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How to Money · May 18, 2026 · 53m

Ask HTM – Looking to the Stars to Save, High Price to Pay for Financial Advice, & Setting up a Roth for a Minor #1141

In this Ask HTM episode, hosts Joel and Matt answer five listener questions covering a range of personal finance topics. They explain how to set up a Roth IRA for a minor, break down the hidden 20-25% total cost of financial advice, and evaluate whether spending $50,000 on pension service credits is a good investment. They also discuss the viability of switching to Starlink home internet through US Mobile and finally address the rarely discussed downsides of renting. Each segment aims to give practical, numbers-based guidance for everyday money decisions.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

Setting Up a Roth IRA for a Minor
The hosts explain the requirements and process for opening a Roth IRA for a child, including the need for earned income and the long-term advantages of early contributions.
The True Cost of Financial Advice
A listener calculates that the real cost of a financial advisor may reach 20-25% of returns when factoring in fees, expense ratios, and opportunity cost, and the hosts unpack the math.
Buying Pension Service Credits
The hosts analyze a teacher's decision to spend $50,000 on pension service credits, weighing the breakeven timeline against alternative investment strategies.
Evaluating Starlink Home Internet via US Mobile
A listener asks about switching to the new Starlink home internet offering through US Mobile, and the hosts discuss pricing, speed, and reliability trade-offs.
The Undiscussed Nightmares of Renting
The hosts address why renting often gets a one-sided treatment and acknowledge the pain points renters face, from unpredictable costs to lack of control.
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