The Investing & Retirement Guide
From your first dollar invested to a fully funded retirement. Learn the core concepts, the account types, and how to plan the number you will actually need.
14 guides · 7 related calculators
Investing basics
What Is Compound Interest? (2026)
Compound interest is interest earned on your interest, so money grows faster over time. Learn the formula, the Rule of 72, and how it helps or hurts you.
What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? (2026)
Dollar-cost averaging means investing a fixed amount at set intervals, no matter the price. Learn how it lowers timing risk vs lump-sum investing.
What Is an Index Fund? (2026)
An index fund is a low-cost investment that tracks a market index like the S&P 500. Learn how it works, why fees matter, and why it beats most active funds.
Index Funds vs ETFs: What's the Difference? (2026)
Index funds and ETFs can track the same index, but they trade differently. Learn the differences in trading, minimums, taxes, and which is better for you.
What Is a Mutual Fund? (2026)
A mutual fund pools money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio. Learn how they work, active vs passive, fees, and how they compare to ETFs.
Dividend Investing for Beginners: Passive Income
Learn how dividend investing works, how to pick dividend stocks, and how reinvesting dividends builds wealth over time. Beginner-friendly guide with examples.
Retirement accounts
What Is a Roth IRA? (2026)
A Roth IRA is a retirement account funded with after-tax money that grows and is withdrawn tax-free. Learn the 2026 limits, income rules, and key benefits.
Traditional vs Roth IRA: Which Is Better? (2026)
A traditional IRA gives a tax break now; a Roth IRA gives tax-free withdrawals later. The right choice depends on your tax rate now vs in retirement.
How Much Should I Contribute to My 401(k)? (2026)
Contribute at least enough to get the full employer match, aim for 15% of income, and max out at $24,500 in 2026 if you can. Here's how to decide your number.
Planning for retirement
How Much Do I Need to Retire? (2026)
A common answer is 25 times your annual expenses, the basis of the 4% rule. Learn how to estimate your retirement number and the factors that change it.
What Is the FIRE Movement? Beginner's Guide
Learn what FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) means, how to calculate your FIRE number, and the different types of FIRE, with a free FIRE calculator.
Tax-smart investing
What Is a Tax Shelter? (2026)
A tax shelter is a legal way to lower or defer taxes. Learn how 401(k)s, IRAs, HSAs, and real estate shelter income, and how to spot illegal, abusive shelters.
How to Avoid Capital Gains Tax: 9 Legal Strategies (2026)
9 legal strategies to reduce capital gains tax in 2026, residence exclusion, tax-loss harvesting, 1031 exchanges, and more.
CD Rates in 2026: Are CDs Worth It Right Now?
Compare 2026 CD rates by term length, understand how CDs work, and calculate your return. Are certificates of deposit still a smart place for your cash?