Lucas Casarez, a CFP and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, explains why many tech professionals can make six figures yet still feel broke, citing statistics that 48.6% of people earning over $100K and 36% earning over $200K report living paycheck to paycheck. He outlines four main drivers: lifestyle inflation, taxes reducing actual take-home pay (often 30–50%, especially in high-tax states), lingering past obligations like student loans or credit cards, and lack of budgeting/clarity. He notes you may be doing better than you think through automated saving, maxing a 401(k), holding employer stock, or aggressively paying down debt. He recommends building a monthly budget, then planning annually and long-term to anticipate taxes and irregular expenses, reduce stress, avoid burnout, and increase career flexibility, and invites listeners to seek help getting organized.

Navigating Common Tax Mistakes and New Tax Laws for 2026

In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, the host discusses several common tax mistakes and introduces new tax laws for 2026. Starting with essential tax preparation steps, the episode explains the importance of gathering relevant tax documents, considering new changes like RSUs and employer stock, and the pitfalls of rushing to file taxes without all forms. The host emphasizes the need for meticulous reporting, particularly for tech professionals dealing with employer stock and those affected by income limits on IRA contributions. The episode also covers strategies such as backdoor Roth conversions, handling 1099 forms accurately, and the implications of recent changes to the state and local tax cap. Additional tips include maximizing dependent care credits, 529 plan contributions, and rental property depreciation. Finally, the host advises business owners on correctly claiming legitimate business expenses to avoid IRS scrutiny. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice and ensure all financial details are accurately reported.

00:00 Introduction to Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp Season 8

01:23 Essential Tax Preparation Tips for 2026

01:53 Understanding New Tax Changes and Forms

02:22 Avoiding Common Tax Filing Mistakes

03:06 Time Travel Techniques for Tax Contributions

04:47 Automatic Tax Adjustments and Deductions

05:37 Maximizing Itemized Deductions

07:01 Common Tax Filing Errors and How to Avoid Them

09:05 Special Considerations for High Earners and Stock Options

12:24 Tax Tips for Parents and Property Owners

14:35 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/tax-planning-retirement-accounts-backdoor-roths/

This episode provides an overview of significant changes to tax laws announced on July 4th, 2025. Key points include the permanency of temporary tax laws from 2018, slight increases in standard deductions, and significant increases in the state and local tax (SALT) cap from $10,000 to $40,000. Additional updates include adjustments to charitable contribution deductions, new senior tax deductions, auto loan interest tax deductions, and child tax credits. Other notable changes include the expiration dates for electric vehicle and home energy efficiency tax credits, as well as the introduction of new investment accounts for newborns.

In this podcast episode, Lucas Casarez interviews Rizel Scarlett about her journey into the tech industry, her experiences with family life, and her insights on community building and leadership.

Rizel shares her background, starting from her challenges as an undocumented immigrant in college, transitioning into tech through programs like Resilient Coders, and eventually securing roles in tech companies.

She discusses the importance of learning in public and building a professional network through social media and community involvement.

Rizel also talks about balancing her career with motherhood, emphasizing the need for clear communication with her spouse and employer to manage expectations.

She highlights the value of community support in overcoming career challenges and shares her approach to leadership development by learning from mentors and managers.

The conversation underscores the significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth.

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 Intro
06:24 10% Penalty
07:04 Federal & State Income Taxes
08:27 Special ROTH Features To Avoid Penalty and Taxes
09:04 Less Resources, Less Time To Build It Back
11:53 401 (k) loan alternative
13:10 Different Exemption Rules To Be Aware Of
14:03 Separation after age 55
15:24 Home Equity Loan/ Line of Credit
17:20

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, akin to savings, even if they're not channeled into emergency funds. For example, significant contributions to retirement accounts can often go unnoticed. Even if you're maxing them out annually, this is indeed a form of savings that many forget to acknowledge.

Employer Stock

Besides regular savings, you might have stock options or employer compensation in stock form. Whether it's through an employee stock purchase plan, RSUs, incentive, or non-qualified stock options, allowing these to build up can reflect significant savings. It's crucial to acknowledge these investments rather than selling them off to fund lifestyles because eventually, they prove to be a powerful asset.

Home Equity

Home equity is another asset often overlooked. If you've owned a home for five years or more, not only has the equity likely increased, but a low locked-in mortgage rate gives you a competitive edge. Especially for younger generations, such equity contributes significantly to your net worth, even if it's not readily liquid.

Catching Up

For career changers, recent tech bootcamp graduates, or anyone navigating a financial catch-up game, there's potential for financial recovery through income increases. As illustrated, transitioning from a $60,000 to a $100,000 income can greatly impact debt and save for future investments. This progression, while it might initially focus on debt repayment, will eventually contribute to saving and investment growth.

Take Advantage of Opportunities to Get Ahead

It's essential to maintain restraint against lifestyle creep when incomes rise. By sustaining a previous lifestyle after significant pay increases, you're paving a path for financial fortification. Avoiding the trap of higher expenditure and focusing on leveraging these seasons of prosperity ensures you'll establish solid financial footing.

In times of emergencies, whether personal or involving close ones, your preparedness from years of wise financial management can provide the flexibility needed to navigate these challenges with less stress. Always remember, life's financial journey is about making informed decisions today to better equip yourself for tomorrow.

If you have any financial strategy questions or require guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Understanding your comprehensive financial picture might reveal that you're in a stronger position than initially perceived. Let's keep the conversation going to ensure your financial goals align with your life changes.

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 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.