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It appears my opinion may be moot for you sold ANCFX. However, that is a fund of the American Funds and the American Funds family of mutual funds are excellent, reliable, and as fiduciary sound, as they get. Many have invested in the family and have experienced very good returns over the years. I would not bet your alternative investments will return much more. They may have lower ER's, but I'll bet the overall return will not be any less. ANCFX is a large-cap blend fund, that is actively managed to reduce risk. It may underperform in some markets and over-perform in others.

Thank you all! Thanks, Stinky... I appreciate your guidance. I am leaning against using Canvas. I am looking at two other five-year options, one is an MYGA, and the other is FIA with a 5 year hold ....and interest credits off a percentage of the performance of the S&P 500. I don't expect much, either will produce about the same pending performance of the index.

I am using a treasury MM fund and SGOV. SGOV is a Black Rock I shares product. As others noted, many are good, some require longer-term tolerance than others.

Good Morning,

I stumbled upon this thread.... I posted too earlier... I am interested in purchasing a 5-year MYGA annuity from Canvas. It has a posted interest rate of 6.20 %. I am factoring this product as part of the fixed-income portion of my portfolio. My research suggests that Canvas is a reputable company to deal with and Puritan life whom they write their policy is a good company, albeit only a B+ rated one. Any opinion as to if this product and company is good to trust for the product and five years of investment or possibly longer?

Appreciatively,

Varsh

Good Morning!

As part of my fixed-income investments, I am considering a Canvas Future Fund, a five-year product with a fixed interest rate of 6.20%. Does anyone have any experience dealing with this Company? Maybe Stinky? I would appreciate any input.

Thanks,
Varsh

Try a 1035 exchange into a brokerage IRA and then decide as to how to take either RMDs or periodic disbursement. I don’t think you need to create a immediate large tax impact.

If you have access to the Federal TSP fund, use it. I am told many Federal employees do and doing so enhances their overall portfolio. Otherwise, based upon your entire financial situation, and AA, round it off with the available S&P option, small cap option and international option. Possibly, using your 80/20… 20 % G fund, 48 % S&P - Large Cap Blend, 12% SmallCap and 12% International. If you want to be more aggressive, increase both Small Cap and International, and reduce S&P - Large Cap Blend.

It seems that the product that OP is referring to may be an MYGA - Multi Year Guaranteed Annuity. It is offered by an insurance company. It offers deferred interest and acts like a CD. It should be a product that is insured by the State in which OP resides....please verify that...there are limitations on accessing your capital, some only allow 5 or 10 % access each year until the product "matures" ...say 5 years.... there could be penalties each year if you want more than the allowance withdrawal, but some offer other benefits allowing withdrawal without penalty. Many are using them as a "bond and CD alternative". Pick a strong insurance company and be mindful of issues regarding your investments. I like them, but have n...

Very good fund and family. Pair it with VTI and BND, or VOO, a small cap blend or value like IJS and BND. Give it time, you should be fine. No tinkering, simply go with your allocations. Mine is 60/40… stock to bond. Keep it simple.

Howdy Friends.... my question today is.... does anyone know why the Fidelity Tax Exempt Money Market funds all drop in yield? FZFXX had been north of 2%, and now it is at 1.62%. It has been falling for several weeks now. Any insight?? TIA! Make it a great day y'all!

I am looking at a similar situation. I am evaluating my TIPs/Nominals. My current allocation is 60/40. My mix is 20 Fxaix S&P 500, 15% VXUS, 20% SCHD, 5% AVUV (formerly IJR), i have tilted to value. Bonds / FI = 10% MM, 10% I bonds, 10% STT (VGSH), 10% IT - SCHR.

Now, I am working on the allocations on the FI side, to add in TIPS. Ideas I have is to go 50/50, using a combo of I bonds, SCHP, VTIP, and cash, like MM, or treasuries. I have not really drafted the plan or strategized, so your discussion will be helpful for me too.

Howdy Friends....been following this discussion and like most others is lively, interesting, and informative. Just wanted to add my HO... I think, once I get into retirement and I am in drawdown, my bond side will be 50/50, and I will use, I bonds, at 20%, and the balance will go 50%, SCHP/TIP - barbell the tips side and use an IT bond fund...probably SPTI or SCHR for the balance (50%). I also plan to keep my 60/40....maybe vary that a bit, and add in a MM portion. I am 10 years out, so my ideas are just that...creating a plan and getting ideas for the future.

Howdy again friends! I am looking to simplify my portfolio. I am positioning it with VT at 60%, VGLT at 15%, VGIT at 15% and SCHP@ 10% with a 60/40 portfolio. Although I am a bigger fan of VOO, I see no benefit of mixing up other funds, tilts etc. Any opinions? I have 10 years before I am entertaining a retirement.

Are you looking to consolidate, or reposition retirement accounts?
The Vanguard Target Retirement Fund, with the timeline that matches your retirement date is fine. Does it all for you….no fuss, no mess.

I’d say just keep adding to AVUV, as long as your AA calls for it. Many speak well of it. I don’t own it. I use IJR, but I am looking to add AVGE, it has it in the holdings.

... Wow.... all bond....that is different for me for sure. I am in agreement - the Vanguard Target Income fund may make it simpler and as productive. I agree with some tips and Bonds. For short-term cash flow, how about a simple Treasury MM Fund? Yields, for now, are up - probably closer to 4% +/_, lastly, I prefer Treasury Bonds and Funds over Corporate, but high-quality Corporate is good too.

I think Wellesley is a good fund, a bit moderate for me at my juncture, but a good one as part of a "In retirement" holding.... why are you selling it? Changing your AA or goals?

Wellesley is a great fund. Yes, it is a "managed" fund, but like "Wellington", the expense ratio is low (.16) and depending on your desired allocations etc. is a great fund. It's up to you. I doubt you will be much happier over time. Wellesley is a very moderate fund.

I see all the chatter here.... based upon your question, and apparent desire, just go with at treasury MM fund. I think it would be better than SGOV. From that, ladder simple treasuries...3,6, 9 month ...etc. Once you figure out what you really want that cash for, take it out and use it. If that time does not come, keep rolling the 3,6,9 month treasuries until you find something you want.

….Happy New Year!

….talk about funds and options…. I need sometime… lol..

….starters…. The Fidelity Freedom…..are a simple choice that works….
…I’ll get back to you shortly…

the Fidelity Government Bond Fund (FIKPX) looks like a good fund. Maybe use that one along with the TIPS fund.

Fidelity has a “Nasdaq Mutual Fund”. FNCMX.

I shares… TLT?

I like SGOV a bit better than SHV. I think either Bil or Bils is better than both. However, I may just go for now with a treasury MMF. More liquid, as good returns, no price movements....

If you're going out for three months only, I would use 3-month Treasuries. If you are thinking of a year or two, I would go with VGSH. SGOV is ok, but I think going the other route is better. I also think you could just use FZFXX - a Treasury MM fund - it is at about a 3.84% yield now. Combine that with VGSH. That should get you where you may want to be. IMHO.

SCHD is a great fund with a strong historical record. Portfolio visualizer confirms this. It generates periodic dividends, so if you hold it in a taxable account, you pay tax based upon your income level. 0, 15, 20 %…. Not bad for passive income. If held in an advantaged account, no harm, no foul, pay your taxes, same as noted, when you withdraw. Not sure why I see so many trash talking this fund. I prefer FXAIX, but, it works as a value tilt for sure. Happy Holidays!!

Howdy Friends!

Give me some ... ( I know more) feedback on this product. I am thinking of adding one with a sum of IRA money as to diversify my equity/ bond portfolio. I've looked at MYGA's as well, some were in the 5% percent range, as a bond alternative, now I am looking at FIA's as well. I like my allocations at 60/40, but looking to add more ballast as I age up. Soon I will be 59, and think that time may not be on my side as it has in the past. Recovering from down markets and DCA'ing into this market, as well as all the markets of the last 20 odd years, at some time may come to an end and at that time I hope to draw against my successes. Please add your comment(s). Thanks!!

David

Good Morning All,
I am looking at Gainbridge MYGA for part of my fixed/bond... side of my portfolio. Any experience in dealing with them ? Good ? Bad or ??

[Varsh’s new thread merged here - moderator ClaycordJCA]

Howdy,

Looking for feedback on the Advantis Fund, AVGE. It is their new total market fund.

Wow! Indeed you have a lot of funds there and a great deal of overlap!

Most would say go with BND and add TIPS - Say 60/40 - BND /TIPS. My choice going that route would be adding both VTIP and SCHP, 50/50.

Alternatively, some say to use Treasuries. Your option here is SCHR. So sub out SCHR for BND with the same allocations as noted above using TIPS either at 60/40, 0r 50/50. SCHP is an intermediate TIP and VTIP is a short term TIP.

Wow! Indeed you have a lot of funds there and a great deal of overlap!

Most would say go with BND and add TIPS - Say 60/40 - BND /TIPS. My choice going that route would be adding both VTIP and SCHP, 505/50.

Alternatively, some say to use Treasuries. Your option here is SCHR. So sub out SCHR for BND with the same allocations as noted above using TIPS either at 60/40, 0r 50/50. SCHP is an intermediate TIP and VTIP is a short term TIP.

...I'll agree with most responses. Treasury's still, in my opinion look good. I am not a fan of those secondary market products. I agree with VGSH; or SGOV as well. I like both and use both. If you are in Fidelity, a Fido Treasury MM (FZFFX) is also a good option as we speak and probably into the near future. If your stuck on a bank CD, look to your credit unions or one of the better on line banks - Ally maybe... ??? not sure ask around...

Depends on your goals etc... have you looked at NTSX ?

What is your duration? Short term? use VGSH or SGOV... intermediate?.... 7 years or so.... VGIT.... longer??.... VGLT...

That's my opinion....

FSIXX is a Fidelity Institutional fund. FZFXX is the Treasury MM for individual accounts.

Thanks to all of you for your input. So If I understand it, adding a TIPS fund is a good idea to compliment my bond side. Two out of three of mine are intermediate funds. Obviously the MM is not. The first suggestions for TIPS would be using I bonds, after that it would be a intermediate or event long term TIPS Fund, like SCHP or FIPDX, or a combo of each maybe??

No, that too is one mutual fund that is on my radar. That fund is a intermediate fund more like the duration of my PONAX or SCHR, I can't seem to understand the TIPS side of the equation. Should we go longer duration with TIPS or shorter? I am 58 with retirement still seven to ten years out (Hopefully - I like my job and working...lol).

Good Morning Friends,

Looking for opinions. I am interested in adding a "TIPS" fund to my mix. Currently, I am 60 / 40 - Bonds / Fixed. Equity side I have Fidelity S&P 500 fund (FXAIX), I shares Small Cap Blend (IJR) and Fidelity OTC (FOCPX) On the bond/Stable side, I use PIMCO Income Fund (Ponax), Schwab Intermediate Term Treasury (SCHR) and a Fidelity Treasury Money Market fund (FZFXX). In as much, I want to add a TIPS fund - Not sure if I go with VTIP, a short term fund, or SCHP, a longer term fund. I have been trying to learn more about which duration is better for that component to my scheme. Any opinion or guidance ?

Howdy Friends! Good Morning!

Can I please get your opinions as to the following? I have one readying for college next year. I think if I may any Roth conversions, doing so will increase my income and possibly reduce or eliminate most options for financial assistance for him. Now, If I increase my retirement contributions, my taxable income will have been reduced. Any guidance as to how this could positively impact any assistance this would provide? or will it be a non issue?

Your opinions and knowledge is appreciated!

Investigate "BIL" - that may fit your purpose.

I'd say use a MM fund but "Bil" Etf is also an option I'd suggest.

Stack your dry powder for a bit...then DCA....

How about VT and take it from there on the equity side? One fund and add your bond percentage to taste?

I did the same and similar risk and timeline simulators, Mine came out 70/30. However, I seem to read too much and seek the opinions and knowledge needed to make better financial decisions and find that my research tells me that a 60/40 has better risk adjusted return, so that is what I am going with. That being said, I've never liked or had good experience with bonds (sorry I digress), so now my 60/40 does not look that great. I use a mix of MF's and ETF's. On the bond side, in my taxable, I use Muni's and in my tax deferred, I use Intermediate Government funds -- SCHR and VGIT.... I am eyeing up VGLT...thinking I'll add a LTGB fund...some say do this for the first 20% of your bond allocation...who really knows... I continue to DCA through...

In my opinion due to value factors of the instrument, AVUV and its sibling, AVDV for International small cap exposure are two great funds to position your SCV. VIOV - the Vanguards Small Cap 600 is also a good choice, for similar reasons. Don't fret over the ER, there is value in the Avantis funds, at least as well speak.

Good Morning!

My suggestion is:
1. taxable bonds in a tax deferred vehicle.
2. International in your taxable brokerage - preferably using an ETF/ Fund that is tax efficient.
3. HSA - blend it in depending upon your account balance and needs. A little bit of each, short term, Intermediate term and long term investments to better deal with the needs of the fund.

Hope it helps. It is just one person's opinion with who is only on his second cup of coffee this morning!

LDI - " Liability Approach Investing" ??

I'd go with VGIT rather than AGG. Also, if the IRS determines it is a wash sale....ok... so you pay the tax owed. Next...

Howdy Friends,

Pondering a question…. If I convert some IRA funds to my Roth, will that impact our FIn. aid app for my Son. He is a HS Senior and we are doing College tours and starting to look at Fin. Aid applications…etc.

I’d stay with the American Funds. I use them, they have a great long term record of both fiduciary and performance credibility. Yes, I am a fan of other families and products, but for more than twenty years have matched performance and fees of other options, and some here won’t like or agree, have matched performance using the American funds with many.