Life Stage Guides

Financial Guides by Life Stage

Your financial priorities change as you move through life. Find targeted guidance for wherever you are on your financial journey.

Stage 1

Starting Out (18-25)

Building your financial foundation

Stage 2

Career Building (25-35)

Growing income and wealth

Stage 3

Peak Earning (35-50)

Maximizing wealth accumulation

Stage 4

Pre-Retirement (50-65)

Preparing for the next chapter

Stage 5

Retirement (65+)

Managing wealth in retirement

All Guides

Guide

How to Start Investing: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn how to start investing with as little as $100. This step-by-step guide covers everything from choosing a brokerage to building your first portfolio.

12 min read
Guide

How to Improve Your Credit Score: Proven Strategies

Learn actionable strategies to boost your credit score. From reducing utilization to disputing errors, these steps can raise your score significantly.

10 min read
Guide

How to Manage Money: A Practical Guide for Beginners

Learn practical money management strategies that actually work. From tracking expenses to automating savings, master the fundamentals of handling your finances.

10 min read
Guide

How to Set and Achieve Financial Goals: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transform vague money wishes into achievable financial goals. Learn the SMART framework for goal setting and strategies to stay on track.

11 min read
Guide

How to Save Money: 25 Practical Strategies That Work

Discover proven money-saving strategies for every budget. From cutting expenses to automating savings, these tips help you save more without feeling deprived.

12 min read
Guide

Credit Utilization Explained: The 30% Rule and Beyond

Master credit utilization—the second most important factor in your credit score. Learn what it is, why it matters, and strategies to optimize it.

9 min read
Guide

Best Side Hustles in 2024: 20 Ways to Earn Extra Money

Discover the best side hustles to boost your income. From flexible gig work to scalable online businesses, find the right opportunity for your skills and schedule.

12 min read
Guide

How to Negotiate Salary: Scripts and Strategies That Work

Master salary negotiation with proven scripts and strategies. Learn when to negotiate, what to say, and how to get paid what you deserve.

11 min read
Guide

Passive Income Ideas: Build Wealth While You Sleep

Explore realistic passive income streams. From dividend investing to digital products, learn how to build income that works for you 24/7.

13 min read
Guide

Common Tax Deductions: Reduce Your Taxable Income

Discover tax deductions you might be missing. From above-the-line deductions to itemized expenses, learn how to legally lower your tax bill.

10 min read
Guide

401(k) Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Master your 401(k) retirement account. Learn contribution limits, employer matching, investment options, and strategies to maximize your retirement savings.

13 min read
Guide

How Much Should You Save for Retirement?

Calculate how much you need for retirement. Learn saving benchmarks, the 4% rule, and strategies to reach your retirement number.

12 min read
Guide

How to Buy Stocks: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn exactly how to buy your first stocks, from opening a brokerage account to placing your first trade. Step-by-step instructions for beginners.

12 min read
Guide

How to Analyze Stocks: Fundamental and Technical Analysis

Learn how to research and analyze stocks before investing. Master fundamental analysis, key financial metrics, and basic technical analysis for smarter investing.

16 min read

Not Sure Where to Start?

Take the Financial Health Quiz

Answer a few quick questions about your financial situation and we'll recommend the best guides and tools for your needs.