The hottest Personal Finance Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Finance Topics

What is a stock option?

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 219 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. A stock option is a contract that lets you buy or sell a company's shares at a set price for a certain time. It's like having the choice to buy a piece of the company later, not right away.
  2. Vesting means you have to wait for a certain period before you can use your stock options. It helps make sure employees stay with the company and earn their reward over time.
  3. There are different terms for stock options like 'strike price' (the purchase price) and 'expiration date' (when you have to use the option by), which can seem confusing but are important to understand.

Net worth: what is it and how to calculate it

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 199 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Net worth is the total value of what you own minus what you owe. It's like seeing how much money you have if you sold everything and paid off your bills.
  2. Calculating your net worth helps you understand your financial situation. It can show if you're actually doing well or if debt is holding you back.
  3. Regularly checking your net worth can help you track your financial progress. You want it to grow over time as you save and earn more money.

Ben Graham's Duplex

Neckar’s Notes • 117 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Money experiences often change suddenly, like climbing a ladder. It’s important to take time to adjust before making big choices.
  2. Ben Graham was a successful investor who once lived in a fancy duplex in New York City. He felt on top of the world after making a lot of money.
  3. However, he moved into this luxurious home just before a huge stock market crash. This teaches us that success can change quickly.

Seeking Simplicity

Seeking Solutions • 58 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Personal Finance
  1. Simplicity in life leads to richness and fulfillment.
  2. Cutting down on expenses and unnecessary items can lead to financial and personal growth.
  3. Alone time can offer opportunities for self-discovery and forming meaningful connections in the community.
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Why I Write My Newsletter, Content Ideas, OG CrossFit Workouts

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
💼 Business Personal Finance
  1. The purpose of writing a newsletter evolved to creating authentic relationships with readers, rather than just growing an audience.
  2. Struggling to come up with content ideas? Use prompts like TED Talk topics, life events that made you stronger, or public bets you'd back up.
  3. Explore the original CrossFit workouts from the early 2000s, maintaining their essence even after 24 years.

Risk Tolerance is Earned

Superfluid • 92 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Personal Finance
  1. Risk tolerance grows by taking small risks over time. You don't have to make huge moves right away; start with little steps to build your confidence.
  2. Working in a challenging environment, like a startup, can push you beyond your comfort zone. This can help you find what really matters to you in your career.
  3. Stability is often a goal for many, especially for those with immigrant backgrounds. However, it's important to aim high and take calculated risks to discover new opportunities.

Life Monopoly, Protein Consumption, Unbundling Upwork

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
💼 Business Personal Finance
  1. Owning mortgage-free rental properties for each child is a smart financial strategy for the future.
  2. Traditional advice on protein intake might be outdated, with studies suggesting the body can absorb more protein per meal than previously thought.
  3. The unbundling trend seen with companies like Uber is now happening with platforms like Upwork, leading to more specialized niche service providers.

Fundamentals: compound interest explained

Concepts of Finance 🧠 • 119 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Compound interest lets you earn interest on both your original savings and the interest you've already earned. It's like a snowball getting bigger as it rolls down a hill.
  2. The longer you keep money in a compound interest account, the more you'll earn. This means that starting early can lead to much bigger savings over time.
  3. You can find compound interest rates from banks, credit unions, or online calculators. Knowing these rates can help you make better decisions about saving and investing.

Personal Finance for Tech 101 [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 79 implied HN points • 26 Nov 22
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Have an Emergency Fund: Save 6-12 months of expenses to prepare for unexpected layoffs without selling investments.
  2. Pay off Debt: Prioritize paying high-interest debt to prevent it from draining your finances over time.
  3. Allocate Finances Wisely: Follow the 50-30-20 rule to budget your income for expenses, investments, and savings, ensuring a balanced financial plan.

Six-Word Memoirs, Career Moves, Reverse Sear

Austin's Analects • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🍲 Food & Drink Personal Finance
  1. Six-Word Memoirs offer a concise way to connect with others by describing yourself in just a few words.
  2. When planning your next career move, consider mapping out adjacent careers and necessary skills to see what roles align best with your interests and strengths.
  3. A simple 'reverse sear' method can help you cook a perfect steak every time: season, oven cook, sear, and rest to enjoy a delicious meal.

Why you'll hate my investment advice

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 63 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Understanding the basics of an investment can clarify why certain opinions might seem oversimplified or dismissive at times.
  2. It's important to recognize different perspectives in investing, as they can affect how one interprets market issues.
  3. Sharing investment strategies can help others see the reasoning behind specific choices and thought processes.

First jobs of 11 successful entrepreneurs.

Jon’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 15 Jan 23
💼 Business Personal Finance
  1. Many successful entrepreneurs started off doing simple jobs that taught them valuable lessons. For example, Jeff Bezos learned about customer service while working at McDonald's.
  2. Starting young helped these entrepreneurs understand the importance of hard work and finding opportunities. Richard Branson sold birds at 11 years old and learned about the challenges of running a business.
  3. First jobs can shape one's future career and mindset. Elon Musk worked as a boiler room cleaner, which taught him the value of hard work and persistence.

Things nobody taught me about money

Basta’s Notes • 245 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Financial literacy is crucial, but not prioritized - learn about managing your money.
  2. Understand how to use credit cards wisely: treat them like debit cards and read the terms for benefits.
  3. Be strategic with debt - consider investments to outweigh potential interest costs.

Trading The Shit Show: February 2025 Market Update

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 40 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. The writer has been sober for 72 days, which has brought them clarity and peace. They feel that stepping back from gambling and trading has helped them focus better on their life.
  2. They are optimistic about their market predictions, having outperformed the S&P by 9% since the beginning of the year. A clear mind seems to be helping their financial outlook.
  3. New features for paid subscribers have been introduced, allowing for more direct discussions. This change aims to create a better connection with their readers.

Your Time Horizon

Spilled Coffee • 20 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Everyone has a different time horizon for their investments, which affects their financial decisions. For example, a young person saving for retirement will think long-term differently than someone close to retirement.
  2. Your time horizon influences your risk tolerance and how you should allocate your assets. It's important to know when you will need the money before making investment choices.
  3. When discussing investments with others, keep in mind that their time horizon may differ from yours. This can change how they view investment advice and decisions.

Berkshire's Next Buy?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 14 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. The author is just guessing which company Berkshire might buy next. It's not a solid prediction, but more of a fun exercise in thinking like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.
  2. Berkshire Hathaway has a lot of cash available, which gives them opportunities to make significant investments.
  3. This post is intended for paid subscribers, suggesting that there might be more detailed insights available to them.

The Adani Group vs Hindenburg Research[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Tech finance is currently volatile with companies facing investigations, layoffs, policy changes, and financial struggles.
  2. Hindenburg Research published a critical report on Adani Group, accusing them of a massive fraud scheme, sparking a heated discussion.
  3. The situation highlights the importance of critical analysis, especially on social media, and serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about personal finances and job security.

5 Years Ago

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. The stock market can bounce back even after big drops like during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you had invested back when the market was at its highest before the crash, you would have seen a big gain over time.
  2. Missing just a few days in the market can really hurt your long-term investment returns. It's important to stay invested, even during uncertain times.
  3. Major world events can cause market crashes, but history shows that the stock market often continues to rise over time. This means it's wise to stick with your investments, no matter what happens.

Portfolio Update

Spilled Coffee • 36 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. A move was made in the portfolio that is worth sharing. It's an important update that could impact future decisions.
  2. The information shared in this post is exclusive to paid subscribers, so it's intended for those who support the content.
  3. Engaging with updates like this can help subscribers stay informed about new developments in the portfolio.

Sobriety as an Inflation Hedge

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 59 implied HN points • 11 Jul 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Finance
  1. Inflation is deliberate and will worsen, impacting people's finances through mass money printing and asset devaluation. Consider alternatives like self-managed retirement funds.
  2. Being sober can be an effective way to save money and act as an inflation hedge. Alcohol can be a costly luxury, and cutting back can lead to substantial savings.
  3. Sobriety not only helps save money but also strengthens the body, mind, and spirit, making it a valuable strategy for navigating challenging times and hardships.

Investing Update: Has Sentiment Shifted? 

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. The stock market had a positive week, with notable gains in the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow indexes. This followed a strong inflation report that boosted investor confidence.
  2. Inflation is still a concern, with recent CPI readings showing slight increases. The new presidential administration will face challenges related to managing this inflation.
  3. Hedge funds performed well in 2024, with many beating the S&P 500's strong return. Personal portfolio gains were significantly high, leading to discussions about future investment strategies.

Three Names Worth Updating: Chris DeMuth

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 12 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Great investors often look for value in boring places that others ignore. It's not always about the latest trends or flashy companies.
  2. Consistency and patience are key; buying good assets at a fair price can lead to great results over time.
  3. Sometimes, it's better to seek out decent opportunities at a discount rather than chasing after the next big success. Aim for steady and reliable investments.

People Have More Money Than Ever

Spilled Coffee • 32 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Many people have more money now than ever because wages have been rising faster than inflation for over a year. This means that they can buy more with their earnings.
  2. Homeowners are seeing their property values increase, while those looking to buy are facing more expensive housing costs. This shows the trade-off between rising asset values and affordability.
  3. Overall, both asset prices and wages are at all-time highs, which has led to a significant increase in net worth for Americans across all income levels, especially the bottom 50%.

Crypto Giant Celsius Overheats into bankruptcy. Investor money left frozen[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 22
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Celsius, a crypto giant, declared bankruptcy, leaving investor money frozen. This impacted many retail investors who may lose money.
  2. When dealing with companies, understand that their main aim is to make money. Always read the fine print and consider the tradeoffs before investing.
  3. Be cautious of celebrity endorsements in financial decisions. It's essential to analyze all messaging and make your conclusions to protect yourself from scams.

The magic of Index Funds[Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Index funds track specific stock market indexes like S&P 500, offering diversification and reducing the need for individual stock selection.
  2. Index funds have benefits like low fees, steady growth potential, and historically better returns compared to actively managed funds.
  3. Investing in index funds can reduce risk by offering broader diversification and make investing accessible to all levels of investors.

The Real Value of Money

What's Important? • 24 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Money is like electricity; it needs to keep moving to hold value. Hoarding it can make it lose its purpose.
  2. The real value of money is about understanding your relationship and feelings towards it. It can show where you need to grow or heal in your life.
  3. Living with love and creativity can lead to unexpected abundance. Focusing on helping others can open up new pathways for receiving.

Portfolio Update

Spilled Coffee • 20 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. The author added to an existing investment in a debated stock. It's important to keep track of ongoing discussions in the market.
  2. This update is specifically for paid subscribers, suggesting exclusive insights for them. It highlights the value of being a paid member.
  3. Stay engaged with financial updates and portfolio changes to make informed decisions. Regular updates can help you understand market movements better.

My Interview With We Study Markets

Spilled Coffee • 20 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Holding onto winning stocks for the long run is often the best strategy. Eric learned this after selling Microsoft too early and regrets it.
  2. Investing is about personal choices. Everyone should invest in what makes sense to them, rather than following others blindly.
  3. Celebrating small wins in life can make a big difference. Eric enjoys special breakfasts and dinners to reward himself for his hard work.

Searching for von Neumann

Malt Liquidity • 12 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Finding purpose and fulfillment can be hard, especially when success feels empty. It's important to keep moving and searching for what truly matters in life.
  2. Recognizing our intellectual heroes, like John von Neumann, can inspire us, but it’s also crucial to understand that not everyone's contributions are widely acknowledged.
  3. The changing perception of careers and value in society can lead to a more significant transformation. Future views on work, retirement, and success may look very different.

On financial freedom

Austin's Analects • 59 implied HN points • 12 May 21
💰 Finance Personal Finance
  1. Financial independence is about having enough income to pay for your living expenses without being employed or dependent on others. It's a goal that allows you to work on your own projects and time.
  2. To achieve financial independence, focus on building a diverse income stream, maximizing investments like a 401k and Roth IRA, starting a side business, and exploring opportunities like self-storage facilities and crypto.
  3. Learning from books, starting businesses, getting a good job, and continually seeking ways to increase income are steps on the journey to financial independence. Share your struggles and seek motivation from like-minded individuals.