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 expirati...
Jul 09, 2025•19 min•Season 7Ep. 6
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 throu...
Jun 26, 2025•39 min•Season 7Ep. 5
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...
May 17, 2025•18 min•Season 7Ep. 4
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 contribu...
May 07, 2025•15 min•Season 7Ep. 3
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...
Apr 05, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 2
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 c...
Jan 09, 2025•10 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, we explore the real value of bonuses, raises, and stock options with a focus on how taxes can greatly diminish their apparent worth. We delve into examples to reveal the true post-tax income you can expect. Additionally, we highlight common mistakes like lifestyle inflation and poor financial planning that can lead to overspending and emphasize the importance of intentional money management and the impact of taxation on financial decisions. He...
Dec 14, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 4
This episode delves into the financial issues tech professionals face, focusing on the challenge of managing credit card debt despite high incomes. It discusses how lifestyle creep, unexpected expenses, and high interest rates lead to debt accumulation. Emphasizing the importance of financial management, the danger of relying on future financial expectations and underscores the consequences of unchecked debt, such as stress and potential evictions. It provides practical strategies like using bud...
Oct 24, 2024•22 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Sean Page, a senior technical recruiter at Propel, shares his non-traditional career path from biology major to public health professional to tech recruiter. He emphasizes the increasing competitiveness in the job market, the importance of understanding DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in hiring processes, and the need for clear communication in salary negotiations. Sean highlights the differences between working in non-profit and tech sectors, particularly regarding timelines and meeting ...
Aug 08, 2024•59 min•Season 6Ep. 2
In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, host Lucas Casarez, CFP® discusses the process of transitioning out of a tech career, addressing the importance of understanding projected salaries, the impact of lifestyle and expenses on decision-making, and the necessity of financial planning. He emphasizes the need for thoughtful consideration and planning before making any drastic career changes, suggesting exploring additional opportunities within tech and calculating the necessary incom...
Jul 11, 2024•23 min•Season 6Ep. 1
In this episode, you'll learn the answer to the following questions about how your employer stock impacts your taxes, as well as, charitable giving strategies: What Is The Difference Between A Private And Public Company The Most Common Types Of Employer Stock Plans How Your Employer Stock Is Taxed Employer Stock Strategies Is Your Charitable Giving Is Tax Deductible What Is A Donor Advised Fund Benefits Of Donating Stock https://www.techbychoice.org/donate https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.co...
Dec 20, 2023•50 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this episode, you'll learn the answer to the following questions about how your retirement accounts impact your taxes, as well as, how to correctly make Backdoor ROTH contributions. What Is A Traditional Retirement Account What Is A ROTH Retirement Account Do I Make Too Much To Contribute To Certain Retirement Accounts What Is A Backdoor ROTH Can I Make a Mega Backdoor ROTH Contribution https://www.techbychoice.org/donate https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/getting-those-big-tech-checks-...
Nov 17, 2023•41 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Taxes can be complex and confusing, but it's important to understand them so you can pay the correct amount and take advantage of all the deductions and credits you're eligible for. In this episode, we'll cover everything you need to know about your taxes, from the basics to more advanced strategies. Topics covered: What are the different types of taxes? How are taxes calculated? What are deductions and credits? What is the standard deduction? What are itemized deductions? What are popular tax c...
Nov 14, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode, we interview Andrew Hedges, a career changer, startup co-founder, and non-profit co-founder. We talk about his journey from traditional employment to tech, the mission of his startup Assistiv Labs, the most misunderstood thing about accessibility, and advice for founders and co-founders. We also discuss The Collab Lab, a non-profit he co-founded, and the benefits of teaming up with others. Here are some key questions we will answer in the episode: What was the catalyst for your ...
Oct 12, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 8
This is a part of the non-profit series where I highlight great members of the tech community who play a significant role in running a non-profit. Valerie is a self-taught developer who is now an engineering manager and the founder of Tech by Choice, a non-profit that helps underrepresented groups enter, stay and thrive in tech. Valerie talks about her experience as a manager and her work with Tech by Choice. She discusses her biggest challenges as a manager, her goals for the future, and her ad...
Sep 28, 2023•33 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Can you imagine building a thriving career in tech, overcoming societal stigmas, and then going ahead to establish a non-profit to help others do the same? That's exactly what our guest today, Rick Wolter, has done, and he joins us to share his inspiring journey. Rick shares how he went from being basically tech illiterate to landing a job in tech and helping others with similar backgrounds of being formerly incarcerated to do the same. Underdog Devs, is a non-profit dedicated to helping individ...
Sep 07, 2023•38 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Ever wondered why your spending seems to mysteriously multiply when your income increases? Join us as we dive deep into the world of lifestyle creep - the silent financial nemesis that can sabotage your present financial status and future plans. In today's episode, we unveil the facets of lifestyle creep, explaining how unchecked spending patterns may lead to a personal inflation phenomenon that might just be draining your wallet. From exploring the ripple effects of a pay rise to breaking down ...
Aug 17, 2023•23 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Have you ever wondered how a construction worker would transition into a career in cybersecurity? Our friend Danny, who did just that, offers a riveting account of his unique tech journey. A Microsoft scam was a pivotal moment that sparked his curiosity and propelled him to explore the complex world of cybersecurity. His story is a testament to the idea that traditional educational background need not always dictate your career path. Danny generously shares several resources for those intrigued ...
Jul 20, 2023•29 min•Season 5Ep. 4
What's Next for Student Loan Forgiveness? In this podcast, we discuss the recent news that the previously announced student loan forgiveness is no longer a legal solution. We cover what to expect now that payments are restarting in October, including the new SAVE repayment plan, and the temporary ramp-up period. We also discuss the new path that the Biden administration is taking to try to achieve student loan forgiveness, and what that might mean for borrowers. Key takeaways: The previous Stude...
Jul 04, 2023•12 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Is Purchasing a Home in 2023 a Good Financial Decision? In this episode, we'll discuss the pros and cons of purchasing a home in 2023. We'll cover topics such as: Why are mortgage interest rates so high? Is it financially feasible? How does it compare to renting? What should you do if you have a home with a low-interest rate? What are the risks of homeownership? What if house values decrease? What if interest rates decrease? We'll also provide some tips for making an informed decision about whet...
Jun 22, 2023•25 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this episode, we'll talk about how to increase your income. Whether you're looking to make more money to retire early, have more security and flexibility, or simply to make ends meet, there are a number of things you can do to make more money. How to Know If You Need to Make More Money There are a few signs that you may need to make more money. If you're living paycheck to paycheck, if there are important goals that seem impossible to achieve, or if you've already dug into your budget and cut...
May 17, 2023•29 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Do you own a home with a ton of equity? In this episode, I talk about the awesomeness of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). I cover the pros, cons, and how they compare to other options that may be available to you.
Dec 16, 2022•15 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Isai Cortez is a Tax Attorney and owner of Bismark Tax, Inc in Los Angeles, CA. He's also the founder of SynkBooks and an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University School of Law. Isai shares his story, which goes all the way back to age 4 when his family was in a situation that made him want to be an advocate and help people understand their taxes. This episode is full of of great stories and advice that spans entrepreneurship, finances, and life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/isai-bismark-cortez...
Nov 17, 2022•57 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Huge news dropped today regarding student loans. There will be student loan forgiveness! That’s not all, as most people expected, student loan forbearance was extended through December 31st, 2022. Finally, there will be a new income-based repayment plan that will reduce the burden of student loan payments on the remaining balances. The forbearance is pretty self-explanatory, but they included the wording of “final”. They used similar wording with previous extensions but after the forgiveness ann...
Aug 25, 2022•18 min•Season 4Ep. 4
This was a fun episode to record with my mom, Jessica Casarez, who has been working for the same insurance agency for the last 37 years. Insurance coverage is almost like a foreign language and she does an amazing job and translating and simplifying the information. Topics covered: How much insurance coverage do you need to replace your home? The difference between working with a captive agent and an independent agent. When umbrella coverage is beneficial. Do renters need renters insurance? What...
Aug 12, 2022•40 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Dr. Aimee shares important information about fertility. It's her goal to let as many women avoid saying, I wish I would have known sooner. In this episode Dr. Aimee answers the following questions: The importance of understanding your fertility Alternative options to egg freezing A range of costs associated with egg freezing and alternatives One important thing men should know What if you don't want kids today.... https://twitter.com/_EggWhisperer https://eggfreezingparty.com/what-is-an-egg-free...
Jul 15, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Are you worried about a possible recession? In this episode, I tackle current events that may lead to a recession in 2022 and identify what you need to know to navigate your way through a recession confidently. Inflation The Stock Market Employment Interest Rates Housing Market
Jun 24, 2022•20 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Do you need estate documents? I invited my friend and Estate Planning Expert, Will Beyers to shed some light on that answer. Will does a great job summarizing what each document does and provides some context on when and why they will be needed. The documents discussed in this episode are: Wills, Financial Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Trusts We also dove into the importance of naming a caregiver if you have children, as well as, why most people drag their feet on setting up ...
Dec 03, 2021•45 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In her prior career, Kristal worked as a Software Engineer at BuzzFeed and Marqeta, Director of Operations at a cryptocurrency startup, and as an assistant to executives and leadership at Uber, Affirm, and Sledgehammer Games. She served the largest Latinx in tech community, Techqueria, as a community leader and helped to grow and nurture the community by thousands of additional members. https://joinyearone.io https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgarcia4/ https://twitter.com/kristal_s_ kristal@joinyearon...
Nov 19, 2021•32 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Do you know all of the amazing benefits and flexibility of an HSA (Health Savings Account)? The best features are that they are triple tax-free: Tax-Reduction on contributions Tax-Free growth Tax-Free withdrawals That's not all. There could be real savings just by comparing a high deductible health plan to a pricier option. In this episode, I tackle a framework I use to help clients make an informed decision on whether they should use an HSA....
Oct 20, 2021•21 min•Season 3Ep. 9
