Guides · Honest math, no agenda
The money decisions people actually face
Every guide below walks through one real decision with the numbers shown, and links to the free calculator that runs it on your own figures. No sign-up, no ads.
Housing
Is Refinancing Worth It? The Trap Nobody Warns You About
A lower rate does not automatically mean less interest. See how a refinance can cut your monthly payment and still cost you more over the life of the
Rent vs Buy: The Honest Math Nobody Shows You
Is renting really throwing money away? Run the honest rent vs buy math — upfront costs, selling costs, and investing the difference — and see when re
Buy in a Good School District, or Pay for Private? The Real Math
Pay more for a home in a great district, or buy cheaper and pay private tuition? In a real example the pricier house wins by over $568,000, because a
Cars
How Much Car Can You Actually Afford? (Most People Get This Wrong)
Take-home pay is not your car budget. The true cost is payment plus insurance, fuel, and registration — and it has to fit under 10% of take-home. Here
Lease vs Buy a Car: Cheaper Now, Expensive Forever?
Leasing is cheaper over a single lease, but a lease payment never ends. Over 10 years, leasing costs about $109,000 versus $74,000 to buy and keep. He
Retirement
Coast FIRE: The Number That Lets You Stop Saving for Retirement
Coast FIRE is the amount invested today that grows into your full nest egg with zero further contributions. For a 32-year-old it can be about $355,000
Roth vs Traditional: Why "Always Roth" Is Wrong
"Always do Roth" is not always right. The decision comes down to one comparison: your tax rate now vs in retirement. See a case whe
Will Your Money Last? What $1M Really Buys in Retirement
The 4% rule says $1M supports $40k a year. Simulated across 1,000 markets, it lasts about 91% of the time, with a huge range of outcomes. Here is what