Sarah Dean
Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Dean Financials
Sarah brings over a decade of journalism experience to Dean Financials, having spent many years as a writer for the Dallas Observer, where she covered business and local trends. As a journalism major and lifelong book enthusiast, she has honed her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, accessible content that empowers readers to make informed decisions. Beyond journalism, Sarah successfully ran a small business for many years, giving her firsthand experience with the financial challenges that entrepreneurs and individuals face daily.
Areas of Expertise
Background
- Former writer for Dallas Observer
- Journalism major with focus on investigative reporting
- Small business owner with hands-on financial management experience
- Specialist in translating complex topics for general audiences
Articles by Sarah Dean
17 articles on Dean Financials.
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The Four Percent Rule: What It Helps With, and What It Misses
Retirement Planning · Sep 5, 2026The four percent rule is best treated as a starting point for retirement income planning, not a promise.
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How to Calculate an Emergency Fund That Fits Your Life
Financial Tips · Aug 29, 2026Your emergency fund should cover the bills that still matter when income drops, not every nice-to-have expense.
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Coast FIRE Calculator: What It Tells You, and What It Can’t
Market Education · Aug 22, 2026A coast FIRE calculator estimates when your current retirement savings could keep growing without new contributions, based on the assumptions you enter.
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How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio Clearly
Debt Management · Aug 15, 2026Your debt-to-income ratio compares required monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income.
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How a 401(k) Changes Your Take-Home Pay
Retirement Planning · Aug 8, 2026A traditional 401(k) usually lowers your current taxable pay, so the drop in your paycheck is often smaller than your contribution amount.
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How to Use a 50/30/20 Budget Calculator Without Fooling Yourself
Financial Tips · Aug 1, 2026A 50/30/20 budget calculator is a starting tool, not a scorecard, and it works best when your pay and fixed bills are entered cleanly.
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How an After Taxes Calculator Helps You Read Your Real Pay
Market Education · Jul 25, 2026An after taxes calculator works best when you treat gross pay and take-home pay as different numbers with different jobs.
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How to Use an Avalanche Debt Method Calculator Well
Debt Management · Jul 18, 2026An avalanche debt calculator works by sending extra money to the highest interest rate debt while you keep making the required minimums on every other balance.
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How to Pick the Best Monte Carlo Retirement Calculator
Retirement Planning · Jul 11, 2026The best Monte Carlo retirement calculator doesn't promise certainty, it shows a range of outcomes and the tradeoffs behind them.
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How to Calculate an Emergency Fund That Actually Fits Your Life
Financial Tips · Jul 4, 2026Your emergency fund starts with essential monthly expenses, not your full spending.
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Coast FIRE Calculator: What It Tells You, and What It Can't
Market Education · Jun 27, 2026A Coast FIRE calculator estimates the point where your current retirement balance could keep growing without new contributions, if future growth is strong.
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How a 5-Year CD Ladder Calculator Helps You Plan Cash
Market Education · Jun 20, 2026A 5-year CD ladder spreads cash across staggered maturities, so you keep regular access to money without putting every dollar into a short-term rate.
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Avalanche Method Debt Calculator: How to Use It Well
Debt Management · Jun 13, 2026The avalanche method sends extra money to the highest interest rate first while you keep minimum payments on the rest.
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How to Use a Retirement Calculator Without Fooling Yourself
Retirement Planning · Jun 12, 2026A retirement calculator is most useful when it shows which input matters most: savings rate, retirement age, or spending.
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How to Use a 6 Month Emergency Fund Calculator
Financial Tips · Jun 11, 2026A 6 month emergency fund is usually based on essential monthly expenses, not your full current spending.
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Debt Avalanche vs. Snowball: Which Strategy is Right for You?
Debt Management · Oct 13, 2025Compare the two most popular debt repayment strategies with real-world examples and find which approach fits your situation.
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5 Steps to Build an Emergency Fund That Actually Works
Financial Tips · Sep 30, 2025Master financial security with a practical guide to building and maintaining an emergency fund that protects you from uncertainties.