Financial Tools & Resources | The Zen of Finance

📋 Our Commitment to Transparency

Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you open an account or make a purchase - at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. These partnerships help support The Zen of Finance and allow us to continue providing free content. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe will benefit your financial journey. Our editorial content is never influenced by affiliate relationships.

📊

Investment Platforms

Where to open accounts and start building your portfolio.

Fidelity

Best for most investors

A full-service brokerage with no account minimums, commission-free trading, excellent research, and outstanding customer service. Works for beginners through advanced investors.

$0 account minimum
$0 stock/ETF commissions
Fractional shares available
Excellent research & tools
24/7 customer service
Strong retirement account options

Best for: All-around investing, retirement accounts

Editor's Choice

Vanguard

The index fund pioneer

The home of low-cost index investing. Vanguard's unique ownership structure means funds are run at-cost for investors.

Lowest-cost index funds
Investor-owned structure
$0 ETF commissions
Excellent target-date funds
Limited trading tools

Best for: Buy-and-hold index investors

TD Ameritrade

Powerful trading tools

Known for its powerful thinkorswim trading platform and extensive educational resources. Now part of Charles Schwab.

$0 stock/ETF commissions
thinkorswim platform
Excellent education center
Strong research platform
Paper trading available
Transitioning to Schwab

Best for: Active traders, education seekers

🤖

Robo-Advisors

Automated investing for those who prefer a hands-off approach.

Editor's Choice

Betterment

Set it and forget it

The original robo-advisor with automatic rebalancing, tax-loss harvesting, and goal-based investing.

Automatic rebalancing
Tax-loss harvesting
Goal-based planning
No minimum to start
0.25% annual fee

Best for: Hands-off investors

Wealthfront

Tech-forward investing

Feature-rich robo-advisor with direct indexing, financial planning tools, and high-yield cash account.

Direct indexing available
Path financial planning tool
High-yield cash account
529 college savings
0.25% annual fee

Best for: Tech-savvy investors

Ellevest

Investing for women

Founded by Sallie Krawcheck, designed to account for women's unique financial circumstances like pay gaps and longer lifespans.

Gender-specific algorithms
Impact investing portfolios
Career and financial coaching
No minimum to start
$12/month membership fee

Best for: Women investors, impact-focused

💳

Banking & High-Yield Savings

Where to keep your emergency fund and short-term savings.

Ally Bank

Full-service online bank with competitive savings rates, checking, CDs, and money market accounts.

Current APY 4.25%*

Open Account →

Editor's Choice

SoFi

Online bank with checking and savings in one account. Direct deposit can unlock higher APY.

Current APY 4.50%*

Open Account →

Chime

Popular fee-free banking with early direct deposit, automatic savings features, and a large ATM network.

Current APY 2.00%*

Open Account →

*APYs shown are as of publication and subject to change. Verify current rates before opening an account.

📋

Financial Comparison & Research

Compare products and make informed financial decisions.

NerdWallet

Compare credit cards, bank accounts, loans, insurance, and more. Unbiased reviews and calculators to help you make smarter money decisions.

Comparison Site

Visit Site →

📈

Retirement Planning Tools

Calculators and software to project your path to financial independence.

Editor's Choice

Boldin

Comprehensive retirement planning software. Model Social Security strategies, healthcare costs, and more. Formerly NewRetirement.

Planning Software

Try Free →

Empower (Personal Capital)

Free financial dashboard with retirement planner, fee analyzer, and investment checkup.

Free Dashboard

Get Started →

by Burton Malkiel

The classic case for index investing. Updated regularly with new data.

View on Amazon →