Quick Reference Guides
Fast facts, current rates, and essential data tables. Bookmark these for quick lookups when you need specific numbers.
Home & Mortgage
7 references
Mortgage Rates
Current average mortgage rates by loan type, factors that affect your rate, and strategies to get the best deal
30-Yr Fixed: ~6.11%
Loan Limits
Conventional and FHA loan limits by county, high-cost areas, and jumbo thresholds for 2026
Baseline: $832,750
Interest Deduction
Deduction limits, acquisition debt rules, HELOC deductibility, and points for 2025-2026
Post-2017 Limit: $750K
Property Taxes
Complete guide to property tax rates across all 50 states, how taxes are calculated, exemptions, and strategies to reduce your bill
National Avg: 0.86%
Closing Costs
Complete breakdown of mortgage closing costs, typical fees by category, and strategies to reduce what you pay
Typical Range: 2–5% of Loan
PMI Thresholds
When PMI is required, how rates vary by credit score and LTV, and strategies to remove it
Required: <20% Down
Property Taxes
Average effective rates and exemptions
National Avg: ~1.1%
Retirement
10 references
Contribution Limits
401(k), IRA, HSA, and catch-up contribution limits for 2026
401(k) Limit: $24,500
Retirement Ages
Important age milestones for Social Security, Medicare, and retirement accounts
Penalty-Free: 59½
RMD Tables
IRS life expectancy tables for calculating required minimum distributions
RMDs Start: Age 73
Single Life Table
The complete IRS Single Life Expectancy Table (Table I) for inherited IRA RMDs — every age 0–120+, with withdrawal percentages and beneficiary decision guide
Used By: Beneficiaries Only
Joint Life Table
The complete IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table (Table II) — every owner/spouse age pair 20–120+, with eligibility rules and an instant lookup
Who Qualifies: Spouse Sole Benef., >10 Yrs Younger
Pub 590-B Guide
What Publication 590-B covers, which of its three life expectancy tables applies to you, and what changed in the current edition
Covers: IRA Distributions
Social Security 2026
Every 2026 Social Security figure — 2.8% COLA, $184,500 wage base, earnings test limits, credit amounts, FRA, and bend points — with 2025 comparison
2026 COLA: 2.8%
72(t) SEPP Rates
The current maximum 72(t) interest rate (greater of 5% or 120% of the mid-term AFR), the three SEPP calculation methods, and worked payment examples
Max Rate (Jun 2026): 5.00%
SS Bend Points
PIA formula bend points, replacement rates, and how your Social Security benefit is calculated from your earnings history.
1st Bend Point: 90% of $1,286
Account Comparison
Compare Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and Solo 401(k) — contribution limits, tax treatment, and features for 2026.
IRA Limit: $7,500 ($8,600 50+)
Taxes
8 references
AFR Rates
Current-month IRS applicable federal rates for family loans — short, mid, and long term, every compounding period — plus the §7520 rate and 12-month history
Short-Term (Jun): 3.85%
2026 Limits
Master table of every 2026 dollar limit — 401(k), IRA, HSA, SIMPLE, SEP, Social Security, gift/estate, and mileage — with 2025 comparison and primary sources
401(k): $24,500
Tax Brackets
Marginal tax rates by filing status for 2025 and 2026, including OBBBA changes and tax calculation examples
Brackets: 7 (10%–37%)
State Taxes
All 50 states' income tax rates for 2025, including no-tax states, flat-tax states, and graduated systems
No Income Tax: 8 States
Capital Gains
2025/2026 capital gains tax brackets, long-term vs short-term rates, NIIT thresholds, and special situations
Long-Term: 0% / 15% / 20%
Standard Deduction
2025/2026 standard deduction by filing status, additional amounts for seniors and blind, plus the new $6,000 senior deduction
2026 Single: $16,100
AMT
2025/2026 Alternative Minimum Tax exemptions, phaseout thresholds, rates, and planning strategies for the OBBBA changes
Single Exemption: $90,100
Tax Deadlines
2026 filing season calendar: Tax Day, extension deadlines, estimated payment dates, and contribution deadlines
Tax Day: April 15, 2026
Debt Management
1 reference
Investing
6 references
Historical Returns
S&P 500, bonds, and inflation by decade with real vs nominal returns
S&P 500 Avg: ~10% Nominal
Expense Ratios
What to expect for index funds, ETFs, and active funds — plus the long-term cost of fees
Index Funds: 0.03–0.20%
Asset Allocation
Stock/bond allocations by age, risk tolerance frameworks, target-date fund glide paths, and rebalancing strategies
Young Investors: 80–90% Stocks
Dividend Taxes
Qualified vs. ordinary dividend tax rates, REIT rules, and the Section 199A deduction
Qualified: 0% / 15% / 20%
Brokerages
Compare Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and other brokerages on fees, features, and account types
Stock/ETF Trades: $0 (All)
Index Funds
Compare S&P 500, total market, and international index funds across Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, and iShares
FZROX/FNILX: 0.00% ER
Budgeting
6 references
50/30/20 Rule
Complete guide to the 50/30/20 budget rule: allocate 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings with examples at median income
Needs: 50%
Emergency Fund
How much emergency savings you need based on your situation: 3 vs 6 vs 12 months, where to keep it, and how to build it from zero
Target: 3–6 Months
HYSA Rates
Current high-yield savings account rates comparison, how to choose the best HYSA, and rate history tied to Federal Reserve decisions
Top Rates: 4–5% APY
CD Rates
Current certificate of deposit rates by term length, early withdrawal penalties by bank, and CD ladder strategies to maximize returns while maintaining access
Top Rates: 4.0–4.2% APY
Cost of Living
Cost of living index comparison across major U.S. cities, most expensive and affordable metros, salary equivalents, and how to adjust your budget when relocating
Manhattan: 130% Above Avg
Inflation History
Historical U.S. inflation rates from the Great Inflation to COVID-era surge, how CPI is measured, purchasing power calculator, and strategies to protect against inflation
Current CPI: 2.7% (Dec 2025)
Auto Finance
6 references
Auto Loan Rates
Average auto loan APRs by credit score, lender type, and loan term for new and used vehicles
New Car Avg: 6.56% APR
Lease vs Buy
Compare leasing and buying: monthly costs, total ownership, pros and cons, and decision factors
Lease Avg: $596/mo
Depreciation Rates
How cars lose value over time: year-by-year rates, best/worst vehicles for resale, and strategies to minimize depreciation
Year 1 Loss: ~20%
EV Tax Credits
Federal EV tax credit status, how to claim 2025 credits, state incentives, and home charger credit eligibility
Federal Credit: Expired 9/30/25
Gap Insurance
What gap insurance covers, when you need it, costs by source, and exclusions to understand
Insurer Cost: $20–$90/yr
Ownership Costs
True cost of owning a car including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and financing by vehicle type
Avg Annual Cost: $11,577
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