Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp

Should You Cash Out Your 401(k) Retirement Account?In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we explore the critical question of whether you should withdraw from your 401k. We discuss common reasons for considering a withdrawal, such as emergencies and market fears, and highlight the financial downsides, including taxes and penalties. The episode also covers alternative solutions like 401 (k) loans and emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making to avoid long-term financial stress. 00:00 Intro06:24 10% Penalty07:04 Federal & State Income Taxes08:27 Special ROTH Features To Avoid Penalty and Taxes09:04 Less Resources, Less Time To Build It Back11:53 401 (k) loan alternative13:10 Different Exemption Rules To Be Aware Of14:03 Separation after age 5515:24 Home Equity Loan/ Line of Credit17:20 

Feeling like you're stuck living paycheck to paycheck?

Navigating Stock Market Volatility: Long-term Investment Strategies ExplainedIn this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we discuss the current stock market volatility caused by recent tariff announcements and offer practical advice for maintaining a long-term investment approach. Learn why diversification is crucial, how to manage short-term financial goals, and why now might be a good time to invest, especially for younger individuals.Non-Profit Sponsor: Tech By Choice 

In this video, the host explains why paychecks may be smaller in January 2025 compared to December 2024. The main reason is due to the resumption of Social Security deductions at the start of the year, which cease once annual income exceeds $176,100. This deduction affects high-income earners significantly, making their early-year finances feel tighter. The host provides tips on managing cash flow and planning financial contributions around the timing of these deductions, ensuring viewers have clarity on the finances to make informed decisions.

In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we explore the real value of bonuses, raises, and stock options with a focus on how taxes can greatly diminish their apparent worth. We delve into examples to reveal the true post-tax income you can expect. Additionally, we highlight common mistakes like lifestyle inflation and poor financial planning that can lead to overspending and emphasize the importance of intentional money management and the impact of taxation on financial decisions.

This episode delves into the financial issues tech professionals face, focusing on the challenge of managing credit card debt despite high incomes. It discusses how lifestyle creep, unexpected expenses, and high interest rates lead to debt accumulation. Emphasizing the importance of financial management, the danger of relying on future financial expectations and underscores the consequences of unchecked debt, such as stress and potential evictions. It provides practical strategies like using budgeting tools, setting savings plans, and adopting the debt snowball approach. Furthermore, it highlights the need for minimizing unnecessary expenses and leveraging all financial resources to expedite debt repayment, ultimately aiming to regain financial control and achieve long-term goals.

Sean Page, a senior technical recruiter at Propel, shares his non-traditional career path from biology major to public health professional to tech recruiter. He emphasizes the increasing competitiveness in the job market, the importance of understanding DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in hiring processes, and the need for clear communication in salary negotiations. Sean highlights the differences between working in non-profit and tech sectors, particularly regarding timelines and meeting cultures. He stresses the role of recruiters as important cross-sectional contributors to business operations and advocates for focusing on senior-level hires for greater DEI impact. Sean offers tips for job seekers on standing out in interviews, leveraging data, and maintaining mental health during prolonged job searches in a challenging market.Sean's social media links: https://x.com/SeanPageTalent Non-Profit Sponsor Links:https://www.techbychoice.org/ https://www.underdogdevs.org/

In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, host Lucas Casarez, CFP® discusses the process of transitioning out of a tech career, addressing the importance of understanding projected salaries, the impact of lifestyle and expenses on decision-making, and the necessity of financial planning. He emphasizes the need for thoughtful consideration and planning before making any drastic career changes, suggesting exploring additional opportunities within tech and calculating the necessary income for a sustainable transition. He also provides advice on managing resources, reducing expenses, and planning for a successful career change. The episode aims to help listeners design and build the life they want through informed and strategic decisions.

In this episode, you'll learn the answer to the following questions about how your employer stock impacts your taxes, as well as, charitable giving strategies:What Is The Difference Between A Private And Public CompanyThe Most Common Types Of Employer Stock PlansHow Your Employer Stock Is TaxedEmployer Stock StrategiesIs Your Charitable Giving Is Tax Deductible What Is A Donor Advised FundBenefits Of Donating Stockhttps://www.techbychoice.org/donatehttps://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/getting-those-big-tech-checks-with-tech-by-choice/https://the-collab-lab.codes/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/a-co-founders-journey-to-starting-the-collab-lab/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Important-Numbers-2023-1.pdfhttps://www.underdogdevs.org/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/creating-a-non-profit-to-help-underdog-devs/

In this episode, you'll learn the answer to the following questions about how your retirement accounts impact your taxes, as well as, how to correctly make Backdoor ROTH contributions.What Is A Traditional Retirement Account What Is A ROTH Retirement AccountDo I Make Too Much To Contribute To Certain Retirement AccountsWhat Is A Backdoor ROTHCan I Make a Mega Backdoor ROTH Contributionhttps://www.techbychoice.org/donatehttps://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/getting-those-big-tech-checks-with-tech-by-choice/https://the-collab-lab.codes/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/a-co-founders-journey-to-starting-the-collab-lab/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Important-Numbers-2023-1.pdfhttps://www.underdogdevs.org/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/creating-a-non-profit-to-help-underdog-devs/

Taxes can be complex and confusing, but it's important to understand them so you can pay the correct amount and take advantage of all the deductions and credits you're eligible for. In this episode, we'll cover everything you need to know about your taxes, from the basics to more advanced strategies.Topics covered:What are the different types of taxes?How are taxes calculated?What are deductions and credits?What is the standard deduction?What are itemized deductions?What are popular tax credits?What are income phaseouts?How to calculate your marginal and effective tax ratesHow are bonuses and stock options taxed?https://www.techbychoice.org/donatehttps://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/getting-those-big-tech-checks-with-tech-by-choice/https://the-collab-lab.codes/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/a-co-founders-journey-to-starting-the-collab-lab/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Important-Numbers-2023-1.pdf

In this episode, we interview Andrew Hedges, a career changer, startup co-founder, and non-profit co-founder. We talk about his journey from traditional employment to tech, the mission of his startup Assistiv Labs, the most misunderstood thing about accessibility, and advice for founders and co-founders. We also discuss The Collab Lab, a non-profit he co-founded, and the benefits of teaming up with others.Here are some key questions we will answer in the episode:What was the catalyst for your career change into tech?What gave you the confidence to leave traditional employment to start your own company?What is the mission of Assistiv Labs and why is accessibility online and with software so important?What would you say is the most misunderstood thing about accessibility?What advice would you give to founders and co-founders based on what you've learned so far?What is The Collab Lab and what pushed you to create such an amazing non-profit?What has been the greatest challenge your team has run into since launching The Collab Lab?What has been your biggest win as a non-profit?What is the greatest benefit you see from teaming up with others?How can people listening help The Collab Lab?Join us for this inspiring conversation with a passionate entrepreneur and non-profit leader!https://the-collab-lab.codeshttps://assistivlabs.comhttps://mailchi.mp/081b79193143/understand-your-taxes-end-of-year-tax-strategies

This is a part of the non-profit series where I highlight great members of the tech community who play a significant role in running a non-profit.Valerie is a self-taught developer who is now an engineering manager and the founder of Tech by Choice, a non-profit that helps underrepresented groups enter, stay and thrive in tech.Valerie talks about her experience as a manager and her work with Tech by Choice. She discusses her biggest challenges as a manager, her goals for the future, and her advice for others who are interested in entering the tech industry.As the founder of Tech By Choice, Valerie shares her personal stories that inspired the creation of Tech By Choice, the challenges of running a non-profit, the impact she's seeing in the community, and exciting projects that will be launching soon.https://www.techbychoice.org/donatehttps://mailchi.mp/081b79193143/understand-your-taxes-end-of-year-tax-strategiesValerie's previous interview. https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/the-wealth-of-being-in-tech-with-valerie/

Can you imagine building a thriving career in tech, overcoming societal stigmas, and then going ahead to establish a non-profit to help others do the same? That's exactly what our guest today, Rick Wolter, has done, and he joins us to share his inspiring journey. Rick shares how he went from being basically tech illiterate to landing a job in tech and helping others with similar backgrounds of being formerly incarcerated to do the same.Underdog Devs, is a non-profit dedicated to helping individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially those with a history of incarceration, kickstart their careers in software development. Interested in giving back? Visit https://www.underdogdevs.org/ to make a charitable donation or contact Rick if you have equipment you'd like to donate or have time to be a mentee.https://twitter.com/RwoltXhttps://twitter.com/UnderdogDevsRegister for the End Of Year Tax Strategies workshops here

Ever wondered why your spending seems to mysteriously multiply when your income increases? Join us as we dive deep into the world of lifestyle creep - the silent financial nemesis that can sabotage your present financial status and future plans. In today's episode, we unveil the facets of lifestyle creep, explaining how unchecked spending patterns may lead to a personal inflation phenomenon that might just be draining your wallet. From exploring the ripple effects of a pay rise to breaking down the psychological triggers such as ‘keeping up with the Joneses', we scrutinize the root causes that fan the flames of lifestyle creep. But we don't just stop there - we also provide actionable tips and tricks on how to keep this financial behemoth at bay. We emphasize understanding your financial landscape, setting clear priorities, and making small adjustments to ensure your spending aligns with your long-term financial goals. Whether you're a rookie in your career or enjoying a significant salary bump, tune in for some valuable insights that will keep your financial health in prime shape.

Have you ever wondered how a construction worker would transition into a career in cybersecurity? Our friend Danny, who did just that, offers a riveting account of his unique tech journey. A Microsoft scam was a pivotal moment that sparked his curiosity and propelled him to explore the complex world of cybersecurity. His story is a testament to the idea that traditional educational background need not always dictate your career path. Danny generously shares several resources for those intrigued by the tech field, especially the realm of cybersecurity.Shifting gears, career transitions become the focus of our conversation. Those mulling over a career change will find Danny's advice immensely valuable - he stresses the importance of thoroughly researching roles, networking, continuous learning, and the art of asking the right questions. Personal cybersecurity is another crucial topic we delve into. With insights drawn from Danny's own experience, we discuss the necessity of maintaining digital hygiene and implementing protective measures to safeguard your data. This episode is a compelling mix of inspiring stories, practical tips, and valuable resources designed to guide you on your path to a successful tech career. So, tune in, get inspired, and get ready to embark on your tech journey.Danny's Substackhttps://zendannyy.substack.com/Danny's Free Coursehttps://www.udemy.com/course/intro-to-linux/Danny's Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@zendanny

What's Next for Student Loan Forgiveness?In this podcast, we discuss the recent news that the previously announced student loan forgiveness is no longer a legal solution. We cover what to expect now that payments are restarting in October, including the new SAVE repayment plan, and the temporary ramp-up period. We also discuss the new path that the Biden administration is taking to try to achieve student loan forgiveness, and what that might mean for borrowers.Key takeaways:The previous Student loan forgiveness plan is no longer a legal solution, but the Biden administration is working on a new path to achieve it.The new SAVE repayment plan will lower payments for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans.There will be a temporary ramp-up period of 12 months after payments restart in October, during which borrowers will not be reported negatively to credit bureaus if they miss payments.The details of the new student loan forgiveness program are not yet known, but it is likely to be different from the previous plan.

Is Purchasing a Home in 2023 a Good Financial Decision?In this episode, we'll discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a home in 2023. We'll cover topics such as:Why are mortgage interest rates so high?Is it financially feasible?How does it compare to renting?What should you do if you have a home with a low-interest rate?What are the risks of homeownership?What if house values decrease?What if interest rates decrease?We'll also provide some tips for making an informed decision about whether or not to purchase a home in 2023.Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a current homeowner, this episode is for you. We'll help you understand the financial implications of homeownership and make the best decision for your individual circumstances.Listen to the episode today to learn more!

In this episode, we'll talk about how to increase your income. Whether you're looking to make more money to retire early, have more security and flexibility, or simply to make ends meet, there are a number of things you can do to make more money.How to Know If You Need to Make More MoneyThere are a few signs that you may need to make more money. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, if there are important goals that seem impossible to achieve, or if you've already dug into your budget and cut out unimportant and low-value expenses, then it's possible that you need to increase your income.Why Even Though You're Making a Ton of Money It Doesn't Seem Like EnoughThere are a few reasons why even though you're making a lot of money, it may not seem like enough. One reason is that the cost of living can vary dramatically from city to city. Another reason is that you may have a high cost of living due to your lifestyle choices. For example, if you like to live in a big house or drive a fancy car, then you're going to need to make more money to support those lifestyle choices. Finally, you may be supporting others financially, such as a spouse, children, or family members. If this is the case, then it's important to factor in the cost of supporting those people when you're considering your income needs.How to Increase Your IncomeThere are a number of ways to increase your income. Some of the most common methods include:Leveling up in your career Changing jobs FreelancingBeing paid for content creationSide hustlesCreating arts and craftsStarting or buying a business

Do you own a home with a ton of equity?In this episode, I talk about the awesomeness of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).I cover the pros, cons, and how they compare to other options that may be available to you.

Isai Cortez is a Tax Attorney and owner of Bismark Tax, Inc in Los Angeles, CA. He's also the founder of SynkBooks and an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University School of Law.Isai shares his story, which goes all the way back to age 4 when his family was in a situation that made him want to be an advocate and help people understand their taxes. This episode is full of of great stories and advice that spans entrepreneurship, finances, and life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/isai-bismark-cortez-01048143/https://app.synkbooks.com/team/https://bismarktax.com/isai-bismark-cortez-esq/https://twitter.com/IsaiBCortez

Huge news dropped today regarding student loans. There will be student loan forgiveness! That's not all, as most people expected, student loan forbearance was extended through December 31st, 2022. Finally, there will be a new income-based repayment plan that will reduce the burden of student loan payments on the remaining balances.The forbearance is pretty self-explanatory, but they included the wording of “final”. They used similar wording with previous extensions but after the forgiveness announcement, it'd be unlikely additional forbearances will occur.Here are the big questions around student loan forgiveness and the details I've managed to pull together from multiple sources over the course of the day. I was hoping more logistics would be available, but I'll keep you in the loop as I find out more.

This was a fun episode to record with my mom, Jessica Casarez, who has been working for the same insurance agency for the last 37 years.Insurance coverage is almost like a foreign language and she does an amazing job and translating and simplifying the information.Topics covered:How much insurance coverage do you need to replace your home?The difference between working with a captive agent and an independent agent.When umbrella coverage is beneficial.Do renters need renters insurance?What does comprehensive vehicle insurance cover?What does collision vehicle insurance cover?Do you need GAP insurance?Does your business need insurance?https://schatzins.com/

Dr. Aimee shares important information about fertility. It's her goal to let as many women avoid saying, I wish I would have known sooner.In this episode Dr. Aimee answers the following questions:The importance of understanding your fertilityAlternative options to egg freezingA range of costs associated with egg freezing and alternativesOne important thing men should knowWhat if you don't want kids today....https://twitter.com/_EggWhispererhttps://eggfreezingparty.com/what-is-an-egg-freezing-party

Are you worried about a possible recession? In this episode, I tackle current events that may lead to a recession in 2022 and identify what you need to know to navigate your way through a recession confidently.InflationThe Stock MarketEmploymentInterest RatesHousing Market

Do you need estate documents?I invited my friend and Estate Planning Expert, Will Beyers to shed some light on that answer.Will does a great job summarizing what each document does and provides some context on when and why they will be needed.The documents discussed in this episode are: Wills, Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and TrustsWe also dove into the importance of naming a caregiver if you have children, as well as, why most people drag their feet on setting up their estate documents. will@beyerslaw.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambeyersiii/https://www.beyerslaw.com/

In her prior career, Kristal worked as a Software Engineer at BuzzFeed and Marqeta, Director of Operations at a cryptocurrency startup, and as an assistant to executives and leadership at Uber, Affirm, and Sledgehammer Games. She served the largest Latinx in tech community, Techqueria, as a community leader and helped to grow and nurture the community by thousands of additional members.https://joinyearone.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kgarcia4/https://twitter.com/kristal_s_kristal@joinyearone.io

Do you know all of the amazing benefits and flexibility of an HSA (Health Savings Account)?The best features are that they are triple tax-free:Tax-Reduction on contributionsTax-Free growthTax-Free withdrawalsThat's not all. There could be real savings just by comparing a high deductible health plan to a pricier option.In this episode, I tackle a framework I use to help clients make an informed decision on whether they should use an HSA.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, but the significant debt you accrue in the form of a mortgage can sometimes carry a lot of emotional baggage.In this episode, I acknowledge some of the reasons people want to pay off their mortgages, but my recommendation a majority of the time is to NOT pay off their mortgage faster than they need to.I'll cover 5 major reasons NOT to pay off your mortgage early. The 4th one is maybe one of the biggest reasons, but no one ever talks about it.

Jonathan Jennings is a software engineer who works in the AR, VR, and videogame spaces and currently helming his indie VR game at Weird Kid Studios named Galactic Bar fight. He's been a guest lecturer at University and National Conferences. His first published essay Black Unicorn is available to read in the book Game Devs & Others: Tales From The Margins. He's been involved in multiple development roles including rapid prototyping, core mechanic programming, user Interface engineering, multiplayer programming, and publishing processes for release among others. He has over 9 years of development across both games and VR / MR / AR applications experience and titles he has worked on have had over 2 million cumulative downloads across several platforms. When not working he is most likely playing and studying the latest giant mainstream release or an obscure indie game.Galactic Bar Fight : https://www.oculus.com/experiences/quest/4219555588059267/?locale=en_USWeird Kid Studios: https://www.weirdkidstudios.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/notifications/Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Jonathan-Jennings-5Portfolio: https://www.behance.net/JonathanjTwitter: https://twitter.com/JonnyJ17

The Backdoor ROTH is an advanced planning strategy for high earners and big savers. Should you use a Backdoor ROTH?Two reasons why you'd use a Backdoor ROTH strategy is:1. You are phased out of making ROTH Contributions due to your high income.2. You are a big saver and have already maxed out your 401(k) contributionsThe process to implement a Backdoor ROTH will depend on if you are doing the smaller Backoor ROTH or the MEGA Backoor ROTH.I also cover the biggest mistake I see when people attempt a Backoor ROTH without assistance. The pain in the butt "pro-rata rule".This is not a ROTH vs. Traditional debate. You can max out all traditional contributions if that is your tax strategy and then take advantage of the Backdoor ROTH strategies!

My guest today is Gina Covarrubias, Certified Life Coach, B.S. Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (Purdue University), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (University of Utah)Her distinctive background blends life coaching expertise with 12+ years engineering/technology experience in government, academia and corporate aerospace.Gina founded Deliberate Doing LLC, an exclusive STEM coaching service dedicated to helping technical professionals defeat career despair. She solves the common STEM problem: “What is next for my life?” As a former engineer, she can identify with technical experts who question their personal or professional existence.Her function as an Engineering Life Coach is to teach mental strength and conditioning. Just as electronic gadgets require upgrades and reboots, so does your brain. Gina invites you to connect with her for free coaching to start your own mental upgrade today!deliberatedoing.com/events (for free upcoming webinars),deliberatedoing.com/resources (for free self-help videos and career blog)https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginacovarrubias/

Join me as I interview a real estate expert, Patrick Soukup of Soukup Real Estate Services in Fort Collins, CO.We cover a wide range of topics from real estate as an investment and personal residence. Patrick also shares his insights on whether we are in a real estate bubble, how to search for a home when you're out of state, and his real estate investment philosophy. https://www.soukuprealestate.com/our-teamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-soukup-cpm-36497225/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjpWM9lXcMIEMktSjR_DCg

Orlando shares his journey from finance, Peace Corp, back to finance and then breaking into tech by writing a jingle.Despite having an MBA and finance background, it took him over 8 months to break into tech.To stand out from the crowd, Orlando wrote Jingles and leveraged Twitter to directly connect with companies.Orlando Gomez is a First-gen Mexican-American from Chicago's South Side. Parents are from Guanajuato and his Dad settled here as a steelworker after working the fields in California. He brought my mom over and I was born here. Orlando received his Bachelor's in Business Management from Robert Morris University-Illinois in Chicago, then went to work at a Walmart store in Columbus, Ohio.  He realized retail wasn't for me and soon after switched to finance.  He received his investment licenses at Charles Schwab in Indianapolis, then moved back to Chicago to work in Private Wealth (Credit Suisse).After private wealth, he joined the Peace Corps and lived in the sierra of Peru for two years advising small businesses, teaching youth entrepreneurship, leading financial literacy workshops, and starting a baseball little league. He came back to the US and started business school at Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and that eventually took him to Investment Banking in NYC (CS - Industrials). The shift to WFH enabled him to return to Chicago where he set out to explore opportunities in Tech and eventually landed at Drift helping build out their Drift for Startups program.https://www.drift.com/startups/https://twitter.com/OrlandoGomezzzhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/orlandogomez13/

I'm a big fan of 401(k) loans, but they shouldn't be taken out lightly.In this episode, I cover the basic rules of a 401(k) loan, the pros, and the cons. 

Josiah Haswell, in addition to being a good friend, is the CoFounder of Sunshower. IO. The first comprehensive, provider-agnostic cloud management platform. In this episode, you will hear how Josiah shifted from corporate tech to being an employee at Startups and ultimately starting up his own companies. Like any business, startup life ebbs and flows, and Josiah shares some of the challenges, he's faced with his startups over the years.Without further ado, here is Josiah's interview.Discovering the power of softwareUnique contrast between old tech and new techVetting a cofounderHiring and firing as a startup founderImportance of sales for a businesshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/josiah-haswell-4b116823/https://sunshower.io/

If you are anything like my family, your spending habits have changed significantly during the pandemic. If you managed to maintain employment throughout this whole period, then you may have found that your savings accounts actually increased. Or maybe you are a stress shopper and managed to find more ways to spend money now that you have more time on your hands. Either way, your spending habits are likely to change again as we approach what will be a new normal. How have your spending habits changed during the pandemic?

Make SMART Financial Moves in 2021We made it to 2021! A year like 2020 stretched us thin in many aspects of our lives and that may have included your finances. If you feel you can improve on your finances in 2021 and want to make it a priority, I want to provide you a framework to get started in 2021. Improving your finances is more than dollars and cents, which is why it is so important to start with a vision... a purpose….. a why…... Call it what you want, but you need to focus on what you actually care about. The best way to hone in on this is by reflecting on your life and what gives you the most joy and what you value the most. What will your life look like if you improve your finances?How will you feel with finances that are in better shape?What else is possible if you can take control of your financial situation?Next, you need to plan. Sustainable improvements do not happen by accident. You need to create a plan that allows you to be successful. You’ve probably heard of making SMART goals. The reason for having SMART goals is so you have a roadmap on how to achieve your goals, which will make it easier for you to get started and easily track your progress.Let’s break down SMART goals.Specific: It needs to be as specific as possible. The vaguer you are, the less you’ll care about actually achieving it. Non-Specific Example: I would like to be better with my financesSpecific Example: I will pay off all of my credit card debt.Measurable: The nice thing about finances, is it can be easily measured. With debts, we want to see the number go down. With assets, we want that number to go up. Additionally, when you can measure progress, you can create byte-sized goals to achieve along the way. Non-Measuable Example: I want to feel better about my finances. Measurable Example: I would like to contribute 10% of my income towards my 401(k)Attainable: You want to believe that you are capable of achieving your goal. Did you know that confidence in being successful is a big factor in actually being successful? If it’s a pipe dream, then you likely won’t even try.Non-Attainable: I want to make a million dollars this year without having to work.Attainable Example: I want to increase my earning power by 10%.Relevant: You have to care about your goal. If it’s not relevant to what you care about, then you won’t put in the work to make it happen, or worse, you’ll invest your time, energy, and money into something you didn’t even want.Non-Relevant Example: I want to get a master’s degree because it’s what you’re supposed to do for your current career trajectory, but you really want to make a career change.Relevant Example: I want to attend a Tech Bootcamp so I can make a career change into a field that I’m excited about.Time-Based: Deadlines help us be more productive. Without a time constraint and because of human nature, we’re more likely to put off starting in the first place.Non-Time-Based Example: I would like to get married soon.Relevant Example: I would like to get married next year. All of these examples are from conversations I’ve had with clients. It’s amazing how making SMART goals help you start to build the life you actually want to create and stop saying one day I’ll …… or it would be nice to …….

Michael Liendo recorded a live stream with me for this episode. Michael is a self-taught developer who is currently a senior software engineer and AWS community builder. In this episode, Michael shares his career journey and how his family has been a massive motivation in not only breaking into tech but also not settling for positions that are not a good fit, even if it comes with a lot of perks. As well as, the tips and tricks he's used to constantly find the next level of growth opportunities.Here are a few of the fun topics Michael covers:Being a self-taught developerRapid prototyping and learningFinding a good fit and ways to prepare to walkway if it's notThe AWS CommunityTDD (Talk Driven Development) Why he creates contentKnowing when to ask for helpImportance of communicationNavigating parenthoodhttps://twitter.com/mtliendohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mtliendo/https://www.youtube.com/c/MichaelLiendo

Sorry for any spoilers, but this movie came out in 1946 so….A few reasons why this movie has been one of my favorites for most of my adulthood is because I worked at a community bank, similar to the Bailey Bros Building and Loan & when I was 20 one of my close childhood friends passed away. Not a money lesson, but just something interesting that happens early in the movie. The Spanish flu kills Mr. Gowers’s son and although there is nothing financial to talk about that, I just thought it was interesting to see a similar type of scenario of COVID documented in one of my favorite movies.Inflations impact on a million dollars How do you balance profits and supporting the common good?The cost of college has always been expensive & we are all on different timelines.Your goals can change. Homeownership affordability. Why we have insurance on our bank accounts. Why the rich get richer. Memories over dollars. Life is more valuable than assets & the importance of life insurance. Community is a powerful force. https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/its-a-wonderful-life-10-money-lessons/

Joe Previte is a developer, a teacher, and creator of Vim for VSCode. In his spare time, he enjoys creating videos for egghead, writing articles relating to coding, and participating in an online meditation study group.Joe shares the details of his journey from his decision to drop out of grad school and pursuing a career as a developer. Be sure to listen to the end where he opens up about the early obstacle he faced that not many people would have been able to overcome. Dropping out of grad schoolChoosing Free Code Camp over a Coding BootcampParticipating in #100 days of codePair programming to stay focused Immersing yourself into the tech world Tips to reach out to strangers to build your community2 Week Product Challenge & Indie HackingVIM for VS Code BookFreedom of timeHow to come back from failure Joe's Linkshttps://vimforvscode.com/https://twitter.com/jsjoeiohttps://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/replacing-foreign-languages-with-coding-languages-with-joe-previte/

Have you seen the rough estimates that you should have saved at various ages?These rough targets are useful, but may not be entirely accurate to you and your unique circumstances.I cover the importance of at least being aware of targets for the amount of money you should have saved in retirement accounts.Good excuses why you may not be on track early on in your careerWhy the older you get, the more relevant the targets become.And how to catch up if you feel you are not on track to hit your retirement goals.

I have Jason Humphrey on the show and I met Jason online originally because he creates a ton of value-packed content on LinkedIn. And when you create awesome content, people tend to like it and share it. And that's how it came across my feed. Jason helps coding Bootcamp, students to land their first high paying job as a professional software developer. And in this episode, Jason talks about his own personal journey where he wasn't as career-focused early on in his career. And how advice from one of his mentors transformed his career! He also shares tips on prepping for your interview and how crucial emotional intelligence is in your career. Driving value in communicationPower of one good questionCoaching's impact on Jason's careerUnderstand what the market is telling you (market analysis)Mine LinkedIn for DataWhat words to use on LinkedInHow to be confidentControlling the 24-hour window before an interviewThe importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in your careerjason@codingcareerfastlane.comhttps://www.facebook.com/jasonhumphreyofficial/(5 places spending time will drive results)https://www.linkedin.com/in/meet-jason-humphrey/

Do you struggle with your finances during the holidays? I cover 6 tips to take control over the holiday season.This episode was originally created for a live video challenge I'm doing on my social networks, but I wanted to share it with you!Set a limit (budget) ResearchFree ShippingMake somethingBe presentExperiences over things

Arnold Morales is the son of two immigrants from Honduras. He started his career with a GED and working at a warehouse where he is wasn't happy. Looking for more he pursued a community college and took an aptitude test that steered him towards mechanical engineering. He co-founded his community college's first Engineering Society. Since then he's earned a Masters Degree and is currently working for his dream employer, Boeing.It wasn't a straight shot to Boeing though, he was rejected 5 times before finally breaking in.Importance of taking feedbackNavigating tech as a HispanicThe power of reputationWhy representation mattersThe value of mentorshipThe benefits of volunteeringConnecting with followersWhy he started his podcast, Nontraditional College SuccessHave fun while getting better every dayNot allowing anything to get in your way.https://nontraditionalcollegesuccess.buzzsprout.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnoldmorales/

Justine is a UX/UI Designer and UI Developer on a mission to create a meaningful impact on people’s lives through her craft.She was born and raised in the Philippines. In 2008, she and her family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received her B.S. in Entertainment Engineering and Design.In the summer of 2012, she was accepted in the internship program at Cirque du Soleil, where she honed her skills as an Automation Technician at the show “The Beatles’ LOVE”. Shortly after her internship, she became a full-fledged Automation Technician for another Cirque show, “Mystere”.She moved to Texas with her husband the following year so he could pursue his career as an officer of the US Army. During their stay there, she worked as an AutoCAD designer for a civil engineering firm in Temple, Texas.They returned to Las Vegas in 2015, where she was once again able to pursue her career as an Automation Technician at Cirque. This time around, she worked at the show “KA”. She had a magical 3 years at the show, but the late nights and working on weekends and holidays made for a lifestyle that was not sustainable for her. So in 2018, she decided to pivot careers and pursue one that would allow her to chase both passions in art and technology, and that is UX Design.Beyond her skills and experience in human-centered design and UI development, she possesses a drive for learning, creative problem solving, and making a difference in peoples' lives. Outside of her UX/UI work, she is a wife, a mother, and a writer. She also enjoys good food, good whiskey, good music, and puppies.Summary of the interview topics:UX Design is humanizing technologyMaking a career change for balance.Navigating unemployment during COVIDHaving a job offer rescindedGetting clear on what you want in your careerImportance of community supportA designers advice for developersNormalizing balanceCoping with TraumaThe power to choose how we move forwardRemember you are not alone https://twitter.com/justinechlorine

When it comes to your financial life, it's very easy to rely on the guidance of others, especially since most of our generation were not taught these important topics in school.This episode is to warn you of the financial advice you should BEWARE of as you start to build your financial strategy guide and financial confidence.People and sources who offer advice solicited or not.FamilyFriendsCoworkersSalespeopleSocial MediaNewsBooksPodcastsExpertsFortune cookiesWhy not all advice is created equalLimited experienceDunning Krueger EffectMost people are starting from a different pointDifference goalsMaking the most money/quality of lifeTimelines of goalsBiggest areas where bad advice can really be damagingWhat your goals should beCareerTimelines and MilestonesGet rich quick - scamsTax planningProper tax planning should look at more years than just this year.Tax law is constantly changingInvestment adviceMost people don’t have a grasp of riskTalk about investments the same way gamblers talk about winsDebt managementNo debt everHome purchaseGood debt and leverageCredit card rewardsUse advice as a starting pointLevel Up education, confidenceLook for additional education and resources

Josh shares his awesome story on his path into tech. Early on Josh showed an interest for tech and started taking college courses, but a conversation changed his career trajectory.Josh decided to not pursue a tech career and bounced around with different jobs and ended up getting into trouble. He talks about the challenges of finding a job in tech with a felony.Even with the hurdle of having a felony, Josh shared his story on Twitter and it became a really great experience for him.He also shares a fun and awesome project that he and his wife are working on to bring smiles to everyone in hopes of improving mental health.https://twitter.com/smiledailyushttps://twitter.com/joshbuchea

I share my personal story of quitting my job to start my business, Level Up Financial Planning.While working in a position many would consider a dream position, with a 6-month-old at home, I quit my job. It was the scariest decision I ever made.In addition to my story, I share a few of the financial steps I took before quitting and a couple of things I wish I had done differently.Job huntingLeaving your teamReducing expensesBuilding a planImportance of spouses supportHealth insuranceBeing smart about side hustlesCreating contentChoosing a niche

Leo Yockey is a Software Engineer, Writer, and Speaker from Los Angeles. He runs a digital agency called MangoBass Consulting and is an advocate for underrepresented people in the tech industry.Leo shares his unique story and perspective as a transgender black man in tech.Making a career changeSelf-taught and coding bootcamp resourcesImportance of a mentorReal-world example of systemic racismCreating multiple streams of incomeMonetizing your expertiseUnlearning money mythsBreaking the cycleBurning out and tips to navigate ithttps://www.leoyockey.comhttps://twitter.com/leovolvinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leoyockey/https://www.mangobassconsulting.com/https://www.techbychoice.org/

Credit Cards Are Awesome!Regardless of what you may have heard, credit cards are pretty awesome financial tools. It’s one of the best forms of credit that you can access and use to help you reach your financial goals.Unfortunately, credit cards can also be one of the biggest culprits of financial chaos. Credit cards are a tool. They are not evil, though you’re open to criticize credit card companies and other financial institutions.Maybe not an expert level, but being able to maximize the benefits of credit cards and limit the potential downside takes a strong understanding of your finances.Downside: spending more than you shouldPaying interest (as high as 25%!)Can weaken your credit scoreRelationship tensionThe amazing benefits when you do know where your money is going and have financial control are very generous:Sign Up AwardsCashback & Travel MilesNo payment for a monthBuild a strong credit scoreNever pay a cent!Tips:Annual fee may make sense if you spend a certain amount. Do the math to see if your expected spending would benefit from the additional boostCalculate the best sign up award based on your NORMAL spendingNever spend more than you need for REWARDS still a percentage.Automatically pay in full every month. Don’t try to do this manually.In case you have a few different cards or accounts, use something like Mint or my clients have a Wealth Management portal to see everything in one spot.Can optimize for spending categories (dining out, entertainment bonus points)Can optimize for rewards (travel, cashback)If you’re not ready, don’t try. Like I mentioned you have to have good habits of understanding where your money is actually going in order to maximize your credit card benefits and not have things backfire on you.Supposed to be helpful, but if it’s going to be stressful don’t bother.Review credit cards with annual fees regularly. If you have multiple credit cards with fees that may take away from the benefits.We run everything through one.Don’t pay the minimum!Carrying a large balance owed relative to the credit line can hurt your credit score