Getting Started
12 articles in Getting Started
11 min read
How to Open Your First Taxable Brokerage Account (Step-by-Step)
Open your first taxable brokerage account in 30-45 minutes. Covers T+1 settlement rules, tax optimization, and asset location.
How to Start Investing: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to start investing with this step-by-step beginner's guide. Covers accounts, index funds, asset allocation, and the exact order of operations.
13 min read
Understanding Risk vs. Reward: Why They're the Same Thing
The fundamental truth about investing: risk and reward aren't opposites—they're the same force. How to harness this to build wealth.
How to Invest Money: Where to Put Your First $100, $1,000, or $10,000
Not sure how to invest money? This guide shows exactly where to put your first $100, $1,000, or $10,000 based on your goals and timeline.
Brokerage Account: What It Is, How to Open One, and Which to Choose
A brokerage account lets you buy stocks, ETFs, and bonds. Learn what it is, how to open one in minutes, and which broker is best for you.
Index Funds: What They Are, Why They Work, and How to Pick One
Index funds track the market, charge almost nothing, and beat most professionals. Learn what they are, why they work, and how to pick the right one.
ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: Which Is Better for Most Investors?
ETFs and mutual funds both hold baskets of investments, but differ in taxes, costs, and trading. See which one is better for your situation.
Dividend Investing: How to Build a Portfolio That Pays You
Dividend investing pays you regular income from stocks. Learn how dividends work, how to avoid yield traps, and how to build a portfolio that grows.
Compound Interest: How It Works and Why Starting Early Matters
Compound interest earns you interest on your interest. Learn the math, the Rule of 72, and why starting 10 years earlier can double your wealth.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Why Boring, Consistent Investing Wins
Dollar-cost averaging means investing the same amount on a regular schedule. Learn why this boring strategy beats market timing for most people.
How to Invest $20,000: Building a Portfolio for Passive Income
Got $20,000 to invest? Here's a step-by-step plan to build a portfolio that generates passive income through dividends, bonds, and REITs.
How to Invest $200K: Strategies for Monthly Income and Growth
How to invest $200K for reliable monthly income. A realistic portfolio generating ~$800/month through dividends, bonds, REITs, and covered call ETFs.