Blog Category
Personal finance guides on budgeting, saving, and making smart money decisions.
8 articles
HYSAs up to 4.34%, T-bills at 3.67%, 12-month CDs to 4.40%, I bonds at 4.26%. A time-horizon framework for exactly where to keep cash in 2026.
August 15, 2026 · 16 min readI Bond composite rate: 4.26% (0.90% fixed + 3.34% variable, May–Oct 2026). TIPS 10-year real yield: 2.31% — highest since pre-pandemic. Full comparison of purchase limits, tax treatment, phantom income, liquidity, and scenario-by-scenario winner analysis. Plus TIPS ETFs: VTIP, SCHP, TIP.
July 29, 2026 · 12 min readReal estate vs. stocks: historical returns, leverage effects, tax advantages (depreciation, 1031 exchange), REITs, 20-year wealth simulations, and a decision framework for every investor type.
July 27, 2026 · 13 min readTrump accounts (MAGA accounts) vs 529 plans: $5K vs $19K limits, $1K government seed, tax treatment, investment options, and which wins by scenario — college, home purchase, business startup. Full 2026 comparison.
July 24, 2026 · 12 min readHSA 2026 limits: $4,400 (self) / $8,750 (family). The only triple tax-advantaged account — deductible, grows tax-free, withdraws tax-free. The receipt-matching strategy. Priority waterfall vs Roth IRA and 401(k).
June 20, 2026 · 12 min readUpdated Aug 2026: SoFi 3.80%, Marcus 3.40%, Synchrony 3.30% — HYSA rates have fallen with Fed cuts but still beat the 0.38–0.62% national average by 6–10x. 3–6 months of expenses target, HYSA vs money market funds vs T-bills compared.
June 20, 2026 · 12 min read529 2026: $19,000 annual gift limit, $95,000 superfunding, K-12 limit raised to $20,000. 529-to-Roth IRA rollover now permanent. Best plans: Utah my529, Illinois Bright Start, NY 529 (0.11% ER). Full guide.
June 20, 2026 · 12 min readUpdated Aug 2026: 30-year rates are averaging 6.67% (Freddie Mac), landing right in the close-call zone. A complete breakdown by rate, risk tolerance, tax situation, and time horizon — for homeowners at every stage.
June 10, 2026 · 12 min read