By Paula Pant
Antonia, 27, wants to retire in 15 years. She’s trying to figure out whether to contribute to pre-tax or after-tax retirement accounts.
Most financial advice for 20-somethings that she’s encountered says to contribute to after-tax (Roth) retirement accounts. These articles assume that a 27-year-old will continue earning money for the next 30+ years, presumably […]
By Paula Pant
It’s time to answer real estate investing questions!
Tom asks:
“We’re thinking about buying a duplex on a beach in a popular vacation destination in Florida. If the property stays 85 percent occupied as a short-term (VRBO) rental at current rates, the income from one unit of the duplex could cover the costs of a […]
By Paula Pant
This week, former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy and I answer five questions about investing, retirement, insurance, travel and selling an expensive car.
Eliana is 25 and makes $63,000 per year, plus a little extra from freelance work. She holds $95,000 in cash, $67,000 in retirement investments, and no debt. She doesn’t necessarily hold early retirement […]
By Paula Pant
Tony lives in Chicago, where the returns on rental properties are so-so. He’s thinking about investing in Indianapolis, where he consistently finds rental properties with cap rates that are greater than 8 percent. Should he invest locally, so that he can get a primary residence mortgage and keep a closer eye on the space? […]
By Paula Pant
Roger Whitney, age 51, calls himself The Retirement Answer Man. As a financial planner, investment analyst and podcast host, he focuses on helping Baby Boomers craft a traditional (past-age-60) retirement.
Today, he joins me to answer two questions that come in from our community.
Our first question is from Emily, who says:
“I’m trying […]
By Paula Pant
Questions — I get questions! Today, I’m tackling four queries about real estate investing that come from the audience. Here are the details:
Sam says:
I work full-time and I’m not handy, so I definitely need a property manager. I’ve found an amazing property management company, but they only serve a small, specific […]
By Paula Pant
Stacy and her boyfriend would like to downsize to one vehicle. But they’re collectively $14,500 underwater on their car loans.
Stacy owes $11,000 on her car, but its trade-in value is $7,200. She’s paying a 12.74% interest rate and her payoff date is 2021.
Her boyfriend is in worse shape. He owes $18,500 on his […]
By Paula Pant
This week, I answer five questions about real estate investing from the audience.
Joelle asks:
I own a home outright on the West Coast. I’m thinking about taking out $100,000 from my home equity, and using this money to buy a rental property.
I found a community out east where I can buy a […]
By Paula Pant
How can I convince my spouse to invest in low-fee index funds? How should my fiancé and I combine our finances? If I’d like to invest in rental properties, should I also buy stocks?
Former financial planner Joe Saul-Sehy joins me to tackle these audience questions and more.
Thomas asks:
My wife is suspicious […]
By Paula Pant
Happy New Years! We’re kicking off this year on a bright and cheerful note — with a conversation about the impending recession! Yay!
The U.S. stock market is at a peak, continuing its 9-year bull run. The markets have been rising since March 2009 without any major corrections or pullbacks.
We are living in one […]
