Investing Basics - SmartFinance Guide

Retirement Accounts (401(k), IRA, Roth IRA) Investing Basics

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Managing Withdrawals from Retirement Accounts After Age 73

1. Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, are a key concept for anyone with retirement savings in the United States. Once you reach a certain age—currently 73—you…

Aoi Takahashi May 18, 2025

Introduction to the Stock Market Investing Basics

How to Buy and Sell Stocks: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Investors

1. Understanding the Basics of Stock InvestingWhat Are Stocks?Stocks, also known as shares or equities, represent partial ownership in a company. When you buy a stock, you’re purchasing a small…

Aoi Takahashi May 17, 2025

How Mutual Funds and ETFs Work Investing Basics

The Role of Expense Ratios and Fees: Maximizing Returns in Mutual Funds and ETFs

1. Understanding Expense Ratios and FeesWhen you’re investing in mutual funds or ETFs in the U.S., one of the most important things to understand is how expense ratios and fees…

Aoi Takahashi May 16, 2025

Retirement Accounts (401(k), IRA, Roth IRA) Investing Basics

The Impact of Life Events (Marriage, Divorce, Job Change) on Your 401(k) and IRA

1. How Major Life Events Affect Your Retirement AccountsWhen big changes happen in life, like getting married, going through a divorce, or switching jobs, it’s not just your day-to-day routine…

Aoi Takahashi May 14, 2025

Introduction to the Stock Market Investing Basics

How to Build a Diversified Stock Portfolio in the U.S. Context

1. Understanding Diversification in the U.S. Stock MarketWhen you hear financial experts talk about building wealth in America, one term always stands out: diversification. But what exactly does it mean…

Aoi Takahashi May 10, 2025

How Mutual Funds and ETFs Work Investing Basics

How Fund Managers Influence Performance: Who’s Managing Your Money?

1. The Role of Fund Managers in Investment OutcomesWhen you invest in a mutual fund, ETF, or any managed investment product, you’re essentially trusting a fund manager to look after…

Aoi Takahashi May 6, 2025

Diversification and Asset Allocation Investing Basics

Tax Implications of Diversification and Asset Allocation in the U.S.

1. Overview of Diversification and Asset AllocationDiversification and asset allocation are two core principles in building a smart investment strategy, especially for U.S.-based investors. Understanding these concepts is crucial not…

Aoi Takahashi May 3, 2025

How to Start Investing with Little Money Investing Basics

Stocks, ETFs, and More: Where to Invest When You Have Limited Funds

1. Getting Started: Investing When Money Is TightIf you’re living in the U.S. and thinking about investing but feel limited by your budget, you’re not alone. Many Americans start their…

Aoi Takahashi May 2, 2025

How to Start Investing with Little Money Investing Basics

How to Build Wealth from Scratch: Starting Your Investment Journey with Little Money

1. Understanding the Basics of Wealth BuildingWhat Does Wealth-Building Really Mean?When most people think of wealth, they imagine having a big house, fancy cars, or a huge bank account. But…

Aoi Takahashi May 2, 2025

How to Start Investing with Little Money Investing Basics

The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Investing with $100 or Less

Understanding the Basics of InvestingIf you think investing is only for the wealthy, think again! With just $100 or even less, you can take your first step towards building wealth.…

Aoi Takahashi May 2, 2025