Don’t Avoid the Pro Rata Rule
“How do I avoid the pro-rata rule in retirement? Can I do X to avoid it?”
I’ve seen this question numerous times.
My general answer – don’t avoid the pro rata rule in retirement.
Investing Our Mortgage – 3 year update
A few years ago we bought a house, paid in full with cash. Then I got a small mortgage as an inflation hedge and to invest for fun and profit.
We used a chunk of the mortgage to fund moving expenses and to acquire all of the typical home accoutrements, put solar on our roof, and pay the medium-sized tax bill that comes with selling enough stock to pay cash for a house. The remainder I put back into the market as a lump sum.
It has now been three years out of thirty. Let’s check in on how this investment is doing.
A Simple Year-End Tax Checklist
The end of the calendar year is quickly approaching, and that means it is time to run through our year-end tax checklist. The simpler the better.
Here are a few important items to review and actions to take.
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.
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.
How Go Curry Cracker Makes Money and How Much
This blog makes a little bit of money which helps to fund our quiet and subdued suburban lifestyle.
Every once in awhile somebody expresses interest in exactly how much we make and how.
Read on, curious one.
