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 imp...

Feeling like you're stuck living paycheck to paycheck? 🤔 

Join Lucas Casarez, tech financial planner, as he dives into the hidden financial wins you might be overlooking! 

Retirement Savings

Welcome to Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp. Many of you might feel like you're living paycheck to paycheck, not saving as much as you'd prefer. However, if you step back, you'll see activities adding value, aki...

Navigating Stock Market Volatility: Long-term Investment Strategies Explained

In 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 young...

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 f...

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...

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, su...

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-profi...

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 explori...

• What Is The Difference Between A Private And Public Company
• The Most Common Types Of Employer Stock Plans
• How Your Employer Stock Is Taxed
• Employer Stock Strategies
• Is Your Charitable Giving Is Tax Deductible 
• What Is A Donor Advised Fund
• Benefits Of D...

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 Account
• Do I Make Too Much To Contribute To Certain Retirement Accounts
• What Is A Backdoor ROTH
• Can I Make a Mega Backdoor ROTH Contribution

https://www.techby...

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 ...

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 question...

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 ...

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 incarcer...

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 wal...

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 ...

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 ...

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?
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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 Money

There 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...