Ask HTM - High Yield CHECKING Accounts, Avoiding Capital Gains with Vet School, & Discriminatory 401k Accounts! #898
Oct 28, 2024
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Listeners dive into the necessity of high-yield checking accounts and explore creative ways to finance vet school without incurring capital gains tax. The conversation tackles managing retirement after failed 401k testing and the value of disability insurance. There's a quirky debate about frugal versus cheap spending habits, along with amusing anecdotes about self-checkout machines. Ultimately, the hosts encourage proactive financial engagement while sharing tips on improving personal finance strategies.
The podcast evaluates the necessity of high-yield checking accounts, highlighting that many offer low benefits due to stringent fees and conditions.
Listeners learn strategic ways to finance veterinary school while avoiding capital gains tax by utilizing 529 plans and tax-efficient withdrawal methods.
The conversation underscores the importance of 401k non-discrimination testing and encourages broader employee participation to safeguard contributions for higher earners.
Deep dives
Navigating the Social Security Debate
Many young individuals express a desire to opt out of Social Security contributions, seeking to take control of their financial future. The discussion highlights the systemic issues within the Social Security program, including the impending depletion of the trust fund, which may lead to a significant reduction in benefits. While some view this potential cut as a reason to relinquish their contributions, there is an underlying belief that individuals must prepare independently for retirement rather than rely solely on a potentially flawed system. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in financial planning, encouraging proactive savings strategies to mitigate reliance on government benefits.
High-Yield Checking Accounts: Are They Worth It?
The viability of high-yield checking accounts is scrutinized, highlighting that many come with stringent conditions and fees which can negate their benefits. It's discussed that conventional checking accounts generally provide minimal interest, making it unnecessary for most consumers to switch for a marginal increase in returns. Additionally, the limitations imposed on traditional savings accounts, like withdrawal restrictions, are explored as a deterrent for consumers transitioning funds. The emphasis is on maintaining a simple strategy of keeping most funds in a savings account while using checking for transactional purposes.
Investing in Veterinary Education
A listener navigates the complexities of financing a child's veterinary education, utilizing a combination of a 529 plan and mutual funds. The conversation explores tax implications associated with liquidating mutual fund positions to fund tuition, including strategies for minimizing capital gains tax. It is emphasized that capital gains are taxed differently from ordinary income and can lead to an elevated tax bracket if not managed carefully. Suggestions are made to consider tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, such as donating appreciated assets, to potentially avoid tax liabilities while funding education.
401k Non-Discrimination Testing Insights
401k plans undergo mandatory non-discrimination testing to ensure fairness among employees' contributions, with implications for highly compensated staff when the plan fails. The necessity of encouraging broader participation among employees is addressed, as this can help avoid complications for higher earners and maintain their contribution levels. Subsequently, understanding the distinction between short-term and long-term disability insurance becomes critical as the conversation articulates the importance of ensuring adequate coverage. A recommendation is made for further exploration of market options, emphasizing the potential benefits of long-term disability plans.
Optimizing Small Change: A Frugal Approach
A listener shares their experience of using coins for grocery purchases, showcasing a resourceful approach to avoid Coinstar fees. By utilizing self-checkout during off-peak hours, they successfully converted spare change into usable currency without inconveniencing other customers. The discussion highlights the often overlooked value of using small denomination cash rather than relying on coin counting machines, emphasizing the merits of frugality versus perceived cheapness. The notion is further supported by the financial advantages of maintaining a small but manageable stash of coins for everyday transactions.
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 - How necessary are high yield checking accounts?
2 - What is a way that I can use my investments to pay for veterinarian school, without paying capital gains tax?
3 - How should I invest for retirement after my 401k failed non-discrimination testing?
4 - Is it worth continuing to pay for short and long term disability insurance?
5 - Frugal or Cheap: skipping Coinstar and going straight to a register?
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During this episode we enjoyed a Kobzar 2022 by Big Spruce Brewing – a big thanks to our good buddy Andrew L for donating this one to the pod! And please help us to spread the word by letting friends and family know about How to Money! Hit the share button, subscribe if you’re not already a regular listener, and give us a quick review in Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Help us to change the conversation around personal finance and get more people doing smart things with their money!