Beating the August Heat: Prepping the Fall & Winter Greenhouse

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August in Alabama is notoriously hot, but if you want a thriving fall and winter harvest, right now is exactly when you need to start getting your hands dirty. Having a greenhouse is a huge advantage for extending the growing season, so I am rolling up my sleeves this weekend to get the fall crop preparation underway. Here is a look at what is going into the dirt this weekend, what is on the schedule for later this fall, and the long game for spring. 🌱 What I’m Planting This Weekend The planting window is perfectly timed right now, so these are the priority seeds going into the setup: Baby Broccoli: I just picked up these seeds, and they are going straight into the dirt! The window for broccoli closes by mid-August, and it is well-suited for direct seeding into the soil rather than using transplants. Spinach: The window also closes by mid-August. Because spinach has shallow roots, these seeds are going straight into the vertical stackable planters. Leaf Lettuce: Perfect for plantin...
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πŸ§“ Day 15: How to Set Up a Retirement Plan (Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA)

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 πŸ§“ Day 15: How to Set Up a Retirement Plan (Solo 401(k) vs. SEP IRA)

If you're self-employed or running a small business, setting up a retirement plan isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Two of the most powerful options available are the Solo 401(k) and the SEP IRA. Both offer generous contribution limits and tax advantages, but they serve slightly different needs.

Let’s break down how to set each one up and which might be right for you.


🧾 Option 1: SEP IRA — Simple & Scalable

Best for: Freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses with a few employees

✅ How to Set It Up:

• Open a SEP IRA through a brokerage (e.g., Fidelity, Vanguard, Charles Schwab)

• Fill out IRS Form 5305-SEP (or use your provider’s version)

• Link your business bank account for contributions

• Make contributions by your tax filing deadline (including extensions)

πŸ’° Contribution Limits (2025):

• Up to 25% of compensation, capped at $70,000

• Only the employer contributes (you, if self-employed)

πŸ“Œ Pros:

• Easy to set up and maintain

• Flexible annual contributions

• Works well if you have employees

⚠️ Cons:

• No employee salary deferrals

• Less control over investment options compared to Solo 401(k)


πŸ’Ό Option 2: Solo 401(k) — Powerful & Customizable

Best for: Self-employed individuals with no employees (except a spouse)

✅ How to Set It Up:

• Choose a provider (e.g., E*TRADE, Fidelity, Solo401k.com)

• Complete plan documents (often provided by the platform)

• Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• Open the account and fund it with salary deferrals and employer contributions

πŸ’° Contribution Limits (2025):

• Up to $70,000 total:

• $23,000 employee deferral (plus $7,500 catch-up if 50+)

• Up to 25% of compensation as employer contribution

πŸ“Œ Pros:

• Higher contribution potential

• Roth option available

• Can take loans from the plan

• More investment flexibility (including real estate, crypto, etc.)

⚠️ Cons:

• More paperwork and setup time

• Annual IRS Form 5500 filing required if assets exceed $250,000


🧭 Which Should You Choose?


If you want simplicity and flexibility, the SEP IRA is a great start. If you're aiming to maximize contributions and want more control, the Solo 401(k) is worth the extra effort.


✍️ Final Thought

Choosing the right retirement plan is more than a financial decision—it’s a commitment to your future self. Whether you’re building a business or freelancing full-time, these plans help you grow wealth while reducing your tax burden.

Need help integrating this into your planner kits or creating a decision matrix for your audience? I’d be happy to help you build that next.

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