401 Que?

401 Que? explores financial wellness through personal narratives and the immigrant experience, integrating advice from financial experts, strategies for economic resilience, and reflections on cultural identity. It examines entrepreneurial spirit, risks of debt, and financial planning, while also touching on everyday experiences and global perspectives.

Financial Wellness Immigrant Experience Entrepreneurship Debt and Credit Management Economic Resilience Cultural Reflections Personal Finance Strategies Generational Wealth Building Banking and Loans Impact of Inflation

The hottest Substack posts of 401 Que?

And their main takeaways

The Joke That Launched This Newsletter

275 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
  1. The newsletter was inspired by a humorous play on words related to 401Ks.
  2. The creator plans to feature more interviews with financial experts and giveaways for subscribers.
  3. Feedback and suggestions from the audience are welcomed for future content ideas.

Did You Have an Allowance Growing Up?

137 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
  1. The author had an allowance growing up because it seemed cool and American, but it didn't teach responsibility or consequences.
  2. Allowances may help children manage money better, but research shows conflicting evidence on their effectiveness as a teaching tool.
  3. There are different perspectives on conditional versus unconditional allowances, with varying impacts on children's sense of responsibility.

The Decadent Suffering of Argentina

157 implied HN points • 19 Dec 22
  1. Argentina's soccer victory was filled with drama and suffering, reflecting a deep emotional connection for the country.
  2. The World Cup holds sentimental value and connects people across generations and distances.
  3. The joy and sorrow of sports can temporarily alleviate real-world struggles and bring people together.

OOO: What Makes a Family Vacation?

235 implied HN points • 30 Aug 22
  1. Family vacations are not just about the destination, but the experiences and memories created
  2. Family vacations can create lasting bonds and connections with relatives
  3. Simple activities like whitewater rafting can make memorable family vacations

Zero-Down Mortgage Trap, and Hispanic Heritage Month

216 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
  1. Bank of America's zero-down mortgage program raises concerns reminiscent of the subprime mortgage crisis.
  2. Subprime mortgages were a significant factor in the Great Recession, with many borrowers defaulting on adjustable-rate loans.
  3. Understanding the risks associated with zero-down mortgages is crucial for protecting prospective homebuyers.
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Is 2023 the Year to Buy a House?

137 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
  1. Consider the current housing market conditions before deciding to buy a house in 2023.
  2. Be mindful of factors like housing prices, interest rates, and inflation when making the decision.
  3. Ensure your financial situation, including savings, credit score, and income, is stable before committing to a home purchase.

Grain: Democratizing Access to Credit

196 implied HN points • 29 Sep 22
  1. Credit card industry profits by keeping consumers in debt
  2. Grain focuses on cash flow, not credit scores, for credit access
  3. Grain implements guardrails to help users build credit responsibly

How To Win the Lottery

176 implied HN points • 13 Oct 22
  1. Playing the lottery can be fun, even with low odds of winning.
  2. Some people dream big with lottery winnings and plan ahead for financial windfalls.
  3. Not everyone drastically changes their lives after winning the lottery.

Poll Results: Do You Help Your Parents?

176 implied HN points • 06 Oct 22
  1. 33% of respondents help their parents financially
  2. 26% help their parents sometimes
  3. 41% are thinking about their parents' retirement

Recession Survival Guide — 2022 Edition

196 implied HN points • 04 Aug 22
  1. Build up your emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses.
  2. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt to augment your emergency fund.
  3. Consider investing in high-yield savings accounts for a better return and prop up your emergency fund.

INTERVIEW: Gigi, 'The First Gen Mentor'

196 implied HN points • 28 Jul 22
  1. Gigi built a strong financial foundation by saving up for a trip around the world.
  2. Luck played a role in her success, but she was prepared with a stable job and savings.
  3. Gigi developed expertise in content creation through her career and volunteer work, setting her up for success when she gained attention.

Why Immigrants Are Natural Entrepreneurs

196 implied HN points • 21 Jul 22
  1. Immigrants are natural entrepreneurs, forming a significant part of the entrepreneurial segment in the US.
  2. The unfamiliarity with the domestic labor market drives immigrants to pursue entrepreneurship as an attractive alternative.
  3. Immigrants exhibit a greater willingness to take risks and a drive for achievement, making them more likely to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

How My Bank Stole $1,000 From Me

176 implied HN points • 11 Aug 22
  1. Bank overdraft fees can accumulate quickly and cause financial strain.
  2. Be vigilant about fine print and fees to avoid unexpected charges.
  3. Banks profit significantly from overdraft and insufficient fund penalties.

Latinas "Lean In" to a Brick Wall

176 implied HN points • 08 Jul 22
  1. Latinas and immigrant women are the most underpaid groups in the US
  2. The philosophy of 'leaning in' may not work equally for all women, based on different challenges they face
  3. There is an intersectional pay gap affecting women of color, with fewer reaching top corporate positions

The Most Expensive Christmas in 40 Years

98 implied HN points • 08 Dec 22
  1. This Christmas is expected to be the most expensive in 40 years due to high inflation rates.
  2. Consider thrifty options like thrift shops, discount stores, and utilizing your skills for homemade gifts to save money.
  3. Try budget-friendly gift exchange ideas like baking treats, having a White Elephant Christmas, or setting financial limits with family and friends to reduce costs.

Gloria Choi: “Money's Like the Ring”

98 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
  1. Money can have a control over you like the One Ring in 'Lord of the Rings'.
  2. Having less money can create more room for generosity and allowing God to intervene.
  3. Being a good steward of money means prioritizing what matters most and using money effectively.

Three-Car Minimum: Why My Dad's Dream Never Came True

157 implied HN points • 14 Jul 22
  1. Starting a business can come with barriers that sabotage efforts.
  2. Saving money as an immigrant requires discipline and hard work.
  3. Financial success can be achieved by being persistent and independent.

The Debt Heritage

137 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
  1. Growing up with financial deficit can lead to normalizing debt as a way of life
  2. Immigrating to a new country can deplete financial resources and impact long-term wealth building
  3. Breaking the cycle of financial scarcity involves reframing spending habits towards proactive wealth building

Shiny Object Syndrome 101

117 implied HN points • 30 Jun 22
  1. Counting cards in blackjack can be a risky financial strategy, with potential rewards and dangers.
  2. Having a good grasp of credit card debt and interest rates is crucial before investing in the stock market.
  3. Avoid falling for the allure of get-rich-quick schemes and prioritize building a strong financial foundation.

POLL: Do You Help Your Parents Financially?

78 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
  1. Poll asking about helping parents financially, especially for children of immigrants.
  2. Challenges faced in building generational wealth due to financial support for parents.
  3. Encouraging sharing of the post with others from first and second-generation backgrounds.

Rude French People

1 HN point • 22 Sep 22
  1. The author had preconceived negative notions about the French people based on stereotypes but realized they were wrong during a visit to Paris.
  2. Despite language barriers in France, many locals were welcoming, helpful, and respectful when the author made genuine efforts to communicate.
  3. The experience in France made the author reflect on immigrant struggles in the U.S. and highlighted the importance of understanding and tolerance towards those who speak different languages.