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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D I Why?

“Are you ready to learn how to change the oil in the car?”

12-year-old me:  “Dad… when I am old enough to have a car, I will pay somebody to do that.”

Now adult me finds himself doing all kinds of things (no oil changes though cuz EV.)

Why is that?

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Why I Am Ditching our EV

3 years ago we bought a new electric vehicle. I am in the process of getting rid of it.

If you have spent any amount of time online you have definitely seen an anti-EV meme or two. Charging takes too long. The range isn’t sufficient. They don’t work when cold. California won’t let you charge your car! Diesel fuel is testosterone. They run off of coal. Etc…

That is pretty much all wrong though, which is why we are replacing our EV… with a new EV.
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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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