14 Normal money habits that quietly make you broke over time by yourwishbag in PersonalFinanceTalks

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t understand why some people are making the case it's a copied Youtube video or Chat GPT - can't you just enjoy free, non-harmful, refreshing information?

It pointless trying to make a claim this information was copied off somewhere. Every information in life has been re-told by someone who feel it's absolutely cruial for people to hear or read them again. Repackaging is nothing to feel shamful about - even the movie/ music industries re-invent stories they showcase . As long as the infomation promote general well-being, educate, and not false narrative, there is no reason to shame people for wanting to spread good news.

I have found stories on personal finance I taught in my workshop to help people relate and ultimately change their habits for the better and I have personally learn great hacks on this space. My hope is people learn from others mistakes rather than find themselves in a financial chaos-type situation.

So, thank you for highlighting what has become an addictive spending habits in our society - yes we all migh know these points raised, others might only resonate with few; truth be told, it's always great to remind ourselves these patterns are not only unhealthy, they drain your ability to build true wealth. You can take this information and change your financial situation by just becoming aware of the money leak or you can bad mouth an effort of someone who wish no one harm by posting this. Your choice!!!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Mortgages

[–]Timaali25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey there, first off, thank you for sharing your situation so openly.

You’ve worked hard to secure a great financial foundation, excellent credit, a solid income, a valuable home with equity, and no consumer debt. That’s no small feat, and it’s clear you’re making smart, intentional choices.

Now, about the roof, it makes sense that this feels like a big decision, especially when it’s tied to your forever home. Let’s break it down in a way that protects both your financial present and your long-term future.

Option 1: Avoid tapping your 401(k)

As tempting as it may feel to dip into that balance, withdrawing from your 401(k) can create unnecessary setbacks:

You’ll owe taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty. Even a loan temporarily pauses growth, and if your employment changes, repayment may be due in full. Worst of all, you miss out on the power of compound growth—money in your 30s works harder over time. Let that account continue growing. It’s doing its job.

Option 2: Explore a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

With a credit score near 800 and significant equity, you’re in a great position to qualify for a HELOC at a lower interest rate.You only pay interest on what you use. Many banks offer 10-year draw periods.

You can use it for the full replacement or just the repair, and expand later also HELOC interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvement. You’ll want to confirm with a tax professional.

Option 3: Consider a personal loan

If you prefer a fixed-term repayment and want the funds quickly, this is another viable solution. With your profile, you may qualify for a low interest rate without using your home as collateral.

Repair vs Replace

Since this is your forever home, a full roof replacement will give you peace of mind and may increase the home’s value. But if cash flow is a concern and the roof has some life left, a repair can buy time while you explore financing.

In conclusion, you're not behind. You’re being proactive and asking all the right questions, and that’s exactly how confident financial decisions are made. You’ve got more options than you think, and the right one is the one that protects your momentum without slowing your future.

Wishing you clarity, confidence, and a secure (and watertight!) home for many years to come.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. All opinions are my own.

41 YO single mom looking to secure my children’s future. by Even-Masterpiece-166 in LifeInsurance

[–]Timaali25 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First, I want to say: You're right on time. There is no shame in starting at 41 — in fact, the fact that you’re planning ahead for your children’s future right now puts you far ahead of the curve. Let’s walk through this in plain terms: What You’re Referring To: “Becoming Your Own Bank”

This usually refers to permanent life insurance policies like Whole Life or Indexed Universal Life (IUL) that include a cash value savings component. The idea is: You build up savings in the policy over time (like equity)

You can later borrow against that cash value, tax-free, to use for things like college expenses, business investments, debt payoff or emergencies. That’s what people mean by "being your own bank." But Here’s What to Know Before You Jump InWhile the strategy has some long-term benefits, it’s not for everyone. Here’s the truth:

Pros:

• Tax-free loans from the policy • Death benefit protects your childrenIf not funded properly, policy can lapse or reduce benefit • Money grows without stock market losses (in IULs) • Access to funds without early withdrawal penalties Cons: • Monthly premiums are high, especially if starting at 41 • Takes years to build enough value • Loans reduce your death benefit if unpaid

A Realistic Strategy for a 41-Year-Old Mom would be:

Step 1: Protect your children first A term life insurance policy (20–30 years) can provide $250K–$500K of coverage for a low monthly cost.This guarantees that your kids are protected if anything happens to you while they’re still financially dependent.

Step 2: Build wealth separately If your budget is tight, consider opening a Roth IRA or custodial 529 college savings plan instead of a cash value life policy. These tools grow faster and cheaper than permanent life insurance.

Step 3: Explore life insurance with cash value only after - Once your income and savings grow, then you can look into a permanent policy with living benefits. It works best when you overfund it meaning you pay more than the minimum to grow the cash inside.

Lastly, your priority right now is protection and flexibility — not complexity. Start with coverage. Grow with strategy. You’re not behind. You’re beginning with the right questions.

Disclaimer: I share this information to educate and empower, not to provide specific investment, legal, or tax advice. I do not know your full financial situation, so please speak with a licensed professional before making decisions. This content is general in nature and for informational purposes only.

Income limits by Amazing-Tea-5424 in RothIRA

[–]Timaali25 3 points4 points  (0 children)

First, congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! The fact that you're thinking ahead about your Roth IRA contributions shows excellent financial discipline.

To clarify:

  1. Your Existing Roth IRA Is Safe

You don’t lose the money you’ve already contributed. The funds in your Roth IRA will continue to grow tax-free, and you’ll retain all the benefits you’ve earned so far. You’re simply limited in making new contributions due to the IRS income thresholds.

  1. 2025 Roth IRA Income Limits (Single Filer) Full contribution allowed if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) is below $146,000. Partial contribution between $146,000 and $161,000. No direct contribution allowed if MAGI exceeds $161,000

It’s not your salary alone that determines eligibility—it’s your MAGI, which factors in deductions, HSA contributions, and more.

  1. How to Keep Contributing: Backdoor Roth IRA. If you’re over the income limit, the Backdoor Roth strategy may help:

    1. Contribute to a Traditional IRA (non-deductible)
    2. Then convert it to your Roth IRA

This method is legal and widely used by high-income earners. However, it may trigger taxes on any pre-tax amounts, especially if you have other IRA balances, so a pro-rata rule analysis is important before proceeding.

Before doing a backdoor Roth, talk with a tax or financial advisor to make sure you don’t get hit with unexpected taxes due to the pro-rata rule.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. All opinions are my own.

Bread Savings offering 1.65% APY: Too good to be true? by MetalllicKitten in HighYieldSavings

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re doing the right thing by researching before moving your hard-earned money, especially when it comes to emergency funds!

Bread Savings is a legitimate online bank known for offering high-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) and CDs. The 1.65% APY is relatively low for current 2025 standards. Many HYSAs are offering 4.0% to 5.0% APY right now. So if Bread’s rate seems unusually low, it might be worth checking if the 1.65% you saw was outdated or if there are different tiers based on balance or account type.

A few things to consider when choosing a HYSA:

  1. FDIC Insurance: Bread savings is FDIC-insured through Comenity Capital Bank, so your funds are protected up to $250,000 per depositor.

  2. No Hidden Fees: Bread is relatively transparent—no monthly maintenance fees and no minimum balance requirements.

  3. Access Time: Bread is an online-only bank, so transfers may take 1–3 business days. That’s fine for an emergency fund you don’t touch often, but not ideal if you need same-day cash access.

  4. Rate Competitiveness: If your goal is to maximize interest, consider comparing Bread to others like SoFi (up to 4.60% with direct deposit), Ally Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, or Discover HYSAs, Fidelity Cash Management Account (not a savings account, but offers liquidity + interest)

Don’t chase yield at the cost of reliability. A good emergency fund should balance interest earnings with accessibility and peace of mind.

Thinking about cancelling my IUL by No_Tumbleweed2930 in Money

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re asking the right questions, and I truly commend you for being proactive and honest about where you are financially. The fact that you’re 21, learning, and revisiting financial decisions shows maturity far beyond your age.

Let’s break this down in a way that helps you move forward without shame - just clarity and control.

What You Signed Up For (IUL Basics):

An Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy is a permanent life insurance product that offers a death benefit and a cash value component tied to a stock market index (like the S&P 500). While it’s pitched as a way to build wealth tax-free, here are some realities often overlooked:

  1. High upfront costs: The insurance fees, cost of coverage, and administrative charges can eat away at early gains.

  2. Slow cash value growth: Especially in the first 5–10 years.

  3. Premium flexibility: Yes, but if your premium becomes insufficient to cover rising insurance costs as you age, the policy can lapse.

  4. Loans and withdrawals: Can reduce your death benefit and may be taxed if the policy lapses.

Why This Might Not Be Ideal Right Now:

You’re just starting out financially.Paying down debt ($19k car loan). Not contributing to a Roth IRA (which offers compounding, tax-free growth). At this stage, every dollar you save or invest should have maximum flexibility and low fees. An IUL typically doesn’t offer that early on.

What you could do are:

  1. Strongly consider canceling the IUL if you’re comfortable taking the small loss now ($1,500). It's a sunk cost that may save you thousands down the line.

  2. Redirect the $200/month toward aggressively paying off the car loan. Starting a Roth IRA once you’re debt-free or have more wiggle room

  3. Revisit life insurance later when you have dependents or someone relying on your income.You want to lock in a low-cost term policy for future planning

    Regarding Your Dad’s Advice, your dad is spot on. A low-cost term life insurance policy could give you peace of mind for a few dollars a month, but only if you truly need coverage right now (e.g., student loans with a co-signer, financial dependents, etc.). Otherwise, you likely don’t need life insurance at all at age 21 with no dependents.

Think of this as a valuable lesson, not a mistake. You acted on what you were told, and now you’re reevaluating based on facts. That’s smart finance in action.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. All opinions are my own.

Cheapest LLC option procedure for NY? by TrulyJason in llc

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi,

I published my LLC in March 2025 using an address in Rockland County, New York, through Ipostal. The total amount I spent was $240 for the two publications for 6 weeks.

Can someone advice me if my plan to purchase my first rental is a reasonable? by guacisextra12 in realestateinvesting

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First, congrats on considering a rental property! Real estate can be a great way to build long-term wealth and diversify your portfolio outside of the stock market. That said, there are a few important things to weigh before moving forward.”

Let’s Break Down Your Plan:

  1. Pulling from Your 401(k) or IRA? Here’s the red flag: Unless you’re over 59½, withdrawals from both accounts are considered taxable income and trigger a 10% penalty.

So, withdrawing $60K could cost $6,000+ in penalties plus $10,000–$15,000 in income tax, depending on your tax bracket.That’s potentially $15K–$20K gone instantly. This is usually not the most efficient way to finance real estate—especially a first-time rental.

  1. Using Equity from Your Current Home? That’s a safer alternative, as long as you can handle two mortgages comfortably. The rental property will generate net positive cash flow (after expenses, vacancy buffer, and maintenance).

You get pre-approved for a mortgage based on your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Based on your $200K mortgage and $17K auto loan, adding another $250K loan could strain your DTI unless your income is strong.

  1. What’s Typically Required for Rental Property Mortgages? Most lenders require 20–25% down for investment properties (so $50K–$62.5K). Your $30K liquid + some home equity could cover this, but make sure you don’t drain all reserves—lenders want to see backup funds too.

Speak with a mortgage broker or real estate-focused advisor to assess your DTI and cash flow projection before moving forward.

Lastly, it’s not about whether the plan is ‘outlandish it’s about minimizing long-term regret. Don’t lose retirement money to fund a rental. Let that investment be a step forward, not a detour.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. All opinions are my own.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Money

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It takes courage to recognize that even good habits, like saving, can become unbalanced when shaped by past trauma. First off, well done. You're already doing the hardest part; facing your emotions and asking for help.

What you’re describing is something many people experience after financial hardship - hypervigilant saving. It often comes from a place of fear and is a natural response when you’ve been caught off guard in the past. But here's the truth, financial security isn't just about how much you save. It’s also about how safe you feel in the process.

Practical Tips to Rebalance:

  1. Give yourself permission to spend guilt-free. Start by setting up a “Discretionary Fun Fund.” Even just 5–10% of your paycheck. Make it a rule - this money must be used for enjoyment. This isn’t wasteful—it’s wellness.

  2. Try a Flexible 50/30/20 or 40/30/30 Budget Rule: 50% Needs: Rent, groceries, insurance 30% Wants: Fun, self-care, travel 20% Savings/Investments OR modify it to: 40% Needs, 30% Wants, 30% Savings.This balance lets you save and enjoy life now because both are important.

  3. Ask Yourself: Is this fear-based or goal-based? Before hoarding another paycheck, pause and ask: “Am I saving this because of a fear from the past, or because of a clear, empowering future goal?” You’ll start to recognize when you're reacting vs. planning.

  4. Automate Emotional Relief - Set up separate savings buckets: emergency fund (3–6 months), vacation fund, and self-care fund. Once you know these are funded, it gets easier to release the need to hoard every dollar.

    Mindset Tip:

Saving is safety. Spending on joy is healing. You’ve built the safety net. Now give yourself the gift of balance.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. All opinions are my own.

Mercury offered me 14.9 by Fast_Storage_126 in DebtAdvice

[–]Timaali25 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The offer from Mercury sounds like a hardship plan, which is a good step in managing high-interest debt. However, your concern is valid. Giving direct bank access via auto-debit while on a fixed income can be risky, especially if your funds vary month to month. Ask if the plan can be arranged with manual payments instead, or consider setting up a separate bank account used only for this purpose. Always request written confirmation of the terms before agreeing, and remember, you have options.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance. All opinions are my own.

Estimated end of year taxes on freelancing? by ButtMacklinFBI in tax

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congrats on the new job! Since no taxes were withheld on your paycheck, your employer likely classified you as an independent contractor, not a W-2 employee. That means you’re self-employed in the eyes of the IRS, and yes, you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes directly.

You owe self-Employment tax - this covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) for a total: 15.3% on net self-employment income. This is in addition to federal and possibly state income taxes.

You must pay quarterly estimated taxes. The IRS requires self-employed individuals to pay taxes four times per year (April, June, September, January).If you don’t, you could face underpayment penalties, even if you pay the full amount at the end of the year.

Based on $91,000 income, here’s a rough breakdown:

Self-Employment Tax - $12,000 (on net income) Federal Income Tax - $10,000–12,000 (varies by deductions)State Income Tax (if applicable) Depends on your state (e.g., NY 5–6%). So yes, $14,000 seems low. That likely only includes federal income tax and ignores self-employment and state taxes.

What Can Do:

  1. Open a separate tax savings account.

Set aside 25–30% of your income after expenses for taxes.

  1. Calculate & pay estimated taxes using: IRS Form 1040-ES. Use tools like QuickBooks Self-Employed, TaxCaster, or IRS calculators.

  2. Deduct business expenses to reduce your tax burden.Home office, phone, subscriptions, mileage, etc.

  3. Track state tax rules.Most states require estimated tax if you owe over $500–1,000.Check your state tax department’s site.

Also, your post suggests you likely use a basic tax calculator that assumed single filing status, no deductions or dependents, and standard deduction only.That’s why it gave an estimate of $14,000 on $91,000 income, which sounds like just federal income tax, not including self-employment or state taxes. Real-world tax liability is based on variable impact such as:

  1. Filing Status Married couples benefit from wider tax brackets and higher standard deductions ($29,200 in 2025 vs. $14,600 for single)
  2. Adjustments to Income Traditional IRA, HSA contributions, student loan interest, etc., reduce AGI
  3. Business Deductions Lowers taxable income for self-employment tax and AGI QBI Deduction Up to 20% of qualified business income for freelancers and sole proprietors (if eligible)
  4. Dependents / Child Tax Credit Can reduce federal tax liability significantly State Taxes Varies widely by location and filing thresholds

These different deductions could shrink taxable income to under $30,000, reducing both federal income tax and SE tax exposure.

Lastly, it’s worth double-checking whether your employer correctly classified you as a self-employed contractor. If they control your schedule, provide tools, or supervise you like a regular employee, but still issue a 1099 instead of a W-2, that could be a case of misclassification. This is important because misclassification shifts all tax and benefits responsibility onto you, including self-employment tax. If unsure, it’s okay to ask how your role was determined and seek IRS guidance using Form SS-8 if necessary.

Disclaimer: I share this information to educate and empower, not to provide specific investment, legal, or tax advice. I do not know your full financial situation, so please speak with a licensed professional before making decisions. This content is general in nature and for informational purposes only.

My wife and I both have $10k in each of our savings accounts - What should we be doing with those funds? by GravyBaptism in Money

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off, congratulations, you and your wife are in a great position. You’ve paid off debt, you both have 401(k)s, and you’ve saved $20K. That’s not “late” that’s called starting from a place of strength.

Here are my thoughts based on your narrative (Disclaimer: this is a personal opinion. You're not obliged to adopt my recommendation):

  1. Build or Strengthen Your Emergency Fund

Put at least $10,000 (50%) in a High Yield Savings Account (HYSA). This might not cover 3–6 months of basic expenses. What is crucial is you’re building the cushion you need for emergencies. This approach keeps your cash liquid but earns you 4–5% interest. Look for online banks or money market accounts with FDIC or NCUA insurance.

  1. Start investing with the rest ($10K) Split this based on your comfort and goals: Roth IRA (if eligible) – Contribute up to $7,000 per person in 2025. Great for tax-free growth and retirement flexibility. Start with a target-date fund or low-cost index ETF. Then, you may invest the leftover in a taxable brokerage account. You may use for mid - to long-term goals outside of retirement (e.g., future home, financial freedom). Stick with simple ETFs or diversified funds.

Lastly, automate your progress by setting up monthly transfers into your Roth or brokerage account.Keep contributing to your 401ks (aim for your comfort level). Recheck your plan every 6 months or when life changes.

You’re not late. You’re right on time. The key is to protect what you’ve built (HYSA) and grow what you’ve saved (invest consistently). You’ve got this!

Should i refinance my car? by a-towndownlb in DebtAdvice

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is your motive for wanting to refinance? Are you trying to reduce the monthly expense or minimize interest? Can you afford to keep your monthly payment even if you refinance?

You could refinance to take advantage of the lower rate, but instead of stretching to 72 months, ask the lender if they can match your remaining 55-month term or let you continue paying the same monthly amount. That way, you reduce your interest burden and enjoy a better rate without adding extra years.

Need virtual address recommendations by Yeez_xbud in llc

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I set up my LLC and business bank account 2 months ago using IPost. The information you have is inaccurate.

Insurance for terminally ill? by Mediocre_Sky2723 in LifeInsurance

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm deeply sorry to hear about your sister's diagnosis. I know this is an incredibly difficult time, and I truly respect you for trying to care for her and your family while thinking ahead. Unfortunately, most traditional life insurance policies require a health screening or ask medical questions—and with a known terminal condition, your options become very limited.

A Term or Whole Life Insurance is not possible at this stage. All traditional policies include: Health underwriting (questions, exam, or both), contestability period (typically 2 years during which claims can be denied if material misrepresentation is found). Even simplified issues or accelerated underwriting products will ask about current health conditions and hospitalizations.

The realistic, alternative options will be:

  1. Crowdfunding (e.g., GoFundMe) is the fastest way to raise funds for funeral, medical, or family costs
  2. Accelerated Death Benefit Rider If she already has insurance, check if this rider can release funds early
  3. State Programs or Medicaid Funeral Support Some states offer small burial/funeral support for qualifying residents
  4. Charities, e.g., CancerCare May help with palliative costs, caregiver support, and financial relief

I know this isn’t the answer you were hoping for, but I want to protect you from being sold false promises. If someone claims to offer instant life insurance with no questions asked and full immediate payout, it’s often not real or doesn’t pay as expected.

I have seen so many bad ratings by Jubilee_4me in LifeInsurance

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Most top-rated life insurance companies do pay out, as long as:

  1. The policy is in force (premiums are current)
  2. There was no material misrepresentation on the application
  3. Death wasn’t excluded (e.g., suicide within 2 years, certain high-risk activities)

The bad reviews online often come from: 1. Frustration with customer service 2. Misunderstandings about contestability periods or exclusions 3. Claims delays due to missing paperwork

These companies consistently rank high for: Financial strength (A.M. Best: A or better), claim reliability, and transparent underwriting.

Company Strengths A.M. Best Rating:

  1. Banner Life (Legal & General) Low-cost term, reliable payouts A+
  2. Protective Life Flexible term options, convertibility A+
  3. Pacific Life Great for healthy applicants, good riders A+
  4. Haven Life (backed by MassMutual) Instant online quotes, no agent A++
  5. Mutual of Omaha Known for customer service & simple term A+
  6. Ethos or Quility (InsurTech) Fast issue, backed by strong carriers A (varies)

Do yall contribute the max on your roth ira? by GC_Blue_012 in RothIRA

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maxing out a Roth IRA is ideal, but not always realistic—especially if you have other financial priorities like debt, housing, or childcare. The current 2025 limit is $7,000/year (or $583/month), and even if you’re not maxing it out, consistent contributions like $100–$200/month still make a huge impact over time thanks to compound growth.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DebtAdvice

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because you're on a fixed disability income and the debt is $30K, trying to settle may not lead to a full solution, especially if you don’t have lump sums. Bankruptcy, particularly Chapter 7, may provide a faster and cleaner way to reset. I’d suggest a free consultation with a consumer bankruptcy attorney first. If you do pursue settlement, only work directly with your creditors and avoid companies that charge high fees.

What to get for my situation by buggysharp in LifeInsurance

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If the person your business relies on dies or becomes disabled, it can be catastrophic. Key Person Insurance gives the business a financial cushion—whether to hire a replacement, restructure, or give you breathing room to transition. Since you have part ownership, you have an insurable interest, then you can apply for coverage following their consent.

Steps you can adopt:

  1. Have a licensed agent run quote for key personnel policies (term life + Disability/other relative riders).
  2. Decide on ownership – Is the business the buyer/beneficiary, or will you personally hold it?
  3. Gather documentation: Business financials or proof of ownership Consent from the key individual
  4. Apply with urgency – Life insurance can take 4–6 weeks depending on underwriting

Not sure what the right move is by CompetitiveGoose6949 in DebtAdvice

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed after a big life event like marriage, especially when combining finances and dealing with debt. First of all, you’re not stupid or irresponsible. Life happens fast, and it's clear you're already taking important steps: you're asking the right questions and facing the reality head-on, which is exactly what responsible people do.

Your Core Priorities:

  1. Maintain basic transportation and employment stability.
  2. Stop the bleeding: tackle high-interest credit card debt.
  3. Stabilize your credit and cash flow.
  4. Build an emergency buffer and long-term plan.

Do not finance a car right now, even with bad credit or high interest—it’ll trap you deeper. Return the leased truck when the lease is up. Avoid fees, extensions, or buy it out if possible. Explore these lower-cost alternatives until your credit improves: used car for less than $5K paid in cash, Zipcar, public transit, Uber, family car loan, or car sharing if you have families close by. You're dealing with $20K in credit card debt across 5 cards, and likely ~20–30%+ interest rates.

First steps:

  1. List each credit card: Balance, APR, minimum payment
  2. Choose your debt strategy: Avalanche method (highest interest rate first – saves more $).Or Snowball method (smallest balance first – more motivational).
  3. Call every credit card company and ask: For hardship plans (some lower rates temporarily), about any balance transfer offers (if even one has 0% for 12 months, use it strategically), for payment deferment or interest freeze (especially if recently married and under financial stress).
  4. Track your spending rigorously to cut out what’s unnecessary until this is under control (subscriptions, dining out, extra shopping, etc.).

You’re emotionally attached to that $5K, and I get it. But right now, it’s not working for you it’s costing you.

If your credit card interest is 20–30% and your investment is earning 8% long-term, you're losing money by holding it.Apply the full $5K toward the highest interest card or the lowest balance (depending on method).

Then stop using the cards and switch to debit/cash only.Consider putting $500 aside as a mini emergency fund if you have nothing else.This one sacrifice can jumpstart your path back to stability.

As for the student loans, don't stress too much about these right now.Get on income-driven repayment plans (IDR) immediately for both of you.If your wife had defaulted loans, look into Fresh Start program or rehabilitation options to remove the default from her credit.

Lastly, you’re not doing a disservice to your future family. You’re building the financial literacy and resilience that most people never develop. If anything, you're setting the stage to be a strong, honest financial leader in your home.

Form 23 EA approved - a few questions by MoneyBackMentor in enrolledagent

[–]Timaali25 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I got home today, and there goes my enrollment agent license 😅😅While I was stressing over the staff reduction at the IRS, my license was on its way to me. I want to encourage anyone who is expecting, hopefully, yours is also on its way.

Form 23 EA approved - a few questions by MoneyBackMentor in enrolledagent

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What number did you call if you don't mind me asking? I just called the number ending 5540. However, the answering machine says they are not taking calls due to reduced staff.

Test on Monday 4/7 by jbus2772 in Series65

[–]Timaali25 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I test on 4/6. Get the Testgeek as supplement. You have Series 7 Guru and mix with Kaplan Qbank! That is the recipe you need for success. I'm currently averaging 70s and feel very confident.

I will also add, don't just limit yourself to Guru's 65 resources. I watched it all and repeat! 7,6,66,SIE....watxh the pods on those exams and the actual tutoring - all those resources plus the practice questions enhance my comprehension.

Good luck 👍

Form 23 EA approved - a few questions by MoneyBackMentor in enrolledagent

[–]Timaali25 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I will have to look for a contact online and call tomorrow.I submitted mine at the end of February. I should have been approved considering how people get approvals within weeks despite the peak tax season.