Articles tagged “investing”

5 articles

markets9 min read
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September Really Is the Stock Market's Worst Month — Here's What 75 Years of Data Actually Shows

The S&P 500 has averaged a -0.6% return in September since 1950, with more losing years than winning ones. Here's what that statistic does and doesn't mean for what you should do with your portfolio this month.

SmartRates Editorial Team

August 30, 2026

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general6 min read
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Pay Off Debt or Invest? In 2026 the Math Is Unusually Easy

It's the most common money question there is, and most years the answer is genuinely 'it depends.' This year, with card rates near 23% and savings near 5%, it mostly doesn't.

SmartRates Editorial Team

June 26, 2026

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markets6 min read
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Fidelity vs. Charles Schwab: Which Brokerage Should You Actually Open in 2026?

These two come up together constantly, and for good reason — they're remarkably similar on paper. Here's where they actually differ once you get past the marketing pages.

SmartRates Editorial Team

June 10, 2026

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markets7 min read
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The 5 Best Online Brokerage Accounts in 2026

Commission-free trading is now table stakes, so the real differences between brokers come down to research tools, account types, and what happens to your cash when it's not invested. Here's how the big ones stack up.

SmartRates Editorial Team

June 10, 2026

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retirement10 min read
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Roth IRA vs 401(k): Which Should You Prioritize in 2026?

Both accounts offer powerful tax advantages, but the right choice depends on your income, tax bracket, and when you expect to retire. Here's how to decide.

SmartRates Editorial Team

June 9, 2026

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