Blog
The map of your money
Simple, ready-to-use articles on budgeting, debt, saving and financial freedom.
The wealth scorecard: five numbers to know
Income, expenses, margin, savings rate and net worth show where financial progress really stands.
How to start investing at every income level
As income grows, investing priorities shift from skills to asset allocation, tax and fund fees.
The costliest mistake in a market crash: the exit door
Panicking out in downturns and missing the recovery years sharply shrinks long-term savings; regular buying takes emotion out of the equation.
Black Monday 1987: the day protection backfired
In the 1987 crash, portfolio insurance and margin calls amplified the selling, while Fed liquidity support kept the crisis from spreading to the economy.
The hidden risk of "safe" investing: balance shifts over time
The difference between risk tolerance and risk capacity, and how a portfolio is rebalanced with age.
The bad news is out, yet the market is still looking for a twist
Oil tops $110 and cracks deepen in US housing, but crowded bearish bets keep the chance of a short-term rebound alive.
The 50/30/20 rule: how to budget around your salary
How to apply the 50/30/20 rule, which splits your income into needs, wants and savings, with a worked example and tips for when the ratios do not fit.
The minimum payment trap: the fastest way to clear credit card debt
Why does paying only the minimum on a credit card drag debt out? How to pay it off with a plan using the avalanche and snowball methods.
What is financial freedom? Coast FI, Lean FI and Fat FI
How much do you need to save for financial freedom? The 4% rule and the Coast FI, Lean FI, FI and Fat FI stops, explained in plain language.