Insights
Plain answers to the questions families ask us most. Every article lists its sources and is reviewed before it goes up.
Should I pay off my mortgage early?
Paying off a mortgage early gives a predictable benefit and the comfort of being debt-free. Here's how it compares with investing and why the source of the money matters.
How does the new $6,000 senior deduction work?
For tax years 2025 through 2028, people 65 and older can deduct an extra $6,000 each. This covers who qualifies, what it's worth, and how income reduces it.
How does a Trump Account work?
Trump Accounts are a new retirement account for children, with a one-time $1,000 federal contribution for kids born 2025 through 2028.
Is gold a good hedge against inflation?
Gold is sold as an inflation hedge and a crisis shelter. Price history since 1970 and the 2026 market drop show how it has behaved on both counts.
What happens if you miss the stock market's best months?
$1,000 in US stocks from 2000 grew to $8,736 by mid-2026. Missing the best six months cut that to $5,699. See why the best stretches are hard to catch.
How much cash should I hold in my portfolio?
Cash works best for spending you can already see. Since 1970, extra cash has cost a 70/30 portfolio about 20% of its ending value.
Why invest in international stocks when U.S. stocks have done so well?
From 2010 to 2025, business growth happened all over the world, and some of the fastest was outside the U.S. This compares earnings, book equity and prices by region.
Do the biggest companies in the S&P 500 stay on top?
Of the ten largest S&P 500 companies in 2000, only one was still in the top ten at the end of 2025. This looks at what happened to the rest and why it matters now.
Does cash keep up with inflation over the long run?
Since 1947, prices have risen more than fifteen-fold. A dollar kept in cash held about six cents of its buying power. Here's what has outpaced inflation.
How much does waiting to start investing cost?
$500 a month from age 25 grows to about $1.31 million by 65 at a hypothetical 7%. Starting at 45, the same finish takes $2,519 a month, five times as much.
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