Search found 60 matches

by Investor1319
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15473

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Wiggums wrote: Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:29 pm My MILs Aunt passed away. While administering her will, we found $80,000 in cash stored in the pantry. Yikes.
Wow!! What a find!! :D
by Investor1319
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15473

How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Hi, In addition to all of my regular investing and Emergency Savings, etc., many years ago I started keeping an envelope hidden in my home and every time I go to the bank to take out cash, I take $40.00 off the top and save it in the envelope. I'll also put occasional cash gifts we get from our parents in there. My husband knows and supports this extra saving strategy. It's come in handy over the years because when a bigger than normal expense comes up, I can use my envelope money and not feel it at all in any of my other accounts. Now, the amount in my envelope has reached $3,700.00 and I'm starting to think that I should invest this money in my VTSAX fund so it can earn interest. I'd love to know your thoughts and how much, if any, money ...
by Investor1319
Fri Jan 28, 2022 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: American Express Upgrade Blue Cash Everyday Card to Blue Cash Preferred
Replies: 8
Views: 1505

Re: American Express Upgrade Blue Cash Everyday Card to Blue Cash Preferred

Thanks so much for all the information. The main thing I like about the Preferred Card is 6% cash back on groceries up to $6K per year although I am already getting 3% cash back with the Everyday Card so the savings isn't as big as it seems plus there's an annual fee with Preferred. If I do upgrade, I just wanted to make sure I'm getting the best offer possible.
by Investor1319
Fri Jan 28, 2022 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: American Express Upgrade Blue Cash Everyday Card to Blue Cash Preferred
Replies: 8
Views: 1505

American Express Upgrade Blue Cash Everyday Card to Blue Cash Preferred

Hi,

I've had the AmEx Blue Cash Everyday Card for a couple of years and am thinking about upgrading to the AmEx Blue Cash Preferred Card. In my AmEx account, they have offered me $75 in the form of statement credit if I spend $1,000.00 in the first three months of upgrading. I have to pay an annual fee for the Preferred card of $95 which is not waived for the first year.

Have any AmEx Blue Cash Everyday cardholders received better targeted offers to upgrade to Blue Cash Preferred?

Thanks so much!
by Investor1319
Sat Jan 30, 2021 5:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 151954

What is Your Age and Asset Allocation?

[merged this topic and its replies into the existing thread - moderator prudent]

Hi,

Overall Portfolio:

My H and I are both 53 years old. He is only earner and is owner of a small company.
80% stock (60% VTSAX, 20% VTIAX)
20% bonds in VBTLX

Investing 40% of each paycheck plus maxing out both of our IRAs annually.
Have two months of living expenses saved in Emergency Savings (savings account) and continuing to add until have at least six months savings.

H just got 401K at his company and will be maxing out this year.

I know our AA is aggressive given our age, but we are late to investing and playing catch up...

Would love to know your ages and asset allocations.

Thanks!
by Investor1319
Sat Jan 16, 2021 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection
Replies: 17
Views: 1614

Re: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection

My main answer is that you should read over the BH "wash sale" wiki article and this set of Wash sale articles from fairmark.com . 1. When tax loss harvesting, is the possible result that you want to avoid a wash sale? This sentence is a little mangled so I'm not sure what you're trying to ask. When you TLH, it's not required that you avoid a wash sale. A wash sale is not illegal or even necessarily problematic. Mostly it causes confusion. To me, the main wash sale to avoid is when the replacement shares are bought in a tax-advantaged account (like an IRA) because in that case, the loss gets transferred to an account where you can never claim the loss. So just be careful about owning substantially identical securities in both tax...
by Investor1319
Sat Jan 16, 2021 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection
Replies: 17
Views: 1614

Re: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection

I think I am on the verge of understanding wash sales and tax loss harvesting. I just have a few questions to make sure I am on the right track (bear with me please...some of my questions are very basic, I know). 1. When tax loss harvesting, is the possible result that you want to avoid a wash sale? 2. To avoid a wash sale, do you just have to avoid investing (automatically or manually) dividends or new money, 30 days AFTER selling at a loss? Are there any restrictions BEFORE you sell such as you can't have bought/invested 30 days BEFORE you want to sell? or only AFTER? 3. By turning off auto invest and, additionally, not manually investing until more than 30 days after sale when tax loss harvesting or otherwise, is that all you need to do...
by Investor1319
Fri Jan 15, 2021 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tesla Stock. Need Help? Update
Replies: 59
Views: 6891

Re: Tesla Stock. Need Help? Update

Congratulations on such great gains!! I would take the money out and run...at least 90% of it!! Selling and having to deal with missing out if the stock goes up is much better to live with than "how could I have lost all that money"!!!
by Investor1319
Fri Jan 15, 2021 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection
Replies: 17
Views: 1614

Re: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection

I think I am on the verge of understanding wash sales and tax loss harvesting. I just have a few questions to make sure I am on the right track (bear with me please...some of my questions are very basic, I know). 1. When tax loss harvesting, is the possible result that you want to avoid a wash sale? 2. To avoid a wash sale, do you just have to avoid investing (automatically or manually) dividends or new money, 30 days AFTER selling at a loss? Are there any restrictions BEFORE you sell such as you can't have bought/invested 30 days BEFORE you want to sell? or only AFTER? 3. By turning off auto invest and, additionally, not manually investing until more than 30 days after sale when tax loss harvesting or otherwise, is that all you need to do ...
by Investor1319
Fri Jan 15, 2021 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection
Replies: 17
Views: 1614

Re: Tax Loss Harvesting & Fund Selection

If you hold an index fund (VTSAX) in a tax advantaged account and then it's ETF (VTI) in taxable account are these too similar (re: wash sale/tax loss harvesting)?
by Investor1319
Thu Jan 14, 2021 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Loss Harvesting and Other Basic Questions
Replies: 10
Views: 639

Re: Tax Loss Harvesting and Other Basic Questions

Assuming that all these are in Vanguard brokerage account, 1. You do want to hold VTSAX in taxable, as that's the most tax-efficient mutual fund there is. Vanguard has a patent to cancel out the capital gains distributions using its ETF class (Bloomberg ran a story on this in June 2019, google 'vanguard patent', shouldn't be too hard to find), and it is first applied to VTSAX. The preparation to be primed for tax-loss-harvesting is to simply not hold the same mutual fund in both the IRA and taxable account. Since your taxable account is set for VTSAX, choose your Roth IRA to be Vanguard S&P 500 index fund (VFIAX), and Vanguard Extended market Index fund (VEXAX), in a 4:1 ratio. Make sure future allocations also are spread in this 4:1 f...
by Investor1319
Thu Jan 14, 2021 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Loss Harvesting and Other Basic Questions
Replies: 10
Views: 639

Tax Loss Harvesting and Other Basic Questions

I have a few quick questions that I can't seem to find the answers to and am hoping you can help me because I'm feeling very overwhelmed!! I am definitely a beginner!! (1) So far, I have VTSAX in my IRA and VTSAX in a taxable account. I don't really understand if and when tax loss harvesting takes effect and don't want to accidentally do it if dividends are automatically reinvested (not even sure if they are, but I don't take any money out so figure they must be). Should I be changing one of these holdings? After reading lots of posts in this forum, I prefer to hold VTSAX to S&P 500 so not really sure what to change to if you do in fact think I should change one of my holdings. Is changing to the ETF version VTI enough or does it have t...
by Investor1319
Tue Jan 12, 2021 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Two Fund Portfolio - VTSAX and VTIAX
Replies: 1
Views: 1284

Two Fund Portfolio - VTSAX and VTIAX

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I can't seem to find the answer. Until now, I've held VTSAX in my IRA and in a taxable account and have no other investments other than this. I now have the savings to expand to a two fund portfolio and was thinking of investing in VTIAX in a taxable account. Would you make your second fund VTIAX? or VBTLX? Do you see anything wrong or too risky only holding VTSAX as a one fund portfolio or even including VTIAX and keeping a two fund portfolio without ever adding VBTLX? I am in my early 50's and am late to saving/investing. I'm sure most of you know the answer to this question, but I'm trying to learn - - if Jack Bogle was against holding an international index fund, why do Bogleheads includ...
by Investor1319
Tue Jan 12, 2021 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EFA and EEM vs. VTIAX
Replies: 9
Views: 1080

EFA and EEM vs. VTIAX

How do EFA and EEM compare to VTIAX other than the fact that they're ETFs?
by Investor1319
Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

As I previously mentioned, we just refinanced with Better.com. Here are the details: 2.625% $495K loan 20 year fixed LTV 65% Property value approx. $775K No fees State of NJ We just asked Better.com about refinancing again (even though December was our first month paying mortgage at our new 2.625% rate). Better.com just responded and said that rate would be same as we just got. If we wanted lower rate on 20 year, would have to pay points. We could get 2.25% for a 15 year, but we don't want to do that b/c monthly mortgage payments would be higher. We were hoping to get a rate of 2.35% or, at the very least, a rate of 2.5%. I was surprised that they couldn't' do anything. Thoughts? Do you think it's possible for me to find that without payin...
by Investor1319
Mon Dec 07, 2020 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

As I previously mentioned, we just refinanced with Better.com. Here are the details: 2.625% $495K loan 20 year fixed LTV 65% Property value approx. $775K No fees We just asked Better.com about refinancing again (even though December was our first month paying mortgage at our new 2.625% rate). Better.com just responded and said that rate would be same as we just got. If we wanted lower rate on 20 year, would have to pay points. We could get 2.25% for a 15 year, but we don't want to do that b/c monthly mortgage payments would be higher. We were hoping to get a rate of 2.35% or, at the very least, a rate of 2.5%. I was surprised that they couldn't' do anything. Thoughts? Do you think it's possible for me to find that without paying fees? Than...
by Investor1319
Mon Dec 07, 2020 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

As I previously mentioned, we just refinanced with Better.com. Here are the details: 2.625% $495K loan 20 year fixed LTV 65% Property value approx. $775K No fees We just asked Better.com about refinancing again (even though December was our first month paying mortgage at our new 2.625% rate). Better.com just responded and said that rate would be same as we just got. If we wanted lower rate on 20 year, would have to pay points. We could get 2.25% for a 15 year, but we don't want to do that b/c monthly mortgage payments would be higher. We were hoping to get a rate of 2.35% or, at the very least, a rate of 2.5%. I was surprised that they couldn't' do anything. Thoughts? Do you think it's possible for me to find that without paying fees? Thanks!
by Investor1319
Mon Dec 07, 2020 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Xrayman69 wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 12:44 pm
Investor1319 wrote: Fri Dec 04, 2020 5:38 pm Just wondering if anyone knows of any promotions going on now. Because of this message board, I did my first refi with Better and got the $2,500.00 AmEx promotion!! Thanks so much!!
Does “Better” = better.com?
Sorry, just seeing this now. Yes, "Better" = better.com
by Investor1319
Sat Dec 05, 2020 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

pmorgan2020 wrote: Fri Dec 04, 2020 9:03 pm
Investor1319 wrote: Fri Dec 04, 2020 5:38 pm Just wondering if anyone knows of any promotions going on now. Because of this message board, I did my first refi with Better and got the $2,500.00 AmEx promotion!! Thanks so much!!
Is Amex offer still available with Better?How to redeem?
I'm not sure if Better.com is still offering the $2,500.00 AmEx promotion. I believe it was supposed to end at the end of October. You might try calling them and asking. You needed to be an AmEx card holder to get the promotion so we opened up an AmEx card just for that purpose.
by Investor1319
Fri Dec 04, 2020 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Just wondering if anyone knows of any promotions going on now. Because of this message board, I did my first refi with Better and got the $2,500.00 AmEx promotion!! Thanks so much!!
by Investor1319
Fri Dec 04, 2020 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

mceagle555 wrote: Fri Dec 04, 2020 11:04 am Just an update as I signed closing docs today on my second refi with Better. Did back-to-back refi similar to @BrandonBogle based upon lender credits and rates continually dropping. Ended up making $4,500 total.

Refi #1----
10/10: Application
10/13: Rate Lock
10/30: Closing
11/4: Loan Funding Date

Refi #2----
11/6: Application
11/6: Rate Lock
12/4: Closing
12/9: Loan Funding Date

Highly recommend working with Better. Great experience both times.
Just wondering what rate you got....
by Investor1319
Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Just locked a no-cost refi with Better: 15-year, 2.125%, D+E+Credits =>$-1200 (I get paid $1200 to close) No loan orig fee, loan appraisal waived. Had compared with: LoanDepot, Lenderfi, Watermark, and a few more. Glad Better was flexible on rates - their web interface is great and and responsiveness has been solid so far! I know you mentioned who you compared them with, but could you please clarify whose LE you sent to Better for them to beat? Also, what loan size (nearest $25k or $50k is fine)? Maybe I need to do yet another Better refi lol! My last one was 2.625% for $1,200 profit (before the $2,500 promo credit). We just finished a refi with Better and got the $2,500 AmEx promo credit. Our first month paying our new mortgage is Decembe...
by Investor1319
Thu Dec 03, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Just locked a no-cost refi with Better: 15-year, 2.125%, D+E+Credits =>$-1200 (I get paid $1200 to close) No loan orig fee, loan appraisal waived. Had compared with: LoanDepot, Lenderfi, Watermark, and a few more. Glad Better was flexible on rates - their web interface is great and and responsiveness has been solid so far! I know you mentioned who you compared them with, but could you please clarify whose LE you sent to Better for them to beat? Also, what loan size (nearest $25k or $50k is fine)? Maybe I need to do yet another Better refi lol! My last one was 2.625% for $1,200 profit (before the $2,500 promo credit). We just finished a refi with Better and got the $2,500 AmEx promo credit. Our first month paying our new mortgage is Decembe...
by Investor1319
Mon Oct 05, 2020 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

I've been working on my refinance in NJ for awhile and we're getting close to having it go through. I just wanted to make sure the rate I got back in July is still competitive.

2.625%
20 year fixed
No closing costs
$2,500 AmEx Credit
State- NJ

Thanks!
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 22, 2020 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Just got an offer from Better that beat LenderFi by $100 plus the $2,500.00 AmEx credit. 2.625% No closing costs 20 year fixed $2,500.00 AmEx credit. Just opening a card now and they said we would still get the AmEx credit. State - NJ Does this sound good? Is Better reputable? Thanks! So, who pays the third party fees? Better? I know this is a ridiculously basic question. I am curious because I am getting nowhere near these rates on Better, despite having a high credit score. They are quoting me an APR a touch over 3% for a 20 year plus I would be required to pay close to $4000 in points to secure that rate. How precisely do I go about getting Better to offer me a 2.625% 20 year fixed mortgage with no closing costs? Is it simply matter of ...
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 22, 2020 5:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Just got an offer from Better that beat LenderFi by $100 plus the $2,500.00 AmEx credit.

2.625%
No closing costs
20 year fixed
$2,500.00 AmEx credit. Just opening a card now and they said we would still get the AmEx credit.
State - NJ

Does this sound good? Is Better reputable?

Thanks!
by Investor1319
Thu Jul 16, 2020 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Just invested in VTSAX. Why not FBGRX instead?
Replies: 26
Views: 5657

Just invested in VTSAX. Why not FBGRX instead?

I know I'm probably going to get clobbered with my question, but you have all taught me so much and I just wanted to fully understand your reasoning as to why not invest in FBGRX in addition to or instead of VTSAX. I just opened a Vanguard taxable account and put $6,000.00 in it to start with the intention of making monthly deposits of approx this amount into the fund. I have been planning on following the three fund investment strategy. An extended family member told me that he believes my husband and I should be investing in an actively managed growth fund since we are playing catch up with retirement savings (we are 52 yrs old and just getting started. Ugh!!!) I came across Fidelity Blue Chip Growth Fund (FBGRX) and it has outperformed V...
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 15, 2020 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Is it worth opening up a free AmEx card to take advantage of the offer with Better? Anyone know the best free AmEx card to get? I'm not too familiar with the different cards.
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 15, 2020 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

I'm trying to see if it's worth it for me to refinance. Want a 20 year fixed. No cost. Home value is approx $790K. Outstanding principal is approx $490K. Interest rate is 3.875%. Problem seems to be that I also have a HELOC with balance of $30K at 3.25%. Would be hard for me to pay it off upfront to take out of the equation. Filled out paperwork for LoanDepot and New American Funding. Filling out for Better. LenderFi website says they're not taking on new customers, but then saw a link on here that I followed and LenderFi's site invited me to fill out application so not sure what's going on there. Would love to know your thoughts and advice! Thanks!! Refinance the 490k and the 30k into one loan of 520k and close the Heloc. You can set one ...
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 15, 2020 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276606

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

I'm trying to see if it's worth it for me to refinance. Want a 20 year fixed. No cost. Home value is approx $790K. Outstanding principal is approx $490K. Interest rate is 3.875%. Problem seems to be that I also have a HELOC with balance of $30K at 3.25%. Would be hard for me to pay it off upfront to take out of the equation. Filled out paperwork for LoanDepot and New American Funding. Filling out for Better. LenderFi website says they're not taking on new customers, but then saw a link on here that I followed and LenderFi's site invited me to fill out application so not sure what's going on there.

Would love to know your thoughts and advice! Thanks!!
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 13, 2020 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Teens - Roth IRA - Allocation
Replies: 19
Views: 1286

Re: Teens - Roth IRA - Allocation

Target retirement date funds make a lot of sense esp. for those just starting out. Many (probably most) are better off with something that discourages tinkering. Set it and forget it. At this stage contribution rate is much more important than whether they're invested in 100% stocks or 90/10, which is the allocation of a fund like Fidelity Freedom Index 2065 or Vanguard Target Retirement 2065. Important caveat: If going with Fidelity, choose the cheaper Freedom Index funds, not the more expensive Freedom funds, which use active funds. I looked up the Freedom Index 2060 Fund (FDKLX) and it has an ER of .12%. I think the S&P is also set it and forget it with a much lower ER of .015 thru fidelity. Just wondering why you wouldn't go with t...
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 13, 2020 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I Refinance Mortgage
Replies: 4
Views: 362

Should I Refinance Mortgage

I currently have a $495K mortgage at interest rate of 3.875% in state of NJ. It looks like interest rates are lower now, but I've heard that you shouldn't refinance unless you can save a whole point because of closing costs. I would love to know your thoughts! Thanks!!
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Teens - Roth IRA - Allocation
Replies: 19
Views: 1286

Re: Teens - Roth IRA - Allocation

Chrono Triggered wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2020 8:08 am My personal preference would be the Total Word Stock Market, VT, which is an ETF. If a mutual fund is preferred, however, I would start with total stock. Fidelity's Four-in-One Index Fund, FFNOX, or their 2060 retirement fund, FDKLX, could be options too.
Thanks for your response. Total World has a much higher allocation of int'l stocks (around 40% I think) than I had planned on. If we included int'l stocks in the Roth IRA, I was thinking 20%.
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 13, 2020 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Teens - Roth IRA - Allocation
Replies: 19
Views: 1286

Teens - Roth IRA - Allocation

Hi,

My kids, ages 21 and 18, are opening Roth IRAs thru Fidelity. Even though I use Vanguard, my Husband uses Fidelity and we feel that it is a much more user-friendly site and will be easier for my kids to navigate, research and learn on as they begin investing. My husband would like them to be in FXIAX (S&P) even though I like the Total Stock Market, but I’ve agreed. At their young ages, should they be 100% S&P or should they still have a percentage in bonds and international?

Thanks!!
by Investor1319
Sun Jul 12, 2020 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTSAX vs. VFIAX plus Separate Mid-Cap and Small-Cap or Extended Market
Replies: 6
Views: 1149

VTSAX vs. VFIAX plus Separate Mid-Cap and Small-Cap or Extended Market

Can you tell me the difference between investing in Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTSAX) vs. investing in S&P (VFIAX) plus separate mid-cap and separate small-cap funds or S&P (VFIAX) plus Vanguard's Extended Market fund? Do you like one of these three options more than the others?

Thanks!
by Investor1319
Sat Jul 11, 2020 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Alternative to Three Fund Portfolio?
Replies: 29
Views: 3099

Re: Alternative to Three Fund Portfolio?

Thank you all!! I'll stick with the Three Fund Portfolio :happy
by Investor1319
Sat Jul 11, 2020 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Alternative to Three Fund Portfolio?
Replies: 29
Views: 3099

Alternative to Three Fund Portfolio?

I just read an article that suggested instead of investing in S&P or Total Stock Market Index Fund, to instead diversify equally among large cap growth, large cap value, small cap growth and small cap value funds. Would love to know your thoughts about this.

Also, article said that if you are going to invest in S&P or Total Stock Market, a small cap value fund is a great diversifier against those. Would love your thoughts on this too!

Thanks so much!
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 08, 2020 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI
Replies: 50
Views: 17996

Re: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI

Thank you for all the information. I feel very confused now because I haven't heard of Tax Loss Harvesting before and want to make sure I don't make any mistakes as we begin to invest in a taxable account. As I mentioned, my IRA is in VTSAX (total stock market) thru Vanguard. My husband's IRA is in FXIAX (S&P) thru Fidelity. We got a late start to investing so we only have approx $30K in each of our IRAs. My husband also has about $4K of FSCSX (Fidelity Select Software & IT Services) in his IRA. In my original post, I wasn't sure about whether to invest in VTSAX or VTI, but after reading all of your comments and researching on my own, I would definitely invest in VTSAX. More piece of mind. Now, my question is where do I go from her...
by Investor1319
Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Three Fund Portfolio - A Few Questions
Replies: 6
Views: 831

Three Fund Portfolio - A Few Questions

Hi, I make contributions to my IRA monthly and will be maxed out by end of the calendar year so want to now start investing in a taxable account(s) (all thru Vanguard). I was planning to follow the three fund portfolio guidelines and begin by investing in VTSAX in a taxable account. Should I be investing in the total bond market and/or total international market at the same time? I am in my early 50's and late in investing (ugh!!) so I want to be fairly aggressive. Also, if I don't have the $3K minimum to open each fund, can I open one as an ETF and then change to the corresponding mutual fund when I have $3K or will that trigger a taxable event? Is it better to wait until I have $3K to open each of the three as mutual funds? Not sure with ...
by Investor1319
Tue Jul 07, 2020 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to Invest and Avoid Wash Sale
Replies: 7
Views: 1097

How to Invest and Avoid Wash Sale

I decided to write this in a new post b/c my question has changed since my post yesterday. I feel very confused because I just learned about Tax Loss Harvesting & Wash Sales & I want to make sure I don't make any mistakes as my husband & I begin to invest in a taxable account. My IRA is in VTSAX (total stock market) thru Vanguard. My husband's IRA is in FXIAX (S&P) thru Fidelity. We got a late start to investing so we only have approx $30K in each of our IRAs. My husband also has about $4K of FSCSX (Fidelity Select Software & IT Services) in his IRA. In my original post yesterday, I wasn't sure about whether to invest in VTSAX or VTI, but after reading all of your comments and researching on my own, I would definitely in...
by Investor1319
Tue Jul 07, 2020 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI
Replies: 50
Views: 17996

Re: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI

Thank you for all the information. I feel very confused now because I haven't heard of Tax Loss Harvesting before and want to make sure I don't make any mistakes as we begin to invest in a taxable account. As I mentioned, my IRA is in VTSAX (total stock market) thru Vanguard. My husband's IRA is in FXIAX (S&P) thru Fidelity. We got a late start to investing so we only have approx $30K in each of our IRAs. My husband also has about $4K of FSCSX (Fidelity Select Software & IT Services) in his IRA. In my original post, I wasn't sure about whether to invest in VTSAX or VTI, but after reading all of your comments and researching on my own, I would definitely invest in VTSAX. More piece of mind. Now, my question is where do I go from here...
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 06, 2020 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI
Replies: 50
Views: 17996

Re: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI

02nz's reply has a very helpful link to compare ETF vs mutual funds. I'll also mention something about taxable investing you may want to know. Imagine you invest $10000 in VTSAX (or VTI) in taxable and you are also making regular contributions to VTSAX in your IRA. And imagine the stock market has a big 30% selloff and your VTSAX in taxable drops to $7000. Typically you would want to " tax loss harvest " your VTSAX holdings in taxable. But by having bought the same fund in your IRA within 30 days, your VTSAX sale in taxable is considered a "wash sale" and there are some negative consequences to that. Basically there's a good argument to be made for picking a similar but different fund than VTSAX in taxable to avoid the ...
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 06, 2020 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI
Replies: 50
Views: 17996

Re: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI

Chrono Triggered wrote: Mon Jul 06, 2020 4:47 pm Where is your taxable account located? If it's anywhere but Vanguard, avoid the mutual fund version, since you have to pay a fee at most firms. If it's Vanguard, it's your call really.

How familiar are you with ETFs? Definitely read the wiki article mentioned above.
My IRA is in Vanguard VTSAX. I was going to open a taxable account in Vanguard as well. My husband has his IRA in Fidelity S&P.
by Investor1319
Mon Jul 06, 2020 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI
Replies: 50
Views: 17996

Taxable Account - VTSAX vs. VTI

I'm getting ready to invest in my first taxable account. My IRA is invested in VTSAX. Should my taxable account hold VTSAX or VTI? Or something else entirely? I have the $3K minimum needed for VTSAX so that's not an issue. Just not sure if one is more tax efficient than the other or if you prefer one over the other for any reason. Thanks!
by Investor1319
Wed Jun 10, 2020 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTSAX vs. VFIAX - What Am I Missing?
Replies: 58
Views: 15354

VTSAX vs. VFIAX- I'm Struggling!

[Thread merged into here, see below. --admin LadyGeek] Someone on this forum used the phrase "analysis paralysis" and this describes me perfectly right now!! I am still struggling with whether to own VTSAX or VFIAX. I have my IRA (approx $30K) in VTSAX so at least I am in the market and not sitting on the sidelines while I figure this out. I understand the philosophy with owning VTSAX instead of VFiAX and it makes sense to me (owning a small percentage of small and mid cap stock in addition to the large covered by the S&P). When I compare the returns of the two funds though, for the the 1 year, 3 yr, 5 yr, 10 yr and Life, VFIAX has beaten VTSAX every single time. VFIAX has also beaten the mid-cap index fund VIMAX and the smal...
by Investor1319
Sun Jun 07, 2020 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTSAX vs. VFIAX - What Am I Missing?
Replies: 58
Views: 15354

VTSAX vs. VFIAX - What Am I Missing?

I have about $30K in my IRA in VTSAX (Total Stock Market) and am considering moving it to VFIAX (S&P). I understand about the increased diversification that Total Stock Market Index Fund provides and I know the two funds usually run neck and neck as far as returns are concerned. It does seem like S&P usually comes out ahead slightly, is a little less risky than Total Stock Market fund and I recently read that Buffet often prefers the S&P to it. I'm just wondering why the Fund Net Assets in VTSAX are so much greater (by billions) than the S&P? Are people investing in it in their taxable accounts rather than S&P to get a tax benefit from it? I'm not sure if there even is one. I was about to move to VFIAX, but seeing how la...
by Investor1319
Fri Jun 05, 2020 1:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard vs. Fidelity
Replies: 158
Views: 23418

Re: Vanguard vs. Fidelity

Thank you everyone for all of your helpful posts!! I really appreciate you taking the time to respond.
by Investor1319
Thu Jun 04, 2020 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard vs. Fidelity
Replies: 158
Views: 23418

Vanguard vs. Fidelity

I have about $30K invested in my IRA (total stock market) in Vanguard. My husband has about $33K invested in his IRA (S&P) with Fidelity. I'm struggling with whether I should stay with Vanguard or switch to Fidelity since I am a smaller investor (at least right now) and read that Fidelity is better for smaller, beginner investors. I know the total stock market fund and s&p are supposed to run pretty closely, but my husband always seems to do better with his. Any advice? Thanks!!
by Investor1319
Thu Mar 05, 2020 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Growth Fund vs. Total Stock Market for 52 year old
Replies: 15
Views: 2309

Re: Growth Fund vs. Total Stock Market for 52 year old

All of your comments have been very helpful. Just for my own knowledge, how do you figure out what the dollar amount cost would be of an Annual Annuity Charge of .25%?
by Investor1319
Wed Mar 04, 2020 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Growth Fund vs. Total Stock Market for 52 year old
Replies: 15
Views: 2309

Growth Fund vs. Total Stock Market for 52 year old

Most of my savings is in an IRA invested in the Total Stock Market thru Vanguard. Recently, someone told me that I should instead be investing in a growth fund because I am 52 years old and need to invest more aggressively while I am still young enough. They suggested I move to Fidelity and invest in FIDPC (Fidelity VIP Growth Opportunities Portfolio). I don't know enough about investing to know whether this is a good idea or not. I would love some advice.