Optimal Blog

Personal-finance ideas, with the math and assumptions shown. Open an issue if you spot a bug in the math.

optimal

ThePointsGuy and the rest of the points industrial complex are tricking you.

Last updated 2026-10-08

optimal

Are tax-aware funds like AQR a tax-deferred bridge to nowhere?

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

Are you or someone you love addicted to FDIC? Help is on the way.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

Deferred compensation: the most unassuming and under-appreciated executive benefit perk that nobody talks about.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

DividendMaxxing = TaxMaxxing.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

DIY: the subsector TLH engine - lower-effort direct indexing.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

Emergency fund? Seriously?! You're smarter than that.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

Exchange funds like Cache: a long waiting game with the AUM meter running.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

Financial sovereignty: freedom from vendor lock-in and exorbitant hidden costs.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

Free lunch: sometimes adding leverage lowers your risk exposure.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

HYSA are a tax trap. Here are 3 alternatives.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

I quit the points game. Cash back is king.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

The best way out of a concentrated position isn't for sale.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

The large hidden value of DashPass - and the cheapest way to get it.

Last updated 2026-10-02

optimal

The most irrational luxury purchase sold as the American dream: a house in a premium California suburb.

Last updated 2026-10-02