Blog

Plain-English articles on Solo 401(k) plans.

Education for self-employed and 1099 professionals - plan rules, structure, real-estate considerations and administration. Educational only; not legal, tax or investment advice.

Financial Guidance

Can You Refinance Real Estate Owned by a Solo 401(k)?

Can you refinance an investment property owned by your Solo 401(k)? Yes, but refinancing retirement-owned real estate works differently from refinancing personally owned property. From non-recourse loans and cash-out refinancing to IRS prohibited transaction rules and potential tax advantages, understanding the process is essential. Discover how refinancing works inside a Solo 401(k), what lenders typically require, and how investors can potentially access property equity while keeping their retirement investments compliant.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

With Inflation Rising, A Solo 401(k) Is the Best Hedge

As inflation continues to erode the value of your dollars, finding ways to protect your future becomes more important than ever. Enter the Solo 401(k) - a powerful retirement tool for the self-employed that not only offers high contribution limits and tax advantages but also allows investment in inflation-resistant assets like real estate and precious metals. In this blog, we explore why the Solo 401(k) is one of the smartest hedges against inflation and how it can help you build real, lasting wealth.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

How Solo 401(k) Loans Work

A Solo 401(k) is one of the most powerful retirement tools available to self-employed individuals and small business owners. While most people focus on its tax advantages and investment flexibility, one of its most valuable and often overlooked features is the ability to borrow from your own retirement account.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

How to Manage Your Solo 401(k): Should You Do It Yourself or Build a Professional Team?

One of the biggest advantages of a Solo 401(k) is the level of control it gives you over your retirement savings - but with that control comes responsibility. Should you manage your Solo 401(k) yourself, or is it better to work with a team of professionals? The answer depends on your experience, investment strategy, and willingness to stay organized. In this guide, we'll explain what responsibilities come with managing a Solo 401(k), when a do-it-yourself approach may work well, when professional guidance can add value, and how building the right team can help you stay compliant while focusing on growing your retirement wealth.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

How Much Retirement Money Is Forgotten?

Millions of Americans have old 401(k) accounts sitting with former employers - many of them forgotten, neglected, or left invested without a long-term strategy. At the same time, millions of self-employed professionals, freelancers, and business owners qualify for a Solo 401(k) but never realize it's an option. In this guide, we'll explore the surprising statistics behind forgotten retirement accounts, why so much retirement money remains unused, and how eligible business owners may be able to roll former employer retirement plans into a Solo 401(k) to simplify retirement planning, expand investment flexibility, and take greater control of their financial future.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

Financial Planning for Self-Employed Couples

When both spouses are self-employed or one spouse owns a business while the other helps support it, financial planning becomes both more complex and more rewarding. From maximizing retirement contributions to managing taxes, protecting income, and planning for the future, self-employed couples have opportunities that many traditional employees don't. This guide explores strategies that can help self-employed couples build wealth, reduce taxes, and create long-term financial security.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

Emergency Fund vs. Retirement: Which Comes First?

This guide breaks down the best strategy for prioritizing an emergency fund versus retirement contributions. Designed for first responders, real estate professionals, and self-employed individuals, it explains how to build financial security while still taking advantage of powerful retirement tools like the Solo 401(k). Learn how to reduce risk, maximize tax advantages, and create a plan that works with variable income.

By Garrett Clark

Financial Guidance

Form 5500-EZ Explained Simply

If you have a Solo 401(k), understanding Form 5500-EZ is essential to staying compliant and avoiding costly penalties. This guide breaks down who needs to file, when it’s due, and what you need to know in a simple, straightforward way.

By Garrett Clark

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