Money moves for people who don’t have time for money moves
Let’s be real — most high earners are juggling intense careers, family obligations, and a social calendar that leaves little time for complicated money management.
That’s why this week’s newsletter is packed with moves you can make in minutes that have a long-term impact on your financial confidence and security.
The Wealth Minute
The Overlooked Tax-Free Retirement Move for High Earners
If your employer offers a 401k, you might have access to a powerful, underused wealth-building strategy called the Mega Backdoor Roth.
It allows high earners to contribute extra after-tax dollars to their 401k, then convert those dollars into a Roth IRA — creating tax-free retirement income later.
This isn’t just a clever tax move — it’s a smart play as part of a larger tax-free retirement strategy. By stacking Roth accounts (including Roth 401k contributions, Roth IRA conversions, and Mega Backdoor Roth dollars), you build future income streams that won’t increase your taxable income in retirement, won’t affect your Medicare premiums, and won’t trigger higher Social Security taxes.
Why It Matters:
As a high earner, you’re likely to be phased out of traditional Roth IRA contributions due to income limits — but this strategy lets you bypass that restriction and build tax-free retirement income at scale.
Bottom Line:
If you’re serious about keeping more of your money in retirement, start stacking tax-free income strategies now. The Mega Backdoor Roth is one of the strongest tools most high earners never use.
Wealth Move
Ask your HR team or check your 401k plan documents to see if after-tax contributions and in-service withdrawals are allowed.
If available, map out how much additional after-tax money you can contribute this year.
Work with your financial pro (or connect with me) to plan how and when to convert those funds into your Roth IRA.
The Freedom Path
The 5-Minute ‘Spending Leak’ Sweep
It’s not the big expenses that usually trip up high earners — it’s the small, mindless purchases that quietly siphon away cash over time.
From digital subscriptions you forgot about to $18 cocktails that don't leave a memory, spending leaks are everywhere.
And because you can technically afford them, they often go unchecked.
Better Moves:
Cancel one unused subscription or service this week. Don’t “think about it” — cut it today.
Create a new rule for yourself: Any purchase over $100 gets a 24-hour waiting period before buying.
Set up a money transfer rule: For every spending leak you catch, immediately transfer that amount to savings or an investment account. Turn found money into future money.
Why It Matters:
Small spending leaks don’t feel urgent, but over time, they quietly erode your financial power.
The problem isn’t that you can’t afford them — it’s that they rob you of options and slow your wealth-building progress without providing meaningful value.
Bottom Line:
If you wouldn’t proudly tell your future self about it, stop wasting money on it. Small leaks sink big ships — and big financial plans.
Wealth Move
Open your bank and credit card apps.
Scroll through the last 7 days of transactions.
Highlight anything you forgot you bought, subscriptions you don’t use, or purchases you wouldn’t repeat if you could do it over.
Total up those “leaks.” Even $150 a week adds up to nearly $8,000 a year — money you could reroute toward real goals.
Book of The Month
This month's book is Killing Sacred Cows 2.0 by Garrett Gunderson
If last month's book didn't knock your socks off, go back and read!
When you're ready for more mind blowing paradigm shifts about building wealth, check out this month's book.
I guarantee you'll have to rethink at least one of your personal finance beliefs.
Coffee Chat Question
If we were to meet for coffee, what would you want to know?
Feel free to email me questions that will anonymously be added to this section during each edition.
Lisa, is it smarter to pay off my car early or invest the extra cash?
Smart question — and one that depends on more than just interest rates.
On paper, if your investments are earning 7–10% and your car loan is at 4%, investing looks like the better move.
But financial decisions aren’t made in spreadsheets alone — they’re made in real life.
The real advantage to paying off your car early isn’t just about the interest saved — it’s about reducing fixed monthly expenses, increasing cash flow flexibility, and lowering your financial stress.
A paid-off car means fewer bills, more breathing room, and one less obligation eating into your future options.
If you already have no consumer debt and your emergency fund is solid, investing that extra cash makes sense.
But if carrying that car note bugs you, or you’d rather see a zero balance on your statements, prioritize peace of mind and payoff.
Money is about what works for you, not just what looks good in a financial model.
Better Moves:
Check your car loan balance and interest rate. If the rate is high (over 5%), early payoff is usually the better financial play.
Run the numbers: How much interest would you save by paying it off in 6–12 months?
Weigh the emotional and cash flow benefits. If clearing the loan improves your monthly flexibility and reduces stress, it’s worth it.
If you keep the loan, redirect extra cash into tax-free and accessible assets like cash value life insurance.
Why It Matters:
Being debt-free isn’t just about math — it’s about options.
Every bill you eliminate gives you more control over your income, your future, and your peace of mind.
Bottom Line:
The smartest move is the one that strengthens both your finances and your freedom. If clearing your car loan gives you that, do it.
If investing moves you closer to your goals without adding risk, make it happen — but always keep debt light and optional.
Are You A Federal Employee?
"Uncertainty" was a word never associated with federal employment in the past.
It's a daily utterance these days, however.
To help you make informed financial decisions that are best for you and your family, I'm offering all federal employees a FREE Money Chat.
Click here to schedule a 30 minute chat to discuss anything you want.
Let's change the word of the day to "Empowered."
