Series EE Savings Bonds: How the 20-Year Guarantee and Taxes Work
Learn how Series EE savings bonds work, including the 20-year doubling guarantee, fixed rates, early redemption penalties, and federal tax deferral rules.
investing basics
Capital Gains Tax on Stocks: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rules
Understand how stock capital gains are taxed, the one-year holding period rule, IRS Schedule D netting, and the $3,000 annual loss offset limit.
Treasury Floating Rate Notes: How Index Rates and Spreads Work
Learn how Treasury Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) work, how their weekly index rate and fixed spread are determined, and why they carry near-zero duration.
FDIC vs. SIPC: How Bank and Brokerage Protections Differ
Understand the key differences between FDIC deposit insurance and SIPC brokerage protection, including coverage limits, eligible assets, and cash rules.
Shelf Registration Explained: Form S-3, Rule 415, and Takedowns
Learn how SEC Rule 415 and Form S-3 shelf registrations work, from base prospectuses and WKSI rules to shelf takedowns and dilution mechanics.
Clean Price vs. Dirty Price: How Bond Accrued Interest Works
Learn the difference between clean price and dirty price in bond trading, how accrued interest is calculated, day-count conventions, and IRS tax treatment.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages Explained: SOFR, Margin, Caps
Understand how adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) reset after the fixed period, including SOFR index calculation, lender margins, rate caps, and payment math.
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.
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.