401(k) vs IRA – how to save for retirement in the USA
A comparison of retirement accounts: employee 401(k), Traditional/Roth IRA, limits for 2026, employer match, and how to choose.
🇺🇸 USA Guide: Investing and retirement
IRA, 401(k), Roth conversions, RMD, ETFs, annuities, IUL, dividends, the 4% rule, wealth planning for retirement.
Advisory Fees: When It's Worth Paying for Financial Advice
How advisors are paid in the USA: hourly rate, flat fee, percentage of assets, commissions, load, margins, and wrap fee; fiduciary vs. Regulation Best Interest, Form CRS and Form ADV, the cost of 1% in dollars, how to check an advisor, and a guide to choosing the type of assistance needed.
Safe Withdrawal Rate: How Much Can You Take from Savings Each Year
The origin of the 4% rule (Bengen's 1994 study: 4% in the first year, then adjusted for inflation, never less than 33 years based on U.S. data) and its limitations, flexible withdrawal rules, RMD at ages 73 or 75 (3.77% balance at age 73, 25% penalty), and taxes on withdrawals.
Growth or Income Before Retirement: How to Divide Savings
Stocks provide growth, while bonds, interest, and cash provide income, but the key is the allocation between them before retirement. Sequence of returns risk illustrated, SEC rules on allocation and target date funds, interest rate risk, FDIC, Treasury bonds, and I bonds (4.26%).
Whole Life Insurance with Cash Value: Investment or Trap?
This guide explains how whole life insurance with cash value works, the costs of surrendering it, how loans function, tax implications (benefits, surrender, MEC), and whether it truly protects against estate tax, along with a comparison to term insurance and a list of questions to ask before signing.
How Much Does a 1.2% Management Fee Cost Over 30 Years?
A 1.2% annual fee may seem innocuous, but in a $100,000 example at 7% annually over 30 years, it takes away about $220,000 compared to a fund with 0.05%. We explain the source of this difference, what fees you pay, and where to check them (Form CRS, ADV, prospectus, FINRA Fund Analyzer).
Retirement Income Planning for Poles in the USA
Social Security, employee pension, 401(k), IRA, Roth, and ZUS pension: how each of these sources is taxed, when withdrawals must begin (RMD at age 73), what changes the repeal of WEP in 2025 brings, and how the order of withdrawals affects taxes and Medicare premiums.
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: Which is Better for You
A comparison of Roth IRA and Traditional IRA according to the rules for 2026: contribution limit of $7,500 ($8,600 for 50+), income limits for Roth and deductions, tax-free withdrawals, RMD starting at age 73 or 75, conversion, and caution with backdoor Roth.
RMD (Required Minimum Distributions): what it is and how it works
When to start minimum withdrawals from IRA and 401(k): 73 years for those born between 1951–1958, 75 years for those born in 1960 or later. How to calculate RMD from IRS tables, deadlines, QCD up to $111,000, and a 25% tax (10% for quick correction) for failure to withdraw.
Earning from Covered Calls – Risks and Realities
Learn how ETF funds with a covered call strategy work, their risks, and potential returns, and understand if this strategy is suitable for you as a retiree.
Investing in Dividends in Retirement: How to Do It Wisely?
Are you considering investing in dividends during retirement? Learn how to build a portfolio that provides stable income while minimizing risk, and understand the differences between the dividend philosophy and total return, as well as the benefits of dividend ETFs.
HYSA – How to Find the Best Savings Accounts?
Wondering how to choose the best savings account? Learn what to consider when selecting a HYSA, the benefits of FDIC insurance, and when it might be better to choose a CD or Treasury bonds.
Treasury Bonds, CDs, and Money Market Funds: What to Choose?
Are you wondering where to invest your savings? We compare Treasury bonds, CDs, and money market funds in terms of safety and profitability to help you determine the best option for you.
How to Protect Your Wealth from Inflation: Effective Investment Strategies
Inflation can significantly impact the value of your savings; learn how to effectively protect your wealth from loss of value through various investment strategies such as TIPS, I-Bonds, real estate, and more.
How to Invest After Age 60: A Guide for Seniors
Investing after age 60 can be challenging, but with the right strategy, you can secure your financial future. Learn how to build a balanced portfolio that includes stocks, bonds, and dividends.
When Does Annuity Make Sense? A Guide to Annuity in the USA
Learn when investing in an annuity is beneficial, with specific use cases like SPIA and QLAC that can provide financial stability in retirement.
Is Annuity Safe? Understand the Risks and Protections
Are you wondering if investing in an annuity is safe? Learn about the risks associated with insurers, state guarantees, and the importance of diversification.
SPIA or Deferred Annuity? What to Choose for Retirement?
Are you wondering whether to choose SPIA (Single Premium Immediate Annuity) or a deferred annuity? Learn about the differences, when to consider SPIA as a long-term retirement security, and the common mistakes Poles in the USA make.
Fixed Annuity vs Variable Annuity: Which to Choose?
Considering an investment in an annuity? Learn about the differences between fixed and variable annuities, their advantages and disadvantages, and which one better suits your financial needs.
Annuity – advantages, disadvantages, and risks you need to know
Considering investing in an annuity? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of this insurance product that can provide you with a steady income. Read our guide to avoid pitfalls and make informed decisions.
Indexed Universal Life (IUL) – scam or strategy?
Are you wondering if IUL is a wise investment or a trap? Learn how these policies work, what risks they carry, and whether they are worth considering in the context of your finances.
Fiduciary vs broker – a huge difference in personal finance
Understand the differences between a fiduciary and a broker to make better financial decisions and learn how regulations affect your interests.
How Fund Management Costs Affect Your Retirement
Learn how differences in fund management costs can impact your retirement savings by comparing active funds with index funds to highlight the importance of the expense ratio.
Hidden Fees in Investing – How Much Are You Really Losing?
Do you know how much investing really costs you? Discover hidden fees that can significantly impact your savings over the years, understand the mechanisms, and learn how to avoid financial traps.