Posts
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The 0% Capital Gains Bracket
The 0% long-term capital gains bracket lets early retirees harvest gains tax-free. Here's how it works, who qualifies, and the ACA subsidy tension you need to know.
10 min read -
Lump Sum vs Dollar-Cost Averaging
Lump sum beats DCA two-thirds of the time. But DCA beats doing nothing. Here's the math, the Vanguard data, and when each one actually makes sense.
10 min read -
Bonds: When to Actually Add Them
A 28-year-old accumulator probably needs 0% bonds. That changes as you approach your FIRE number. Here's exactly when and how to make the shift.
11 min read -
Do You Need International Stocks?
VXUS vs. VTI-only: the oldest Boglehead argument. Here's what the data says, where Bogle and Vanguard disagreed, and a concrete allocation range to pick from.
9 min read -
Health Insurance Before 65
The biggest unsolved FIRE problem: health insurance before Medicare. Here's how ACA subsidies, MAGI management, and Roth conversions change the math entirely.
12 min read -
The Roth Conversion Ladder
Access your 401k before 59.5 without the 10% penalty. The Roth conversion ladder is how early retirees bridge the gap, here's the full mechanics.
10 min read -
Emergency Fund: How Much Is Enough?
3-6 months is the generic advice. Here's how to calibrate your emergency fund by job stability, income type, and what else you can access in a crisis.
11 min read -
Financial Order of Operations
Where your next dollar should go, in exact priority order. A deterministic flowchart for engineers who want the math to make the decision, not vibes.
11 min read -
Roth vs Traditional: Which One?
Roth vs Traditional isn't a personality quiz. It's a math problem. Here's the break-even logic, the tax-diversification argument, and when each one wins.
9 min read -
Monarch Money: The Best Mint Replacement?
Mint shut down in 2024. Monarch Money is the best replacement for passive trackers, great net worth dashboard, multi-user support, and solid mobile app.
8 min read -
YNAB Review: Is $109/Year Worth It?
YNAB costs $109/year and has a real 2-3 month learning curve. Here's who it transforms, and who should skip it and use Monarch Money instead.
8 min read -
Rolling Over Your Old 401k: A Checklist
Left a job with an old 401k sitting there? Here's exactly what to do, all four options, the direct vs indirect rollover trap, and a step-by-step checklist.
9 min read
