Investment Insights
Honest takes on investing, retirement, and personal finance. No sales pitches, no hidden agendas, just data and the occasional sarcastic commentary from a guy in Denver with a spreadsheet habit.
Ira Deduction Limits 2026 Inflation Adjustment
The IRS released the 2026 retirement contribution limits in October, and I immediately got three emails from clients asking the same question: "Should...
High Interest Rate Real Estate Investing 2026
My Brother-in-Law Wants to Buy a Rental at 6.7%. I Told Him to Run the Numbers First. Thanksgiving was awkward this year. Dave — my brother-in-law, no...
Compared Index Funds Six Months Wrong Color
I almost picked the wrong fund because of a color. Not a metaphorical color. A literal one. The performance chart on Vanguard's website used green for...
Denver Investment Climate Risk Tool
Why My Investment Comparison Tool Steered Me Wrong During the Climate Market Crash Marcus Thornton I was comparing two index funds on my investment to...
The Index Fund Argument I Lost To My Brother In Law At Thanksgiving
The Index Fund Argument I Lost to My Brother-in-Law at Thanksgiving It started with the stuffing. Or maybe the cranberry sauce. I am not sure which di...
Why Does My 401K Statement Look Like A Heartbeat
Why Does My 401(k) Statement Look Like a Heartbeat Monitor During a Panic Attack? Have you ever opened your 401(k) statement and felt like you were re...
Roth vs Traditional 401(k): Which Wins in 2026?
With new Roth catch-up requirements for high earners, the Roth vs Traditional debate just got more complicated. Here's how to think about it.
Tax Loss Harvesting: Complete Guide for 2026
Market downturns are painful, but they create tax-saving opportunities. Here's how to harvest losses legally and effectively without triggering wash s...
DRIP vs Cash Dividends: What the Numbers Show
I ran the numbers on every dividend strategy I've encountered in 14 years. Reinvesting versus taking cash creates a surprising gap over decades.
Asset Allocation by Age: A Practical Guide
Should a 30-year-old have the same portfolio as a 55-year-old? Heck no. Here's how to adjust your asset mix as you move through life's stages.
The Hidden Fees Eating Your Returns
That 1% annual fee sounds tiny, right? Over 30 years it could cost you more than $300,000. Let me show you exactly how fee drag works and how to fight...
2026 Retirement Contribution Limits: Complete Guide
The IRS just released the 2026 numbers. 401(k) goes up to $24,500, IRA to $7,500. Here's everything you need to know about catch-ups, super catch-ups,...
5 Compound Interest Myths That Cost You Money
Everyone talks about the magic of compounding, but nobody warns you about the myths that quietly drain your returns. Here's what Wall Street won't tel...
The Wash Sale Rule: What Investors Get Wrong
You sold at a loss and bought back 25 days later. Congratulations, the IRS just disallowed your deduction. Here's how to avoid this costly trap.
3 Employer Match Mistakes Costing You Thousands
I reviewed over 500 employee 401(k) statements last year. The same three mistakes showed up again and again. Are you making one of them?
Dividend Investing: A Beginner's Guide
Passive income from dividends sounds great, but there's more to it than picking high-yield stocks. Here's what 14 years of analysis has taught me.
The Rule of 72: Why It Still Matters in 2026
Double your money in 10 years at 7.2% returns. This old mental math trick is more useful than ever with AI-driven market volatility.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Complete Guide
Should you invest lump sums or spread them out? Dollar-cost averaging isn't just for beginners. Here's the data on why it works and when it doesn't.
Why Expense Ratio Is the Only Number That Matters
Past performance? Meaningless. Star ratings? Useless. The one metric that predicts your future wealth is the fee you pay. Here's the proof.
Do You Need International Stocks?
US investors love US stocks. But home bias could be costing you returns and increasing risk. Here's what the global data actually shows.
Catch-Up Contributions: Don't Leave Money on the Table
Turning 50 unlocks extra contribution room. Turning 60 unlocks even more. If you're not using catch-ups, you're voluntarily paying more taxes.
Capital Gains Tax Rates for 2026: What You'll Owe
Long-term vs short-term, brackets, and the net investment income tax. Here's your complete guide to capital gains taxes in 2026.