NerdWallet: Maximizing Contributions

I am 32 and max out my retirement savings every year through 401k and IRA. I also save an equivalent amount that I put into savings/investment accounts. How should I think about trading off between maximizing my contributions to retirement accounts versus putting less in my retirement accounts so I have more liquid assets to put towards a downpayment?

The bottom line is my net worth is now divided equally between liquid and illiquid (retirement) accounts. I would like to buy property, and I need more cash for a downpayment on my dream home.

NerdWallet: Roth IRA Contribution

I made a non-deductible "Backdoor" Roth IRA Contribution (to get around income limits), and my taxes went up in TaxAct when filing taxes.

I am using a 1099-R that I received with a Gross distribution (box 1) and Taxable amount (box 2) in agreement, plus 2b checked (taxable amount not determined). Distribution code is showing "02 - "Early distribution, exception applies (under age 59.5)". Is the key here that this distribution code was messed up by the provider of the 1099-R (Vanguard), in which case it should be a "G - Direct rollover of a distribution ... to a qualified plan" ?

NerdWallet: Life Insurance Policy

I'm 40 years old, in good health, and considering a life insurance policy for the benefit of my wife and one-year old. Would you rather get a whole life insurance policy, or a term life insurance policy and "invest the difference" in the market?

I'm also contributing to a 401K, a 529 account, and have about $1M in loan liabilities.

NerdWallet: Spending Habits

I am 26 years old and have had some bad spending habits and am currently in debt. What is the best way to pay it down?

I have been making $100,000 per year for the past couple of years. I have $30,000 in credit card debt. What is the best way of paying this down? What is a realistic goal for the amount of time it would take to pay this down?

NerdWallet: 401(k)

What happens to your 401k if you quit your job/move to another company?

NerdWallet: Traditional IRA

If I'm around the limit for a Roth IRA (110k single I believe), should I open a traditional IRA as well? I'm starting to max my 401k and want to open an IRA as well and start maxing it.

NerdWallet: Credit Report Delinquency

What can I do if I have an erroneous delinquency on my Credit Report?

I am using Credit Karma to monitor my credit. Today I received an update that a new account (under a financial institution I've never heard of; AMCA) has been placed in collections. The amount is nominal at $50. I don't know who to call to investigate, or where to call just to pay it off so I don't have this further impact my credit. Thanks in advance.

NerdWallet: Mortgage Options

What mortgage options are available for people with underwater mortgages purchased after December 26, 2009?