Carry Learning Center

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 [...]

If you run a small business, hiring your kids can be a smart financial move for the whole family. Not only are their wages generally tax-deductible for your business, but it’s also a great way to teach them responsibility and help them start saving early.  But if you have a Solo 401k, you might wonder: Will [...]

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 [...]

If you’re self-employed and using a Solo 401k to save for retirement, you may be wondering — can you actually trade stocks within the plan?  The short answer: Yes. But there are important tax rules and compliance issues to understand before placing your first trade.  This article is designed to help Solo 401k holders understand how stock [...]

Imagine stepping into your first day of retirement confident in the lifestyle you’ve planned. Retirement planners generally agree that the next 10 years is a prime window to solidify your financial footing. Beginning your plan today, 10 years before you retire, gives you space to grow savings, adapt to market changes, and refine withdrawal strategies. Over [...]

Divorce doesn’t just separate two people. It can also affect shared finances, including retirement savings. If you’re self-employed and have a Solo 401k, you might be wondering what happens to that account when a marriage ends. Even if the plan is under your name, the assets inside may still be considered shared. That means your former [...]

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 [...]

Looking to keep more of your pass-through business earnings? You may be eligible for a 20 percent Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under IRS Section 199A.  But here’s what many people overlook: while Solo 401k contributions offer valuable retirement benefits, they can also reduce your QBI—and with it, your deduction. Whether you contribute pre-tax or Roth [...]

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 [...]