Learn

Easy guides

Short, simple reads about investing and retiring early. Each one links to a calculator so you can try your own numbers.

Retirement strategy

Growth now, dividends later: switching your strategy before you retire

Grow fast while you work, then switch to dividend funds so your money pays you without selling shares.

Retire early

How much money do I need to retire early?

The simple math behind your freedom number, with tables for every budget.

Fund face-off

VOO vs QQQM: which is better for long-term investing?

500 companies or 100 tech leaders? Fees, returns and risk, side by side.

Paycheck investing

How much will $200 a paycheck grow if you invest it?

Tables for monthly, biweekly and weekly paychecks over 10 to 40 years.

Accounts & taxes

Roth vs 401(k) vs brokerage account: which is best if you retire early?

Taxes and penalties compared, with 2026 rules and an age-45 example.

Savings

High-yield savings account vs CD: which should you pick in 2026?

Flexible or locked in? Rates, examples and when to use each one.

Basics

What is compound interest? A simple explanation with examples

How money earns money on its money, with easy examples.

Basics

The Rule of 72: how fast will your money double?

One quick division tells you how many years it takes to double your money.

Fund face-off

SCHD vs VYM: which dividend ETF is better?

Two popular dividend funds compared: yield, holdings, fees and growth.

Getting started

How to start investing with little money

You don't need much to start. Simple steps and what small amounts can become.

Basics

Do ETF fees really matter? How expense ratios shrink your money

A 1% fee can cost you over $270,000. Here's how small fees add up.

Retire early

Coast FIRE explained: when can you stop saving for retirement?

Save hard early, then let growth carry you to retirement.

Savings

How big should your emergency fund be, and where should you keep it?

How much to save for surprises, and where your emergency money should live.

Dividends

Should you reinvest your dividends? DRIP explained

What reinvesting adds over time, and when taking cash makes sense.

Fund face-off

VOO vs VTI: what's the difference, and which should you buy?

The S&P 500 or the whole U.S. market? They're closer than you think.

Retire faster

Your 401(k) match is free money. Here's how to get all of it

The easiest raise you'll ever get. How matches work and how much you could miss.

Retire faster

ESPP explained: how to use your company's stock discount to retire faster

Buy company stock at up to 15% off, then turn it into retirement money.