Articles by Justin Gluska

Balancing creative work with financial planning can be a challenge for self-employed graphic designers.  Unlike traditional employees, freelancers typically don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. However, a Solo 401k may provide an effective way to save for retirement while potentially lowering taxable income.  This article explores the eligibility requirements, benefits, and key considerations of a Solo [...]

Are you a software engineer working for yourself? Whether you freelance, consult, or run your own business, planning for retirement is just as important as managing your workload. One potential option for self-employed individuals is the Solo 401k.  This article explains how the plan works, who qualifies, and how much you may be able to contribute [...]

Pushing scientific boundaries shouldn’t stop at the border. If your work is driving innovation—whether in genetics, climate science, or academic research—the O-1A visa could be your path to continuing that impact in the United States. Tailored for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics, this visa is especially relevant for researchers making meaningful [...]

Looking for new ways to grow your Solo 401k beyond the stock market? Promissory notes may offer a potential source of fixed income while keeping your retirement plan tax-advantaged. With the right setup, your Solo 401k can invest in private lending deals backed by written agreements and interest payments.  This guide explains how investing in promissory notes [...]

Running your own business means juggling a lot of responsibilities—and retirement planning often takes the backseat. But the earlier you take action, the more flexibility and tax efficiency you may have later on. The good news? You don’t need to figure everything out at once. This 2025 retirement planning checklist offers clear, practical steps built for [...]

Setting up a Solo 401k is faster and more flexible than it used to be, especially with the rise of today’s online platforms. But if you’re self-employed and ready to open your plan, you may wonder: can you sign all the necessary documents electronically, or do you still need to print and mail them in? This [...]

When you open a Solo 401k, it’s easy to focus on contributions and investment choices. But there’s one critical detail many people skip: naming a beneficiary. This simple step could make a big difference later. If something happens to you, a clear beneficiary designation helps your funds go directly to the right person without delays [...]

Many people leave their cash in checking accounts without a second thought. Yet, with inflation near 3 percent, that money may lose purchasing power.  Today’s high-yield savings accounts offer annual percentage yields (APYs) close to 5 percent. This could potentially earn hundreds more each year compared to a typical checking account. Treasury bills (T-bills) may deliver [...]

If you have extra cash sitting in a savings account, municipal bonds could be a better option. These bonds are issued by state and local governments. In many cases, the interest they pay is exempt from federal taxes. Some may also be free from state or local taxes, depending on where you live. That means you [...]