Become a Patron! I've written before about what I consider the two best 529 college savings plans: the Nevada-sponsored Vanguard 529 plan and the Utah-sponsored my529 (formerly UESP). In general, most people making contributions in excess of their in-state tax deduction for 529 plan contributions (if any) should consider using one of those two plans, thanks to their broad … [Read more...] about Why I just changed my 529 asset allocation
Book review: “Maid” and the problem of the undeserving poor
Become a Patron! I just finished a fascinating and important book called "Maid," by Stephanie Land, which seems to have been shepherded to publication by Barbara Ehrenreich, the author of the best-selling sensation "Nickel and Dimed," and founder of the Economic Hardship Reporting Project. I say the book is important because it strips away virtually all the cultural … [Read more...] about Book review: “Maid” and the problem of the undeserving poor
The SECURE Act and the defects of the centrist mind
Become a Patron! I've written previously about the SECURE Act, the House version of a measure designed to encourage employers to allow employees to gamble their retirement savings on the long-term financial stability of private insurance companies. The measure has since cleared the House but is currently being held up in the Senate for now by Ted Cruz who is trying to turn … [Read more...] about The SECURE Act and the defects of the centrist mind
Roth 401(k)’s are different, but they’re not special
Become a Patron! The other day I got into a very frustrating argument with a popular anonymous Finance Twitter account about the epistemology of 401(k) savings vehicles. The frustration arose from a very specific phrase he used to describe one of the benefits of a Roth 401(k) over a traditional 401(k): "you’re able to contribute more with a Roth 401k." This is such a strange … [Read more...] about Roth 401(k)’s are different, but they’re not special
Over There: franking credits in Australia
Become a Patron! Welcome to the second entry in my occasional series, "Over There," about personal finance topics in countries besides the United States. These posts aren't meant as advice to people living in those countries, but rather as some kind of practical insight for American readers into how other countries deal with the the same issues we do: savings, insurance, … [Read more...] about Over There: franking credits in Australia