Ethan Caldwell

Senior Financial Analyst

Ethan Caldwell is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with over 15 years of experience in personal finance, investment strategy, and retirement planning. He has contributed to Forbes, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal.

Credentials: CFP (Certified Financial Planner)

Personal Finance Investment Strategy Retirement Planning

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Posts by this author

Man checking 401k balance on his phone while commuting on a train

Finance Dec 4, 2025 · 6 min read

Retirement Planning 101: Start Now, Retire Rich

Everything you need to know about retirement planning, from choosing accounts to calculating how much you need to save.

Ethan Caldwell

$Young adult setting up automatic transfers on a banking app at a desk in their apartment living room$

Finance Nov 28, 2025 · 7 min read

Raising Your Savings Rate: The Math to Go From 5% to 20% Without Feeling Broke

Learn the numbers behind increasing your savings rate, including a 5%-to-20% roadmap, tradeoffs, and realistic monthly targets for common U.S. incomes.

Ethan Caldwell

Woman writing monthly budget categories in a spiral notebook with colored pens with morning coffee nearby

Finance Nov 22, 2025 · 7 min read

Paycheck Budgeting in 2026: The 5-Bucket System That Stops Surprise Spending

A numbers-first paycheck plan that separates bills, true expenses, debt, and goals so your budget works even when costs swing month to month.

Ethan Caldwell

Person reviewing financial information about net worth tracking in 2026 at a desk

Finance Oct 26, 2025 · 7 min read

Net Worth Tracking in 2026: A Simple Monthly System That Actually Changes Behavior

Track your net worth monthly with a two-sheet system, realistic categories, and decision rules so the numbers translate into better saving, investing, and debt payoff outcomes.

Ethan Caldwell

Young professional opening a brokerage account on a laptop at a kitchen table at their standing desk at home

Finance Oct 20, 2025 · 6 min read

Index Funds Explained: The Simplest Path to Wealth

Learn how index funds work, why Warren Buffett recommends them, and how to start investing with as little as $50.

Ethan Caldwell

Person reviewing high-yield savings account rates on a laptop in bed on public transit with their phone

Finance Oct 8, 2025 · 9 min read

HSA vs FSA in 2026: The Numbers-First Choice for Health Costs and Tax Savings

This guide compares HSAs and FSAs with concrete dollar math, tax savings estimates, and decision rules so you can pick the account that fits your health spending and retirement plan in 2026.

Ethan Caldwell

Woman reviewing ETF performance on a tablet during a lunch break with natural window light

Finance Sep 29, 2025 · 6 min read

HSA Investing Strategy: How to Turn a Health Account Into a $100k+ Asset

Learn the math behind using an HSA for long-term investing, including contribution limits, tax savings, and a practical playbook for deciding whether to invest or keep cash.

Ethan Caldwell

Young adult setting up automatic transfers on a banking app at a desk

Finance Sep 21, 2025 · 5 min read

How to Build an Emergency Fund Fast

Learn proven strategies to build a 3-to-6-month emergency fund quickly, even on a tight budget. Practical steps you can start today.

Ethan Caldwell

Investor comparing fund fact sheets printed on A4 paper at a library on their back porch in the evening

Finance Sep 13, 2025 · 6 min read

Getting Started with Investing in 2026

A beginner's guide to investing. Learn the fundamentals of building wealth through smart investment strategies.

Ethan Caldwell