About Opher
A physicist’s approach to personal finance
My career has taken some unexpected turns, from earning a PhD in experimental high-energy physics, to conducting cosmic-ray research in Antarctica, to supporting NASA projects and programs, to running my own consulting business. I also run several other small businesses and help my wife run her Marriage and Family Therapy practice.
Those experiences taught me to question assumptions, think critically, and recognize that real-world decisions of any significance rarely have simple answers that apply to everyone. Today, I bring that perspective to writing about personal finance. Drawing on my analytical background, business experience, and research, I explore financial decisions, challenge conventional wisdom, and help readers understand the tradeoffs that can affect their financial well-being. To complement my own research and experience, I also weave insights from financial professionals into my articles, drawing on their expertise and real-world experience helping clients navigate financial decisions and challenges.
At medium.com/@opher-ganel, you can read more of my articles and subscribe to receive email notifications when new ones come out.
From particle physics to personal finance
The career path behind Opher’s analytical, evidence-first writing.
- 1Physics Ph.D.Experimental high-energy physics, Weizmann Institute
- 2Cosmic-ray researchIncluding research visits to Antarctica
- 3NASA supportSystems engineering for projects and programs
- 4Own consultancyPlus several small businesses
- 5Finance writerWealthtender, Medium, MSN and more
When I moved to the US 30 years ago, I owed more than I owned, and supporting a young family with two toddlers on a $31k salary was hard. My journey from that humble starting point to where I am today taught me many lessons that I’m happy to share.
Expect clear, easy-to-understand, no-nonsense, often contrarian, sometimes humorous viewpoints on financial matters that affect your everyday life and your plans for a better future.
Editor’s picks
Start with these
Four of Opher’s most useful guides, chosen by Wealthtender’s editors.
Net Worth by Age: Percentiles and How You Compare to Your Peer Group
Benchmarks by age group, and why the median tells you more than the average.
Most-read benchmark guide
The Guardrails Approach to Retirement: How It Beats the 4% Rule
A flexible withdrawal method that lets retirees spend more with less risk.
Signature retirement topicHow Many Americans Retire Wealthy? The Numbers, the Income and the Risks
What the numbers say and what it takes to get there.
Data-driven explainer
Moving to a No Income Tax State: Is It Really Worth It for You?
The full cost picture behind a popular tax move.
Anchors the state tax seriesNew from Opher
Latest articles
Article library
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How we review Opher’s articles
Every article is reviewed by Wealthtender’s editorial team before publication, and advisors quoted in Opher’s articles are identified by name and firm. We correct errors promptly when readers point them out.