Guides
Straight answers on retirement, IRAs, and investing, backed by primary sources. No sales pitch.
Traditional IRA
What is a traditional IRA?
The 2026 contribution limit, exactly when your contribution is deductible, and what happens when it is not.
Nicolas Straut · August 21, 2026
Roth IRA
The key differences between a Roth and traditional IRA
Contribution limits, deductions, RMDs and early withdrawals compared, then how to work out your own break-even tax rate.
Nicolas Straut · August 21, 2026
Roth IRA
6 best Roth IRA accounts
Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Robinhood and more compared on account minimums, fees and investment selection.
Nicolas Straut · August 21, 2026
Roth IRA
What is a backdoor Roth IRA?
How the two-step nondeductible-contribution-then-conversion sequence works, the pro-rata rule, and how to report it on Form 8606.
Nicolas Straut · August 19, 2026
Roth IRA
What is a mega backdoor Roth?
How the 401(k) after-tax-then-conversion strategy works, the 2026 dollar limits, and whether your plan actually allows it.
Nicolas Straut · August 19, 2026
Retirement planning
What is FIRE (financial independence, retire early)?
The savings-rate math behind the crossover point, the 25x-33x target, and how to reach retirement money before 59½.
Nicolas Straut · August 19, 2026
Roth IRA
What is a Roth IRA?
The 2026 contribution and income limits, exactly when your five-year clock starts, and the order withdrawals actually come out in.
Nicolas Straut · August 14, 2026
Broker reviews
Is Robinhood worth it in 2026?
Fees, safety, and whether the $5-a-month Gold subscription pays for itself.
Nicolas Straut · August 11, 2026
Advisor reviews
Empower review 2026
What the free dashboard does, what each paid tier costs, and how it compares to Betterment and Wealthfront.
Nicolas Straut · August 11, 2026
Retirement planning
How much money do you need to retire?
The 25x rule, the 4% withdrawal rate, and how to turn a spending number into a savings target.
Nicolas Straut · July 30, 2026