Independent financial education, without the noise
FinSight is a reader-supported publication covering personal finance, investing, retirement planning and economic news. We explain how money works, what the numbers mean, and where to look for reliable information.
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Trusted by readers who plan ahead
FinSight is cited by personal finance educators, retirement planners and independent investment researchers. Here is what readers and contributors say about the clarity of our guides.
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4.8 / 5
"The ETF expense ratio breakdown saved me from a fund that would have cost an extra $11,000 over thirty years. The math was laid out in plain terms."
Reader review, verified purchase of the ETF guide -
120+
"I assign the 50/30/20 explainer to my financial literacy students. It is the first resource that shows both the rule and its real-world limits without overselling."
High school economics teacher, Brisbane -
18
"The dollar-cost averaging article walks through three market cycles with actual numbers. No hype, no guaranteed returns, just honest historical context."
Independent investment researcher, contributor since 2023 -
0
"I appreciate that FinSight does not push products or promise unrealistic gains. The retirement planning checklist is the most grounded one I have found."
Retirement planning reader, newsletter subscriber
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ETF and a mutual fund?
ETFs trade on exchanges throughout the day like individual stocks, while mutual funds are priced once at market close. ETFs typically have lower expense ratios and greater tax efficiency, but mutual funds allow fractional investing without worrying about share prices. Your choice depends on your brokerage, investment size, and how hands-on you want to be.
How much should I save for retirement each month?
A common guideline is to save 15% of your pre-tax income, but the right number depends on when you start, your target retirement age, and expected living costs. If you begin in your twenties, 10% may suffice; starting later often requires 20% or more. Use a retirement calculator with conservative return assumptions around 5-6% to find your personal figure.
Is dollar-cost averaging better than investing a lump sum?
Historically, lump-sum investing tends to outperform dollar-cost averaging about two-thirds of the time because markets generally rise over long periods. However, dollar-cost averaging reduces the emotional strain of entering a volatile market and can be easier to sustain as a habit. The best approach is the one you can stick with consistently.
What is a reasonable emergency fund size?
Most financial planners recommend keeping three to six months of essential expenses in a liquid, low-risk account. If your income is irregular or you work in a volatile industry, aim toward the higher end. Keep this money in a high-yield savings account rather than the stock market, since you may need it quickly during a downturn.
How do I evaluate a stock before buying it?
Start with the company's financial statements: revenue growth, profit margins, debt levels, and free cash flow. Compare its price-to-earnings ratio against industry peers and its own historical range. Consider qualitative factors like competitive advantages, management quality, and industry trends. No single metric tells the full story, so weigh several together.
What should I know before opening a brokerage account?
Compare account fees, minimum deposit requirements, and available investment products. Check whether the platform offers fractional shares, automatic investing, and tax-advantaged account types like IRAs. Confirm the broker is regulated and insured by a recognized authority. Read the fee schedule carefully, since trading commissions and account maintenance fees vary widely.
Still have questions about your financial situation? Reach out through our contact page and we will point you to the right resources.
Practical Tools for Everyday Financial Decisions
FinSight is built around the belief that good money habits come from clear information, not guesswork. The resources below cover the core areas we return to most often in our guides and articles, each one aimed at a specific decision you might face this year.
Budgeting
Track spending without the spreadsheet fatigue
Investing
Compare ETFs and index funds on cost and structure
Retirement
Estimate how much to set aside for a target income
News literacy
Separate market noise from signals that matter
Debt management
Prioritize repayments with a simple interest-first view
Tax awareness