Ask HTM - The Key Personal Finance Metric, Negotiating A Lower Car Loan Rate, & WTD When Your Cheese Is Moved #805
Mar 25, 2024
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Topics include determining savings rate with employer contributions, negotiating lower car loan rates with higher credit scores, saving extra for retirement with guaranteed pensions, and working towards goals after purchasing a dream home. Plus, tips on personal finance gear, HTM newsletter sign up, joining HTM Facebook group, finding the best credit card, and reducing cell phone bills.
Having a pension can be a secure stream of income in retirement, but personal contributions are crucial for financial flexibility.
Improving credit score can lead to better car loan refinancing options with lower interest rates from other lenders.
Consider maximizing contributions to a Roth IRA for enhanced retirement savings and security, especially with catch-up amounts available for older individuals.
Deep dives
Handling Pension and Retirement Savings
Having a pension can be a secure stream of income in retirement, reducing the need for extensive personal savings. However, it's essential to also shore up retirement through personal contributions to ensure financial flexibility and more options in retirement.
Refinancing a Car Loan with Improved Credit
Improving your credit score can lead to better refinancing options for a car loan. While negotiating interest rates with your current lender might not be fruitful, exploring refinancing with other lenders, especially those without prepayment fees, can help secure a lower rate and save on interest payments.
Maximizing Retirement Savings with a Roth IRA
Consider opening a Roth IRA and maximizing contributions with catch-up amounts if you're over 55. By contributing the maximum allowed amount for seven years, you can significantly boost your retirement savings potential, especially with the tax advantages and growth potential of a Roth IRA, offering more padding and financial security during retirement.
Investment Strategies for Retirement Savings
For individuals with a pension seeking investment options, considering a target date fund over the standard S&P 500 index is recommended due to the shorter investment timeline. With retirement approaching, a more conservative mix with a focus on bonds rather than stocks is advisable. It's essential to factor in near-future expenses like big purchases or trips, potentially diverting funds to high-yield savings accounts or CDs to mitigate market volatility.
Planning Beyond Pension and Social Security
While generous pensions and expected social security benefits may cover living expenses, counting solely on them for retirement is risky. Private pensions can change or be insufficient, and social security benefits may undergo revisions given increased life expectancies. It is prudent to make personal contributions and explore diverse income streams to secure a stable financial future.
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 - Am I supposed to include employer contributions when determining my savings rate?
2 - Is it possible to negotiate a lower car loan interest rate now that I have a higher credit score?
3 - Should I save extra for retirement if I have a healthy guaranteed pension?
4 - After purchasing my dream home, what should I work towards next?
Want more How To Money in your life? Here are some additional ways to get ahead with your personal finances:
Knowing your ‘money gear’ is a crucial part of your personal finance journey. Start here.
Sign up for the weekly HTM newsletter. It’s fun, free, & practical.
Find the best credit card for you with our new credit card tool!
Massively reduce your cell phone bill each month by switching to a discount provider like Mint Mobile.
During this episode we enjoyed an Alpsi by HighGrain Brewing- a big thanks to Mike and Kristy for donating this one to the pod! 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!