The short answer: to start investing, learn what to do first, which account to open and which simple low-cost funds to use. How to start investing covers each step, 2026 contribution limits and common mistakes.
- Retirement: how to save for retirement, what a Roth IRA is and how Social Security works.
- How growth works: compound interest, the rule of 72 and the free compound interest calculator.
- For kids: investing for kids and the 529 plan.
Guides
- Rule of 72The rule of 72 explained: divide 72 by your rate to see how fast money doubles. Chart of 17 rates, plus real savings, debt and inf…
- 401k contribution limits401k contribution limits for 2026: $24,500 for employees, $8,000 catch-up at 50+, $11,250 at 60 to 63 and $72,000 total, plus proj…
- 529 planA 529 plan is a tax-advantaged education savings account. See 2026 rules, what it covers, the $20,000 K-12 limit, Roth rollovers a…
- How to save for retirementHow to save for retirement at any age: how much to save, which accounts to use, 2026 401(k) and IRA limits, and simple steps to ca…
- How to start investingHow to start investing as a beginner: what to do first, which accounts to open, simple low-cost funds, 2026 contribution limits an…
- Investing for kidsA plain guide to investing for kids: custodial accounts, Roth IRAs for teens, Trump Accounts and 529s compared, plus steps, taxes …
- Roth IRAWhat a Roth IRA is, how tax-free growth works, the 2026 contribution and income limits, withdrawal rules, and simple steps to open…
- Social Security explainedHow Social Security works in 2027: who qualifies, how benefits are calculated, the 3.6% COLA, claiming at 62, 67 or 70, and spouse…
- What Is Compound InterestWhat is compound interest? Learn the formula, simple vs. compound interest, how compounding works on savings and debt, and steps t…
Free tools
- Compound Interest Calculator With Monthly ContributionsFree compound interest calculator with monthly deposits. Choose from 5 compounding options, daily to yearly, and see a year-by-yea…
- Investment Calculator: $10,000 Plus $300 a Month Is $196,665Free investment calculator: enter a starting amount, monthly deposit, return and years to see future value, total deposits, growth…
- Retirement Calculator: $25,000 Plus $500 a Month Is $1.19MFree retirement calculator: enter age, savings, monthly contribution and return to see a projected balance, total contributions an…
How to use this page
These are educational guides, not personal financial advice. Build an emergency fund first with saving money, and see taxes for how account choices affect what you owe.