WCI #349: Is Over Contributing to Your 403(b) Ever a Good Idea?
Jan 11, 2024
auto_awesome
Tyler Olson of Olson Consulting answers questions about paying taxes and medical loans, what to do with an old SEP IRA, over contributing to a 403(b), and the difference between average and actual cost basis. They also discuss managing expectations with tax professionals and the tax implications of forgiven debt. Additionally, they explore safe harbor contributions, maximizing contributions to a 403(b), strategies for managing IRAs and Roth IRAs, and the importance of details for public service loan forgiveness.
Taking a proactive approach towards tax planning at the beginning of the year is crucial for leveraging money-saving strategies and maximizing tax benefits.
Hiring a knowledgeable tax preparer who can offer proactive tax advice and ensure compliance with tax laws is essential.
When maximizing matching dollars in multiple retirement plans, it is important to carefully allocate contributions to obtain the maximum match.
Deep dives
The Importance of Proactive Tax Planning
Taking a proactive approach towards tax planning at the beginning of the year is crucial for leveraging money-saving strategies and maximizing tax benefits. Cerebral Tax Advisors, a trusted tax firm recommended by the White Coat Investor, specializes in court-tested and IRS-approved strategies to help medical professionals lower both personal and business taxes. With over two decades of experience, founder Lexis Gellotti offers high-level tax planning strategies tailored to the unique needs of physicians. By scheduling a pre-consultation with Cerebral Tax Advisors, physicians can optimize their tax returns and focus on maximizing their return on investment.
Position Wellness and Financial Literacy Conference
The Position Wellness and Financial Literacy Conference provides a unique opportunity for physicians to customize their experience and gain practical approaches to improve their personal and financial lives. This conference offers a mix of wellness and finance content, empowering physicians to create a better work-life balance and enhance their financial well-being. Participants can earn up to 16 AMA, PRA, Category 1 Dental CE credits while enjoying various fun activities like pickleball, yoga, wine tasting, and golf. With a focus on community-building and insights from like-minded professionals, this conference equips physicians with actionable strategies to create a better life overall.
Navigating Taxes and Hiring a Tax Preparer
Navigating taxes can be complex, and it is important for physicians to choose the right tax professional and understand their tax situation. While some physicians may consider doing their taxes and seeking a professional review, it is advisable to seek expert advice, especially in light of potential mistakes and the significant impact of tax planning for high-income professionals. Hiring a knowledgeable tax preparer who can offer proactive tax advice and ensure compliance with tax laws is essential. Effective communication and management of expectations with tax professionals can help physicians successfully navigate their tax obligations and make informed financial decisions.
Optimizing Matching Contributions in Retirement Plans
When maximizing matching dollars in multiple retirement plans, it is important to carefully allocate contributions to obtain the maximum match. However, if the total allocated contribution is not sufficient to receive full matching dollars, consideration must be given to alternative options. One option is to invest the remaining funds in a taxable investment account, which can potentially mitigate future tax liabilities. Another strategy is to explore the possibility of becoming a subcontractor for one of the employers, allowing for contributions to a solo 401(k) plan with customized after-tax contributions.
Managing Retirement Accounts and Backdoor Roth Conversions
For individuals with multiple retirement accounts, it is crucial to have a clear plan to optimize contributions and avoid tax complications. Rolling over old retirement accounts into a business 401(k) plan can streamline the portfolio and reduce complexity. Regarding IRAs, it is advisable to convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs to facilitate future backdoor Roth conversions. However, the decision hinges on the size of the IRA and the ability to manage the tax bill. Careful consideration should be given to isolating basis or making full conversions to maintain the benefits of tax-free growth.
Today is another Friends of WCI episode. Tyler Olson of Olson Consulting joins Dr. Dahle to answer your questions. They talk about paying taxes and if you should use a professional or do them yourself. They discuss medical loans and how taxes work with those. They discuss what to do with an old SEP IRA, if it is ever a good idea to over contribute to a 403(b) and the difference between average cost basis and actual cost basis.
The White Coat Investor is proud to introduce our No Hype Real Estate Investing course, which will provide the framework for developing further knowledge and experience as you progress in your real estate investing career. We call it an introductory course because there is always more to learn. But this is no short, superficial course. There are over 200 lectures and videos adding up to more than 27 hours of content by over 15 different instructors. We think it just might be the best real estate course on the planet. Continue your wealth-building journey today with the No Hype Real Estate Investing course at https://www.whitecoatinvestor.com/courses. You can do this and The White Coat Investor can help.
The White Coat Investor has been helping doctors with their money since 2011. Our free financial planning resource covers a variety of topics from doctor mortgage loans and refinancing medical school loans to physician disability insurance and malpractice insurance. Learn about loan refinancing or consolidation, explore new investment strategies, and discover loan programs specifically aimed at helping doctors. If you're a high-income professional and ready to get a "fair shake" on Wall Street, The White Coat Investor is for you!