Welcome to the Investment hub at Raining Pennies! Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, our goal is to provide practical tips and strategies to grow your wealth. From stocks and ETFs to real estate and retirement planning, explore our insights to make informed decisions that help your money work harder for you.
The IRS has released the inflation-adjusted tax figures for 2026, which will apply to tax returns filed in 2027 under current law. That makes this a good time to review the key 2026 tax changes, along with a few items that did not change.
Key 2026 Tax Changes to Plan for Right Now Read Post »
If you have ever tried to read about annuities and walked away more confused than when you started, you are not alone. Many people struggle to decide whether they should buy annuities or avoid them altogether.
7 Powerful Reasons To Buy Annuities And 7 To Run Read Post »
When you sell shares of a stock, ETF, or mutual fund, your broker uses a cost basis method to calculate gains or losses. Choosing the right cost basis method can help you cut taxes and simplify your recordkeeping without needing to be a tax expert.
How to Cut Taxes With the Right Cost Basis Method Read Post »
If you are age 50 or older, you may have relied on catch-up contributions in your 401(k) to boost your retirement savings. These extra contributions can make a real difference in the final stretch before retirement.
Prepare Now for the 2026 Roth 401(k) Catch-Up Shift Read Post »
When it comes to investing, we often focus on returns, growth, and market trends. But what about those pesky little fees that sneak up on us like a mouse in the night?
How to Slash Hidden Investment Fees: A Proactive Guide Read Post »
Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can seem confusing at first, but knowing how to decide if an ARM is right for you is key to making a smart home loan choice. Unlike a traditional fixed-rate mortgage, where your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan, an ARM starts with a lower fixed rate for a set number of years, then adjusts periodically.
How to Decide if an ARM Is Right for You Read Post »
If you receive Social Security income, it’s important to understand how much of it may be subject to federal tax. This Social Security Taxable Benefits Calculator helps you estimate the taxable portion of your annual benefits based on IRS rules.
Social Security Taxable Benefits Calculator Read Post »
As an engineer, I’ve been accustomed to solving complex problems and working with precision. But when it comes to personal finance, the equations don’t always boil down to simple math; there’s an accompanying set of personal skills and focus required to manage your personal finances.
11 Important Personal Financial Tips Every Engineer Must Know Read Post »
If you’re just stepping into the world of investing, you might find yourself at a crossroads: ETFs vs mutual funds. This guide will help you understand the key differences and figure out which option suits your investment style best.
ETFs vs Mutual Funds: Which Is Better for New Investors? Read Post »
Most people think of a Health Savings Account (HSA) as a way to cover medical bills, but if you want to maximize your HSA for retirement and taxes, there’s a lot more to consider. Used strategically, an HSA can become one of the most tax-advantaged tools for long-term savings and healthcare planning.
How to Maximize Your HSA for Retirement and Taxes Read Post »
Want to protect your portfolio from hidden risks and market surprises? Managing your investments is like tending a garden: you plant the seeds, nurture growth, and occasionally trim back the overgrowth.
This One Trick Can Protect Your Portfolio Long-Term Read Post »
I was startled to learn how low the scores were when people took a financial literacy test measuring basic money knowledge. It made me wonder—are my Raining Pennies blog posts too complicated?
Take This 3-Question Financial Literacy Test Now! Read Post »
