Series I Bonds Explained: Composite Rate, Inflation Math, Tax
Understand how Series I savings bonds work, including the composite rate formula, inflation adjustments, 12-month lockup, early penalties, and tax rules.
investing basics
Qualified vs. Ordinary Dividends: Tax Rules Explained
Understand how qualified dividends differ from ordinary dividends, the IRS 60-day holding period rule, Form 1099-DIV reporting, and tax calculations.
Tax-Equivalent Yield: How to Compare Munis and Treasuries
Learn how to calculate tax-equivalent yield (TEY) to compare municipal bonds, U.S. Treasuries, and corporate debt on a true after-tax basis.
Zero-Coupon Bonds: How STRIPS Work, Pricing Math, and Taxes
Learn how zero-coupon bonds and Treasury STRIPS work, how their pricing and duration are calculated, and how IRS phantom tax rules apply to OID.
How Brokerage Cash Sweeps Work: Bank Sweeps vs. Money Market Funds
Compare bank deposit sweeps, brokerage cash and money market funds by legal form, FDIC or SIPC treatment, liquidity and the questions to check before choosing.
Savings Accounts vs Treasury Bills: Tax, Safety, and Liquidity
Compare hypothetical after-tax yields, deposit coverage, Treasury backing, and access to cash using primary government sources.
How Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Works: Restructuring, Debt, and Stock
Discover how Chapter 11 bankruptcy works, including DIP financing, the absolute priority rule, creditor voting, and what really happens to common stock.
The Buffett Indicator: What It Measures and When It Fails
The Buffett Indicator compares total stock market value to GDP. Here is how the formula works, historical valuation tiers, and why the ratio can mislead.
Asset-Backed Securities (ABS) Explained: Structure & Tranches
Learn how asset-backed securities (ABS) turn loans into liquid bonds, how tranche waterfalls work, and how credit enhancement protects senior noteholders.
How Automated Market Makers Work: AMMs and Impermanent Loss
Learn how automated market makers use liquidity pools and constant product formulas to price trades, and how to calculate impermanent loss.