Investing — From the first $500 to a real portfolio.
Index funds, tax-advantaged accounts, rebalance rules, and what not to buy. The approach that works for people who don't want a second job watching charts.
This week's pick: How to Start Investing With $500
The two-fund portfolio that outperforms most advisors, the account to open first, and the automation rule that keeps you from tinkering.
All Investing guides
- How to Pick a Brokerage in 2026 (BEGINNER · 6 MIN). Fidelity vs. Schwab vs. Vanguard vs. the new ones — what breaks where, and where to pick.
- How to Build a Three-Fund Portfolio (BEGINNER · 7 MIN). The three funds, the ratios, and the 15-minute setup that beats 80% of actively managed accounts.
- How to Maximize Your 401(k) Without Cashflow Pain (INTERMEDIATE · 8 MIN). The contribution ladder that hits match, Roth, and catch-up — sequenced so your paycheck doesn't break.
- How to Decide Between a Roth and a Traditional IRA (INTERMEDIATE · 6 MIN). The break-even tax rate, the expected-rate-in-retirement question, and why the answer isn't what most blogs tell you.
- How to Rebalance Your Portfolio Once a Year (INTERMEDIATE · 5 MIN). The 5% drift rule, the calendar option, and why most people do this wrong (or not at all).
- How to Invest a Windfall (Lump Sum vs. DCA) (INTERMEDIATE · 7 MIN). The math says lump sum wins ~66% of the time. The psychology says DCA. How to pick for your actual situation.
- How to Read a Fund's Expense Ratio and Prospectus (BEGINNER · 6 MIN). The three numbers that matter, the fine print that costs you, and how a 0.5% fee eats 12% over 30 years.
- How to Stop Picking Individual Stocks (ADVANCED · 9 MIN). The behavioral case against stock-picking, the exit plan if you're already holding a portfolio, and what to do with the capital gains.
Most popular
- How to Start Investing With $500
- How to Build a Three-Fund Portfolio
- How to Maximize Your 401(k) Without Cashflow Pain
- How to Decide Between a Roth and a Traditional IRA