Saving With a Purpose: Making Sense of Your Money

TwoTen Planning Blog

Explore insightful blogs designed for tech professionals. Delve into topics on managing equity compensation, optimizing investments, strategic tax planning, and achieving financial goals aligned with your career and values.

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Our Must-Read Blogs!

Featured Blogs

Explore our featured blogs for the most relevant articles, trends, insights, and news.

Graph
Investing
October 1, 2026

It’s Not Just the US with High Interest Rates

Interest rates have been on the rise for most major sovereign issuers in recent years.
Read more
Graph
Investing
September 9, 2026

Concerns over US Government Debt

US government debt is back in the news after recently surpassing $40 trillion.
Read more
Regression Chart
Investing
April 2, 2026

Oil Price Uncertainty

As if war wasn’t concerning enough, the battle in Iran has provided investors with uncertainty over what will happen with oil prices.
Read more

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View All of Our Blogs

Discover a wealth of financial wisdom throughout our blog. We cover topics from equity compensation to investing - all to help you navigate your financial journey!

Graph
Investing
October 1, 2026

It’s Not Just the US with High Interest Rates

Interest rates have been on the rise for most major sovereign issuers in recent years.
Read more
Graph
Investing
September 9, 2026

Concerns over US Government Debt

US government debt is back in the news after recently surpassing $40 trillion.
Read more
Regression Chart
Investing
April 2, 2026

Oil Price Uncertainty

As if war wasn’t concerning enough, the battle in Iran has provided investors with uncertainty over what will happen with oil prices.
Read more
Line Graph
Investing
March 31, 2026

Public Proxy for Private Credit

Private credit has been a major source of headlines for years.
Read more
Bar Graph
Investing
March 23, 2026

US Small and Value Opened Strong in 2026

What a difference two months makes. US small cap and value stocks came out of the gates on a tear in 2026.
Read more
Cover Art
Investing
March 13, 2026

The Panic in Private Credit: For Investors, It’s Complicated

There have been a lot of questions and headlines focused on private credit recently. Let's look closer at the tradeoffs in private markets.
Read more
Market Graph
Investing
March 11, 2026

Geopolitical Risk

Military action is always disturbing. But it’s important for investors to be cautious about making asset allocation changes in response to such events.
Read more
Box chart
Investing
March 10, 2026

Weighing In on Equal Weights

Reducing concentration in the largest stocks or increasing expected returns through emphasizing smaller companies is a sensible objective.
Read more
Baseball image
Investing
March 9, 2026

3 Lessons from Investing’s “Moneyball” Moment

This year marks 100 years of research-quality US stock market returns. How important is this centennial?
Read more
Bubble chart
Investing
February 19, 2026

inCAPEable

The CAPE ratio ended 2025 near a 25-year high, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to turn bearish on stocks.
Read more
Chart with random rankings
Investing
February 11, 2026

Which Country Will Outperform? Here’s Why It Shouldn’t Matter.

Investment opportunities exist all around the globe.
Read more
Graph
Investing
February 6, 2026

Concentration Concerns

Taking a global perspective can help mitigate concentration concerns.
Read more
Tax filing documents
Insights
December 1, 2025

2025 Year-End Tax Planning Checklist for Tech Professionals

Essential 2025 tax planning steps for tech professionals to cut taxes, optimize investments, and make year-end financial decisions with confidence.
Read more
Flight Path
Insights
November 25, 2025

The Ongoing Process of Financial Planning

Financial planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
Read more
bar graph
Investing
November 18, 2025

The Hidden Cost of Taxes

Like the tip of an iceberg, expense ratios reveal only the easily visible costs of investing in a mutual fund or ETF.
Read more
Gold Plot
Investing
November 12, 2025

Does Gold Hedge Economic Downturns?

Some investors may view gold as a risk-management asset. It's not clear that gold provides additional protection against adverse economic developments.
Read more
Computer image
Investing
November 4, 2025

Managing Dividend Income to Improve Your Tax Health

When it comes to taxes, not all dividend income is the same. Qualified and nonqualified dividends have different implications for a portfolio’s tax efficiency.
Read more
Man on podcast
Investing
October 24, 2025

Are Taxes Hurting Your Investment Returns?

Are your funds tax-efficient?
Read more
Podcast Hosts
Investing
October 17, 2025

Lessons Learned from 1987’s Black Monday

Let's break down what investors can learn from financial crises like Black Monday, and how the market and investors have stayed resilient over time.
Read more
Bar graph
Investing
October 9, 2025

Stocks Can Still Go Up When the Government Shuts Down

Learn how the market has performed during previous shut downs.
Read more
Graph
Investing
October 3, 2025

3 Common Investing Mistakes

Consider three common mistakes that can reduce returns and increase anxiety
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Podcast hosts
Investing
October 2, 2025

Is Cryptocurrency a Real Investment?

How might crypto affect your asset allocation?
Read more
Stu Sneen
Insights
October 4, 2025

My Testimony: A Confession of Grace, Faith, and Redemption

Learn about how Stu Sneen came to saving faith in Jesus Christ alone, and how you too can receive God's free gift of salvation.
Read more
Bar graph
Investing
September 28, 2025

What Is a Recession Anyway?

With no set formula for defining recessions, it’s difficult to predict when they’ll happen, how long they’ll last, or how severe they’ll be.
Read more
3 podcast hosts
Investing
September 26, 2025

How Will AI Impact Investing?

How can you take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) in your portfolio?
Read more
Graphs
Investing
September 22, 2025

Currency Hedging? Consider the Asset Class

International stocks and bonds can offer investors powerful tools for diversification. Hedging currency or not is considered in the role of asset allocation.
Read more
Image of host on podcast
Investing
September 19, 2025

Do IPOs Have a Place in Your Portfolio?

IPOs are hot again in 2025. Should you try to get in on the action?
Read more
Bar Graph
Investing
September 15, 2025

Are NVIDIA’s Earnings Big Enough for You?

NVIDIA, at more than $4 trillion in market capitalization, is the largest stock to ever exist.
Read more
Three men on a podcast.
Investing
September 12, 2025

Do Private Markets Deliver an Edge?

Dimensional’s Mark Gochnour, Wes Crill, and Jake DeKinder examine the allure of private markets as well as the return potential, risks, and costs.
Read more
Bar Graphs
Investing
September 10, 2025

Keep Your Investment Appetite in Check

Resisting sudden shifts during market downturns, like avoiding impulse buys when hungry, can help investors stay balanced and positioned for a market recovery.
Read more
Hosts talking on podcast
Investing
August 29, 2025

How Do You Protect Against Market Drops?

During equity market downturns, many investors look to soften the blow with buffered strategies. Learn more.
Read more
Circle Charts
Investing
August 28, 2025

AI Is Everywhere, Including Your Portfolio

One of the most common investor questions regarding the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is “How do I take advantage of it in my portfolio?”
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3 podcast hosts
Investing
August 22, 2025

Is the Stock Market Overvalued in 2025?

Dimensional Fund Advisors examines whether 2025’s stock market is overvalued by exploring key valuation approaches, market conditions, and investor sentiments.
Read more
Graph
Investing
August 20, 2025

Buyback or Dividend?

Stock buybacks, like dividends, return cash to investors and reduce equity value. Both impact total return, differing mainly in method and tax treatment.
Read more
Image of podcast hosts
Investing
August 15, 2025

Do Choppy Markets Keep You Up at Night?

How to make sense of spikes in stock market volatility.
Read more
Bar Graphs
Investing
August 13, 2025

Donut Buy the Meme Hype

Lately, investors may be having flashbacks to the early days of meme investing. Newly labeled meme stocks like Krispy Kreme (DNUT) have joined the meme menu.
Read more
Google Map Image
Investing
August 15, 2025

What Google Maps Can Teach Us About Investing

Markets are like maps, always updating based on new information. Learn why market prices reflect collective wisdom and why outguessing them rarely works.
Read more
Investment Graphs
Investing
July 23, 2025

Buffing Out Volatility

Worried about equity volatility? Consider fixed income and send unwanted emails about buffer ETFs to your junk folder.
Read more
Investment Return Ranges
Investing
July 17, 2025

Mind the Gap—Diversifying Across Countries

Investors in a globally diversified portfolio can benefit from international diversification without risking getting on the wrong side of country swings.
Read more
Investing
Investing
July 17, 2025

Unintended Consequences of GDP-Weighted Portfolios

Market-capitalization weighting, as opposed to gross domestic product (GDP) weighting in investment portfolios.
Read more
Risk Meter
Investing
August 7, 2025

Risk vs Variability

Understand the key difference between investment risk and variability and why confusing the two can lead to costly mistakes.
Read more
Tax Forms and a Calculator
Insights
July 14, 2025

How the OBBBA Tax Law Affects Tech Professionals

Key tax changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that matter most to tech pros with equity comp, high income, or complex deductions.
Read more
Dominoes falling and stopping
Investing
June 19, 2025

What Are the Top Investing Mistakes Made by Tech Pros?

Learn the top investing mistakes tech professionals make, from overconcentration to poor tax planning, and how to avoid them with smart strategies.
Read more
Stacks of cash and gold.
Investing
June 5, 2025

Is Gold a Safe Haven?

Gold has a reputation as a safe haven, but its long-term performance reveals a more complicated picture for investors.
Read more
Bitcoin vs. R3000 drawdowns
Investing
June 10, 2025

Bitcoin: A Crumby Way to Save for Later

Your pocket is probably not the best place to store Goldfish crackers. Similarly, Bitcoin may not be the most reliable way to store wealth.
Read more
Money Growth
Insights
May 17, 2025

How Can Tech Professionals Achieve Financial Success? Part 3

Learn the key steps to maximize your financial success and the potential traps to avoid.
Read more
Money Growth
Insights
May 16, 2025

How Can Tech Professionals Achieve Financial Success? Part 2

Learn the key steps to maximize your financial success and the potential traps to avoid.
Read more
Growth of Money
Insights
May 15, 2025

How Can Tech Professionals Achieve Financial Success? Part 1

Learn the key steps to maximize your financial success and the potential traps to avoid.
Read more
Flowchart
Insights
May 14, 2025

Can I Make A Backdoor Roth IRA Contribution in 2025?

Learn the rules and factors that must be considered in performing a Backdoor Roth.
Read more
Piggy Bank Backdoor Roth Image
Insights
May 9, 2025

What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? A Guide for High-Income Tech Professionals

High earners can’t contribute directly to a Roth IRA but a Backdoor Roth IRA may help. Learn how this powerful strategy works for tech professionals.
Read more
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Investing
April 29, 2025

Longer Horizons Look Better for Stocks

The likelihood of losing money in stocks is far lower if they are viewed as long-term investments.
Read more
AMD logo
Insights
April 25, 2025

2025 Guide to Maximizing The Top Benefits at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Maximize your AMD financial benefits in 2025 with this guide—optimize equity, reduce taxes, and invest wisely. Get the most from your compensation!
Read more
Graphs
Investing
April 17, 2025

The Longer View on Stocks

Taking the long view may help investors avoid reacting to short-term market movements and stay focused on their financial goals.
Read more
Equity Comp
Equity Compensation
April 17, 2025

Top 3 Financial Challenges for Tech Professionals (And How to Solve Them)

Explore the biggest financial hurdles tech professionals face including equity compensation, taxes, and investing,and how smart planning can help overcome them.
Read more
Market bar graph
Investing
April 9, 2025

Markets Look Forward. So Should Investors.

When trade policies change swiftly, markets are incorporating a vast amount of information and expectations about how these shifts may shape the global economy.
Read more
Magnifying glass on returns.
Investing
April 9, 2025

Magnifying Single-Stock Volatility

Single-stock ETFs, especially leveraged ones, can lead to steep losses. Diversification offers a more reliable path to long-term investment success.
Read more
bar chart
Investing
April 1, 2025

Mag 7 Gravity

Recent swings in performance for US large cap stocks make a compelling case for global all cap diversification.
Read more
Flags
Investing
March 21, 2025

Tariff Target Markets

Tariff-targeted markets have performed well despite trade concerns, as market prices reflect the aggregate expectations of investors.
Read more
Graph of outcomes
Investing
March 18, 2025

Bearish Sentiment

Just because some investors feel bad about where the market is headed doesn’t mean it’s a good time to get out of stocks.
Read more
Screenshot of the title
Equity Compensation
March 15, 2025

Guide for Navigating the Siemens Acquisition of Altair Engineering

Prepare for the Siemens acquisition of Altair. Learn how to manage RSUs, optimize taxes, and align your financial plan during this transition.
Read more
Interest Rate Graph
Investing
March 7, 2025

Fed Forecasting Futility

With new economic data emerging daily, it can be challenging for investors to predict Fed decisions.
Read more
2025 NXP Financial Guide
Equity Compensation
March 8, 2025

2025 Guide to Maximizing The Top Benefits at NXP Semiconductors

Maximize your NXP financial benefits in 2025 with this guide—optimize equity, reduce taxes, and invest wisely. Get the most from your compensation!
Read more
Inflation chart
Investing
February 28, 2025

Is Inflation on the Rise?

While markets continuously incorporate inflation expectations into prices, investors wanting to reduce uncertainty can consider inflation-hedging approaches.
Read more
Country performance chart
Investing
February 27, 2025

Which Country Will Outperform? Here’s Why It Shouldn’t Matter.

The randomness of global stock returns makes it exceedingly difficult to predict the winners.
Read more
Quadrant chart visual
Investing
February 21, 2025

Tariffs and Stagflation

Concerned about the possibility of rising inflation and economic contraction? Look to the historical data for reasons to be optimistic.
Read more
Stock volatility chart
Investing
February 18, 2025

How Extreme Was Recent Large Growth Outperformance?

Investors concerned about US small value stocks’ recent relative returns should be aware of how extreme large growth’s outperformance has been.
Read more
stock graph
Investing
February 7, 2025

Looking Beyond NVIDIA

While large tech has seen strong returns, NVIDIA’S recent drop should remind investors to be cautious about putting all their chips in one “magnificent” pot.
Read more
Capitalism vs. Socialism graphic
Insights
February 8, 2025

Super Bowl LVI - A Lesson on Capitalism Versus Socialism

Super Bowl LVI bet teaches a real-world lesson on capitalism vs. socialism—competition, incentives, and economic freedom in action!
Read more
Graphs
Investing
January 30, 2025

Tariff Trepidation

For investors wondering what increased tariffs could mean for markets, recent history offers perspective.
Read more
Bar graph
Investing
January 17, 2025

Prediction Season

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect on the past, set goals for the future, and tune out predictions from the financial industry.
Read more
Graphic with colored squares.
Investing
January 3, 2025

Passive, Active, and Embracing Markets

Traditional definitions of "active" and "passive" funds are not as straightforward as they used to be.
Read more
Guide to navigating HPE's acquisition of Juniper networks
Equity Compensation
January 4, 2025

Guide for Navigating HPE’s Acquisition of Juniper Networks

Prepare for HPE's acquisition of Juniper Networks. Learn how to manage RSUs, optimize taxes, and align your financial plan during this transition.
Read more
TwoTen's Tenets
Insights
December 28, 2024

TwoTen Planning's Tenets

Explore TwoTen Planning's tenets of lifelong financial planning, equity compensation expertise, evidence-based investing, and client-first transparency.
Read more
Giving blocks in hands.
Insights
December 21, 2024

Giving and Charitable Deductions

Explore smart strategies for charitable giving, tax implications, and maximizing deductions for tech professionals this giving season.
Read more
Market Graph
Investing
December 7, 2024

2024 Year-End Investment Considerations

Optimize your year-end investments with strategies for equity compensation, capital gains, diversification, tax planning, and more. Stay prepared for 2025!
Read more
What is an 83(b) election?
Equity Compensation
November 16, 2024

What Is an 83(b) Election?

Learn about the 83(b) election, its benefits, risks, and how it can help minimize taxes on restricted stock. Understand your equity options with confidence.
Read more
What is financial planning?
Insights
November 9, 2024

Financial Planning For Tech Professionals

Explore financial planning tailored for tech professionals. Manage equity comp, reduce taxes, and secure your future with a holistic approach.
Read more
Investment graph
Investing
October 29, 2024

Does Pursuing Premiums Increase Risk?

Pursuing premiums doesn’t have to widen the range of outcomes for investment performance.
Read more
3-Step onboarding process for new clients
Insights
November 1, 2024

What to Expect When Becoming a Client of TwoTen Planning

Discover what tech executives can expect as a new and ongoing client of TwoTen Planning.
Read more
Restricted Stock vs. RSUs image
Equity Compensation
October 26, 2024

What Is the Difference Between Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)?

Learn the key differences between restricted stock and RSUs, including ownership, taxation, and benefits to make the most of your equity compensation.
Read more
Market graph
Investing
October 22, 2024

The Big Picture When It Comes to Small Caps

The success of the size premium in international markets is a reminder of the value of global diversification.
Read more
Blue background with white words saying Restricted Stock.
Equity Compensation
October 18, 2024

How Does Restricted Stock Work?

Learn how restricted stock works, key decisions like the 83(b) election, and tax implications. Understand its value, risks, and strategies for tech executives.
Read more
bar chart
Investing
October 16, 2024

Has the US Market Performed Well Because It’s Business Friendly?

The US stock market’s recent success is not necessarily tied to America’s business-friendly reputation.
Read more
Checklist of possible milestone events.
Insights
October 12, 2024

Milestones Manager Overview

Learn how life events impact your financial plan with the Milestones Manager tool, helping you prepare for key moments and make informed decisions.
Read more
Eight financial categories for rating financial satisfaction.
Insights
October 5, 2024

What is a Financial Wheel?

Describing the Financial Wheel and how we use the tool during the Discovery Meeting.
Read more
Graph
Investing
October 4, 2024

Expect the Unexpected with Stocks

With so many potential sources of news, a given year’s stock market returns may be much higher or lower than the long-term historical average.
Read more
Graph of a market.
Investing
September 30, 2024

Presidential Elections: What Do They Mean for Markets?

Markets may be uncertain around US elections, but long-term investment decisions should avoid reacting to political outcomes.
Read more
Dots of performance on a range of returns.
Investing
September 20, 2024

Ignoring the Bumps

History shows that stock market declines are common and could be a momentary blip in an otherwise upward climb. Senior Investment Director Wes Crill explains.
Read more
Image with RSU language.
Equity Compensation
September 21, 2024

How Do Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Work?

Understand RSUs, their vesting, tax implications, and key decisions for tech professionals. Learn how RSUs can impact your financial planning.
Read more
Nvidia stock price graph
Investing
September 16, 2024

Nvidia’s $30 Billion Letdown

Nvidia reported strong earnings and its stock price fell, suggesting that investing shares a trait with sports fandom.
Read more
Economic signs.
Investing
September 9, 2024

Confusing Economic Signs

Dispersion in economic indicators may be responsible for investors’ differing views on where the economy is headed. Dimensional's Wes Crill explains.
Read more
Bar Chart
Investing
August 29, 2024

Value Can Pop Without a Growth Drop

Can value stocks thrive without a growth stock slump? Historical data says yes.
Read more
Pile of cash.
Insights
August 31, 2024

How Much Emergency Cash Should You Have On Hand?

Discover how much emergency cash you need based on your income, expenses, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. Get tips to find your ideal cash reserve amount.
Read more
Monthly Fama/French US Size Factor Returns against the 10-Year Treasury Yield
Investing
August 23, 2024

Rate Sensitivity ≠ Price Predictability

The market’s expectations for interest rates and their impact on small cap companies are already reflected in current market prices.
Read more
Family under house of money
Insights
August 24, 2024

How Do Christians View Money and Life?

Explore how Christians view money and life, highlighting key biblical principles on stewardship, generosity, and God's sovereignty.
Read more
Monthly US Equity Premium vs. Prior Month Volatility
Investing
August 16, 2024

Looking to Stick the Landing? Shake Off the Volatility.

The Paris Olympics inspired millions of people around the world. It also can teach investors an important lesson.
Read more
Filing documents onto a computer
Insights
August 17, 2024

10 Steps to a Secure and Organized Life – Part 2

Protect and organize your digital and family life with these crucial security tips. Learn about password managers, 2FA, device security, and backup solutions.
Read more
Filing documents onto a computer
Insights
August 10, 2024

10 Steps to a Secure and Organized Life – Part 1

Protect and organize your digital and family life with these crucial security tips. Learn about password managers, 2FA, device security, and backup solutions.
Read more
Laptop open with Dell stock price on a graph.
Investing
July 24, 2024

Dude, You’re Gettin’ a Dell

Dell’s brief exile and triumphant return to the Russell 3000 show the sometimes surprising impact of annual reconstitution on market performance and index fund.
Read more
Written list of core values
Insights
August 5, 2024

What Do You Value Most?

Discover how identifying your personal values can enhance your satisfaction & align your financial plan with your life goals for greater fulfillment & purpose.
Read more
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“A wise person will hear and increase in learning, And a person of understanding will acquire wise counsel,”

-Proverbs 1:5