Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp

Lucas Casarez CFP®
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Investing
  • Updated Bimonthly

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. 2d ago

    RSUs: From Grants to Golden Handcuffs

    RSUs Explained: Vesting, Taxes, Selling Strategies & How to Avoid Paying Taxes Twice CFP Lucas Casarez of Techie Personal Finance Boot Camp explains how RSUs work and how to avoid common mistakes, especially paying taxes twice due to incorrect cost basis reporting. He distinguishes startup RSUs (often illiquid and effectively worth zero until a liquidity event) from publicly traded RSUs (valued daily and sellable at vesting), and breaks down vesting schedules, cliffs, refresh grants, and the “golden handcuffs” effect of leaving unvested shares behind. He covers when you can sell (including blackout windows), how RSUs are taxed at vesting, why 22% federal withholding may be insufficient, and how future sales can trigger short- or long-term capital gains. He shares a goal-based framework for deciding to sell, hold, or hybrid, emphasizes concentration risk, and notes resources like an RSU tax calculator and strategy guide.  Avoid RSU Double Tax  RSU Basics Overview  Startup vs Public RSUs  Vesting Schedules Explained  Golden Handcuffs Effect  What Your RSUs Are Worth  Selling RSUs and Blackouts  RSU Taxes and Withholding  Capital Gains After Vesting  Fix Cost Basis Errors  Sell or Hold Framework  Get Help and Wrap Up https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/restricted-stock-unit-rsus-strategy-guide/  https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/restricted-stock-units-rsus-tax-calculator/

    RSUs: From Grants to Golden Handcuffs

  2. Jul 10

    Find The Perfect Advisor for YOU: 5 Questions You Need to Ask

    Lucas Casarez, a CFP®️ professional and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, hosts Techie Personal Finance Boot Camp and explains how tech professionals can choose the right financial advisor, comparing the process to researching stroller features and price points.  He introduces five key questions to ask when interviewing advisors:  1. Whether they are a fiduciary versus operating under a suitability standard (including the complications of hybrid advisors) 2. What types of clients they specialize in (such as tech, teachers, or medical professionals) 3. What areas of financial planning they provide value beyond investments (including savings, behavior, taxes, debt, and comprehensive planning) 4. What their cost structure is (fee-only, fee-based, or commission-based “free” models) 5. What happens if the advisor leaves the company, contrasting independent firms with large institutions.  He invites listeners to reach out, schedule a meeting, and share interview guest recommendations.

    Find The Perfect Advisor for YOU: 5 Questions You Need to Ask

  3. Jul 1

    Breaking Into Tech: From Car Sales to Cyber Security With Gilbert Sanchez

    Gilbert Sanchez shares his journey into tech. From car sales to cybersecurity. All in 6 months. You'll hear about Gilbert's planning process, which included personal finance strategies, as well as the way he structured his learning, job applications, and navigated rejections. Follow Gilbert on your favorite social media provider: https://x.com/gilbertsanchz https://www.youtube.com/@GilbertSanchz https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbertesanchez/

    Breaking Into Tech: From Car Sales to Cyber Security With Gilbert Sanchez

  4. May 13

    Making $100,000+ and Still Feeling Broke?

    Lucas Casarez, a CFP and founder of Level Up Financial Planning, explains why many tech professionals can make six figures yet still feel broke, citing statistics that 48.6% of people earning over $100K and 36% earning over $200K report living paycheck to paycheck. He outlines four main drivers: lifestyle inflation, taxes reducing actual take-home pay (often 30–50%, especially in high-tax states), lingering past obligations like student loans or credit cards, and lack of budgeting/clarity. He notes you may be doing better than you think through automated saving, maxing a 401(k), holding employer stock, or aggressively paying down debt. He recommends building a monthly budget, then planning annually and long-term to anticipate taxes and irregular expenses, reduce stress, avoid burnout, and increase career flexibility, and invites listeners to seek help getting organized.

    Making $100,000+ and Still Feeling Broke?

  5. Feb 9

    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/

    What to Know Before Filing Taxes in 2026

  6. 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.

    Key Changes to Tax Laws 2025

  7. 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.

    Balancing Your Tech Career and Parenthood with Rizell Scarlett

  8. 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

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

5
out of 5
5 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
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp
  • Show Website
    Techie Personal Finance Bootcamp