Beginner Articles
Articles for those new to stock market investing
Choosing a Stock Brokerage: Account Types, Fees, and What to Compare
Before buying your first stock, you need a brokerage. Learn the difference between taxable, IRA, and Roth accounts, compare full-service vs discount vs robo-advisor platforms, and understand commission-free trading, execution quality, and how to switch later.
Bull vs Bear Markets: What Every Investor Should Know
Understand the difference between bull and bear markets, what drives them, how long they last, and the strategies that help investors thrive in both environments.
Inflation and Investing: Protect Your Portfolio's Purchasing Power
Inflation silently erodes wealth. Learn how different asset classes respond to inflation and how to build a portfolio that stays ahead of rising prices.
International Investing: Global Diversification for US Investors
The US is only 60% of global markets. Learn how international stocks improve diversification, how to invest in them simply, and how much exposure to hold.
Bond Investing Basics: How Bonds Work and When to Use Them
Bonds are the foundation of conservative portfolios. Learn how they work, key terminology, and when to add them to your investment mix.
ESG Investing: How to Align Your Portfolio With Your Values
ESG investing evaluates companies on environmental, social, and governance criteria. Learn how it works and whether it belongs in your portfolio.
Behavioral Finance: The Biases That Cost Investors Money
Most investors underperform because of psychology, not bad stock picks. Learn the key cognitive biases and how to overcome them.
Mutual Funds Explained: Active vs Passive and When to Use Each
Mutual funds pool investor money into diversified portfolios. Learn the difference between active and passive funds and how to choose the right one.
Asset Allocation by Age: The Glide Path to Retirement
Your asset allocation should change as you age. Learn the glide path concept, the 100-minus-age rule, and how target date funds automate the process.