1) Why do I want to start saving money on taxes? Whenever I look at my husband’s paystub and see all the tax deductions, it feels like missed opportunity. I know that money could be working harder for our family, and I’m ready to be more proactive and educated about tax strategy. 2) Where am I right now in my journey? We bought our first STR in June, and it’s off to a strong start with solid performance and positive guest feedback. I’ve been planning this move for years, so actually executing has been exhilarating. 3) What’s my #1 challenge right now? Letting go of perfectionism and trusting action over overthinking.

Just now I was trying to join the Friday call, and it said I had to unlock VIP. I’m a current VIP member, but it still wouldn’t let me in, so I thought maybe I needed to pay the one dollar fee to access the new group because all three were combined. So I paid that, and now it says I’m no longer a VIP member, and I still can’t join the call. Clearly not my day… SOS…

Trying to decide on the location of our first STR is overwhelming. I welcome recommendations of anyone willing to share STR areas they love and see opportunity, and even places to absolutely stay away from. Feel free to message me if you prefer not to respond to the entire group. Thank you. - Chris

Hello everyone, thanks for the great community and content! I’m hoping to save money on taxes to help grow our portfolio and eventually stop working my W2. Right now we have 3 properties (2 LTR and 1 STR) but we just won a competitive bid with our local city to purchase their old fire station, which we plan on turning into a self-pour tap house and restaurant. Slow progress with the city but it’s moving. Number one challenge right now is getting all of our properties properly put into entities and set up our entities for the fire station purchase / project. Lots of good info here so looking forward to getting that going in the next month or so.

🏆 Winners 1. First-Time Homebuyers Struggling With Affordability - People who are unable to come up with a down payment could enter the housing market sooner. - Especially beneficial for younger Americans with decent 401(k) balances but limited savings. 2. The Real Estate Industry - More buyers = more demand. - Realtors, mortgage brokers, appraisers, and homebuilders could see a boost in business. 3. Politicians Promoting “Homeownership” - Policies like this play well politically, especially with millennials and Gen Z who feel priced out of the market. - It gives the appearance of doing something big about housing affordability — even if it doesn’t address the root issue. 4. People in Hot Real Estate Markets - In high-growth cities or low-inventory markets, this added demand could drive prices even higher. - Existing homeowners benefit from price appreciation. 💸 Losers 1. Future Retirees Who Withdraw Funds - The biggest loser is likely you 30 years from now. - Withdrawing from your 401(k) cuts into compound growth, which is often the key to a secure retirement. - Many people may never “rebuild” that retirement balance once it's withdrawn. 💡Example: Pulling $40,000 at age 30 could cost you over $300,000 at retirement, assuming 7% growth. 2. The Broader Retirement System - This undermines the original purpose of 401(k)s, which is long-term retirement savings. - It sets a precedent that retirement accounts are just piggy banks for near-term needs, weakening financial discipline. 3. Taxpayers (If the Plan Includes Forgiveness or Defaults) - If this policy includes penalty-free and tax-free treatment, it reduces future tax revenues. - If borrowers default on mortgages or lose homes, there could be broader economic spillovers. 4. People Who Stay Invested in 401(k)s During Market Rallies - If a participant withdraws during a market dip to buy a house, they lock in losses. - Meanwhile, others who leave money in may benefit from the rebound.