InvestEd
Education Hub

Learn the essentials of budgeting & investing

Short, context-aware lessons. Start simple, then dive deeper. Click any card to expand.

Emergency Fund & HYSA
3–6 months of expenses • Keep it in a high-yield savings account (HYSA)
  • Saving beats investing for emergencies (less risk)
  • Pick a FDIC-insured HYSA with a high APY

Learn more?
NerdWallet: How large should an emergency fund be?
CFPB: Building your savings (emergency funds)
FDIC: Deposit insurance basics
Investing 101: Index Funds & DCA
Own the market via ETFs (e.g., S&P 500) • Invest a fixed amount monthly
  • Time in market > timing
  • How DCA reduces regret

Learn more?
Vanguard: Index investing basics
Investor.gov: What to know about index funds
Investor.gov: Dollar-cost averaging explained
Risk, Volatility & Your Profile
Know your drawdown tolerance • Longer horizon = more stocks
  • Rules prevent panic selling
  • Volatility bands explained

Learn more?
Investopedia: Volatility & risk
Investor.gov: Assessing your risk tolerance
Vanguard: Putting market declines in perspective
Accounts & Taxes: Brokerage vs Roth IRA
Brokerage = flexible, taxable • Roth IRA = tax-free growth later
  • Start early if you have earned income
  • Avoid short-term gains when possible

Learn more?
IRS: Roth IRA basics
IRS Pub 590-A: Roth IRA contributions
Investor.gov: Investment accounts & products
Automation & Habit Building
Pay yourself first • Autopilot contributions & rebalancing
  • Reduce friction
  • Set & forget with periodic reviews

Learn more?
James Clear: Habit formation (practical guide)
CFPB: Automate saving with the right account
Consumer.gov: Making a budget (50/30/20 starter)
Credit & Scores (Student Edition)
Build credit early, avoid fees, and monitor your reports
  • Utilization < 30% (ideal <10%)
  • Pay in full + on time

Learn more?
CFPB: Credit reports & scores
AnnualCreditReport.com: Free reports
FICO: How credit scores work
Paychecks, W-4 & Taxes
Understand pay stubs, withholding, and how to avoid big surprises
  • Use the IRS Withholding Estimator
  • Know FICA vs federal/state taxes

Learn more?
IRS: Tax Withholding Estimator
IRS: About Form W-4
Investopedia: Understanding your pay stub
Student Loans & Aid
Borrow last, not first • Know interest, grace periods, and repayment
  • Complete FAFSA early
  • Use the Loan Simulator before borrowing

Learn more?
Federal Student Aid: Official site
FSA: Aid Estimator (FAFSA)
FSA: Loan Simulator