🏆 Winners 1. First-Time Homebuyers Struggling With Affordability - People who are unable to come up with a down payment could enter the housing market sooner. - Especially beneficial for younger Americans with decent 401(k) balances but limited savings. 2. The Real Estate Industry - More buyers = more demand. - Realtors, mortgage brokers, appraisers, and homebuilders could see a boost in business. 3. Politicians Promoting “Homeownership” - Policies like this play well politically, especially with millennials and Gen Z who feel priced out of the market. - It gives the appearance of doing something big about housing affordability — even if it doesn’t address the root issue. 4. People in Hot Real Estate Markets - In high-growth cities or low-inventory markets, this added demand could drive prices even higher. - Existing homeowners benefit from price appreciation. 💸 Losers 1. Future Retirees Who Withdraw Funds - The biggest loser is likely you 30 years from now. - Withdrawing from your 401(k) cuts into compound growth, which is often the key to a secure retirement. - Many people may never “rebuild” that retirement balance once it's withdrawn. 💡Example: Pulling $40,000 at age 30 could cost you over $300,000 at retirement, assuming 7% growth. 2. The Broader Retirement System - This undermines the original purpose of 401(k)s, which is long-term retirement savings. - It sets a precedent that retirement accounts are just piggy banks for near-term needs, weakening financial discipline. 3. Taxpayers (If the Plan Includes Forgiveness or Defaults) - If this policy includes penalty-free and tax-free treatment, it reduces future tax revenues. - If borrowers default on mortgages or lose homes, there could be broader economic spillovers. 4. People Who Stay Invested in 401(k)s During Market Rallies - If a participant withdraws during a market dip to buy a house, they lock in losses. - Meanwhile, others who leave money in may benefit from the rebound.

After decades of paying Fed and high state taxes, I discovered REI and the STR strategy and have resolved to accelerate our long-term wealth for our children and future grandbabies. I felt like the "lost decades" are not coming back so we need TURBO mode. Where am I on my REI journey? My wife and I had no prior REI background. We have been learning about REI but chanced on a mentorship program for full time job holders that gave us the courage to jump in with our first STR acquisition within 3 months of completing the program in 2024. Now we are at 3 self-managing and looking for more as we are months from being empty nesters with 2 kids in college. What is my #1 challenge at this current point in time? I think I have bookkeeping handled but the discipline to keep at it every month is something I am struggling with. But my #1 challenge is touching all parts of our STR business regularly so that nothing gets neglected. Tax pre-prep gets neglected as deadlines feel far way until they smack you in the face. At this time Hours tracking to comply with STR strategy requirements is the one I struggle with most. What is the easiest tool you found? I have strugged with spreadsheets, REPS Tracker, and other thing. Im so excited to be here and learn from everyone's wisdom.