Articles
Guides on 401(k) strategy, taxes, mortgages and retirement, with the IRS sources behind every number.
- The Free $1,000 for Your Kid: Who Qualifies and How to Claim ItThe $1,000 the government deposits for babies born 2025-2028 is real, but it is not automatic. Who qualifies, the deadline, the step-by-step claim on Form 4547, the extra $250 programs, and how to spot the scams. · 11 min read
- What Is a Trump Account? How the New $1,000 Baby Accounts Actually WorkTrump Accounts launched July 4, 2026. What they are (a traditional IRA for kids), who qualifies for the free $1,000, how to open one, the contribution rules, and how the taxes actually work - with IRS and Treasury sources. · 11 min read
- Should You Open a Trump Account? The Benefits and TradeoffsTake the free $1,000 if your kid qualifies - that part is easy. Whether to contribute your own $5,000 a year depends on one strategy: the Roth conversion. The full case for and against, the kiddie tax trap, and real projections. · 11 min read
- Trump Account vs 529: Which Should You Fund for Your Kid?A 529 is for education. A Trump Account is for retirement. A head-to-head comparison of taxes, limits, control, financial aid, and the two very different Roth pathways - plus the right order to fund them. · 8 min read
- Understanding Your Mortgage Payment: PITI, PMI, and the Math That Actually MattersA complete guide to mortgage payments: the 5 parts of PITI, how amortization works, when PMI drops off, what a 0.25% rate change really costs, and strategies for paying off early. · 5 min read
- Is It Safe to Retire at a Market Top? Hitting Your FIRE Number in a Melt-Up (2026)The S&P 500 is at all-time highs and CAPE just hit 41, its second-highest reading ever. If your FIRE number flipped from 'soon' to 'now' in the last six months, here is why that matters more than the dollar amount suggests. · 10 min read
- Roth vs Pre-Tax 401k: Which Is Better for You in 2026?A direct comparison of Roth and pre-tax 401k contributions for 2026. When each one wins, the actual tax math, FAQs, and the IRS rules behind it. · 8 min read
- Your 401k Doesn't Support Mega Backdoor Roth? Here's What to Do InsteadIf your employer's 401k plan doesn't offer after-tax contributions or in-plan Roth conversions, here are the best alternative strategies: Roth 401k, backdoor Roth IRA, Solo 401k, HSA, and more. · 7 min read
- How Much Should I Contribute to My 401k in 2026?A practical guide to choosing the right 401k contribution rate. Covers 2026 IRS limits, employer match, income-based scenarios, tax savings, and a step-by-step decision framework. · 6 min read
- 401k Contribution Strategy When Changing Jobs Mid-YearSwitching jobs mid-year? Learn how the $24,500 elective deferral limit is shared across employers, how 415(c) limits work per employer, rollover options, vesting schedules, and how to optimize your contributions at your new job. · 7 min read
- How to Avoid Losing Your 401k Employer Match When Front-LoadingFront-loading your 401k can cost you thousands in lost employer match. Learn how per-paycheck match works, what a true-up provision is, and how to pace contributions correctly. · 5 min read
- 401k Fund Types Explained: Index Funds, Target-Date Funds, ETFs, and MoreA beginner-friendly guide to the types of investments available in your 401k - index funds, target-date funds, mutual funds, ETFs, and company stock. How they work, what they cost, and how to choose. · 6 min read
- Pre-Tax vs Roth vs After-Tax 401k: All Three Compared (2026)A plain-English guide to all three types of 401k contributions: pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax. How each one works, when to use it, and how they interact with employer match. · 6 min read
- Retirement Savings Strategies for W2 Employees with Side IncomeSolo 401(k) vs SEP IRA vs SIMPLE IRA: how to maximize retirement savings when you have both W2 and 1099 income. Covers the pro-rata rule, mega backdoor Roth via solo 401(k), and when each option makes sense. · 8 min read
- The Backdoor Roth IRA: A Step-by-Step Guide for High EarnersHow to contribute to a Roth IRA when your income is too high. Step-by-step walkthrough, pro-rata rule explained, 5-year rules, and key mistakes to avoid. · 6 min read
- The Mega Backdoor Roth: A Complete Guide for 2026How to contribute up to $72,000 to your 401k using after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions. Includes 2026 IRS limits, step-by-step execution, and common pitfalls. · 4 min read