Why I Gave Up on Beating the Market (and What I Do Instead)
I used to think I could pick winners. Then I looked at the data. Now I just buy everything. Here's why that's not lazy—it's smart.
Investing Basics
Investing Basics
10 articles in this category
Investing Basics
You Don't Need to Pick Winners: Why Index Funds Beat Stock Picking
Stop trying to beat the market. Index funds outperform most active managers, and the math is on your side. Here's the truth about investing basics.
Investing Basics
Why I’d Bet on Index Funds Over Stock Picking
The S&P 500's long-term 9.2% average gain masks its occasional 36% drops. I'll show you a simple, fee-aware path to investing that beats most pros.
Investing Basics
How to Start Investing in Stocks: A Practical Walkthrough
Learn the essential steps to start investing in stocks, from choosing your first index fund to understanding market orders.
Investing Basics
Forget the Dow—Market Cap Weighting Is the Only Metric That Makes Sense
The Dow is a price-weighted relic. If you're investing for the long haul, market-cap-weighted index funds are the smarter play. Here's a closer look a...
Investing Basics
I Tried Stock Picking for 3 Years. Here's Why I Switched to Index Funds
After losing money trying to beat the market, I found that a simple S&P 500 index fund did the heavy lifting. Here's what I learned about fees, divers...
Investing Basics
Why the S&P 500 Beat Your Picks: Index Funds Work
Most stock pickers lose to the index. Here's why the evidence says you should build your portfolio around low-cost index funds, not individual stocks.
Investing Basics
Why the S&P 500 Should Be Your First Stock Investment
Most beginners pick individual stocks and lose. Instead, start with a low-cost S&P 500 index fund. It's simple, diversified, and historically beats mo...
Investing Basics
Dow vs. S&P 500: Which Index Should You Trust as a Beginner?
I compare the Dow Jones and S&P 500 for beginners, arguing the S&P 500 wins for most investors due to its broader diversification and market-cap weigh...
Investing Basics
The Simple Math of Stock Picking: Start With Cheap Index Funds
Stop trying to beat the market. Index funds are the practical investor's edge. Here's a step-by-step plan to build a low-cost, diversified portfolio t...