Taxes 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 tax credits?
• What are income phaseouts?
• How to calculate your marginal and effective tax rates
• How are bonuses and stock options taxed?

https://www.techbychoice.org/donate

https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/getting-those-big-tech-checks-with-tech-by-choice/

https://the-collab-lab.codes/

https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/a-co-founders-journey-to-starting-the-collab-lab/

https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Important-Numbers-2023-1.pdf

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 company?
• What is the mission of Assistiv Labs and why is accessibility online and with software so important?
• What would you say is the most misunderstood thing about accessibility?
• What advice would you give to founders and co-founders based on what you've learned so far?
• What is The Collab Lab and what pushed you to create such an amazing non-profit?
• What has been the greatest challenge your team has run into since launching The Collab Lab?
• What has been your biggest win as a non-profit?
• What is the greatest benefit you see from teaming up with others?
• How can people listening help The Collab Lab?

Join us for this inspiring conversation with a passionate entrepreneur and non-profit leader!

https://the-collab-lab.codes
https://assistivlabs.com

https://mailchi.mp/081b79193143/understand-your-taxes-end-of-year-tax-strategies

This 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 tech industry.

As the founder of Tech By Choice, Valerie shares her personal stories that inspired the creation of Tech By Choice, the challenges of running a non-profit, the impact she's seeing in the community, and exciting projects that will be launching soon.

https://www.techbychoice.org/donate
https://mailchi.mp/081b79193143/understand-your-taxes-end-of-year-tax-strategies

Valerie's previous interview. https://www.levelupfinancialplanning.com/the-wealth-of-being-in-tech-with-valerie/

Can 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 their careers in software development.

Interested in giving back? Visit https://www.underdogdevs.org/ to make a charitable donation or contact Rick if you have equipment you'd like to donate or have time to be a mentee.

https://twitter.com/RwoltX
https://twitter.com/UnderdogDevs

Register for the End Of Year Tax Strategies workshops here

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 the flames of lifestyle creep. But we don't just stop there - we also provide actionable tips and tricks on how to keep this financial behemoth at bay. We emphasize understanding your financial landscape, setting clear priorities, and making small adjustments to ensure your spending aligns with your long-term financial goals. Whether you're a rookie in your career or enjoying a significant salary bump, tune in for some valuable insights that will keep your financial health in prime shape.

Have 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 of our conversation. Those mulling over a career change will find Danny's advice immensely valuable - he stresses the importance of thoroughly researching roles, networking, continuous learning, and the art of asking the right questions.

Personal cybersecurity is another crucial topic we delve into. With insights drawn from Danny's own experience, we discuss the necessity of maintaining digital hygiene and implementing protective measures to safeguard your data.

This episode is a compelling mix of inspiring stories, practical tips, and valuable resources designed to guide you on your path to a successful tech career. So, tune in, get inspired, and get ready to embark on your tech journey.

Danny's Substack
https://zendannyy.substack.com/

Danny's Free Course
https://www.udemy.com/course/intro-to-linux/

Danny's Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@zendanny

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 is working on a new path to achieve it.
• The new SAVE repayment plan will lower payments for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans.
• There will be a temporary ramp-up period of 12 months after payments restart in October, during which borrowers will not be reported negatively to credit bureaus if they miss payments.
• The details of the new student loan forgiveness program are not yet known, but it is likely to be different from the previous plan.

Is 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.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a current homeowner, this episode is for you. We'll help you understand the financial implications of homeownership and make the best decision for your individual circumstances.

Listen to the episode today to learn more!

In 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 Money

There 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 cut out unimportant and low-value expenses, then it's possible that you need to increase your income.

Why Even Though You're Making a Ton of Money It Doesn't Seem Like Enough

There are a few reasons why even though you're making a lot of money, it may not seem like enough. One reason is that the cost of living can vary dramatically from city to city. Another reason is that you may have a high cost of living due to your lifestyle choices. For example, if you like to live in a big house or drive a fancy car, then you're going to need to make more money to support those lifestyle choices. Finally, you may be supporting others financially, such as a spouse, children, or family members. If this is the case, then it's important to factor in the cost of supporting those people when you're considering your income needs.

How to Increase Your Income

There are a number of ways to increase your income. Some of the most common methods include:

• Leveling up in your career 
• Changing jobs 
• Freelancing
• Being paid for content creation
• Side hustles
• Creating arts and crafts
• Starting or buying a business

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.