Tax-Efficient Investing: A Step-by-Step Order for Brokerage, Roth IRA, and 401(k)
Learn a practical, step-by-step way to place investments in the right accounts to reduce taxes and keep more of your returns over time.
Rachel Simmons 
Rachel Simmons
Investment Strategist
Rachel Simmons is a certified investment strategist with over 10 years of experience in US capital markets. She specializes in ETFs, index funds, and retirement accounts, helping everyday Americans build long-term wealth through smart, diversified investing.
Credentials: CFA Level II Candidate
ETFs & Index Funds Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA) Long-term Wealth Building
Posts by this author
Rachel Simmons 
Investment Time Horizon: How to Match Your Money to Your Timeline
Learn a step-by-step method to choose investments based on when you’ll need the money, so you can balance growth, stability, and taxes without guessing.
Rachel Simmons 
Investment Rebalancing: A Simple Once-a-Year Plan to Control Risk
Learn how to rebalance a U.S. investment portfolio step by step, with clear thresholds, account-by-account tactics, and examples for 401(k)s, IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts.
Rachel Simmons 
Investment Policy Statement (IPS): A Simple 1-Page Plan for Your 401(k) and IRA
Learn how to write a one-page Investment Policy Statement to keep your 401(k), IRA, and brokerage investing consistent through 2026’s market swings.
Rachel Simmons 
Investment Glide Paths: A Simple Age-Based Plan for Stocks, Bonds, and Cash
Learn how to build an “age-based” investing glide path that adjusts risk over time, with practical allocations for 20s through retirement and examples for 401(k)s, IRAs, and brokerage accounts.
Rachel Simmons 
Investing With a Barbell Strategy: A Simple Way to Balance Safety and Growth
Learn how a barbell investing strategy pairs ultra-safe assets with long-term growth investments so you can stay steady in uncertain markets without guessing the next move.
Rachel Simmons 
Investing in Your 30s: A Step-by-Step Portfolio Plan for 2026
A practical, step-by-step investing plan for your 30s in 2026, including account order, simple portfolio options, and real-dollar examples for balancing goals like retirement and a home.
Rachel Simmons 
Investing in International Stocks in 2026: A Step-by-Step U.S. Portfolio Plan
Learn how U.S. investors can add international stocks thoughtfully in 2026, including simple allocation rules, fund choices, tax considerations, and a practical $500/month example.
Rachel Simmons 
Investing in Bonds in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide to Treasuries, TIPS, and Bond Funds
Learn how bonds work, how to choose between Treasuries, TIPS, I Bonds, and bond funds, and how to use them to reduce portfolio stress without overcomplicating your plan.
Rachel Simmons