Broker Articles

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.

Woman sits cross legged using laptop with generic stock charts behind her.

Feb. 20, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

What's the Best Brokerage for Beginners Now? My Pick for February 2026

Charles Schwab offers no account fees, commission-free trades, and beginner-friendly tools. Here's why it's my top brokerage pick for new investors 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.

Hands use electronics with AI and related data symbols projected above the keyboard.

Jan. 22, 2026 | By James McClenathen

These AI Wealth Tools Are Replacing Spreadsheets for Families With $2M+ to Invest

If your finances are getting too complex to manage on your own, these services can help. Here's how they simplify budgeting, investing, taxes, and more.

"AI" inside lightbulb being held by human hand with other small image depictions surrounding it.

Jan. 15, 2026 | By James McClenathen

How AI Is Making Wealth Management Easier -- and Cheaper

AI is changing wealth management -- but not how you think. Here's how some firms are using it to serve clients better.

Dec. 24, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by 50. How Do You Compare?

Financial planners say you should have five to six times your income saved by age 50. Here's how that benchmark works, and what to do if you're behind.

A street sign is labelled IRA with an arrow pointing right.

Dec. 18, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

These 3 Changes Are Coming to IRAs in 2026

IRA rules are shifting slightly in 2026. Here are three key changes, including higher income and contribution limits, and how to use them to your advantage.