Welcome to Explain It Like I’m Five 🙂

“Piggy Bank” by Artsy Crafty/ CC0 1.0

Imagine if someone could sit down with you, pour a hot cup of tea, and explain all the “grown-up” stuff — like money, insurance, taxes, and saving — the way they’d explain a bedtime story. That’s what Life for Beginners is here to do.

We believe everyone deserves to understand how the world works, no matter their age or background. Grown-up topics can seem like a secret language — full of strange words and confusing rules. But really, most of it comes down to simple ideas: keeping what you earn safe, using it wisely, and taking care of your future self.

Think of this website as a friendly playground for learning about life. We’ll explore:

You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need curiosity — and maybe a smile. We’ll walk through real-life examples, tell simple stories, and translate tricky ideas into everyday language you can actually use.

Because life doesn’t come with a manual — but if it did, it should be this easy to read.

Welcome to Life for Beginners, where understanding “adulting” starts with feeling five again — curious, open, and ready to learn.

  • Snowball vs Avalanche Method: Which Debt Payoff Strategy Works Better?

    Snowball vs Avalanche Method: A Beginner-Friendly Comparison When you’re overwhelmed by credit card debt, having a clear strategy matters more than motivation. Two popular methods dominate: Both work — but they work differently. The Debt Snowball Method (Explained Simply) With the snowball method, you: Why Snowball Works The Debt Avalanche Method With the avalanche method,…

  • Credit Card Minimum Payments Explained (Why They Keep You in Debt)

    Credit Card Minimum Payments Explained: The Beginner’s Guide If you’ve ever looked at your credit card statement and felt relieved that the minimum payment was low, you’re not alone. But minimum payments are one of the most misunderstood — and expensive — features of credit cards. This article explains: What Is a Credit Card Minimum…

  • How to Build an Emergency Fund on a Low Income (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

    Building an emergency fund can feel impossible when you’re living paycheck to paycheck. When money is tight, saving often feels like a luxury reserved for people with “extra” income. But here’s the truth:Emergency funds are most important for people with low or unstable income. This guide will walk you through how to build an emergency…

  • Where Should I Put My Money???

    Is a High-Yield Savings Account Safe for Your Money? High-yield savings accounts sound almost too good to be true—but they’re generally very safe when set up correctly. Why HYSAs Are Safe Most reputable high-yield savings accounts are: This protects your money up to $250,000 per depositor. Common Safety Concerns (Explained) When to Be Careful Avoid…

  • Best Savings Account for Low-Income Earners (Beginner Guide)

    Saving money on a low income can feel impossible—but choosing the right savings account makes a real difference. The best savings accounts for low-income earners minimize fees, avoid balance requirements, and help your money grow safely. What to Look for in a Savings Account Avoid accounts that penalize you for having less money—those work against…

  • Car Loan vs Lease: Which Is Cheaper? (Beginner’s Guide)

    When it comes to getting a car, one question comes up again and again: Is it cheaper to buy a car with a loan or lease one? The answer depends on how long you keep the car, how much you drive, and your overall financial situation. This guide breaks it down in simple terms, so…

  • What Is a Good Credit Score in 2026? (Beginner’s Guide)

    Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It affects whether you’re approved for loans, how much interest you pay, and even things like renting an apartment or buying a car. If you’re new to credit—or trying to improve it—this guide explains what a good credit score really is…

  • How Long Does It Take to Pay Off Credit Card Debt? (Beginner’s Guide)

    Credit card debt is one of the most common—and most expensive—forms of debt. Many people are shocked to learn that paying only the minimum can keep them in debt for decades, even if they stop using the card. This guide explains how long credit card debt really takes to pay off, why it happens, what…

  • Best High-Yield Savings Accounts for Beginners (2026 Guide)

    If you’re new to saving money, a high-yield savings account is one of the simplest and safest places to start. It helps your money grow faster than a traditional savings account—without risking your cash in the stock market. This guide explains what high-yield savings accounts are, how they work, what beginners should look for, and…

  • Emergency Fund: How Much Do You Actually Need? (Beginner’s Guide)

    An emergency fund is money you set aside to protect yourself from unexpected expenses—things like medical bills, car repairs, job loss, or urgent home issues. If you’re just starting your financial journey, building an emergency fund is often more important than investing, because it keeps small problems from turning into long-term debt. This guide explains…

.