Financial Q&A
Clear, direct answers to the most common money questions — each paired with a free calculator so you can run your own numbers.
How much house can I afford?
A common guideline is the 28/36 rule: spend no more than 28% of gross monthly income on housing…
Should I pay off debt or invest?
Compare interest rates. Pay off high-interest debt (above roughly 7-8%, like credit cards) before…
How does compound interest work?
Compound interest means you earn interest on both your original principal and on previously earned…
How much should I save for retirement?
A common target is saving 15% of gross income for retirement, aiming for a nest egg of about 25…
What is the 4% rule?
The 4% rule says retirees can withdraw 4% of their portfolio in the first year of retirement, then…
Roth IRA vs traditional IRA: which is better?
A traditional IRA gives a tax deduction now but taxes withdrawals in retirement; a Roth IRA is…
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to capture your full employer match — typically 3-6% of salary —…
Debt avalanche vs snowball: which is better?
The avalanche method (paying highest-interest debt first) is mathematically optimal — it minimizes…
Is renting or buying a home better?
Neither is universally better — it depends on how long you stay, local price-to-rent ratios, and…
How much emergency fund do I need?
Aim for 3-6 months of essential expenses — rent or mortgage, food, utilities, insurance, minimum…
How does inflation affect my savings?
Inflation erodes purchasing power: at 3% annual inflation, $10,000 buys only about $7,400 worth of…
What is a good dividend yield?
A sustainable dividend yield typically falls between 2% and 5%. The S&P 500 averages around 1.5%,…