How strong is your password, really? Do you use the same one on a number of accounts? Or refer to your dog Fluffy in all of them? Chances are some or all of your login codes could use a change.

Our passwords are a key component of our lives, and as more of the services we rely on every day move online, the stakes grow ever higher. Here are 7 tips to improve your passwords—and your security online.

Throughout your securities industry career, FINRA, other regulatory organizations and your employer collect and maintain a variety of information. Learn about all phases of your career in the securities industry, from considering becoming registered to taking exams to obligations when you leave the industry.

As you prepare to invest, it's important to set aside some money—about the equivalent of 3 to 6 months' of living expenses—in an emergency fund. There are times when people become ill or are injured in accidents. Employers lay off workers. If something unexpected happens to you, having the money you need to pay the medical bills or see you through the weeks or even months of being out of work will help to keep you out of debt. If you already have investments, an emergency fund also will help you meet your expenses without disrupting your investment plan.

The best place for your emergency fund is in a liquid (easily accessible) account. A liquid account might be a regular savings account at a bank or credit union that provides some return on your deposit, and from which your funds can still be withdrawn at any time without penalty.

To earn a slightly higher interest rate, some people choose a certificate of deposit, or CD, for their emergency...

Last week we held a virtual memorial service to pay tribute to the life and legacy of our friend and colleague Tom Gira. Many voices from FINRA and across the securities industry and regulatory community described Tom's tremendous contributions to our markets and the wonderful personal qualities for which he will always be fondly remembered. To further honor and memorialize Tom's legacy, the building at our Rockville campus where Tom had his principal office will henceforth be known as the Thomas R. Gira Building. I look forward to the day when the FINRA community can gather in person to formally commemorate this building in Tom's name.

You can add location information to your Tweets, such as your city or precise location, from the web and via third-party applications. You always have the option to delete your Tweet location history. Learn more

Perhaps you spoke with an investment professional about an existing variable annuity (VA) you own, and the possibility of exchanging your current VA with a new one came up. Before you rush into an exchange, be aware that replacing one VA with another involves a comparison of the complex features of each security.

Small firms represent a critical portion of FINRA’s membership and often face regulatory challenges that are unique from their large firm counterparts. In an effort to provide additional compliance education, FINRA offers the Small Firm Conference Call, a free series hosted by senior FINRA leaders who discuss trending topics, new rules and regulatory guidance and best practices. 

A qualified investment professional can help you make sound investment decisions. Investment professionals include registered financial professionals, also known as registered representatives or stockbrokers, investment advisers and financial planners. The person or team of professionals you work with will depend on the type of financial help you seek. When you choose an investment professional, it always pays to Ask and Check.

When you’re young, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s no rush to save for retirement. But before you know it, you may find yourself in your 50s or 60s, and nowhere near your retirement savings goal. 

These days, so much of our lives happen online. Email is more common than snail mail. Americans are just about as likely to shop online as at a brick-and-mortar store. And more than half of all bills are paid online.

Do you have trouble finding cash to set aside in your savings account? You're not alone. Just two out of five American households report "good or excellent progress in meeting their savings needs," according to a recent survey by America Saves Week.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to boost your savings. Here are six ideas to get you started.

1. Set Up Automatic Contributions to Your Savings Accounts

A critical part of a successful savings strategy is actually putting your money into an account where it can accumulate, and there’s no better way to pay yourself first than to automate your savings.

In employer-sponsored 401(k) plans, contributions are often made automatically whenever an employee is paid, but you can easily automate contributions to your other accounts. Banks and financial firms allow consumers to schedule regular money transfers to a savings or money market account.

You can add location...

This information is provided as a convenience to firms and may not be a complete listing of all of a firm's regulatory and compliance filing requirements. Firms must do their own due diligence to ensure that they comply with all of their regulatory and filing requirements and their reliance on this report does not create a safe harbor from a firm's regulatory responsibilities.