Afford Anything

Tag: ask paula

By Paula Pant

#165: Ask Paula – Should I Invest in Index Funds or Rental Properties?

Should Kim, an entrepreneur, invest in index funds or rental properties?

Should Nick, an MBA student, househack into a more-expensive home with stronger cash flow, or a cheaper home with more budgetary wiggle room?

Should Kelly, who is getting married soon, sell her current home and use the proceeds to buy multiple rentals? Or should she use her current home as a rental property?

Should Trayci and her sister invest in rental properties or bare land?

I answer these four questions in today’s episode.

We’re a weekly show, but on the first Friday of the month, we air a bonus episode. This is our December 2018 First Friday Bonus Episode.

Enjoy!

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#163: Ask Paula – The Future of Index Fund Investing

Does my employer match count against my 401k contribution limits? Should I invest in a Traditional or Roth TSP? Should I invest more aggressively in stocks right now, or should I hold cash and bonds until the next downturn? Should I get a mortgage or keep renting until I can buy a home in cash? Do you think index investing will dramatically change in the coming decades?

Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I answer these five questions in today’s episode.

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#159: Ask Paula – I Have Three Kids and I’m Hoping for Financial Independence

Should a 36-year-old father of three invest primarily in Traditional or Roth retirement accounts? Should Rose, a grandmother of four, open a Vanguard account for each of her grandchildren?

Should Nancy, who lives overseas and is the sole breadwinner in her family, invest in a Traditional or Roth TSP?

Should Scott’s wife rollover her 403(b) from her former employer into an IRA?

Should Patrick, age 35, cancel his life insurance plan?

Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I answer these five questions in today’s episode.

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#157: Ask Paula – Can You Force a Rental Property to Cash Flow?

We’re back with another Ask Paula – Real Estate Edition of the show!

In this episode, we cover down payments, cash flow, investing in condo hotels, building a rental on the side of your own house, selling your properties, and whether it’s better to buy actual properties or REITs.

Erin asks:

Would you ever put […]

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#155: Ask Paula & Joe – How Can I Send My Four Children to College?

How can a schoolteacher dad and stay-at-home mom send their four kids to college? Where should a 23-year-old keep the savings that she’s accumulating to buy a home by the time she’s 27 or 28?

What should a listener know about retirement planning if he has a pension? And should a listener rollover his 401k […]

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#148: Ask Paula – Should I Sell My House and Invest the Equity?

Welcome to a special episode of Ask Paula!

Today I’m answering questions about real estate investing, and I’ve brought a special guest on the show to join me.

His name is Lucas Hall, and he’s a landlord with 5 properties in three locations (D.C., Virginia and Colorado). He’s also the founder of Landlordology and head […]

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#146: Ask Paula – Where Should I Keep My Money if I Want to Retire Early?

My friend and former financial advisor, Joe Saul-Sehy, joins me to answer a multitude of questions on retirement savings and investing, so let’s dive in.

Elyse has two questions:
#1: Through her job, Elyse has a 401(a) hybrid. Right now, she contributes 0.5% as her employer will contribute 2.5% only when she contributes 4%.

 […]

Keep reading...

By Paula Pant

#144: Ask Paula – What Do You Think of Real Estate Crowdfunding?

Today I’m answering your real estate questions!

First up, Rich asks:
What are your thoughts on real estate crowdfunding versus investing in a traditional REIT and non-retirement account?

He doesn’t want to give up the time it takes to manage a rental property. He wants to spend more time with family and friends, and […]

Keep reading...

Afford Anything