Ask HTM - Alt Investment Considerations, Making the Most of Profit Sharing, & National Debt’s Impact on Your Portfolio #811
Apr 8, 2024
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Topics include considering alternative investments, using HSA for medical bills, maximizing profit sharing, implications of national debt on portfolio, and paying off low-interest mortgages. Hosts offer practical financial tips and explore charitable giving campaigns.
Consider diversifying income streams with alternative investments for financial growth.
Maximize HSA benefits by using credit cards for medical expenses and leaving funds invested.
Allocate a portion of your portfolio for alternative investments while prioritizing low-cost index funds for wealth building.
Deep dives
Maximizing the Benefits of a Profit Sharing Plan
Profit sharing plans offer employees a chance to receive additional compensation when a company performs well. This can build morale and incentivize loyalty. While the amount accumulated in the plan, like Carl's $130,000 after 21 years, can vary depending on factors like salary and employer contributions, it generally represents an additional retirement savings opportunity. Vesting periods for profit sharing plans also play a crucial role in determining when and how much of the employer's contributions employees can keep.
Leveraging the Triple Tax Advantage of an HSA
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) provide a triple tax advantage, allowing contributions to grow tax-free, withdrawals for qualified medical expenses tax-free, and tax deductions on contributions. If feasible, consider leaving HSA funds invested for long-term growth. Using a personal credit card to pay medical expenses and then reimbursing yourself from the HSA allows you to earn credit card rewards while maintaining tax benefits.
Starting a Side Business and Exploring Alternative Investments
Starting a side business or engaging in alternative investments like farmland or specific ETFs can diversify your income streams and potentially boost your financial standing. While these ventures offer potential rewards, it's essential to balance risk and fees associated with alternative investments. Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio, maybe up to 5%, to these opportunities while prioritizing investment in low-cost index funds for long-term wealth building.
Managing 401k and IRA Rollovers
It is advised not to withdraw funds from your retirement accounts prematurely due to tax implications. Instead, consider rolling over your funds to an IRA after leaving employment to allow your money to continue growing. Companies like capitalized assist in smooth rollovers to IRAs, ensuring no tax consequences are triggered.
National Debt Impact on Investment Strategy
The podcast delves into the impact of the national debt on investment decisions. Both parties have contributed to growing deficits posing concerns for the country's financial future. While diversifying investments globally is recommended, the US market's performance influences world markets. Possible hedging strategies include maintaining cash reserves or exploring alternative investments like Bitcoin to counterbalance fiscal challenges
Let’s dive into the week with some fresh listener questions we have lined up for you! And don't just stand on the sidelines- if you have a question you’d like us to answer, toss your voice memo our way. It only takes about 90 seconds to record and you can find a step by step guide over at HowToMoney.com/ask . Regardless of how random or bizarre you might think it is, we want to hear it!
1 - Should I consider alternative investments offered by the newer fintech platforms?
2 - Do medical bills need to be directly paid for with my HSA or should I use a credit card?
3 - What should I do with over six figures from my employer's profit sharing plan?
4 - How should I account for the US national debt in my retirement portfolio allocation?
5 - Paying off a 2.5% mortgage- does it ever make sense?
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