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.

Retirement planning

How High-Earning 1099 Workers Like Truckers, Electricians, and Plumbers Can Use a Solo 401(k) to Do More

High-earning 1099 professionals like truckers, electricians, and plumbers have unique opportunities when it comes to building wealth, but only if they structure their income correctly. This blog breaks down how a Solo 401(k) can be used to reduce taxes, increase contributions, gain investment control, and create long-term financial stability beyond just retirement.

By Garrett Clark

Debt Management

Good Debt vs. Bad Debt: Know the Difference

When it comes to money, one word tends to make people uneasy: debt. For many, debt carries a negative connotation, often tied to financial stress, high-interest credit cards, or overwhelming student loans. But in the world of personal finance, not all debt is created equal. In fact, some debt can be used strategically to grow wealth, expand opportunities, and improve your financial future - if you understand how to use it.

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

Tax Planning

How Retirement Contributions Can Affect Your Taxable Income

Learn how retirement contributions can affect your taxable income and potentially reduce your current tax burden. Discover how traditional, Roth, and Solo 401(k) contributions work, why tax deferral matters, and how business owners and self-employed professionals can use retirement planning as part of a smarter long-term financial strategy.

By Garrett Clark

Solo Business Guidance

Can I Use a Solo 401(k) to Start a Business?

Many entrepreneurs wonder whether they can use their Solo 401(k) to launch a new business. The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. While a Solo 401(k) provides exceptional investment flexibility, there are important IRS rules that determine when retirement funds can - and cannot - be used to start or invest in a business. This guide explains the legal options, prohibited transactions, common mistakes, and strategies to help you invest wisely while protecting your retirement savings.

By Garrett Clark

Debt Management

Can You Save for Retirement While Paying Off Debt?

Wondering if you should pay off debt before saving for retirement? Learn how to balance debt repayment with long-term investing, when it makes sense to prioritize one over the other, and how a Solo 401(k) can help eligible self-employed individuals and business owners build wealth while responsibly managing debt.

By Garrett Clark

Retirement planning

Deadline Drama: Setting Up Your Solo 401(k) Before December 31st

The clock is ticking - and if you’re self-employed, December 31st isn’t just the end of the year, it’s your final chance to unlock powerful tax advantages with a Solo 401(k). In this blog, we break down exactly what you need to do to open your plan before the deadline, how it can slash your tax bill, and why acting now can set you up for long-term financial success. Don’t let procrastination cost you thousands - beat the deadline and take control of your retirement future.

By Garrett Clark

Investment Guidance

Can Your Solo 401(k) Invest in Startups?

Curious about investing in startups through your retirement account? A self-directed Solo 401(k) may provide access to private companies, startup ventures, and other alternative investments beyond traditional stocks and mutual funds. In this article, we explore how startup investing works within a Solo 401(k), the potential benefits and risks, important IRS rules to understand, and key considerations before investing retirement funds in private businesses. Learn how entrepreneurs and self-directed investors are using Solo 401(k)s to pursue diversification, greater investment control, and long-term wealth-building opportunities.

By Garrett Clark

Tax Planning

Do You Need to File Anything for Your Solo 401(k)?

Many business owners and self-employed individuals wonder if a Solo 401(k) comes with complicated tax filings. The reality is much simpler. This guide breaks down exactly when filings are required, how contributions are reported, and what you need to know to stay compliant while maximizing your retirement strategy.

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

Solo Business Guidance

Content Strategy for Solopreneurs

Creating content as a solopreneur can feel overwhelming - but it doesn't have to be. This blog breaks down exactly what to post and where to post it, so you can build trust, grow your audience, and convert followers into customers. From educational reels on Instagram to authority-building articles on LinkedIn, we’ll walk you through a simple strategy to stay visible without burning out. Whether you’re just starting or refining your brand, this guide helps you post with purpose and get real results.

By Garrett Clark

Ready to move from reading to doing?

When the reading has answered your questions, the Application Center walks through what to have ready.

Application Center Explore the Solo 401(k)