Tools worth knowing
A short list for problems our readers actually have. No brokerages, no crypto, no credit cards.
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Sending money to Brazil
Compare the rate and the fee on the day you send. The cheapest option changes with the amount.
Wise
Transfers at the mid-market exchange rate with the fee shown up front. Usually strongest on larger amounts.
Visit WiseRemitly
Fast delivery to Brazilian bank accounts and Pix. Often has a promotional rate on the first transfer.
Visit RemitlyFiling taxes
Which one fits depends on your tax residency. If you are unsure whether you are a resident or a nonresident alien for tax purposes, settle that first.
Sprintax
Built for nonresident aliens: the first years on many work and study visas. Mainstream software does not handle the nonresident return.
Visit SprintaxFreeTaxUSA
Low-cost filing for US tax residents. Federal is free, state costs a small fee.
Visit FreeTaxUSABooks worth your time
Four books that match how we think about money and pay. Your public library probably has them for free.
The Psychology of Money (Morgan Housel) affiliate link
Why behavior matters more than spreadsheets. Short chapters, no jargon.
See it on AmazonI Will Teach You to Be Rich (Ramit Sethi) affiliate link
A practical setup for US accounts: 401(k), Roth IRA, automation. Written for people starting out here.
See it on AmazonThe Simple Path to Wealth (JL Collins) affiliate link
The clearest plain-English explanation of how long-term investing works in the US.
See it on AmazonNever Split the Difference (Chris Voss) affiliate link
Negotiation for real conversations, including the one about your salary.
See it on AmazonBudgeting in dollars
A budget only works if you open it. Pick the one you will actually use.
Monarch Money
Connects accounts, tracks spending and net worth, works well for couples.
Visit Monarch MoneyYNAB
Every dollar gets a job before you spend it. Steeper learning curve, strong results for people who stick with it.
Visit YNABAs an Amazon Associate, Build to Multiply earns from qualifying purchases.
Our own free tools
The Paycheck X-Ray and the spreadsheets in the Library are free and need no sign-up.