Money guides
Practical, carefully researched explanations of the financial topics that trip people up — without the jargon.
8 guides
Self-Employed
Quarterly Estimated Taxes: A Plain-English Guide for the Self-Employed
Who has to pay estimated taxes, how to calculate them, the four IRS deadlines, and how to avoid underpayment penalties.
4 min read
Self-Employed
Retirement Accounts for the Self-Employed: SEP IRA vs. Solo 401(k)
Compare the SEP IRA and Solo 401(k), learn how contribution limits work for business owners, and pick the right account for your situation.
3 min read
Expats
US Taxes for Americans Living Abroad: What You Still Owe
Why US citizens file even when living overseas, how the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and Foreign Tax Credit work, and what FBAR requires.
4 min read
Expats
Moving Abroad: A Financial Checklist Before You Go
Banking, credit, currency transfers, retirement accounts and insurance — the money tasks to handle before an international move.
3 min read
Budgeting
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule: How It Works and When to Adjust It
A simple framework for splitting take-home pay between needs, wants and savings — plus how to adapt it for high-cost cities and irregular income.
3 min read
Budgeting
How to Build an Emergency Fund (Even on a Tight Budget)
How much to save, where to keep it, and a step-by-step plan to build a cash cushion without derailing your other goals.
3 min read
Debt Freedom
Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche: Which Payoff Method Is Right for You?
How the two most popular debt payoff strategies work, what each one costs, and how to choose based on your numbers and your motivation.
3 min read
Debt Freedom
How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt: A Practical 5-Step Plan
Stop the balance growing, lower your interest rate, and pay off credit card debt for good with this practical, step-by-step plan.
3 min read