Hold the comparison steady
When a study isolates one variable, the other major assumptions stay fixed. A fee comparison should not quietly give one side a better gross return.
Original Terra Research
Publish the assumptions. Show the math. Let readers inspect the result.
Terra Research turns recurring investing questions into controlled studies with visible inputs, reproducible calculations, downloadable data and a clear statement of what the result does — and does not — prove.
Current studies
Two different kinds of evidence.
One study is a controlled Terra model. One is a historical market comparison. Both separate sourced facts from Terra calculations.
New · modeled study
The 1% Fee Study
What can one percentage point of annual cost mean at $100,000, $250,000, $500,000, $1 million and $2 million over 10, 20 and 30 years?
Open study → Historical research401(k) Reality Check
Compare representative 401(k)-style funds with SPY across a fixed 2006–2025 total-return window, with current expense-ratio context shown separately.
Open research →Research rules
What makes a Terra study reproducible?
Publish the data
When practical, Terra provides the underlying scenario table or workbook so a reader, educator or writer can inspect the same numbers.
Separate model from history
A modeled 7% return is a scenario input, not a prediction. Historical return data is labeled with its actual period and source.
Say what the result misses
Taxes, inflation, contributions, withdrawals, service value and market volatility can matter. If they are not modeled, the page says so.
Version meaningful changes
Research pages carry review dates and Terra records substantive revisions rather than changing dates simply to look fresh.
Keep cost and value separate
A fee can be measured mathematically. Whether a service is worth that fee depends on what the investor receives and needs.
For educators, writers & researchers
Citing Terra is encouraged.
You are welcome to link to a Terra study and cite its published tables with clear attribution. The study page includes a suggested citation and downloadable data so the assumptions stay attached to the numbers.