The Unmanaged Blog

The 4-Fund Portfolio: Adding Alternatives for Growth-Oriented Investors

Gold, metals, or crypto — how to add a small alternatives sleeve to the classic 3-fund strategy, and what the data says.

Mar 6, 2026 · 9 min read

Feb 20, 2026 · 10 min read

The Psychology of Self-Directed Investing

Your brain is wired to be a terrible investor. Understanding behavioral biases is the first step to overcoming them.

Jan 17, 2026 · 7 min read

How to Calculate Your Real Investment Costs

A practical guide to calculating the true cost of your portfolio, including fees most investors miss.

Dec 12, 2025 · 6 min read

Rebalancing Your Portfolio: A Simple Annual Checklist

A step-by-step guide to annual portfolio rebalancing. What to check, when to act, and how to minimize taxes.

When to Hire a Financial Advisor (Yes, Sometimes It Makes Sense)

We believe in DIY investing, but some situations genuinely benefit from professional help. Here's when.

Nov 7, 2025 · 8 min read

Dollar-Cost Averaging vs. Lump Sum: Which Wins?

Should you invest all at once or spread it out over time? We analyze the data to help you decide.

Oct 3, 2025 · 7 min read

Sep 10, 2025 · 8 min read

The Lazy Portfolio: How 3 Funds Can Beat Most Advisors

A simple 3-fund portfolio outperforms 90% of professional managers. Here's exactly how to build one.

Aug 21, 2025 · 7 min read

What Asset Allocation Actually Means (And Why It Matters)

Asset allocation determines 90% of your investment returns. Here's what it means and how to choose yours.

Jul 15, 2025 · 9 min read

Robo-Advisors vs. Human Advisors vs. DIY: The Real Comparison

An honest comparison of all three options — costs, pros, cons, and who each is best for.

Jun 11, 2025 · 8 min read

15 Questions Your Financial Advisor Hopes You Never Ask

The questions that expose conflicts of interest, hidden fees, and whether you actually need an advisor at all.

May 19, 2025 · 7 min read

Why People Are Leaving Their Financial Advisors in 2026

The great advisor exodus is real. Here's what's driving it — and what smart investors are doing instead.

Apr 28, 2025 · 9 min read

How to Fire Your Financial Advisor (Without Burning Bridges)

A step-by-step guide to transitioning away from your advisor — what to say, what to move, and what to watch out for.

Index Funds vs. Financial Advisor: A 20-Year Comparison

We ran the numbers on $500K invested with an advisor vs. a simple index fund strategy. The results are striking.

Apr 2, 2025 · 6 min read

Why Fund Expense Ratios Matter More Than You Think

A 1% expense ratio doesn't sound like much until you see what it costs over 30 years.

Mar 6, 2025 · 5 min read

Feb 14, 2025 · 6 min read

The Hidden Fees Buried in Your Mutual Funds

Expense ratios are just the beginning. Here are the fees you're paying that don't show up on any statement.