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Tag: financial independence strategies

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!

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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.

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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.

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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%.

 […]

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By Paula Pant

#135: Ask Paula – How Can I Get a Downpayment for a Rental Property?

Time to talk about houses! I answer your questions about rental property investing in this week’s episode.

Our first question comes from James, age 25. He lives in Florida, where he bought a $130,000, 3-bedroom, 2-bath condominium in the Class B range as his primary residence. He’d like to buy a second home and rent […]

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By Paula Pant

#116: Ask Paula – Help! I’m Underwater on My Car!

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 […]

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By Paula Pant

#94: Ask Paula – The Early Retirement Episode

Early retirement? Yes please.

This week, I answer questions from the audience around early retirement planning, health savings and debt pay-off.

Question #1: How can I avoid early-withdrawal penalties?

Our first caller is Christianna, who asks two questions:

I’m interested in early retirement. How can I avoid early withdrawal penalties? How does early retirement impact the […]

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