Money basics, explained simply.
Short guides and simple calculators for people who are just starting to learn about money, saving and investing. No jargon, no pressure.
Made by a beginner who is learning it too. Read my story →
Where to start
Beginner guides
All guidesBefore you invest: where do you stand today?
The first step with money is not buying something. It is finding out where you are now: what comes in, what goes out, what you owe, and what you have.
A small safety cushion: why many people build it first
A safety cushion is a small amount of money set aside for surprises. Here is what it is, why it matters, and how people think about it next to paying off debt.
Debt: cheap, expensive, and how people pay it down
Not all debt costs the same. Here is how to see what your debts really cost, and two well-known ways of paying them down: the avalanche and the snowball.
Saving for a goal: how to turn a wish into a plan
A goal with an amount, a date and a reason is much easier to reach than a vague wish. Here is a simple way to set one, work out the monthly amount, and decide where the money waits.
What is inflation?
Inflation means prices rise over time, so the same money buys less. Here is what it means for your savings, with simple examples.
What is compound interest?
Compound interest means your interest earns interest too. Here is how it works, with a simple example and the Rule of 72.
What kinds of investments exist? A simple map
A plain-language tour of the main places people put money: savings accounts, bonds, stocks, funds, property, gold, pensions and crypto, and how they differ.
Two ideas to keep in mind before you invest
Investing is a skill you learn by doing, and nobody can do the learning for you. Two plain ideas, and how to spot offers that ignore them.
Stocks and bonds: what's the difference?
Stocks and bonds are two of the most common investments. Here is what each one is, how people earn from them, and what can go wrong.
What are ETFs and index funds?
ETFs and index funds let you hold many investments at once. Here is how they work, what they cost, and the risks to know about.
What is an IPO?
An IPO is when a company first sells its shares to the public. Here is how it works, why companies do it, and what beginners should be careful about.
How to start investing: a beginner's checklist
A calm, step-by-step checklist for people who want to start investing: what to do first, what to avoid, and how to take it slowly.
Calculators
All calculatorsCompound interest calculator
See how savings can grow over time when the interest earns interest too.
Inflation calculator
See how rising prices change what your money can buy in the future.
Savings goal calculator
Find out how much to put aside each month to reach a goal by a date you choose.
Debt payoff calculator
See how long it takes to clear several debts, and what they cost you in interest.
My story
All entriesLearning together. FinCamp is made by someone who is learning about money too, and explains things in plain words. It is general education, not financial advice.