University of the Golden Albatross: Roth Options Vs. Traditional Retirement Accounts

Study Hall

Do you have a favorite teacher from your time at school? How about one that particularly challenged you to be a better student? It could be a primary, secondary or college instructor who you remember particularly fondly. I had one in 5th and 6th grade (I went to a weird school where we had the same teachers for two grades in a row). Let’s call her Strictus Academicus. She was strict but fair and taught me how to channel my smarts and energy in a positive direction. I thrived under her tutelage, and the academic discipline she forged within me carried on for the rest of my life.

Yep. Just like I remember it.

Much like Strictus Academicus, I am going to break out the ruler and be stern but fair with you. Don’t worry, no one’s knuckles are getting rapped, and no one will be staying after class. However, I am assigning some prerequisite reading and podcast listening. The prerequisites are for those of you not familiar with the difference between Traditional and Roth retirement savings vehicles. Many apologies for doing this, but I cannot allow you to continue reading the bulk of this post until you read or listen to the following articles.

I can hear the groans already. Yet, I need to talk higher level stuff, and if you don’t have the basics down, then I am afraid I will lose you. I may loose you anyways because this stuff is not the most exciting. The knowledge could save you money, time, and hassle though. And I would rather loose your attention out of boredom than confusion. As for your assignment, since other people have explained the basics much better than me, it will be easier if you to simply learn from them. For those of you Roth and Traditional Retirement Account (TRA) novices, see the bullet points below prior to class convening. And don’t worry I was just like you two years ago.

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3 Books + 2 Booklets + 1 Chapter = Financial Independence (FI)

The Three-Legged Stool of FI Knowledge

The two avid readers of this blog site (my parents —  Grumpus Maternus and Grumpus Paternus) might recall a mention in a previous post of my three-legged stool of financial independence (FI) knowledge.  They might also recall that I built that stable platform of knowledge through blogs, books, and podcasts. In the first leg, I discussed financial independence blogs.  In this post, I review financial independence books.

Form, function, and finances

I specifically review three books, two booklets, and one chapter that when taken together would allow a person to plot a course to FI.  The beauty with this list is that it includes a book for each stage in that journey.  From those simply needing the motivation to start, to those ready to write retirement plans, create spreadsheets, and make investment moves; there is a little bit of something in here for everyone. Continue reading