Épisodes

  • What Happens To An HSA When You Die?
    Feb 26 2025

    A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is arguably the best tax-advantaged account available in the United States. Contributions and qualified withdrawals are tax-free, which makes an HSA perhaps the only way you can earn, invest, and spend without paying taxes.

    While we don’t usually like to think about it, we’re all going to die someday. Money-savvy folks want to know what happens to their HSAs when they die. Here’s an in-depth look at what happens so you know how to include your HSA in your estate plan.

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    9 min
  • The Top 10 Best Investors Of All Time
    Feb 25 2025

    I thought it would be interesting to look at some of the best investors in modern time. These are all individuals who made significant amounts of money by sticking to solid investment philosophies.

    If you look at their strategies as well, they aren't very difficult or complex - they stick to basic financials of a company and look for value. If they believe there is value, they invest, and make tidy profits!

    Some of these names may be very familiar, but others you might not know about! There's no particular order, as all of these individuals have an interesting path to investing over the long run.

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    14 min
  • Are There Time Limits Or Age Limits On 529 Plans?
    Feb 24 2025

    For families saving for education expenses, 529 plans remain one of the most flexible and long-lasting options available.

    Unlike other college savings accounts or financial aid programs, 529 plans do not have time or age limits for contributions or withdrawals.

    However, some states do have different rules that may impact your 529 plan contribution or withdrawal decisions. Remember, since 529 plans are state-based, each state can create their own rules, regardless of what the federal rules say.

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    6 min
  • 30 Passive Income Ideas You Can Use to Build Real Wealth
    Feb 21 2025

    If you're looking for passive income ideas, you may think the whole concept is a myth - there's no way that you can earn money by doing nothing. It's why passive income is highly sought after, yet often misunderstood.

    The truth is, passive income streams require an upfront investment and a lot of nurturing in the beginning. After some time and hard work these income streams start to build and are able to maintain themselves, bringing you consistent revenue without much effort on your part.

    Speaking from personal experience, adding passive income streams to your portfolio can help you increase your earnings and accelerate your financial goals in tremendous ways. For example, starting a savings account and earning interest, or investing in dividend paying stocks can all start adding income to your life without having to work! Your money is working for you!

    For example, you can use passive income streams to help you get out of debt or achieve financial independence sooner.

    Let's get to the passive income ideas!

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    30 min
  • What Is A Multigenerational Or Dynasty 529 Plan?
    Feb 18 2025

    A Multigenerational 529, also known as a Dynasty 529 Plan, is a way of using one or more 529 plans to leave a legacy of education for future generations. A Dynasty 529 Plan can be set up by parents, grandparents, or other relatives.

    With a Dynasty 529 Plan, high net-worth parents save more than is required for their children’s college education, meaning, they can continue to save in the plan even after their kids have graduated. A Dynasty 529 Plan benefits from years of tax-free growth before parents tap into it to pay for the costs of college.

    However, passing on a 529 plan to future generations may result in gift taxes and generation-skipping transfer taxes. The 529 plans may also affect eligibility for need-based financial aid.

    Depending on the number of descendants and increases in college costs, a Dynasty 529 Plan might not be enough to pay for the college costs of all future generations.

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    16 min
  • Why Fill Out The FAFSA Even If You Don't "Think" You'll Receive Aid
    Feb 12 2025

    Even if you don't think you'll receive financial aid, you likely should fill out the FAFSA.

    According to Sallie How America Pays for College report, 74% of students and families completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA for the 2023-2024 school year.

    So why are over 25% of students deciding not to apply? They may believe their parents make too much or that they won't qualify for another reason and don't want to waste their time.

    But skipping the FAFSA can leave free money, access to student loans, and other opportunities on the table.

    Even if you don’t think you need it now you might wish you had later on. The FAFSA application window is open now.

    Here’s why you should fill out the FAFSA even if you don’t think you’ll receive aid.

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    8 min
  • How to Actually Get a Full-Ride Scholarship
    Feb 3 2025

    A full-ride scholarship covers the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies and equipment.

    It can include college-specific awards, national programs from private scholarship providers, and athletic scholarships.

    But while winning a full-ride scholarship is a prestigious accomplishment and significantly eases the cost of paying for college, it's very elusive, with few students winning a full-ride each year. The good news is, there are steps you can take to improve your chances.

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    11 min
  • Can Colleges Withhold Your College Transcript?
    Jan 29 2025

    Colleges have been known to withhold college transcripts to recover unpaid debts. But this practice is becoming illegal in some places.

    For many students and alumni, a college transcript is more than a piece of paper – it’s a gateway to career opportunities, additional education, and professional development. But what happens when a college withholds your transcript? Is it even legal for an institution to do that?

    The answer is complicated, yet this is a reality for many who face unpaid debts to their former colleges. Let’s dive into why this happens, the rules governing transcript withholding, and how recent regulatory changes could affect you.

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    11 min