Bogleheads.org

They have absolutely ruined Personal Capital. None of my retirement accounts reliably update anymore. One says the last update was nine days ago and the other updated three days ago. It should be instantaneous and current. I'm considering deleting my account. Does anyone have a good alternative they'd recommend? I'm also having the same issue with Personal Capital and Vanguard. Unfortunately, I don't know of a good alternative. I did download a spreadsheet from one of the FI blogs (I think it was Physician on FIRE) that has worked very well for me. It took a little time to set up, but it had the Google finance formulas and now it updates almost real time. I just need to go into Vanguard and Fidelity to update the number of shares and the p...

Thanks. I just wanted to make sure that it wasn't just me. Hopefully, this will be fixed soon.

Is anyone else having an issue with Personal Capital (Empower) not updating your Vanguard accounts? Mine was working just fine until March 16. Now it will not update and there is just a "yellow" circle next to those Vanguard accounts in the Personal Capital dashboard.

Have you thought about Schwab? I have a few friends who use them and are happy. Not sure if Schwab works with Banktivity.

I’ve been having an issue linking Navy Fed with my USAA account - and it’s an IT issue on the Navy Federal side. They doesn’t give me a lot of confidence in them, especially since I have a new account.

To clarify - My total portfolio is 75% stocks, 20% Bonds, 5% cash. My post was referring to only part of my AA… I’m holding some of the bond positions in my current 401k. The vast majority of my bonds (20 % of portfolio) are in the TSP G fund

lakpr wrote: ↑Sun Mar 19, 2023 8:59 pm Sounds like a panic reaction to the news ... I would have not exited the 25% S&P 500 stocks. One of the first principles of Bogleheadism is to be "Time in the market, not Timing the market".

If tomorrow the S&P 500 posts a gain, you would be kicking yourself for missing out on all that gain.

Being in late 40's, you have at least 15 years to go before you retire (unless you are aiming for an early retirement) and/or needing this money to sustain your lifestyle. Over that period, stocks are likely to be better choice than either bonds or TIPS.

You’re right - it was a panic reaction. I’m aiming for retirement at 60… so 12-13 years from now.

I’d appreciate your help with my current 401k options (all with Fidelity) as I rebalanced, but I’m not sure if I made a smart move.

Last week, I was at 25% S&P, and the rest was an even split between Fidelity U.S.Bond Fund Index and Fidelity TIPS. I was a little heavy in U.S. stocks and with the recent turmoil, I changed to my current position which is 50% TIPS and 50% Stable Value. I’m late 40s and about 15 years away from retirement. I’m wondering if I should exit the stable value position - but is it better to go with TIPS, U.S. Bond, or a mix? The vast majority of my bonds are in the TSP G fund which I’ve kept open after leaving the government. Thanks in advance

I’m a former Fed (late 40s) and I have almost all of my bonds in the G fund. My asset allocation is 75% equities, 20% Bonds (mostly G fund) and 5% cash. The G fund is a great place to be right now. I choose to take more risk on the equity side with VTI, VXUS, AVUV, and a few select stocks. I like knowing that I have the safety of the G fund and am excited not to be losing money right now if I was in the F fund. You could also decide to split it up between G and F fund, but in this ugly environment, G fund has been the winner.

Marseille07 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 13, 2023 4:04 pm

renegade06 wrote: ↑Mon Mar 13, 2023 3:50 pm This is one of the beauties of investing in broad-based index funds like VTI or VOO. When one stock fails, it is quickly replaced:
https://www.medtechdive.com/news/insule ... VB/644805/

You're correct on VOO, but VTI had Insulet all along.

Indeed! Good catch.

This is one of the beauties of investing in broad-based index funds like VTI or VOO. When one stock fails, it is quickly replaced:
https://www.medtechdive.com/news/insule ... VB/644805/

I'd encourage you to read the wiki about some of the educational material about bonds. They can be very helpful. Most of the BH's advocate a 3 fund portfolio - Total US, Total International (although some do not want to invest outside the U.S.) and Total Bond. At Vanguard, the mutual fund is VBTLX and the corresponding ETF is BND. A total bond fund is generally the way to go as it invests in over 10,000 bonds. Fidelity and See link: https://investor.vanguard.com/investmen ... omposition.

There is separate information on here about tax considerations. Generally, it is best to hold bonds on tax-deferred (like your 401k) rather than taxable since bond funds spit out a lot of dividends.

thanks, all!

I am looking to rebalance to increase my percentage of international funds. Currently, all of my international is in VXUS in taxable. I am considering moving $ inside my 401k from the Fidelity Total Market (US) into the Fidelity International Index. Just wondering if there or any downsides to doing this or if I should instead sell VTI and buy VXUS in taxable. I have some VTI losses that I can take, but not enough to cover the amount that I want to move.

I disagree with previous advice about keeping the car loan around like an itchy sweater to remind you that it’s not a good thing to do. I would pay that car off as soon as you can. Frankly, I would urge you to do that before you start investing in non-TSP. Or at least pay down half of the car loan before you start the taxable investments. Get that debt out of your life and then go heavy on your investments. You are fine with 100% VTI or VTSAX… but I’d encourage you to invest SOME in international (VXUS). I recommend at least 20% - but you can do 10% at a minimum. This gives you exposure to 7900 stocks from all around the world which include Taiwan Semi Conductor, Nestle, Shell, Toyota, etc. If you don’t feel comfortable, that’s fine… keep i...

I use the TSP G fund for about 95% of my bond allocation (I am also at 80/20). The only reason why it's 95% is that I don't have enough room, but I'd make it 100% if I could. I take the risk on the equity side with VTI/VXUS/AVUV. You'll see a number of past threads about the TSP G fund here and many who wish they had access to the fund.

If you are planning on buying the T-Bill at auction you won’t know exactly what the yield will be until after the auction completes. The yield you state is around what I would expect, I have an order in for tomorrow’s auction. Either way, the yield you get whether via auction or secondary will be guaranteed if you hold to maturity. Don’t forget you buy T-Bills at a discount but get the full value at maturity, the difference in what you pay and what you get back is what gives you the yield. There’s a lady on YouTube called Diamond Nestegg that does some great videos on T-Bills if you are interested. I am debating whether or not to jump in on this week's 6 month T bill. I would have to sell VTI, VXUS, or intermediate term bonds for the cash,...

I would consider using Avantis ETFs for your small cap value funds. AVUV for SCV and AVDV for International small cap value instead of the SCV funds with Vanguard.

A few days ago, my Quicken just stopped connecting to my Fidelity Rewards Visa card. I reported the error and called customer service. They said to just keep trying and the tech team will work to resolve it. Is anyone else having the same issue?

I’ve had negative experiences with PenFed. In the two times that I needed to access my money from the high yield online savings, there were problems. Most recently, it took 3 days and multiple phone calls for me to transfer $$ from PenFed to USAA (it was a computer glitch on their end). I ended up wiring all of my $$ out of there and put my cash in VMFXX at Vanguard. I would not have faith in working with PenFed on a mortgage - especially if it was a competitive situation and you needed a prompt turnaround. Everyone I dealt with was nice, but there did not seem to be any hustle in help me fix my problem.

psriniva wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 7:12 pm Tips should be at least 50 % of your bond allocation, if not more. Tips perform well when there is unexpected future inflation. Additionally, the reaI yield of the latest TIPS auctions are very attractive.
I strongly feel that all of us in general have come to underestimate the future inflation. Memory is short and based on the last 40 years, we have come to believe that inflation will remain low most of the time and it is rather a nuisance than a big problem.
But if one's country has experienced hyperinflation in the recent past, say within the last 20 years, he/she would be thinking differently.

Thanks! Some great advice and points to consider

Eric wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 6:25 pm

renegade06 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 4:52 pm In my 401k, I have the option for Fidelity Total Bond fund or Fidelity TIPS fund.

Confusingly, Fidelity Total Bond Fund is an actively managed fund that substantially overweights corporate bonds relative to the index. It is not comparable to Vanguard's Total Bond Market Index Fund, which has far more Treasurys. Fidelity's equivalent index fund would be Fidelity U.S. Bond Index Fund.

My fault - I should have specified that my 401k has the U.S. Bond Index fund. The other option is Fidelity TIPS

dwickenh wrote: ↑Sun Jan 22, 2023 5:02 pm It doesn't have to be one or the other, I would invest in both depending on whether I felt I needed the inflation protection that tips offer.

VW

That’s what I’m debating. - if I need it or not. I’m 47, and don’t plan to tap this for 20 years.

In my 401k, I have the option for Fidelity Total Bond fund or Fidelity TIPS fund. As of now, I own the total bond fund, but I’m wondering if I should own TIPS instead. Does it really matter much?

For my other bond holdings, I primarily have the TSP G fund (in my old TSP) and Vanguard Intermediate Term tax-exempt bonds (VWITX) in taxable.

Thanks!

I meant a general small cap - not small cap value. I was curious about other options that people use. I will probably just add to my position in AVUV and keep it in the SCV lane.

biscuit5 wrote: ↑Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:25 am

renegade06 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 14, 2023 12:32 pm I'm considering buying a small-cap ETF with my 2023 Roth IRA contribution. Just wondering if anyone has a recommendation on a good small-cap fund that would be appropriate for a long-term holding in my Roth - other than AVUV (I already own this).

Also, Avantis recently launched AVSC (U.S. Small Cap equity) just last week. Any thoughts on this fund?

you mean small cap value? many threads on here on that. may want to add clarification to thread title

Livesoft - You have a good point. Nothing wrong with additional shares of AVUV. I may in fact do that. I was just curious about other small caps that BHs may use. I am sure that AVUV is close to the top (or top) of the list due to the SCV tilt.

I'm considering buying a small-cap ETF with my 2023 Roth IRA contribution. Just wondering if anyone has a recommendation on a good small-cap fund that would be appropriate for a long-term holding in my Roth - other than AVUV (I already own this).

Also, Avantis recently launched AVSC (U.S. Small Cap equity) just last week. Any thoughts on this fund?

Have you reached out to the company(ies) that may be developing therapies in that area? Have you reached out to any patient groups? Feel free to DM if if I can be more helpful.

So sorry... that sucks. My jeweler recommends Jewelers Mutual and I use it for my wife's engagement ring and my watch. I had USAA for this, but I was told Jewelers Mutual is better. Luckily I haven't had to file a claim, but I wanted to share for those interested. I realize it may not help the OP in this situation.

I just moved my emergency fund into VMFXX and out of Pentagon Federal Credit Union.

Bumping this thread up. It's interesting that I did not see SCHD ( (Schwab US Dividends) or any of the Dividend ETFs like VIG. I thought those would be a more popular selection for a Roth.

Best of luck!

I have 3 and 6 month T bills and count those as “cash” when I manually classify in Personal Capital. I think either cash or bonds would be fine. I consider it as a second-tier emergency fund/general cash savings so that’s why I classify as cash.

Do you happen to know if this is the same for Virginia? I’ve had a few issues with my HYSA at Pentagon Federal for the two times I needed the money. I’m done with them and want to find a different place for my HYSA money. I was also thinking of using VUSXX to park cash. I don't know what "qualified investment fund" means in the context of NJ law. However, it is incorrect to state that Treasury interest is "always exempt from NJ state tax" when you receive it via a mutual fund. Treasury interest is state tax-exempt only if you receive it directly from the Treasury. Once it is passed through another entity like a mutual fund, it is only exempt from state tax if the state deems it exempt. Most states have but some have impo...

4146 is my guess

1. Dave Ramsey who inspired me to wake up, turn my financial life around, and get out of debt once and for all.

2. Having a good job, education, and opportunities that allowed me to succeed financially despite self-inflicted set backs in my 20s.

3. Finding this forum (particularly a few sessions with Rick Ferri). I’ve learned so much about investing, asset allocation, etc that I am empowered and excited to continue to build wealth in the mold of Jack Bogle.

4. The opportunity to take this knowledge and pass it along to my children so that they will be educated about money, investing, personal finance, and charitable giving.

Thanks for all the replies! Lots with the highest gains it will be...

I am looking to make an annual donation to my Donor Advised Fund. Since the market is down this year, I have no short-term gains in taxable. I only have long-term gains and long-term losses in my taxable fund.

What makes the most sense from a tax perspective? Should I donate shares from some of my biggest gainers, or another plan? Thanks!

I had the same problem and tried for weeks. I wrote a letter explaining the issue and sent it via certified. I received a written response from them 60 days acknowledging receipt of my letter, then a final letter 30 days after that which resolved the issue.

Wings5 wrote: ↑Tue Nov 08, 2022 5:53 pm Thank you for the response.

I can avoid being on Tricare Reserve Select, but when we're activated it's not optional and we're automatically enrolled (well . . in theory. Those who've served know there are usually hiccups )

I'll probably just steer clear and channel money toward college savings.

Are you planning to be mobilized/activated? if so, then I probably wouldn’t mess with the HSA. If you’re just doing drill weekends, you don’t have to be enrolled in TRS.

Thanks for the many replies. I am sticking with the traditional 401k next year.

retiredjg wrote: ↑Wed Oct 26, 2022 12:58 pm In the 35% bracket, the usual answer is going to be to use traditional (tax-deferred) 401k. It would be unusual, but not impossible, for you to pay taxes at a rate higher than 35% in retirement. In general, it is better to put off taxes at 35% and pay taxes later at some lower rate.

If you will have a significant pension or unusually high income in your later years, the answer could be different.

Thank you. I suspected that would be the right answer, but just thought I'd check.

Shael_AT wrote: ↑Wed Oct 26, 2022 12:18 pm We're hitting top end tax bracket and expect to have a similar distribution YOY in the future for retirement, 37%+

Distributions 150-200k a year

Top end tax for that distribution is 24%

The only outstanding risk is, will taxes on 150-200k a year adjusted for inflation after compounded growth over time, close the gap between 37% and 24%, which is 13%?

Will taxes go up 13% in 30 years, essentially

I think the answer is no, but some people think maybe or yet. YMMV.

Thanks, Shael. That is a good way to look at it. I find it hard to believe that taxes would go up 13%, but who knows. Maybe it's too early to be concerned about this. I'm 47 and would like to be able to retire from corporate life at 60 (in 13 years)

MrJedi wrote: ↑Wed Oct 26, 2022 12:11 pm How much taxable income do you anticipate having in retirement?

My guess is north of $150 - $200k per year if you include pension, dividends, etc

I'm excited about the higher 401k limits for 2023! It made me think about my 401k selection in 2023.

Should I consider changing (all or some) of my 401k contributions to Roth in 2023? I am in the 35% Federal Tax bracket and 5.25% state. I have very little in Roth compared to my overall portfolio. Over the past few years, I've maxed my backdoor Roth IRA, but that has only been $6k per year.

I'm wondering if I should slowly build up my Roth in my 401k for tax diversification purposes, etc. Could I offset the taxes some with charity, etc? I know that many do Roth conversations as they get closer to retirement when taxable income is usually lower.

Thanks, Grabiner!

Great point, Florida Orange. Thank you - and I will look into it.

Florida Orange wrote: ↑Thu Oct 20, 2022 6:33 pm Depending on your investment horizon, you might want to consider long term tax exempt like VWLUX. Prices are way down, interest rates are way up.

If/when interest rates go back down, would that make the bond prices go up? My time horizon is 15-20 + years

Thanks for the responses!

Hello BHs... I'm looking to increase my bond allocation and only have room in taxable. I'm wondering that the best option might be. I'm in the 35% tax bracket. I am considering:

VWIUX - Vanguard Intermediate Tax Exempt Bonds
2 year Treasuries (or should I look for a different duration?)
Virginia muni bonds (my home state)

Should I consider other options?