Stay Ahead of a Government Shutdown and Learn How to Invest Extra Money Wisely

Learn how to prepare for a government shutdown and where to put $600 a month after building your emergency fund. What happens in a federal government shutdown? Where should you put $600/month after funding an emergency cushion? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the looming shutdown before answering a listener’s question about where to allocate their extra income. They begin with senior news writer Anna Helhoski, breaking down how a lapse in government funding could affect benefits, travel, parks, mail, and taxes, and how to keep your own plan steady. Then, Elizabeth and Sean answer a listener’s question about how to think about allocating $600/month. They discuss automating IRA/solo 401(k)/SEP IRA contributions, using diversified index or mutual funds and a taxable brokerage, balancing a home down payment with retirement via time horizons and DTI/credit score, and what to look for in funds. They also explore how habit-building and automation can help you grow retirement s...