The Mega Backdoor Roth

Overview: The Mega Backdoor Roth is a fantastic tool for supersavers. If one’s 401(k) plan allows for after tax contributions, those contributions can then be rolled over to the Roth 401(k) inside the plan, or rolled out to a Roth IRA. This is great because then future gains and distributions are then tax free. With a $66k 401(k) contribution limit [2023], that leaves room for up to an additional $43,500 of after-tax contributions per year if you max out your $22,500 [2023] deferral limit. Having $43,500 per year of extra Roth space is an amazing retirement tool, but should only be utilized after fully maxing out other retirement accounts first, like the Roth IRA, 401(k) and HSA.
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The HSA Account

Overview: The health savings account, or an HSA, is often called the Stealth IRA because it can be treated like another investment account. Reasons for treating it as such include fantastic tax treatment, no income limits, no RMD’s, and the balance will roll over each year. If you can afford to cash flow your medical bills (up to your max out of pocket amount) each year, the HSA is the first investment account you should max out. It’s a great investment deal.
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The Taxable Account

Overview: A taxable brokerage account is often maligned because it doesn’t offer the same tax protections of accounts like 401(k)’s or IRA’s. However, there are lots of great reasons to have a brokerage account. Excellent for long term savings goals and piggy backing on to retirement accounts, they are a great addition to have for your overall retirement and savings goals.
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Backdoor Roth IRA

Overview: Many people incorrectly assume that they make too much money to contribute to the all important Roth IRA. Direct Roth contributions do have an income limit, but Congress has made an easy work-around. Everyone should be maxing out their Roth IRA. It is too important not to. If over the income limit, simply contribute to a traditional IRA and then convert it to a Roth.
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Financial Advisors

Overview: Once you’ve spent more than a few weeks learning about investing, you will be knowledgeable enough to not need the expensive services of a financial advisor. They usually charge too much for the same tasks you could do on your own. They also sell products you definitely don’t need or want. Complicated tax or estate planning should be left to a CPA or attorney. You can be your own advisor and save many thousands of dollars in fees!
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Live On Half

Overview: The fastest way to retire sooner rather than later is to increase your savings rate. A solid goal is to live on half your income. If you aren’t there yet, use this spreadsheet to see where you are and where you might be able to improve your numbers. Set a savings goal and move toward it every year.
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Stay The Course

Overview: The best way to attain good returns is to buy low and sell high. One can accomplish this with a buy and hold strategy. Expect volatility, major ups and downs, and large market corrections. Expecting large drops helps curb the natural impulse to sell at the wrong time. Buy and hold does as well. Stay the course and play the long game.
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