We’re back to the digital mailbag to answer your questions!

For this week:

• Does the 401(k) max include employer contributions?
• Should I invest in my 401(k) or pay down my mortgage early?
• What about Fidelity’s zero expense ratio fund, VZROX?
• Investing tips for a Health Savings Account
• Do you write off business expenses for Clipping Chains?
• How and when do you pay yourself from investments?
• Winter climbing in St. George, Utah
• Big life expenses and expectations when pursuing financial independence: children, weddings, etc.
• Mandatory pension contributions vs DIY investing
• Front-loading savings without going for full financial independence (Coast FI)
• Climbing plateau busters

 

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Show Notes and Links at Clippingchains.com

 

Q1: Does a 401(k) max contribution include employer contributions? (00:05:09)Q2: Should I shift additional 401(k) contributions toward paying down my mortgage early? (00:05:46)Q3: What are your thoughts on other index funds that mimic Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund, such as Fidelity’s VZROX? (00:09:34)Q4: Investing tips for a Health Savings Account (HSA). (00:15:22)Q5: Do you write off Clipping Chains business expenses for taxes? Starting a passion project seems intimidating because of up-front and out-of-pocket costs. (00:19:17)Q6: How and when do you pay yourselves from investments? (00:24:21)Q7: How is the winter climbing in St. George, Utah? (00:30:07)Q8: What are your thoughts on big expenses like children and weddings as it relates to the pursuit of financial independence? (00:32:29)Q9: I have a mandatory pension contribution requirement but I want to invest on my own. What should I do? (00:41:50)Q10: How can someone front-load their savings to allow for enjoyable (but low-pay) work that still provides for retirement income? (00:46:47)Q11: Can you talk about significant plateaus or breakthroughs in your climbing? (00:52:21)