Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp

Lucas Casarez CFP®
  • 5.0 (6)
  • INVESTING

I help tech employees use their finances to create the life of their dreams by helping you take your financial confidence to the next level!Are you a tech employee who wants to learn how to better manage your finances?Working in tech you may experience extreme pay increases, which may allow you the ability to accomplish goals you've only dreamed of. However, if mismanaged, you can also find yourself stressed out and under pressure to increase your income in order to fit your lifestyle.The good news, is through education and a little bit of determination, you have the power to control your future and create your best life.Not only will we cover basic personal finance concepts, but we'll dive deep into tech specific benefits and issues that I regularly help my clients build strategies to maximize. (Examples: working for start ups, restricted stock units, stock options, and layoffs) Also, on a regular basis, I will have special guests that will highlight their stories with unique stories about their tech experiences.

  1. What to Know Before Filing Taxes in 2026

    6D AGO

    What to Know Before Filing Taxes in 2026

    Navigating Common Tax Mistakes and New Tax Laws for 2026 In this episode of Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp, the host discusses several common tax mistakes and introduces new tax laws for 2026. Starting with essential tax preparation steps, the episode explains the importance of gathering relevant tax documents, considering new changes like RSUs and employer stock, and the pitfalls of rushing to file taxes without all forms. The host emphasizes the need for meticulous reporting, particularly for tech professionals dealing with employer stock and those affected by income limits on IRA contributions. The episode also covers strategies such as backdoor Roth conversions, handling 1099 forms accurately, and the implications of recent changes to the state and local tax cap. Additional tips include maximizing dependent care credits, 529 plan contributions, and rental property depreciation. Finally, the host advises business owners on correctly claiming legitimate business expenses to avoid IRS scrutiny. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice and ensure all financial details are accurately reported. 00:00 Introduction to Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp Season 8 01:23 Essential Tax Preparation Tips for 2026 01:53 Understanding New Tax Changes and Forms 02:22 Avoiding Common Tax Filing Mistakes 03:06 Time Travel Techniques for Tax Contributions 04:47 Automatic Tax Adjustments and Deductions 05:37 Maximizing Itemized Deductions 07:01 Common Tax Filing Errors and How to Avoid Them 09:05 Special Considerations for High Earners and Stock Options 12:24 Tax Tips for Parents and Property Owners 14:35 Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/tax-planning-retirement-accounts-backdoor-roths/

    16 min
  2. Key Changes to Tax Laws 2025

    07/09/2025

    Key Changes to Tax Laws 2025

    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 expiration dates for electric vehicle and home energy efficiency tax credits, as well as the introduction of new investment accounts for newborns.

    19 min
  3. Balancing Your Tech Career and Parenthood with Rizell Scarlett

    06/26/2025

    Balancing Your Tech Career and Parenthood with Rizell Scarlett

    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 through social media and community involvement.  Rizel also talks about balancing her career with motherhood, emphasizing the need for clear communication with her spouse and employer to manage expectations.  She highlights the value of community support in overcoming career challenges and shares her approach to leadership development by learning from mentors and managers.  The conversation underscores the significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to achieve personal and professional growth.

    39 min
  4. Should You Cash Out Your 401(k) Retirement Account?

    05/17/2025

    Should You Cash Out Your 401(k) Retirement Account?

    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 stress.  00:00 Intro 06:24 10% Penalty 07:04 Federal & State Income Taxes 08:27 Special ROTH Features To Avoid Penalty and Taxes 09:04 Less Resources, Less Time To Build It Back 11:53 401 (k) loan alternative 13:10 Different Exemption Rules To Be Aware Of 14:03 Separation after age 55 15:24 Home Equity Loan/ Line of Credit 17:20

    18 min
  5. Why Your Finances Are Better Than You Think

    05/07/2025

    Why Your Finances Are Better Than You Think

    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 contributions to retirement accounts can often go unnoticed. Even if you're maxing them out annually, this is indeed a form of savings that many forget to acknowledge. Employer Stock Besides regular savings, you might have stock options or employer compensation in stock form. Whether it's through an employee stock purchase plan, RSUs, incentive, or non-qualified stock options, allowing these to build up can reflect significant savings. It's crucial to acknowledge these investments rather than selling them off to fund lifestyles because eventually, they prove to be a powerful asset. Home Equity Home equity is another asset often overlooked. If you've owned a home for five years or more, not only has the equity likely increased, but a low locked-in mortgage rate gives you a competitive edge. Especially for younger generations, such equity contributes significantly to your net worth, even if it's not readily liquid. Catching Up For career changers, recent tech bootcamp graduates, or anyone navigating a financial catch-up game, there's potential for financial recovery through income increases. As illustrated, transitioning from a $60,000 to a $100,000 income can greatly impact debt and save for future investments. This progression, while it might initially focus on debt repayment, will eventually contribute to saving and investment growth. Take Advantage of Opportunities to Get Ahead It's essential to maintain restraint against lifestyle creep when incomes rise. By sustaining a previous lifestyle after significant pay increases, you're paving a path for financial fortification. Avoiding the trap of higher expenditure and focusing on leveraging these seasons of prosperity ensures you'll establish solid financial footing.  In times of emergencies, whether personal or involving close ones, your preparedness from years of wise financial management can provide the flexibility needed to navigate these challenges with less stress. Always remember, life's financial journey is about making informed decisions today to better equip yourself for tomorrow. If you have any financial strategy questions or require guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation. Understanding your comprehensive financial picture might reveal that you're in a stronger position than initially perceived. Let's keep the conversation going to ensure your financial goals align with your life changes.

    15 min
  6. What Investment Volatility Means to You

    04/05/2025

    What Investment Volatility Means to You

    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

    22 min
  7. Why Your Paycheck May Be Smaller This Month

    01/09/2025

    Why Your Paycheck May Be Smaller This Month

    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 clarity on the finances to make informed decisions.

    10 min
  8. Decoding Bonuses and Raises: What's the Real Value of Your Bonus, Raise, and RSUs?

    12/14/2024

    Decoding Bonuses and Raises: What's the Real Value of Your Bonus, Raise, and RSUs?

    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. Here is a link to access the Real Value of Raise Calculator. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_5oU96ZLYounxhn-SKBCj6YWcU_HfyaxUxgSDzH3a4s/edit?usp=sharing

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

I help tech employees use their finances to create the life of their dreams by helping you take your financial confidence to the next level!Are you a tech employee who wants to learn how to better manage your finances?Working in tech you may experience extreme pay increases, which may allow you the ability to accomplish goals you've only dreamed of. However, if mismanaged, you can also find yourself stressed out and under pressure to increase your income in order to fit your lifestyle.The good news, is through education and a little bit of determination, you have the power to control your future and create your best life.Not only will we cover basic personal finance concepts, but we'll dive deep into tech specific benefits and issues that I regularly help my clients build strategies to maximize. (Examples: working for start ups, restricted stock units, stock options, and layoffs) Also, on a regular basis, I will have special guests that will highlight their stories with unique stories about their tech experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Lucas Casarez CFP®
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    96
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp
  • Show Website
    Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp