An educational resource for people who want to invest wisely—without unnecessary complexity or “secret strategies.” The site breaks down the mechanics of investing: index funds, dividend-paying stocks, tax optimization, retirement accounts, and real estate as an investment vehicle.
25+ consecutive years of increasing dividends sounds like a screen for quality. It's also a screen that includes companies cutting R&D to make the streak.
A 2% yielder growing dividends 10% annually pays more in cash after 18 years than a 6% yielder with flat payouts. The math compounds faster than most expect.
SCHD yields 3.5% with dividend growth. VYM yields 2.9% with market-cap weighting. DVY yields 3.8% but has sector concentration issues.
Twelve stocks paying quarterly on staggered cycles produce monthly income. Or one ETF. Here's what the real yield looks like at a $100,000 portfolio.
Cash out. Leave it. Roll to new 401(k). Roll to IRA. Three of these are wrong for almost every person. The one that works almost always is usually the default nobody chooses.
You're borrowing your own money at 8.5% interest that you pay back to yourself. Sounds fine. Then you lose your job and the whole thing becomes due in 60 days.
Both let you stash $70,000+ per year. The solo 401(k) wins for most, but the SEP-IRA wins for two specific situations that sneak up on side-hustlers.
The 2055 fund is probably your default. It's also holding 15% bonds you don't need at 35, and charging 0.65% for the privilege. The math says rebuild it.
A 50% match on the first 6% is a 50% instant return. Nothing else comes close. Here's how to maximize it without screwing up your paycheck cash flow.
Non-spouse heirs must drain inherited IRAs in 10 years. Do it wrong and half goes to taxes in one year. The distribution strategy matters more than the investment choice.
From age 55 through 70, most earners hit a rare tax window where converting traditional IRA money to Roth costs less than it ever will again.
If your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions, you can sock away $46,000 per year on top of the regular $23,500.