#20 Financial Life #20

  Using Real Estate Options in Self-Directed Retirement Accounts For savvy investors, self-directed IRAs (SDIRAs) and Solo 401(k)s offer more than stocks and bonds — they unlock access to alternative assets like real estate, precious metals, and even startup equity. One often-overlooked strategy in this space is using real estate options — contracts that give your retirement account the right, but not the obligation, to purchase property at a set price within a certain period. This guide explains how to structure, use, and legally navigate real estate options in retirement accounts to amplify returns without triggering prohibited transactions or tax penalties. 📌 Table of Contents What Are Real Estate Options? Why Use Options in a Self-Directed IRA? How to Structure a Compliant Option Contract Benefits and Risks of Option-Based Investing Custodian and IRS Compliance Tips Further Resources 📜 What Are Real Estate Options? A real estate option...

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion vs. Foreign Tax Credit for Remote Tech Workers 📌 Table of Contents Remote Work and U.S. Tax Obligations What Is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)? What Is the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC)? FEIE vs. FTC: Key Differences Can You Use Both Together? Conclusion Remote Work and U.S. Tax Obligations Even if you’re working remotely from Bali, Berlin, or Bogotá—if you're a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you're still required to file a U.S. tax return. Thankfully, the IRS offers two powerful tools to prevent double taxation: the **Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)** and the **Foreign Tax Credit (FTC).** Each has unique benefits—and choosing the right one can save you thousands. What Is the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE)? FEIE allows qualifying expats to exclude up to **$120,000** of foreign earned income (as of 2023) from U.S. taxes. To qualify, you must meet either the **Bona Fide Residence Tes...

  How to Access Private Debt Markets Without Institutional Capital Private debt markets were once the domain of large institutional investors and pension funds. Today, thanks to fintech innovation and regulatory changes, individual investors are finding new ways to access this lucrative asset class without needing millions in capital. This post explores how you can tap into private debt opportunities, what risks to be aware of, and where to begin. Table of Contents What Is Private Debt? Why Consider Private Debt as an Investor? Platforms That Offer Private Debt Access Risks and Due Diligence Tips Best Practices to Start Investing Conclusion What Is Private Debt? Private debt refers to non-bank lending that includes direct loans to businesses, real estate developers, or individuals. It typically takes the form of senior secured loans, mezzanine debt, or asset-backed lending. Unlike traditional bonds traded on public markets, private debt offers limited liqu...

  An Introduction to Structured Settlements as Investment Vehicles Structured settlements are financial arrangements often used to resolve personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits, where the plaintiff receives payments over time instead of a lump sum. While they were originally designed to ensure long-term financial stability for claimants, structured settlements have also caught the attention of investors seeking predictable, steady returns. This post will introduce you to the concept of structured settlements, how they work, why they appeal to investors, and what to consider before investing. Table of Contents What Are Structured Settlements? How Structured Settlements Work Benefits of Investing in Structured Settlements Risks and Considerations How to Invest in Structured Settlements What Are Structured Settlements? A structured settlement is an agreement where a plaintiff in a lawsuit agrees to receive periodic payments instead of a lump-sum settleme...