Buy The Haystack
Resources
Tools and platforms I actually recommend. Everything here aligns with the data-driven approach we preach.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission if you sign up. You'll always know when something is affiliated. It will never change what I recommend. If I wouldn't use it myself, it won't be here.
Free tools
Built by Buy The Haystack.
Interactive calculators to see your real numbers — no signup required.
Advisor Fee Calculator
Free
See exactly what a 1% advisor fee costs you over your investing lifetime — including the compounding you lose forever. Move the sliders to see your real numbers in seconds.
→ Open calculator
For the true DIYer
Direct brokerage accounts.
Full control, lowest possible cost, zero hand-holding. Open an account, buy VOO, automate contributions, leave it alone.
Brokerage
Vanguard
The gold standard for low-cost index investing. Created by John Bogle — the person who invented the index fund. Owned by its fund shareholders, not outside investors. No affiliate relationship — recommended because it's genuinely the best option.
What makes it right
VOO at 0.03% expense ratio
Zero commission trades
No account minimum
Investor-owned structure
No affiliate program — linked because it's the right answer.
Brokerage
Fidelity
Excellent alternative to Vanguard. Offers FZROX — a total market index fund with literally zero expense ratio. Strong platform, great mobile app, and no account minimums.
What makes it right
FZROX at 0.00% expense ratio
Zero commission trades
No account minimum
Excellent mobile app
Affiliate links coming soon.
For the guided DIYer
Robo-advisors.
Want the right portfolio managed automatically at low cost? A robo-advisor builds, rebalances, and manages for a fraction of what a human advisor charges.
Robo-advisor
Betterment
The leading robo-advisor. Builds a diversified portfolio based on your goals, rebalances automatically, and handles tax-loss harvesting. Annual fee of 0.25% — a fraction of the typical 1% AUM advisor fee.
What makes it right
0.25% annual fee
Automatic rebalancing
Tax-loss harvesting
No minimum to start
Affiliate links coming soon.
Robo-advisor
Wealthfront
Strong alternative to Betterment. Similar fee structure at 0.25% annually with excellent tax optimization features and a clean, simple interface.
What makes it right
0.25% annual fee
Automatic rebalancing
Tax-loss harvesting
$500 minimum
Affiliate links coming soon.
For the advisor-appropriate investor
Fee-only financial planners.
Genuinely complex situation? You may need a human. But only a fee-only, fiduciary advisor who charges for work done — not 1% of your assets annually.
Directory
NAPFA — National Association of Personal Financial Advisors
The gold standard directory for fee-only fiduciary advisors. Every advisor listed is legally required to act in your best interest and charges fees for work done — not a percentage of your assets.
What to look for
Fiduciary duty
Fee-only compensation
Flat fee or hourly rate
No AUM % on simple portfolios
External free tools
Tools I recommend for DIY investors.
Vanguard Investor Questionnaire
The best free risk tolerance quiz. Suggests an asset allocation based on your goals, time horizon, and situation.
→ Take the quiz
Bankrate Asset Allocation Calculator
Simple calculator showing the right stock/bond mix based on your age and risk tolerance.
→ Open calculator
Portfolio Visualizer
Backtest how different portfolios would have performed historically. Best free tool for serious DIY investors.
→ Open tool
Empower
Free portfolio tracker with net worth, cash flow, and allocation analysis. Note: they will pitch their advisory services.
→ Open tool
Not sure where you fit?