Private Equity in Your 401(k): Six Questions to Ask Before Opting In
The DOL's proposed rule would open 401(k)s to private equity. Before you opt in, get answers on fees up to 3.76%, real liquidity traps, and 2025 performance data.
Articles by Penny Ledger
Consumer Sentiment at Record Low: Your Recession Money Playbook
Consumer sentiment hit a record low of 47.6 in 2026 — but it has been wrong about recession two out of three times. Here's how to act on your actual finances, not the fear number.
Tariff Price Increases by Category: What Costs More and the Best Swap for Each
Tariff price increases on household products in 2026: electronics, groceries, toys, and more. Get the dollar hit by category and one cheaper swap for each.
Mortgage Rate Drop 2026: 4 Tests to Know If You Should Refinance
A quarter-point mortgage rate drop in 5 days sounds big. Run these 4 pass/fail tests to find out if today's rates actually make refinancing worth it for you.
Iran Ceasefire Gas Prices: Your Two-Week Action Plan
Oil fell 15% overnight after the Iran ceasefire — but gas relief is partial and temporary. Here's what to expect at the pump and what to do with your energy portfolio before April 21.
Student Loan Wage Garnishment 2026: The 15-Business-Day Deadline Most Guides Get Wrong
Most guides say 30 days. Federal law gives you 15 business days to stop student loan wage garnishment. Here's what to do right now while collections are paused.
401(k) Down? The Age-Based Action Checklist for Right Now
If your 401(k) is down from the tariff selloff, the right move depends on your age. This checklist walks through age-based options to consider — from your 20s to your 60s.
Recession-Proof Your Budget in 2026: The Tariff-Era Survival Guide
Tariffs are already costing households up to $1,340/year. Recession-proof your budget now with this step-by-step tariff-era survival guide. See the full breakdown.
How to Invest in OpenAI Through ARKK — What It Actually Means
ARK Invest bought $240M in OpenAI via ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF. Here's what retail investors actually own, the real risks, and what to know before the OpenAI IPO.
EV Breakeven Math at $4 Gas: Does an EV Make Financial Sense in 2026?
Gas hit $4.08/gallon. Here's the EV breakeven math for used buyers, high-mileage drivers, and low-mileage drivers — personalized to your numbers, not national averages.
Summer Flights 2026: Which Miles and Points Programs Still Work After the Devaluations
A wave of devaluations broke popular award travel strategies in late 2025. Here's which miles and points programs survived, the live deals worth booking now, and how to get there.
$8,000 Short: Why the Standard Emergency Fund Rule Fails in 2026
The 3-6 month emergency fund rule hasn't changed since 2019. Your expenses have — by 25%. Here's the actual 2026 math to find your real number, starting with the $2,000 that research shows makes the biggest difference.
5% Savings Rates Won't Last: How to Lock In Before the Fed Cuts
High-yield savings accounts still pay 5% APY — but Fed rate cuts are coming. Learn which HYSAs to open and how to use CD laddering to lock in rates now.
Last-Minute Tax Filing Tips for April 15, 2026: What to Do If You're Not Ready
April 15 is 17 days away. Here's exactly what to do if you haven't filed yet — whether you need an extension, can't pay in full, or are starting from scratch.
4 New Tax Deductions in 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Claim Them
Four brand-new tax deductions could boost your 2026 refund — but only if you claim them correctly. Here's who qualifies, how to file, and what mistakes to avoid.