Debt as a Recession Tool

Shortly after moving back to the US in mid-2021, an extended COVID-19 hangover meant excessive economic angst for large swaths of the population.

People responded to economic woes in a number of ways – some worked extra hours or took on side gigs, others cut back on expenses, perhaps eating out less often or vacationing near home.

We did neither. Instead, I loaded up on debt.

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Why I Plan to Start an SEPP

“Isn’t a Roth conversion ladder far superior to an SEPP in every way?”

“You wrote all of this stuff about SEPPs but it is a complete waste of time, everyone should just do a Roth conversion ladder.”

“Thanks for the SEPP Calculator but isn’t a Roth conversion ladder more flexible?”

All good questions / comments, of course. The Roth conversion ladder is a great option to access retirement accounts before age 59.5. But some people will still find that the SEPP is better suited to their wants / needs.

Me, for example.

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The Go Curry Cracker 2023 Taxes

2023 was our second full year back in the US where we were subject to the 3 overlapping tax systems – Federal, State, and ACA.

In theory this could mean that we would have a high tax burden.

But in practice we paid practically zero, with more opportunities to save next year.

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IRA Withdrawals Before Age 59.5

At age 59.5, all access restrictions to 401ks and IRAs are removed.

Sometimes people want to retire before then. (Hard to believe, I know.)

But what if most/all of your savings and investments happen to be in a retirement account? Or you prefer to hang on to the investments in your taxable account?

Fortunately there are a few options to tap retirement accounts early and penalty-free.

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