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Recent Articles

An adult analyzes a graph on their laptop in their home office.
June 8, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Didn't Open a Roth IRA Until 31. Here's What That Delay Really Cost

Opening a Roth IRA eight years earlier would have left me $280,000 richer today. Here are the current contribution limits and how to start now.
Two people sitting in a window at home and looking at the phone in one of their hands.
June 7, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

You Can Open a Brokerage Account in 10 Minutes. Here's How I Do It for Friends

Opening your first investment account takes less time than most people expect, with no minimum deposit and no monthly fees at most brokers.
Child standing on a rural road with a toy rocket ship strapped to his back
June 6, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Where to Buy the SpaceX IPO: 4 Best Brokers for SPCX Access

SpaceX goes public June 12 under the ticker SPCX. Here are four brokers where retail investors can register interest -- and what to know before you do.
Two young kids in suits and glasses hold handfuls of cash while looking excited.
May 29, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Trump Accounts App Just Launched. Here's How to Register Before the July 4 Rollout

The Trump Accounts app launched today. Here's how to download it, sign up your child, and who qualifies for the $1,000 Treasury contribution.
Man uses laptop while another person sits behind him on the couch.
May 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Have a 4.25% Mortgage and Enough Cash to Pay It Off. Here's Why I'm Keeping the Debt

Not all debt is bad debt. Here's how I think about a low fixed-rate mortgage versus keeping that money invested for the next 20 years.
A man sitting at his kitchen table with a calculator and bills.
May 23, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Compared Paying Off $6,700 in Credit Card Debt vs. Investing in the S&P 500. Here's What the Math Says

Investing for the future is smart, but if you've got lingering credit card debt it's holding you back more than you realize. Here's why paying off debt first almost always wins.
A mom holding up her baby for her husband to kiss while he works on a laptop at home.
May 21, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Trump Accounts Are Coming July 4. Here's How They Work, and Who Gets $1,000

Trump accounts launch July 4, 2026. Here's what they are, who qualifies for the $1,000 federal seed money, and how families can use them to save for kids.
Woman looking at upward trending chart on computer
May 19, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What 5 Years of Not Investing Has Cost You, in 2026 Dollars

Investors in the S&P 500 made huge gains over the past five years. Here's what you can still do today to start building long-term wealth.
A businessperson smiles as they view crypto graphs on a laptop from home.
April 22, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Boring Strategy That Built My $1M Portfolio

Index fund investing is the backbone of my $1M+ portfolio. Here's how this simple strategy works and why I'm sticking with it.
Cash and tax forms.
April 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Our Top 3 Brokerage Accounts to Invest Your Tax Refund in April 2026

These top-rated brokerage accounts have no monthly fees, no account minimums, and strong tools for new and experienced investors in 2026.
An adult analyzes a graph on their laptop in their home office.
April 18, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What $50,000 in an S&P 500 Index Fund Would Be Worth Today if You'd Invested 10 Years Ago

A $50,000 investment in the S&P 500 10 years ago would be worth over $211,000 today. Here's what the historical data shows across 10, 20, and 30 years.
A glass jar full of coins labeled Retirement and with coins stacked next to it as well.
April 17, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Most Americans Are Behind on Retirement Savings. Here's the Honest Benchmark by Age.

The average retirement savings by age tells a clearer story than most people expect. Here's where you stand and what to do about it.
Man looking at upward trending data on his smartphone.
April 14, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What $500 a Month Invested in an S&P 500 Index Fund Could Look Like in 20 Years

Investing $500/month in an S&P 500 index fund could grow into serious wealth over 20 years. See the numbers across multiple return scenarios.
Mature couple rowing together in a canoe.
April 10, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Americans Say They Need $1.46 Million to Retire -- Here's What It Actually Buys You

Learn how much Americans say they need to retire comfortably, what that generates in monthly income, and whether it's actually enough.
A street sign is labelled IRA with an arrow pointing right.
April 7, 2026 | By James McClenathen

How to Open and Fund an IRA Before Tax Day -- in 10 Minutes

Contributing to an IRA before Tax Day could cut your 2025 tax bill by hundreds of dollars -- or more. Here's how to pick an account and fund it fast.
Woman working on taxes while holding infant in her lap.
April 5, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Here's How You Can Still Lower Your 2025 Tax Bill

If you haven't filed your 2025 taxes yet, you may be able to save money by contributing to an IRA before April 15. Here's how to do it before the deadline.
A woman reviewing paperwork at her desk.
April 3, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's the Difference Between Tax Credits and Tax Deductions

Tax credits and deductions both lower your tax bill, but they work very differently. Here's what you need to know.
An older parent sits on a sofa with a teenager.
April 3, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's How to Talk to Your Parents About Their Retirement Savings

Talking to your parents about money is awkward. Here's how to have the conversation without making it worse.
Someone holds a phone with a stock app on the screen.
March 13, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Why I'd Pick Stocks Over Real Estate if I Were Starting From Scratch

I owned seven rental properties by my early 30s. Here's why I sold most of them -- and why I'd put every dollar into index funds if I were starting over.
A smiling young man sitting at an outdoor patio.
March 8, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Retired Early and Then Went Back to Work. Here's Why I Have Zero Regrets

I hit financial independence in my 30s, quit my job, and eventually chose to return to work. Here's what that decision actually looked like in real life.
Frustrated Man At Computer With Head In Hands
Feb. 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

My Dumbest Investing Mistake Cost Me $154,858 -- Here's What I Learned

I thought I was being smart when I sold my shares for a quick profit. Turns out I left $154,858 on the table. Here's what I learned about investing in stocks.
A mature couple sitting at a kitchen table with papers, a laptop, and a calculator.
Feb. 28, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

If You're 50 With Less Than $200,000 Saved, Here's What to Do Next

Turning 50 with under $200,000 saved isn't ideal, but here's how to reset your retirement plan while you still have time.
Three children sitting at desks and doing work in a classroom.
Feb. 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Trump Accounts Sound Great -- but Here's Why I'm Not Opening One for My Kids

My kids don't qualify for the $1,000 seed money and the tax benefits aren't that great. Here's why I'm sticking with UGMA accounts instead.
A middle-aged couple embraces happily in a kitchen.
Feb. 28, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

If You're 40 Making $100,000, Here's Your Retirement Savings Target

If you're 40 and earning $100,000, here's a simple retirement savings benchmark and how to catch up if you're behind.
Pair of hands holding a bird's nest full of golden eggs.
Feb. 28, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's the Average 401(k) Balance by Age vs. What You Actually Need

Here's how the average 401(k) balance stacks up against what experts recommend -- broken down by generation, with tips to close the gap.