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Discover all you need to know about retirement, investing, and household finance, without the jargon or agenda. Get reliable guidance, insight, and easy-to-understand explanations, written, edited, and verified to Britannica’s exacting standards.
Executive Editor, Britannica Money
Doug Ashburn
Retirement
What the SECURE Act 2.0 Means for You and Your Retirement
Some positive tweaks to retirement rules.
Recently Posted
How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score
Swipe, pay off, repeat.
Using Moving Averages to Gauge Market Trends
Smooth out price volatility.
The Spousal IRA: Helping Your Spouse Save for Retirement
Spread savings across the household.
Household Finance
Federal Loans vs. Private Loans: Understanding Student Loan Issuer Types
Which loans should you get?
Understanding Credit Cards: Their Purpose, Positives, and Potential Pitfalls
Swipe, tap, or insert—and then pay.
Credit Card Companies: Who’s Who and How They Make Money
Learn about networks vs. issuers.
How to Use Credit Cards to Improve Your Credit Score
Swipe, pay off, repeat.
Economic Cycles: Investing Through Boom and Bust
Four phases to monitor.
REITs: Targeting Income, Capital Appreciation, and Diversification
Real estate investing goes beyond your home.
A Trio of Inflation Indicators: CPI, PPI, and PCE
Price indexes to track inflation.
Pros and Cons of Taking Out a 401(k) Loan
Borrowing from your future self.
Your Employer’s 401(k) Plan Is an Easy Way to Save for Retirement
Plant it and watch it grow.
Do I Need a Will? It’s About More than Just Your Assets
Here’s what to consider.
Featured Term
See AllGlossary
progressive tax
A progressive tax system is one in which a larger percentage of tax is charged to high-income households versus those with lower incomes. One way to encourage progressive taxation is through marginal tax rates, like those assessed in the U.S.