Rootree blog
Short articles for people who want to learn investing at their own pace.
Extra context for the simulator and practical guide. Explained simply, without financial noise.
How large should your financial buffer be before you start investing?
A financial buffer helps you cover unexpected costs without having to dip into your investments. But how much should you keep aside?
What is a broker and how do you choose one?
A broker gives you access to the stock market. Learn how beginners in Belgium can assess reliability, Belgian paperwork, costs, ease of use and investment range.
How much can you safely withdraw from your investment portfolio?
Where does the 4% rule come from? See what Bengen and the Trinity Study tested historically, and why 4% remains a guideline rather than a guarantee.
What is an ETF and how does it work?
An ETF bundles many investments into one exchange-traded fund. Learn how indexes, diversification, costs and Belgian taxes work, with IWDA as an example.
How much do bank fees affect your returns?
Entry fees and annual fund charges may seem like small percentages. Discover why they can still have a major impact on your wealth over time.
The power of compound growth
What is compound growth? A simple example and chart show why growth on previous growth can become so powerful over time.
Renting vs. Buying: Which Is the Better Financial Choice?
A calm comparison of renting and investing versus buying, using a Belgian example with clear assumptions.
The book behind the name Rootree
How The Wealthy Gardener helped inspire Rootree: strong roots, patience, and sustainable growth.
What return can you expect?
A calm explanation of the MSCI World, reinvested dividends, and why Rootree uses 8% by default.
What does financial independence mean?
When are you financially independent and how does the 4% rule help calculate it?
Why market declines are normal
Learn why market declines are part of investing and how to stay calm when your portfolio falls.