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Recent Articles

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.
mature man and woman sitting at desk talking to man in business suit
April 4, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Best Financial Advisors This Month, April 2026: Vetted Advisors for Every Stage of Life

Find the right fit for your money goals without the research rabbit hole. Here are this month's best financial advisors, freshly updated for April 2026.
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.
A couple meets with a financial advisor in their office.
March 14, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Best Financial Advisors This Month, March 2026: Vetted Picks for Every Portfolio Size

This month's top financial advisors, ranked and reviewed. Find the right fit for your money goals and rest well knowing your investments are in good hands.
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.
A middle-aged adult sorts their home finances with a laptop and notebook.
Feb. 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Retirement Savings in Your 50s: Here's What 'On Track' Actually Looks Like

Here's what the benchmarks look like for ideal retirement savings at age 50 -- and what to do if you're behind.
Mature women looking at her cell phone with a laptop in front of her.
Feb. 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Dear Wife, Here's What to Do With Our Money if I Die Early

If you manage the household finances and die unexpectedly, your spouse could be left scrambling. Here's a practical roadmap to help them take over without the stress.
Two people looking at asset prices on investing apps.
Feb. 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Investing $500 a Month for 10 Years Would Actually Get You

Investing $500 a month for 10 years could grow to over $100,000 -- even starting from zero. Here's what compound growth looks like and how to start today.
Red and black labels reading Roth IRA on top of a dollar bill.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's My Roth IRA Balance After 10 Years of Maxing It Out

I've maxed out my Roth IRA every year since 2017. Here's my real balance after 10 years -- and what it could grow to by retirement.
Man holding a fan of cash appears to be in thought.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

4 Ways to Invest $1,000 Right Now

Have $1,000 to invest? Here are four smart moves -- from paying off debt to index funds and high-yield savings -- that can grow your money in 2026.
An envelope with Roth IRA written on it and $100 bills falling out.
Feb. 16, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Best Roth IRA Account for 2026, Hands Down

Charles Schwab offers no fees, thousands of investment options, and an easy platform, making it the top Roth IRA choice for 2026.
Man with glasses using laptop looks away appearing to be in thought.
Jan. 22, 2026 | By James McClenathen

$50K in the Bank? Here's When It's Too Much -- and What to Do Instead

Keeping too much money in savings means missing out on investment gains. Here's what to do if you have more cash than you really need.