1% expense ratio = $750/yr on a $75K balance (ICI 2026). 0.03% index fund = $22.50/yr for identical market exposure. The 30-year compound gap: $334,814.
$334,814 Expense Ratio Impact: The Fee Nobody Shows You Read More »
Most investors optimize the wrong 9% of their portfolio decisions. Vanguard research shows asset allocation strategy explains 91.1% of return variability.
91% Asset Allocation Strategy: One Decision. All Returns. Read More »
Tax loss harvesting rules produce 1.08% annualized tax alpha, not a $720 annual deduction. That alpha compounds into a $455,716 gap over 30 years.
$455,716 Tax Loss Harvesting Rules: 30-Day Clock Read More »
The IRS permits $72,000 in total 401(k) contributions under §415(c), but 78% of employer plans block the $42,100 after-tax capacity that makes the mega backdoor Roth possible.
$809,799 Mega Backdoor Roth: Most 401k Plans Block This Read More »
62% of IRA households trigger the pro-rata rule, converting a tax-free backdoor Roth into a $112,443 compounding penalty. The 15-minute fix costs $0.
$112,443 Backdoor Roth Trap: 62% of Households Hit It Read More »
Most parents with an overfunded 529 plan see the 10% penalty and stop. The penalty on a $50,000 account with 50% earnings costs $2,500.
Overfunded 529 Plan: The 10% Exit Trap Most Parents Miss Read More »
91% of HSA holders leave balances in cash. The investment strategy gap costs $492,128 over 35 years on $4,400 annual contributions. The Triple-Tax Investment Test takes 32 minutes.
$492,128 HSA Investment Strategy: Sitting Uninvested Read More »
Every Hidden Cost We’ve Calculated 📅 Last Updated: June 19, 2026 TheFinSense calculates the exact dollar gap hidden inside every default setting, conventional wisdom, and fine-print fee in your investment accounts. Each number below links to the full analysis with formulas, sources, and sensitivity testing. All calculations use our documented methodology. Every number is independently
The Numbers: Every Hidden Cost We’ve Calculated Read More »
How TheFinSense Calculates 📅 Last Updated: Apr 13, 2026 Every dollar figure on TheFinSense traces back to a specific formula, a specific data source, and a specific date. This page documents the calculation methodology behind our analysis so you can verify, challenge, or extend any number we publish. Core Formulas Lump Sum Future Value Used
How TheFinSense Calculates | Methodology Read More »
Reg T margin: $30K buying power on $15K equity. Cash account: $15K. The 50% gap compounds to $19,725 over 10 years.
$19,725 Pattern Day Trader Rule: One Label. Locked. Read More »
