ConceptsFeatured
What Is Cost Basis? Definition, Formula and Examples
Cost basis is what you paid for a holding, and it sets your taxable gain. Here is how it works, how averaging and lots change it, and why it matters.
5 min read
Read article →The StoxDeck blog
Plain-English guides on tracking a portfolio by hand — cost basis, unrealized P/L, broker comparisons, and the concepts behind them.
Best Free Portfolio Trackers, Honestly Compared
We make one of these, so read accordingly. A straight comparison of free portfolio trackers, including the ones that beat us and who each is actually for.
8 min read
Read article →Average Cost vs. FIFO vs. Specific Lots
Three ways to figure the cost basis of shares you bought at different prices. How each method works, what it does to your gain, and when each one fits.
4 min read
Read article →How to Find the Cost Basis of Old Stock
Bought shares years ago and lost the records? Here is how to reconstruct cost basis from statements, transfer agents and historical prices, step by step.
5 min read
Read article →GOOGLEFINANCE Function: Syntax, Attributes and Formulas
GOOGLEFINANCE syntax, the attributes worth a column, copy-paste formulas for price, P/E, market cap and 52-week range, historical data, and why it returns #N/A.
6 min read
Read article →Total Return vs Price Return: What's the Difference?
Price return counts only the share price. Total return adds dividends back in. The gap between them is bigger than most investors expect over time.
3 min read
Read article →How to See Multiple Brokerage Accounts in One View
Your real portfolio is split across brokers, and none of them show the whole thing. Here is how to combine every account into one live-priced view.
3 min read
Read article →Portfolio Tracker vs. Spreadsheet: An Honest Look
A spreadsheet is free but manual; a tracker prices itself but costs money. We compare the two on accuracy, effort, and trust so you can pick with open eyes.
4 min read
Read article →What Is an Unrealized Gain or Loss?
An unrealized gain is profit on paper. A realized gain is profit you locked in by selling. Here is the difference, why it matters, and how each is taxed.
4 min read
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