject to a penalty tax. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser if you have questions.}

_{Trades of stocks, ETFs and options are commission-free at Robinhood Financial LLC. Other fees may apply. Please see Robinhood Financial’s Fee Schedule to learn more. Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss Trading during extended hours involves additional risks. For more information, view our Extended Hours Trading Disclosure}

_{Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer. Robinhood Securities, LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer and provides brokerage clearing services. All are subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. (‘Robinhood’).}

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Finance

Where in California are people feeling the most financial distress?

Published

11 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Where in California are people feeling the most financial distress?

Inland California’s relative affordability cannot always relieve financial stress.

My spreadsheet reviewed a WalletHub ranking of financial distress for the residents of 100 U.S. cities, including 17 in California. The analysis compared local credit scores, late bill payments, bankruptcy filings and online searches for debt or loans to quantify where individuals had the largest money challenges.

When California cities were divided into three geographic regions – Southern California, the Bay Area, and anything inland – the most challenges were often found far from the coast.

The average national ranking of the six inland cities was 39th worst for distress, the most troubled grade among the state’s slices.

Bakersfield received the inland region’s worst score, ranking No. 24 highest nationally for financial distress. That was followed by Sacramento (30th), San Bernardino (39th), Stockton (43rd), Fresno (45th), and Riverside (52nd).

Southern California’s seven cities overall fared better, with an average national ranking of 56th largest financial problems.

However, Los Angeles had the state’s ugliest grade, ranking fifth-worst nationally for monetary distress. Then came San Diego at 22nd-worst, then Long Beach (48th), Irvine (70th), Anaheim (71st), Santa Ana (85th), and Chula Vista (89th).

Monetary challenges were limited in the Bay Area. Its four cities average rank was 69th worst nationally.

San Jose had the region’s most distressed finances, with a No. 50 worst ranking. That was followed by Oakland (69th), San Francisco (72nd), and Fremont (83rd).

The results remind us that inland California’s affordability – it’s home to the state’s cheapest housing, for example – doesn’t fully compensate for wages that typically decline the farther one works from the Pacific Ocean.

A peek inside the scorecard’s grades shows where trouble exists within California.

Credit scores were the lowest inland, with little difference elsewhere. Late payments were also more common inland. Tardy bills were most difficult to find in Northern California.

Bankruptcy problems also were bubbling inland, but grew the slowest in Southern California. And worrisome online searches were more frequent inland, while varying only slightly closer to the Pacific.

Note: Across the state’s 17 cities in the study, the No. 53 average rank is a middle-of-the-pack grade on the 100-city national scale for monetary woes.

Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com

Finance

Why Chime Financial Stock Surged Nearly 14% Higher Today | The Motley Fool

Published

23 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Why Chime Financial Stock Surged Nearly 14% Higher Today | The Motley Fool

The up-and-coming fintech scored a pair of fourth-quarter beats.

Diversified fintech Chime Financial (CHYM +12.88%) was playing a satisfying tune to investors on Thursday. The company’s stock flew almost 14% higher that trading session, thanks mostly to a fourth quarter that featured notably higher-than-expected revenue guidance.

Sweet music

Chime published its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results just after market close on Wednesday. For the former period, the company’s revenue was $596 million, bettering the same quarter of 2024 by 25%. The company’s strongest revenue stream, payments, rose 17% to $396 million. Its take from platform-related activity rose more precipitously, advancing 47% to $200 million.

Image source: Getty Images.

Meanwhile, Chime’s net loss under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) more than doubled. It was $45 million, or $0.12 per share, compared with a fourth-quarter 2024 deficit of $19.6 million.

On average, analysts tracking the stock were modeling revenue below $578 million and a deeper bottom-line loss of $0.20 per share.

In its earnings release, Chime pointed to the take-up of its Chime Card as a particular catalyst for growth. Regarding the product, the company said, “Among new member cohorts, over half are adopting Chime Card, and those members are putting over 70% of their Chime spend on the product, which earns materially higher take rates compared to debit.”

Today’s Change

(12.88%) $2.72

Current Price

$23.83

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$7.9B

Day’s Range

$22.30 – $24.63

52wk Range

$16.17 – $44.94

Volume

562K

Avg Vol

3.3M

Gross Margin

86.34%

Double-digit growth expected

Chime management proffered revenue and non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) guidance for full-year 2026. The company expects to post a top line of $627 million to $637 million, which would represent at least 21% growth over the 2024 result. Adjusted EBITDA should be $380 million to $400 million. No net income forecasts were provided in the earnings release.

It isn’t easy to find a niche in the financial industry, which is crowded with companies offering every imaginable type of service to clients. Yet Chime seems to be achieving that, as the Chime Card is clearly a hit among the company’s target demographic of clientele underserved by mainstream banks. This growth stock is definitely worth considering as a buy.

Finance

How young athletes are learning to manage money from name, image, likeness deals

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

How young athletes are learning to manage money from name, image, likeness deals

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Student athletes are now earning real money thanks to name, image, likeness deals — but with that opportunity comes the need for financial preparation.

Noah Collins Howard and Dayshawn Preston are two high school juniors with Division I offers on the table. Both are chasing their dreams on the field, and both are navigating something brand new off of it — their finances.

“When it comes to NIL, some people just want the money, and they just spend it immediately. Well, you’ve got to know how to take care of your money. And again, you need to know how to grow it because you don’t want to just spend it,” said Collins Howard.

What You Need To Know

High school athletes with Division I prospects are learning to manage NIL money before they even reach college

Glory2Glory Sports Agency and Advantage Federal Credit Union have partnered to give young athletes access to financial literacy tools and credit-building resources

Financial experts warn that starting money habits early is key to long-term stability for student athletes entering the NIL era

Preston said the experience has already been eye-opening.

“It’s very important. Especially my first time having my own card and bank account — so that’s super exciting,” Preston said.

For many young athletes, the money comes before the knowledge. That’s where Glory2Glory Sports Agency in Rochester comes in — helping athletes prepare for life outside of sports.

“College sports is now pro sports. These kids are going from one extreme to the other financially, and it’s important for them to have the tools necessary to navigate that massive shift,” said Antoine Hyman, CEO of Glory2Glory Sports Agency.

Through their Students for Change program, athletes get access to student checking accounts, financial literacy courses and credit-building tools — all through a partnership with Advantage Federal Credit Union.

“It’s never too early to start. We have youth accounts, student checking accounts — they were all designed specifically for students and the youth,” said Diane Miller, VP of marketing and PR at Advantage Federal Credit Union.

The goal goes beyond what’s in their pocket today. It’s about building habits that will protect them for life.

“If you don’t start young, you’re always catching up. The younger you start them, the better off they’re going to be on that financial path,” added Nihada Donohew, executive vice president of Advantage Federal Credit Union.

For these athletes, having the right support system makes all the difference.

“It’s really great to have a support system around you. Help you get local deals with the local shops,” Preston added.

Collins-Howard said the program has given him a broader perspective beyond just the game.

“It gives me a better understanding of how to take care of myself and prepare myself for the future of giving back to the community,” Collins-Howard said.

“These high school kids need someone to legitimately advocate their skills, their character and help them pick the right space. Everything has changed now,” Hyman added.

NIL opened the door. Programs like this one make sure these athletes walk through it — with a plan.