Charlie Investing Quietly

30/06/2026

Have a 401k at work dont know what's in it? Here's exactly how to check in 3 simple steps. (Most people have NEVER done this)

29/06/2026

$0-500K+ investing
I'm breaking down my investment portfolio balances from 2010-2025. To show you how your first $100K invested takes the longest butHaT, after that, compounding really does the heavy lifting.
Take the Investor Identity quiz at the top of my page to find out what type of investor you are and a plan to grow your wealth through investing. Whether you're 18 or 80, just getting started or a little more experienced.

28/06/2026

Think you're too old or too late to start investing? If so, this series is for you!
The order you fund your accounts matters as much as how much you put in.
Most late starters either skip one of these accounts entirely or put it into a brokerage while giving up free money in their 401k match.
Here's the sequence that actually makes sense:
Step
: 401k up to your employer match.
TOTAL
This is FREE money. An instant 50-100% return before your investments do a single thing. Fund this first. Always.

Step 2: Roth IRA
Money goes in after you pay tax, grows tax-free, comes out tax-free. At 42 you still have 20+ years of tax-free compounding ahead of you. 2026 limit is $7,500 if you're

26/06/2026

It's Friday

10/06/2026

10/06/2026

09/06/2026

Money Account Cheat Sheet & What
$500/month turns into from age 35 to 65...
Checking account: $180,000
Your money back, with little to no growth.
High-yield savings account: $380,000
Better. But you're not in the market.
Taxable brokerage account: $545,000SA
After paying long-term capital gains tax.
Traditional IRA/401K: $610,000
Pre-tax. You'll owe income tax on every dollar you withdraw.
Roth IRA/401K: $610,000
Zero taxes owed. Every dollar is yours tax-free forever.
A few assumptions for the math:
- you start contributing $500/month at age 35
- 7% average annual return for the investment accounts
- 4.5% APY for the HYSA (this can go up and down over time)