Topic Index

All of our guides in one place, topic by topic.

Paychecks and Taxes (4)

Pay stubs, withholding, filing and side income.

  1. Filing Your First Federal Tax Return
  2. How to Fill Out a W-4 Without Guessing
  3. Reading Your Pay Stub, Line by Line
  4. Taxes on Side-Gig Income, Explained Simply

Retirement Accounts (4)

401(k) plans, IRAs and rollovers.

  1. 401(k) Basics for Your First Job
  2. 401(k) Vesting Schedules: When Your Match Is Really Yours
  3. Traditional or Roth IRA? How to Decide
  4. What to Do With a 401(k) From an Old Job

Workplace Benefits (4)

Health plans, HSAs, FSAs and open enrollment.

  1. Before You Accept a Job Offer: The Benefits Checklist
  2. HSA or FSA? How to Choose
  3. Open Enrollment Terms to Know
  4. PPO vs. HDHP: Comparing Your Health Plan Choices

Insurance for New Earners (4)

Renters, auto and disability cover.

  1. Before You Get Your First Car Insurance Quote
  2. Comprehensive vs. Collision: What Each Auto Coverage Pays For
  3. Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Disability Coverage
  4. What Is Renters Insurance and What Does It Cover?

Investing Basics (3)

Index funds, compounding and checking a broker.

  1. Compound Growth and Why Starting Early Matters
  2. How to Check a Broker or Financial Adviser
  3. Index Funds in Plain English

Big Purchases (3)

Saving for and financing a car or first home.

  1. How Long Should My Car Loan Be?
  2. Is It Cheaper to Buy or Lease a Car?
  3. Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Car

Budgeting and Saving (2)

A first budget and an emergency fund.

  1. A First-Timer’s Guide to Tracking Your Spending
  2. Getting Started With Paying Yourself First

Debt and Credit (2)

Student loans, credit cards and building a score.

  1. Does Paying Rent Really Build Your Credit?
  2. Why Your Student Loan Balance Keeps Growing