Beginner Guides
Foundational ETF guides for new investors — what an ETF is, how to buy one, and what the numbers actually mean.
11 articles
My First Year With VTI: What 12 Months of DCA Actually Looked Like
I started buying VTI in early 2020. Then COVID happened. Here's exactly what my first year as an ETF investor looked like, including the mistake that shaped the next five.
Leveraged ETFs: Why TQQQ Will Probably Destroy Your Portfolio
Leveraged ETFs promise 2x or 3x the daily returns of an index. They also promise something else: a high probability of losing most of your money. Here's why they're far more dangerous than they appear.
ETF Taxes Made Simple: What You'll Actually Owe
Confused about ETF taxes? This plain-English guide covers capital gains, dividends, tax-advantaged accounts, and the strategies that legally reduce what you owe the IRS.
7 ETF Investing Mistakes That Beginners Always Make
New to ETF investing? These are the most common mistakes that cost beginners real money — and the simple fixes for each one. Learn from others' expensive lessons.
How ETF Dividends Work: When You Get Paid and How Much
Confused about ETF dividends? This guide explains dividend yields, ex-dates, payout schedules, reinvestment, taxes, and how to actually calculate what you'll receive.
Dollar-Cost Averaging: Why "Boring" Investing Wins
Should you invest everything at once or spread it out over time? This guide explains dollar-cost averaging with real numbers, historical data, and practical advice for beginners.
How to Build Your First ETF Portfolio (Even With Just $100)
You don't need a fortune to start investing. This guide gives you three proven portfolio templates — from dead-simple to globally diversified — and shows how even small amounts grow into real wealth.
ETFs vs Mutual Funds vs Individual Stocks: What's the Real Difference?
Confused about the difference between ETFs, mutual funds, and individual stocks? This guide compares all three — cost, risk, flexibility, and which one makes sense for different investors.
How to Buy Your First ETF: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Ready to invest but don't know where to click? This practical guide walks you through choosing a brokerage, funding your account, and placing your very first ETF order.
What Is an ETF? A Plain-English Guide for Complete Beginners
Never invested before? This no-jargon guide explains what ETFs are, how they work, and why millions of people use them to build wealth — without picking individual stocks.