Does anyone have a friend that dates back to first grade? I don’t mean an acquaintance either. I mean someone that’s been there almost your entire life through thick and thin. Someone who is more like a brother or a sister than a friend. I’m happy to report that I got one. I’m also happy to report that he decided to write an article for my blog!
Now, I believe it’s good etiquette that people who host blogs introduce anyone who writes a guest post. In fact, that’s what Darrow Kirkpatrick did for me when I wrote Part 8 of the Pension Series for his blog. However, in this case, my friend interwove his story into the blog post. So instead of a long-winded introduction, I’ll simply say:
Here’s a great post on the tax benefits of VA disability from a best friend of mine that I’ve known since 1982!
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.
