The Smart Way To Take A Career Break (Without Going Broke) | Afford Anything Video
Danielle: Danielle is considering a mini-retirement while her husband takes time between jobs. They have plenty of savings, and she dreams of traveling but she’s worried about health insurance, leaving work, and feeling lost. Could stepping away now be the reset she needs?
Melanie After surviving a FEMA-declared natural disaster, Melanie spent $45,000 on repairs and flood protections, only to discover new tax relief laws passed after they filed. Can she still claim the benefits - and how should everyday taxpayers keep up with retroactive rules?
Leigh: Leigh and her husband have $125,000 sitting in a 529 that they don’t need for education. Their goal is to pay off the mortgage so one of them can stay home with the kids - what’s the smartest way to use this money?
Pedro: Pedro took Paula & Joe’s advice - now he is into a fully remote job that pays 30% more, matches his benefits, and gives him a community that fits his values.
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Melanie: How can I take advantage of retroactive tax relief for natural disaster victims?
I was researching the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and saw that it included tax relief for disaster victims. Then I learned about the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023, which wasn’t passed until December 2024 - long after I filed my 2023 return.
Danielle (4:30): How do I handle health insurance during a mini-retirement?
I’m in my early 30s, and my husband will soon be between jobs for six months to a year. We have plenty of savings to hold us over, so I’m tempted to take a mini-retirement.
I’d love to travel, visit the national parks, maybe live in Hawaii for a while - basically do the things that bring me joy, since work doesn’t anymore. But I can’t wrap my head around the health insurance piece. Where do we go? What are our best options?
Leigh (31:08): What should I do with $125,000 left over in a 529 plan?
I’m 31 and my husband is 33. We have a great income and are debt-free other than our mortgage. We both have master’s degrees and don’t plan on going back to school.
We have a 4-month-old son who could potentially use the 529, but my parents are setting up an account for him that will be fully funded. I don’t know the amount, but I expect it will be enough to cover his needs.
Pedro (31:46): How I transitioned from federal work to a remote job I love?
I was a federal employee who had been called back into the office, and I was looking for a way out. You both gave me really solid advice: look for roles at the intersection of tech and government, and instead of just blasting out résumés, focus on building connections and finding referrals.
Resources:
Episode 605: affordanything.com/episode605
StackingBenjamins: link
Federal Tax Relief of 2023: link
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