You Don't Need to Always Be an Expert

"Trust, but verify."

It's a phrase longtime readers are familiar with, and one I even say to my team often. That's right, I even encourage my team of researchers to question me.

For decades, I've traveled the globe in search of new information and experts in various fields. When I meet experts on a topic, I'm not afraid to question them. I'm also willing to admit when I'm not an expert in something.

Lots of folks have written in asking for my own analysis on cryptocurrencies. But here's the thing: I'm skeptical about cryptos and I know that I'm not an expert on them. That's why I want to empower you with the best information out there about this booming investment. And the best way to do that is by sharing the knowledge of my colleague Eric Wade.

Eric knows all the biggest players in the cryptocurrency industry, and he understands the scientific technicalities in a way that only angel investors, computer programmers, and software engineers know about...

If you tried to do this kind of research on your own, you'd have to travel thousands of miles a year and spend thousands of dollars on tickets to crypto conferences where the best coins and tokens are unveiled.

Instead, every month in his research service called Crypto Capital, Eric does all that work for you. He simply hands you the names of his best crypto recommendations, along with his in-depth analysis each month, based on intense due diligence nobody else is doing at this level.

Recently, Eric sat down with Porter Stansberry to discuss the current state of cryptocurrencies, including...

  • How to get your money out of government hands
  • How to find the safest cryptocurrencies to invest in
  • Why the crypto boom is far from over 

So am I still a skeptic? Yes, but I plan on continuing to learn more. And I plan to learn from the expert. I suggest you do, too.

If you've ever been curious about cryptocurrencies, click here to learn more now.

Q: You guys and gals are awesome.

Does a company's matching contributions on a 401(k) count against the individual's contribution limits? If one is able to contribute $19,500 and a company matches 5% of contributions, is the sum total $19,500? Or can the individual contribute $19,500 and the company still match 5% even if the sum total is above the individual limit?

Assuming the same would apply to individuals over 50 with the ability for catch up contributions ($26,000).

Thanks again. – J.W.

A: Thanks, J.W. We should clarify that the $19,500 and $26,000 limits are for employee elective deferrals only. Total contributions to a 401(k) are allowed up to the lesser of $57,000 ($63,500 including catch-up contributions) or 100% of the employee's compensation. That includes employee contributions – regular and catch-up contributions – and any additions from your employer. So if you're maxing out your personal contributions, that still allows for your employer to also make contributions.

Q: You did not mention the income limits that restrict IRA contributions. I understand that for a single filing taxpayer, modified adjusted gross income cannot exceed $139,000 and cannot exceed $206,000 for married couples filing jointly. This would be helpful information to some of your clients. – G.T.

A: You're absolutely right, G.T. There are income limits that restrict certain IRA contributions. Individuals making more than $139,000 aren't eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA in 2020. A married person filing jointly can't contribute if his or her household income is more than $206,000 in 2020. (If you make slightly below these limits, you may be able to contribute a reduced amount.) For single folks with an income below $124,000 ($196,000 for married couples filing jointly), there's no reduction. But you can contribute to a traditional IRA if your income prohibits you from contributing to a Roth IRA.

Q: Would like to hear your thoughts on gout? Blueberries? Apple cider vinegar? Tomatoes? – E.W.

A: Gout might sound like an old-fashioned medical term from folks like Ben Franklin, but it's still very much a problem today, if the recent e-mails we've gotten from subscribers are any indication.

Gout is a type of arthritis in the joints that stems from inflammation. It happens when you consume foods rich in purines, which break down into uric acid. Too much uric acid in the blood can create crystals that aggravate your joints.

One of the keys to reducing the inflammation is to lower the uric acid in your body. As we mentioned last month, that means cutting out sources of purines, like alcohol... meats like bacon, veal, and liver... some fish like cod, herring, and trout... and shellfish like mussels and scallops.

Studies show that fruits high in vitamin C decrease uric acid, but be careful... Too much fructose (a type of sugar found naturally in fruits) increases uric acid. Look for fruits with lots of vitamin C and not too much fructose, like oranges and pineapples. Although there's not strong evidence yet to suggest that blueberries specifically help gout, we do know they're high in anti-inflammatory properties. And they're low in fructose.

A 2015 study from New Zealand surveyed patients, and tomatoes were listed as one of the top trigger foods for gout flareups. It's not definitive proof, but if you're suffering from gout, keep track of what you eat and when you have a flareup. That's a good way to monitor your own trigger foods.

As for apple cider vinegar, this is a common home remedy for lots of ailments. Unfortunately, as is usually the case with home remedies, there's no research to conclude apple cider vinegar helps to treat gout.

What We're Reading...

Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,

Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
August 14, 2020