The Curriculum

Guides

Plain guides to investing, index funds, and building wealth.

Guides
How to Switch Robo-Advisors Without a Surprise Tax Bill

Moving a robo-advisor account is not taxable; selling is. How to transfer in-kind, what gets sold anyway, and the wash-sale trap.

Sep 30, 2026
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HSA vs. 401(k)
Guides
HSA vs. 401(k): Which Should You Max Out First in 2026?

HSA vs 401k: see why the HSA's triple tax advantage often beats even a Roth, and the right order to fund both in 2026.

Sep 14, 2026
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401(k) vs. Robo-Advisor
Guides
401(k) vs. Robo-Advisor: Where Should Your Next Dollar Go?

401k vs robo advisor: get the match first, then choose based on taxes and flexibility. Here's the framework that actually settles it.

Sep 10, 2026
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Avalanche vs. Snowball
Guides
Debt Avalanche vs. Snowball: Which Payoff Method Actually Works?

Debt avalanche vs snowball: the real math, the real psychology, and a simple framework for picking the method you'll actually finish.

Sep 7, 2026
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How Much to Keep in Savings
Guides
How Much Should You Really Keep in a High-Yield Savings Account?

Learn how much to keep in high-yield savings — the simple formula based on essential expenses, not gross income.

Sep 3, 2026
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Traditional vs. Roth 401(k)
Guides
Traditional 401(k) vs Roth 401(k): Which Is Right for You in 2026?

Traditional 401k vs Roth 401k in 2026: how the tax break, contribution limits, and employer match differ — and which one wins for you.

Aug 27, 2026
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Pay Off Debt or Invest?
Guides
Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest First? The Order of Operations

Should you pay off debt or invest first? Here's the math-based rule of thumb, the 401(k) match exception, and what to do with each debt type.

Aug 24, 2026
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Index Fund vs. ETF
Guides
Index Fund vs ETF: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Index fund vs ETF: a clear breakdown of the key differences in trading, taxes, minimums, and automatic investing — and how to choose the right one.

Aug 18, 2026
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The 401(k) Match
Guides
What Is a 401(k) Match, and How Do You Get the Most From Yours?

A 401k match is free money from your employer — but only if you contribute enough to earn it. Here's how to calculate and claim all of yours.

Aug 13, 2026
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How to Invest in Index Funds
Guides
How to Invest in Index Funds: A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide (2026)

How to invest in index funds: choosing the right brokerage, picking funds, setting your allocation, and building a portfolio that grows for decades.

Aug 4, 2026
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