The Curriculum

Guides

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

Robo-advisor vs financial advisor cost and features comparison
Guides
Robo-Advisor vs Financial Advisor: Which One Do You Actually Need?

Robo-advisor vs financial advisor: a clear breakdown of costs, capabilities, and when each option makes sense for your financial situation.

Jul 28, 2026
Read More →
Emergency fund vs investing priority ladder — step-by-step guide
Guides
Emergency Fund First, Investing Second: The Order of Operations for Getting Your Finances Together

There's a right order for fixing your finances. Here's the step-by-step priority list that actually works, starting with the emergency fund.

Jun 23, 2026
Read More →
How to Start Investing With $100 — KatchingStacks
Guides
How to Start Investing With $100 (A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

You don't need thousands to start investing. Here's exactly what to do with your first $100, step by step.

Jun 16, 2026
Read More →
Best Robo-Advisors 2026 — KatchingStacks
Guides
Best Robo-Advisors of 2026: Ranked and Reviewed

The six best robo-advisors of 2026 ranked by fees, minimums, tax efficiency, and who each one is actually built for.

Jun 15, 2026
Read More →
What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? — KatchingStacks
Guides
What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? The Boring Strategy That Actually Works

Dollar-cost averaging is the most-recommended investing strategy for a reason. Here's what it is, why it works, and when it doesn't.

Jun 9, 2026
Read More →
How Compound Interest Works — KatchingStacks
Guides
How Compound Interest Works — And Why Starting at 25 vs 35 Is a $300,000 Difference

Compound interest isn't magic — it's math. Here's why a ten-year head start is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Jun 2, 2026
Read More →
What Is a Robo-Advisor? — KatchingStacks
Guides
What Is a Robo-Advisor? (And Should You Use One in 2026)

A robo-advisor is an automated investment platform that builds and manages a diversified portfolio for you — no stock-picking required. Here's how they work and whether one is right for you.

May 27, 2026
Read More →
What Is an Index Fund? — KatchingStacks
Guides
What Is an Index Fund? (And Why Warren Buffett Won’t Shut Up About Them)

Index funds are the quiet backbone of modern investing. Here's what they are, why they work, and how Warren Buffett thinks about them.

May 27, 2026
Read More →
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA — KatchingStacks
Guides
Roth IRA vs Traditional IRA: Which One Is Actually Better for You?

The Roth vs. Traditional IRA decision comes down to one question about your taxes. Here's how to answer it clearly.

May 26, 2026
Read More →