Shows
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBalancing Your Tech Career and Parenthood with Rizell ScarlettIn 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...
2025-06-2639 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhy Your Finances Are Better Than You ThinkFeeling 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 SavingsWelcome 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 annua...
2025-05-0715 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBreaking Out Of TechIn 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 income for a sustainable transition. He also provides advice on managing resources, reducing expenses, and planning for a successful career change. The episode aims to help listeners design and bu...
2024-07-1122 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampUnderstanding Your Taxes: Retirement Accounts & Backdoor ROTHsIn 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 AccountDo I Make Too Much To Contribute To Certain Retirement AccountsWhat Is A Backdoor ROTHCan I Make a Mega Backdoor ROTH Contributionhttps://www.techbychoice.org/donatehttps://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/getting-those-big-tech-checks-with-tech-by-choice/h...
2023-11-1740 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampUnderstanding Your Taxes: The BasicsTaxes 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...
2023-11-1438 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampA Co-Founder's Journey to Starting The Collab Lab (Non-Profit)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 career change into tech?What gave you the confidence to leave traditional employment to start your own...
2023-10-1246 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampGetting Those Big Tech Checks with Tech By ChoiceThis 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 advice for others who are interested in entering the...
2023-09-2832 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampStarting a Non-Profit to Help Underdog DevsCan 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 individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, especially those with a history of incarceration, kickstart...
2023-09-0738 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhat The Tech Is Lifestyle Creep?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 the psychological triggers such as ‘keeping up with the Joneses', we scrutinize the root causes that fan...
2023-08-1722 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampFrom a Malware Incident to Cybersecurity Career with Danny ZHave 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 by the tech field, especially the realm of cybersecurity.Shifting gears, career transitions become the focus...
2023-07-2029 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampStudent Loan Forgiveness: One More Chance?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 Student loan forgiveness plan is no longer a legal solution, but the Biden administration...
2023-07-0412 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampPurchasing A Home in 2023Is 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 whether or not to purchase a home in 2023....
2023-06-2224 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampHow to Make More MoneyIn 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 MoneyThere 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...
2023-05-1728 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhat the Tech is a HELOC?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.
2022-12-1614 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampNo Guts No Glory: Launching a StartupIsai 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-01048143/https://app.synkbooks.com/te...
2022-11-1756 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampStudent Loan Forgiveness!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 announcement, it’d be unlikely additional forbearances will occur....
2022-08-2518 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampInsurance Expert: Jessica CasarezThis 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 does comprehensive vehicle insurance cover?What does collision vehicle insurance cover?Do you...
2022-08-1240 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampFertility Planning with Dr. AimeeDr. 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 fertilityAlternative options to egg freezingA range of costs associated with egg freezing and alternativesOne important thing men should knowWhat if you don't want kids today....https://twitter.com/_EggWhispererhttps://eggfreezingparty.com/what-is-an-egg-freezing-party
2022-07-1527 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhat a Recession Means to You (2022)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.InflationThe Stock MarketEmploymentInterest RatesHousing Market
2022-06-2419 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampDo You Need Estate Document with Will BeyersDo 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 TrustsWe also dove into the importance of naming...
2021-12-0345 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampNavigating Year One and Early Career in Tech With Kristal GarciaIn 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.iohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kgarcia4/https://twitter.com/kristal_s_kristal@joinyearone.i...
2021-11-1932 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhat the Tech is an HSA?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 contributionsTax-Free growthTax-Free withdrawalsThat'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.
2021-10-2020 min
Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp5 Reasons NOT to Pay Off Your Mortgage EarlyPurchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make, but the significant debt you accrue in the form of a mortgage can sometimes carry a lot of emotional baggage.In this episode, I acknowledge some of the reasons people want to pay off their mortgages, but my recommendation a majority of the time is to NOT pay off their mortgage faster than they need to.I'll cover 5 major reasons NOT to pay off your mortgage early. The 4th one is maybe one of the biggest reasons, but no one ever talks...
2021-08-2010 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampLiving the Dream as a Game Dev with Jonathan JenningsJonathan Jennings is a software engineer who works in the AR, VR, and videogame spaces and currently helming his indie VR game at Weird Kid Studios named Galactic Bar fight. He’s been a guest lecturer at University and National Conferences. His first published essay Black Unicorn is available to read in the book Game Devs & Others: Tales From The Margins. He’s been involved in multiple development roles including rapid prototyping, core mechanic programming, user Interface engineering, multiplayer programming, and publishing processes for release among others. He has over 9 years of deve...
2021-08-1350 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhat the Tech is a Backdoor ROTH?!The Backdoor ROTH is an advanced planning strategy for high earners and big savers. Should you use a Backdoor ROTH?Two reasons why you'd use a Backdoor ROTH strategy is:1. You are phased out of making ROTH Contributions due to your high income.2. You are a big saver and have already maxed out your 401(k) contributionsThe process to implement a Backdoor ROTH will depend on if you are doing the smaller Backoor ROTH or the MEGA Backoor ROTH.I also cover the biggest mistake I see when people attempt...
2021-08-0635 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampEngineering Life Coach with Gina CovarrubiasMy guest today is Gina Covarrubias, Certified Life Coach, B.S. Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering (Purdue University), M.S. Mechanical Engineering (University of Utah)Her distinctive background blends life coaching expertise with 12+ years engineering/technology experience in government, academia and corporate aerospace.Gina founded Deliberate Doing LLC, an exclusive STEM coaching service dedicated to helping technical professionals defeat career despair. She solves the common STEM problem: “What is next for my life?” As a former engineer, she can identify with technical experts who question their personal or professional existence.Her function as an Engineering Life...
2021-07-3141 min
SUCCESS INNOVATION#66 - FINANCIAL PLANNING!!! - Lucas Casarez, CFPFINANCIAL PLANNING!!!
Join me in this great interview episode called FINANCIAL PLANNING with LUCAS CASAREZ, CFP!! Learn from him on his path to financial literacy and how he dedicates to supporting and guiding many individuals to financial security and avoiding “costly” mistakes. Understand his passion and drive that are leading to his SUCCESS!!!
You will also get a glimpse into his fears and how he manages and integrates work and life balance. His entrepreneurial side demonstrates the hard path of being a business owner but with persistence and tenacity you succeed.
#s...
2021-07-241h 05
Techie Personal Finance BootcampSpecial Guest: Real Estate Expert Patrick SoukupJoin me as I interview a real estate expert, Patrick Soukup of Soukup Real Estate Services in Fort Collins, CO.We cover a wide range of topics from real estate as an investment and personal residence. Patrick also shares his insights on whether we are in a real estate bubble, how to search for a home when you're out of state, and his real estate investment philosophy. https://www.soukuprealestate.com/our-teamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-soukup-cpm-36497225/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqjpWM9lXcMIEMktSjR_DCg
2021-07-231h 05
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBreaking Into Tech By Writing a Jingle with Orlando Gomez (OG)Orlando shares his journey from finance, Peace Corp, back to finance and then breaking into tech by writing a jingle.Despite having an MBA and finance background, it took him over 8 months to break into tech.To stand out from the crowd, Orlando wrote Jingles and leveraged Twitter to directly connect with companies.Orlando Gomez is a First-gen Mexican-American from Chicago's South Side. Parents are from Guanajuato and his Dad settled here as a steelworker after working the fields in California. He brought my mom over and I was born here. O...
2021-07-1644 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampShould I Take Out a 401(k) Loan?I'm a big fan of 401(k) loans, but they shouldn't be taken out lightly.In this episode, I cover the basic rules of a 401(k) loan, the pros, and the cons.
2021-07-0914 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampThe Ebbs and Flows of Being a Startup Founder with Josiah HaswellJosiah Haswell, in addition to being a good friend, is the CoFounder of Sunshower. IO. The first comprehensive, provider-agnostic cloud management platform. In this episode, you will hear how Josiah shifted from corporate tech to being an employee at Startups and ultimately starting up his own companies. Like any business, startup life ebbs and flows, and Josiah shares some of the challenges, he’s faced with his startups over the years.Without further ado, here is Josiah’s interview.Discovering the power of softwareUn...
2021-07-0248 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampSpending After the PandemicIf you are anything like my family, your spending habits have changed significantly during the pandemic. If you managed to maintain employment throughout this whole period, then you may have found that your savings accounts actually increased. Or maybe you are a stress shopper and managed to find more ways to spend money now that you have more time on your hands. Either way, your spending habits are likely to change again as we approach what will be a new normal. How have your spending habits changed dur...
2021-06-2523 min
The Leo Yockey ShowFinancial Decisions (Lucas Casarez)Financial advisor Lucas Casarez talks to Leo about money! He debunks common misconceptions about finance and demonstrates how living his truth has helped his decision-making, as well as the decision-making of his clients.Receive a journaling prompt every Friday morning: leoyockey.comLucas: levelupfinancialplanning.com; twitter.com/LukeCFPLevelUp; instagram.com/casarezlucas Leo: instagram.com/leoyockey; twitter.com/leovolving; tiktok.com/@leoyockeyBy: Leo Yockey
2021-05-1857 min
Complete Developer PodcastImproving Your Financial Game with Lucas CasarezIf you are like most people, financial matters are not the most comfortable thing to be thinking about. Honestly, almost all of us could do a lot better than we do. However, your financial health is intimately tied to your personal health, quality of life, and potentially the quality of life for future generations.
Read more ›
The post Improving Your Financial Game with Lucas Casarez appeared first on Complete Developer Podcast.
2021-01-281h 07
Techie Personal Finance BootcampMaking Smart Money Moves in 2021Make SMART Financial Moves in 2021We made it to 2021! A year like 2020 stretched us thin in many aspects of our lives and that may have included your finances. If you feel you can improve on your finances in 2021 and want to make it a priority, I want to provide you a framework to get started in 2021. Improving your finances is more than dollars and cents, which is why it is so important to start with a vision... a purpose….. a why…... Call it what you w...
2021-01-0117 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampRedefining Happiness with Michael LiendoMichael Liendo recorded a live stream with me for this episode. Michael is a self-taught developer who is currently a senior software engineer and AWS community builder. In this episode, Michael shares his career journey and how his family has been a massive motivation in not only breaking into tech but also not settling for positions that are not a good fit, even if it comes with a lot of perks. As well as, the tips and tricks he's used to constantly find the next level of growth opportunities.Here are a few of...
2020-12-3149 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampIt's a Wonderful Life (10 Money Lessons)Sorry for any spoilers, but this movie came out in 1946 so….A few reasons why this movie has been one of my favorites for most of my adulthood is because I worked at a community bank, similar to the Bailey Bros Building and Loan & when I was 20 one of my close childhood friends passed away. Not a money lesson, but just something interesting that happens early in the movie. The Spanish flu kills Mr. Gowers’s son and although there is nothing financial to talk about that, I just thought it was interesting to see a sim...
2020-12-1025 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampReplacing Foreign Languages With Coding Languages with Joe PreviteJoe Previte is a developer, a teacher, and creator of Vim for VSCode. In his spare time, he enjoys creating videos for egghead, writing articles relating to coding, and participating in an online meditation study group.Joe shares the details of his journey from his decision to drop out of grad school and pursuing a career as a developer. Be sure to listen to the end where he opens up about the early obstacle he faced that not many people would have been able to overcome. Dropping out of grad schoolChoosing Free Code Camp over a C...
2020-12-0344 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampHow Much Should I Have Saved in Retirement?Have you seen the rough estimates that you should have saved at various ages?These rough targets are useful, but may not be entirely accurate to you and your unique circumstances.I cover the importance of at least being aware of targets for the amount of money you should have saved in retirement accounts.Good excuses why you may not be on track early on in your careerWhy the older you get, the more relevant the targets become.And how to catch up if you feel you are...
2020-11-2516 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampThe Power of Coaching with Jason HumphreyI have Jason Humphrey on the show and I met Jason online originally because he creates a ton of value-packed content on LinkedIn. And when you create awesome content, people tend to like it and share it. And that's how it came across my feed. Jason helps coding Bootcamp, students to land their first high paying job as a professional software developer. And in this episode, Jason talks about his own personal journey where he wasn't as career-focused early on in his career. And how advice from one of his mentors transformed his career! He also shares t...
2020-11-1952 min
Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp6 Tips for the HolidaysDo you struggle with your finances during the holidays? I cover 6 tips to take control over the holiday season.This episode was originally created for a live video challenge I'm doing on my social networks, but I wanted to share it with you!Set a limit (budget) ResearchFree ShippingMake somethingBe presentExperiences over things
2020-11-1216 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampOvercoming Rejection with Arnold MoralesArnold Morales is the son of two immigrants from Honduras. He started his career with a GED and working at a warehouse where he is wasn't happy. Looking for more he pursued a community college and took an aptitude test that steered him towards mechanical engineering. He co-founded his community college's first Engineering Society. Since then he's earned a Masters Degree and is currently working for his dream employer, Boeing.It wasn't a straight shot to Boeing though, he was rejected 5 times before finally breaking in.Importance of taking feedbackNavigating tech as a...
2020-10-1538 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampKnowing Your Worth with Justine BenoitJustine is a UX/UI Designer and UI Developer on a mission to create a meaningful impact on people’s lives through her craft.She was born and raised in the Philippines. In 2008, she and her family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received her B.S. in Entertainment Engineering and Design.In the summer of 2012, she was accepted in the internship program at Cirque du Soleil, where she honed her skills as an Automation Technician at the show “The Beatles’ LOVE”. Shortly after her internship, she beca...
2020-09-3051 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBEWARE of the Advice You TakeWhen it comes to your financial life, it's very easy to rely on the guidance of others, especially since most of our generation were not taught these important topics in school.This episode is to warn you of the financial advice you should BEWARE of as you start to build your financial strategy guide and financial confidence.People and sources who offer advice solicited or not.FamilyFriendsCoworkersSalespeopleSocial MediaNewsBooksPodcasts...
2020-09-0927 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBeing Authentic & Transparent with Josh BucheaJosh shares his awesome story on his path into tech. Early on Josh showed an interest for tech and started taking college courses, but a conversation changed his career trajectory.Josh decided to not pursue a tech career and bounced around with different jobs and ended up getting into trouble. He talks about the challenges of finding a job in tech with a felony.Even with the hurdle of having a felony, Josh shared his story on Twitter and it became a really great experience for him.He also shares a fun and...
2020-09-0347 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampQuitting to Start a BusinessI share my personal story of quitting my job to start my business, Level Up Financial Planning.While working in a position many would consider a dream position, with a 6-month-old at home, I quit my job. It was the scariest decision I ever made.In addition to my story, I share a few of the financial steps I took before quitting and a couple of things I wish I had done differently.Job huntingLeaving your teamReducing expensesBuilding a planImportance of spouses supportHealth insuranceBeing smart about side hustlesCreating contentChoosing a niche
2020-08-2626 min
The Career Kickstart Show | Design Your Dream Career | Ready for Career Freedom?Lucas Casarez Talks Financial Planning in Uncertain TimesLucas Casarez is a financial Yoda to Gen X/Y professionals in tech. We discuss how to manage your finances during uncertain times Find out more here: www.levelupfinancialplanning.com
2020-08-1727 min
The Career Kickstart ShowLucas Casarez Talks Financial Planning in Uncertain TimesLucas Casarez is a financial Yoda to Gen X/Y professionals in tech. We discuss how to manage your finances during uncertain times Find out more here: www.levelupfinancialplanning.com
2020-08-1727 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampNavigating Race & Burnout in Tech with Leo YockeyLeo Yockey is a Software Engineer, Writer, and Speaker from Los Angeles. He runs a digital agency called MangoBass Consulting and is an advocate for underrepresented people in the tech industry.Leo shares his unique story and perspective as a transgender black man in tech.Making a career changeSelf-taught and coding bootcamp resourcesImportance of a mentorReal-world example of systemic racismCreating multiple streams of incomeMonetizing your expertiseUnlearning money mythsBreaking the cycleBurning out and tips to navigate ithttps://www.leoyockey.comhttps://twitter.com/leovolvinghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leoyockey/...
2020-08-1350 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampCredit Cards Are AwesomeCredit Cards Are Awesome!Regardless of what you may have heard, credit cards are pretty awesome financial tools. It’s one of the best forms of credit that you can access and use to help you reach your financial goals.Unfortunately, credit cards can also be one of the biggest culprits of financial chaos. Credit cards are a tool. They are not evil, though you’re open to criticize credit card companies and other financial institutions.Maybe not an expert level, but being able to maximize the benefits of credit cards and limit...
2020-08-0522 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBreak Into Tech With Twitter with Will JohnsonWill Johnson is a self-taught developer who broke into tech using Twitter. As you can imagine, his path to break into tech wasn't easy. He used a lot of different ways to learn and work towards his goals of becoming a developer so that he could create a comfortable life for his family.Here are the topics we cover in Will's interviewWill's path as a self-taught developerRepeating courses to solidify knowledgeThe struggle of having no experience (being destroyed by lost opportunities)Knowing where to focus your energyUnderstanding what language is in demand in your areaHow...
2020-07-2932 min
The 6 Figure DeveloperEpisode 154 – Financial Planning with Lucas Casarez
Lucas is a fiduciary, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, Power Up Tax Planning Services and host of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp.
He specializes in serving tech professionals who want to maximize their financial opportunities to live their best lives today while having confidence that their future will be awesome, too.
Links
https://twitter.com/LukeCFPLevelUp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-casarez-cfp%C2%AE-b47a6162/
https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/
http://www.poweruptaxplanning.com/
https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/techie-personal-finance-bootcamp-podcast/
“Tempt...
2020-07-2741 minThe 6 Figure Developer PodcastEpisode 154 – Financial Planning with Lucas Casarez
Lucas is a fiduciary, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, Power Up Tax Planning Services and host of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp.
He specializes in serving tech professionals who want to maximize their financial opportunities to live their best lives today while having confidence that their future will be awesome, too.
Links
https://twitter.com/LukeCFPLevelUp
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-casarez-cfp%C2%AE-b47a6162/
https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/
http://www.poweruptaxplanning.com/
https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/techie-personal-finance-bootcamp-podcast/
“Tempt...
2020-07-2741 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampShould I Use a College Savings 529 Plan?If college planning is important to you, then you want to listen to this episode to understand how a 529 plan may be a solution to help you maximize your college savings.529 Tax benefits529 Rules Impact on financial aidAlternative Savings StrategiesWhat if my child doesn’t go to college?What if my child receives a full ride?Fee-Only Financial PlannerSubscribeVideo
2020-07-2119 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampThe Wealth of Being In Tech with ValerieValerie is the Executive Director at Tech By Choice and a Senior Software Engineer at Mastery Logistics. She holds a BS in Psychology & Art. Valerie is passionate about creating secure human-centered digital experiences. As a successful self-taught developer, Valerie started Tech By Choice to give back to the community that helped her succeed.Valerie shares her journey into tech from being a Psychology major to becoming a senior software engineer and the founder of Tech By Choice.We cover the following topics in her interview:Choosing tech over her psychology & art degreeTech...
2020-07-1531 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampFinancial Independence Is In Your ControlI'm excited today to be talking about how financial independence is in your control. One of the biggest factors in whether you will be successful in reaching financial independence is first believing that you can achieve this goal.How to increase your financial confidenceHow your incomes impact your ability to reach financial independenceUnderstand that everyone has their unique financial challengesCreating your own opportunities for successRemember everyone starts with a different financial backgroundImportance of investingWants vs. needsFee Only Financial Planner
2020-07-0617 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampBuilding Your Tech Community with Danny ThompsonDanny Thompson is a passionate software engineer who is on a personal mission to help people find their path into tech.This episode is packed with great information and action items on how to stand out as you seek to land that first or next developer position.Here are just a few of the pieces of wisdom Danny provides in this episode.PHD Not RequiredFree CodeCampBenefits of Meetups & Finding and Building CommunityThe Worst Possible Thing to Say to Aspiring DevelopersShowing Passion to Land a Tech JobMotivation Vs. DriveCreating Time for Your DreamsWriting...
2020-06-3037 min
Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp10 Questions to Ask Your Financial PlannerMost people work with their financial planners for the rest of their lives due to the unique relationship that is formed by trusting each other to tackle important life goals. With that in mind, it is important to make sure you have a planner that is going to be a good fit for you. The variation in choices and fits are as unique as the options of bread that you can choose at most supermarkets. To help you determine the right fit with a potential planner, here are the top ten questions to ask your financial planner....
2020-06-2222 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampShould I Refinance My MortgageShould you refinance your mortgage loan?This has been one of the most popular questions I've helped my clients tackle over the last few months. When weighing the pros and cons of refinancing your mortgage, you should consider the following:How Long Do You Plan To StayHow Much Will It CostWhen Do You BreakevenShould You Do A Cash-Out RefinanceAlternatives To A 30-Year MortgageFee-Only Financial Planner
2020-06-1515 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampUX Research with Nannearl BrownNannearl Brown is a user experience researcher who journeyed into the field by way of systems engineering and the social impact space. Most recently, she led the UX, product management, and design efforts for over a year as the Director of UX for the LA-based beauty tech startup, Emma Beauty. She cares greatly about creating a shared understanding of the tech industry with all, most especially with Black people and other marginalized groups. Nannearl shares her knowledge by leading design workshops, serving as a mentor and design technical expert for the Thinkful and Bloc online design bootcamps, and through...
2020-06-1444 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampCareer Transitions & Career Karma w/ Chad CrabtreeChad is a non-technical team member at the quickly growing startup Career Karma.Chad made a career transition to land his role and in some ways, it's fitting as Career Karma helps users identify and review Bootcamp options to make career transitions into tech. The Fallacy of Sunk CostRemote WorkTime ManagementImportance of Following UpValue of Clear GoalsCareer Karma’s StoryIncome Share Agreements (ISA)You can connect with Chad using the following social media platforms.TwitterLinkedIn
2020-05-2744 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampWhat to Do With Your Old 401(K)In this episode, I cover What To Do With Old 401(k).In addition to your normal options, you'll also find some new rules and strategies as a result of COVID-19. Most are for 2020 only though so be sure to listen to the end.First, you need to find your old 401(k). Then evaluate it: expense ratio, site usability, Keep it where it’s at?Roll it into an IRA (more control)?Roll into new 401(k)?Cash Out? Taxes, PenaltiesSpecial COVID Rules for 2020
2020-05-2620 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampShould I Buy Stock Now?With the coronavirus causing the stock market to meltdown almost overnight, I have been receiving the same question.Should I buy stock now?The stock market is essentially on sale now relative to a few months ago, but that doesn't necessarily mean you should be buying now.Listen to hear about the process I use with my clients to think through this decision to make sure you are making the smartest move.
2020-03-2616 min
Tech JrRefactoring your finances with Lucas CasarezThis week we're talking all about personal finance with CFP Lucas Casarez. Lots of developers know plenty about technology, but how much do you know about budgeting, investments, and paying off debt? Lucas walks us through some specific advice on how you can give your self financial peace of mind.
2020-03-251h 27
Techie Personal Finance BootcampTaxes: Retirement Accounts- Roth Vs. TraditionalIf you have earned income, then you are eligible to create a retirement account (or if your spouse has earned income). Your employer may even provide one in the form of a 401(k). If your employer doesn’t offer you a retirement plan, then you still have access to an IRA account. That might seem simple enough, but where it starts to get complicated is determining whether you should choose Traditional contributions or ROTH contributions. (This article was inspired by a conversation I had on Twitter, thanks Michele!)Traditional Contributions: 401(k)s & IRAsM...
2020-02-0806 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampTaxes Deductions and Tax CreditsIt's the 2020 tax season and I'm bringing short episodes regarding important topics you should understand when it comes to filing your taxes.In this episode we cover:DeductionsIncrease of standard deductionsRemoval of exemptionsCreditsPhaseoutspoweruptaxplanning.comlevelupfinancialplanning.com
2020-02-0106 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampTaxes: Marginal & Effective Tax RatesThe 2020 tax season is upon us and so I'm busy answering tax questions for clients.When it comes to your tax rates, it may be confusing because the U.S. tax system is progressive.This means you have two tax percentages to be aware of: your marginal tax rate and your effective tax rate.https://youtu.be/zjiCjgVCQoAhttp://poweruptaxplanning.com/https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/
2020-01-1307 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampTake Your Budget to the Next LevelUnderstand the basic components of a budget, as well as advanced strategies.I cover the following:Why most people avoid budgetingThe core parts of a budgetThe part you should focus onCommon budgeting toolsBudgeting tricks and tipsThe importance of emergency savingsHow to plan for irregular expensesA reflection on your lifestyle creephttps://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/how-to-be-a-baller-on-a-budget-strategy-guide/https://youtu.be/HgpkWBzF4J0
2020-01-0630 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampDominate Your Debt in 2020Not all debt is created equal.In this episode we cover the different types of debt and why some debts may actually be considered good debt.Most importantly we dive into debt repayment strategies to help you take your financial confidence to the next level.
2020-01-0229 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampTake Your Net Worth to the Next LevelIn order to improve your financial situation, it is helpful to understand where you are today. That is what your net worth can help you identify.In this episode I cover:Defining net worthCalculating net worthTypes of assetsBad Debt vs. Good DebtKeeping perspective when analyzing your net worthYouTube Video
2020-01-0117 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampSurviving Chaos to Become a ProgrammerKyle is 30, and a brand new software engineer using angular. He went to a sponsored full-stack web development bootcamp that was mostly about java, Prior to that he was working 12-15 hour days as a construction materials tester and studying IT support at night after his wife and 1.5-year-old boy went to sleep. Kyle's story is inspiring, we discuss the following topics in his interview:Life before a developerLiving off no incomeThe stress of Coding BootcampHelping others behind youBalancing remote work with a familyBeing a leader as a new developerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/k...
2019-12-1745 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampAngel Investing with Paul FoleyPaul Foley is the Colorado Capital Mobilization Director for RVC, Managing Director for Denver Angels, and the CEO of SmartCapital, a software that helps manage and run angel groups. He is also a member of the Colorado Blockchain Council focused on passing regulation to help innovative FinTech companies grow in Colorado. Prior to his current initiative, he co-founded and sold a tech startup Augur to BounceX.We explore the following in this episode:Paul's roadmap to becoming an entrepreneurWhat is angel investingThe value of mentorshipBuilding teamsRequirements to be an accredited investor.Colorado Capital Mobilization ProjectThe role...
2019-12-1636 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampTake Your Financial Confidence to the Next LevelI share with you the framework needed to take your financial confidence to the next level.Identify your why and where you want to go.Understand where you are today.Fill your gaps and blindspots.Micro GoalsImportance of believing you are capable of achieving your goals
2019-12-1116 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampFinding Your Influence with Stephanie JuddStephanie Judd is the cofounder of Wolf & Heron, a company that develops experiences designed to empower leaders at all levels to be more influential.Follow her story from her tech origins to helpings leaders and team members to be more influential.Dark Side and Light Side of InfluenceFrom CS graduate to the real worldHow she navigated the feeling of being underqualifiedThe 9 sources of influence powerInfluence pathwaysRelationships being the most valuable currencyWhy storytelling is so effectiveSkills from tech that help her todayImportance of finding communityhttp://www.wolfandheron.com/https://www.linkedin.com...
2019-11-2646 min
Techie Personal Finance BootcampHow I Overcome Impostor SyndromeDo you ever suffer from impostor syndrome? Maybe you are starting a new career, maybe there is a promotion you want to ask for or a raise you think you deserve.Here are a few ways I navigate my impostor syndrome whenever it flares up.Talk about itOver prepareRecognize that you are in a position of growth/opportunity for a reasonCreating a pick me up folderPlayback your greatest hitsRemember that it is okay to not know everything
2019-11-2418 min
The Small Business Storytellers with Seth Silvers021 | Building An Effective Brand In Financial Services with Lucas CasarezOn this episode, we sit down with Lucas Casarez with Level Up Financial Planning. The financial services industry has lots of red tape, rules, and compliance related challenges that make marketing and creating content hard.
That hasn't stopped Lucas from focusing on creating valuable content for his niche audience.
To find out more about Lucas and Level Up, connect with him at www.levelupfinancialplanning.com.
To join Success With Stories, Story On's membership community focused on growing your business online by marketing with stories, head over to www.successwithstories.com/el...
2019-11-0745 min