Search found 24 matches

by devinjameskenzie
Tue May 05, 2020 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund advice
Replies: 1
Views: 239

Fund advice

My 401K plan administrator recently changed at my job, and all of my monies were placed into a BlackRock Life Path Index (expense ration 0.09%) with my new 401K Administrator. I had been previously invested in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund, Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund and Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund. Now, my options are different. I want to choose the available S&P500 Index Fund (.04%) and Vanguard total Bond Market Index Fund (.05%). The only thing I am unsure about is as follows: 1. Whether to add some small cap diversity with the Tiaa/Cref Small Cap Blend Index (.06%) to assist the S&P 500 and/or? 2. Whether to add the Fidelity International Index for international diversity(.05%)? As you can ...
by devinjameskenzie
Sat Feb 29, 2020 4:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth 401K/Investment advice
Replies: 3
Views: 271

Re: Roth 401K/Investment advice

In need of help in deciding whether to add tiaa/cref small cap index fund to S&P 500 index fund in 401k since total stock market fund isn’t offered?
by devinjameskenzie
Fri Feb 28, 2020 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth 401K/Investment advice
Replies: 3
Views: 271

Roth 401K/Investment advice

My employer recently changed 401K Plan Administrator. The new Plan Administrator offers a Roth 401K option. I am 51 years old, married, and have approximately $1.1M between all of my retirement accounts, and I have no debt. (401K, Roth IRA, Taxable Account) I make around $200K-ish a year. Not sure what tax bracket I would be in when I eventually retire (which I know is a consideration in choosing). So, I have 2 questions: 1) Should I open a Roth 401K in addition to my regular 401K and contribute to it as well. 2) When choosing investment offerings a S&P500 Index is available which I will choose, but should I add the TIAA/CREF Small Cap Index fund based on the Russell 2000 to get a little more diversity on domestic equities? The expense ...
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Mar 21, 2017 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Back Door Roth
Replies: 4
Views: 472

Re: Back Door Roth

So, since I contributed over $5500 to the tIRA this year (for 2017), and converted only $5100 so far via back door. I need to have VG remove $600 out of the $1000? Sorry to be so thick I am just a little confused. Thanks.
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Mar 21, 2017 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Back Door Roth
Replies: 4
Views: 472

Back Door Roth

I am not able to contribute directly to my Roth because I earn too much. So, I contribute to my nondeductible traditional IRA and then convert to my Roth IRA (ie. Back Door Roth). So far this year (for 2017) I have converted $5,100 via the back door. A couple weeks ago I made another $1000 nondeductible contribution to my traditional IRA( with after tax monies). I did not realize that I only needed $400 of the $1000 to reach the sum of $5,500.00 for the year in my Roth. II was under the impression that I could only put $5500 for the year in my Roth via the Back door. However,I was told today that there is no limitation on the amount that I can convert in this manner. Wanted to know if this is true? Also, if not true what should I do about t...
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Apr 26, 2016 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage Account
Replies: 1
Views: 704

Vanguard Brokerage Account

Maybe this issue has been addressed previously. But, I am just wondering what the difference is between a Vanguard Mutual Fund Account and a Vanguard Brokerage Account. I realize that there are more expansive investment choices with a Brokerage Account and it is not in my individual name, but is there a cost or fee difference to be aware of? To clarify, I have a Rollover IRA Account and Roth Account with Vanguard. I am planning on starting to use the Roth Backdoor process here soon. However, I need to either Hide my Rollover IRA in my employer 401k or roll it into my existing Roth and pay taxes on it. Since it is only a small amount, I decided to roll it over into my existing Roth Account. The empty rollover IRA account will be used for my ...
by devinjameskenzie
Wed Apr 20, 2016 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Safety of investing with Vanguard - Change to brokerage accounts?]
Replies: 5
Views: 1019

Re: VANGUARD ISSUE

So am i to assume that it really makes no difference to switch to a brokerage account?
by devinjameskenzie
Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Safety of investing with Vanguard - Change to brokerage accounts?]
Replies: 5
Views: 1019

[Safety of investing with Vanguard - Change to brokerage accounts?]

I just realized that if funds held by VG are not in a brokerage account, they are not protected by FINRA or SIPC. We all know about the bernie madoff nightmare and investors with the SIPC. I have several Accounts, Roth and Taxable Account with VG. Should I leave them as they are, or would it be better to go through the steps to upgrade the accounts to brokerage status just to get the added protection. Also, what are the other major benefits, especially since I have all my funds in VG index funds? Any insight or thoughts would be helpful. I just want to be safe.
by devinjameskenzie
Wed Apr 20, 2016 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help: Back Door Roth
Replies: 7
Views: 1045

Re: Help: Back Door Roth

My big issue is whether its best to hide in my 401k or roll over into roth and pay the taxes. Although I have VG Index funds available in my 401K, the overall expense ratio is higher in the 401k. Any advice or suggestions to guide which is better way to go would be appreciated. I intend to only start making non-deductible contribution once this issue is resolved.
by devinjameskenzie
Sat Apr 16, 2016 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help: Back Door Roth
Replies: 7
Views: 1045

Help: Back Door Roth

I earn too much to contribute directly to Roth IRAs. Had been contributing to Joint Taxable Account. Planning to open up Traditional IRAs (for Wife and Myself) and make non-deductible contributions this year to eventually convert this year to existing Roths by the backdoor method. I currently have a 401k at my employment. I also have a separate rollover IRA from a prior job, it has about 6-7K in it. I just want to make sure I understand the process correctly….Should I first see if I can roll over the rollover IRA into my 401K at my employer/ And then convert? What if my employer 401k won't permit the rollover, then do I just convert it directly to the Roth and pay the taxes? Any clarification would be appreciated.
by devinjameskenzie
Fri Jan 08, 2016 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA Transfer
Replies: 4
Views: 462

Re: IRA Transfer

Does it matter if we exceed income limits for Roth contributions?
by devinjameskenzie
Fri Jan 08, 2016 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA Transfer
Replies: 4
Views: 462

IRA Transfer

Ok, here is the deal. Many years ago my wife worked at a restaurant. I come to find out that she must have had a small 401K or something (not real sure). Because she hasn't been employed there for many years, apparently they (the restaurant), in accordance with federal law, are able to transfer the monies to a safe harbor IRA. When I found out and learned about this....I immediately spoke to the bank where this safe harbor IRA was set up by them. I come to find out that the administrative fees, cost are ridiculous. We are only talking about a measly $100. If I leave the money alone the existing account it will be wiped dry in about 2 years because of fees and costs. I have a lot of my investments held by Vanguard. My wife and I each have a ...
by devinjameskenzie
Wed May 07, 2014 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio help
Replies: 1
Views: 309

portfolio help

I finally got my employer to get better options for my 401K. Since I am a big believer in vanguard indexing, I am looking to achieve an asset allocation of 70% Stock and 30% Bond. I am looking to further allocate the 70% equites between domestic and international. I have available the Total Stock Market Index-Signal (VTSSX) and Total Bond Market Index - Signal (VBTSX) in my 401K. The problem is my 401K is NOT offering a Total INTERNATIONAL Index Fund. So, I wanted to solicit some others thoughts. I easily max out my 401(k) each year. My wife and I each have a Roth IRA that we easily max out each year as well- we have Vanguard Total Stock Market Index in these accounts. We also have a taxable account that we put any additional funds into- wh...
by devinjameskenzie
Wed Feb 06, 2013 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable account issue
Replies: 2
Views: 407

Taxable account issue

What are the differences between a non-deductible ira and a taxable account? Can I contribute to a non-deductible ira if I fully max out my Roth Ira? Finally, am I correct that in a taxable account which is funded by after tax dollars that only earnings are taxed at marginal rate when withdrawn?
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Feb 05, 2013 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Issue [Excess Contributions]
Replies: 10
Views: 1657

Re: 401k Issue

What does HCE stand for? Is this the employers problems that they are placing on the employees. How do we go about getting this rectified. If nothing is done all i really have is a 201K not a 401k cause I can only contribute about 1/2 of the amount required by law.
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Issue [Excess Contributions]
Replies: 10
Views: 1657

401k Issue [Excess Contributions]

I have a 401k at my job. Each year I contribute the max allowed by law. Last year I was told that I was getting 7k refunded to me because our 401k plan must have a restriction limiting the amount the high end contributors make as compared to the low end contributors. I was told that the Plan didn't meet certain IRS/plan criteria. So, whenever I got the money I stupidly placed it into my bank account. Well, I get a 1099R which I have to pay taxes on now. My question is this: If I already have a Roth IRA that I max out as well, is there anywhere I can place the funds if it happens again this year (it has happened before but not to this extent)? Can I open a traditional IRA that is tax deductible and roll it over or am I left to open/roll over...
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Dec 11, 2012 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

Since I am unclear: If I open a VG taxable account with Total Stock Market and Total International Stock Market Index Funds, is it better to reinvest dividends or put into a separate account? Thoughts.
by devinjameskenzie
Tue Dec 11, 2012 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

I read that it is best to not have your dividends from your taxable account automatically reinvested, but rather have placed into your bank account. Why is this? And, can it be any bank account or is it preferable to have a MMA Fund set up in the taxable account in addition to the other index funds?
by devinjameskenzie
Sat Dec 01, 2012 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

Do you know whether you can allocate your new monies in percentages into each fund in the Vanguard Taxable Account or must it be separate checks for each account?
by devinjameskenzie
Sat Dec 01, 2012 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

I think I have decided to pull the trigger on the taxable account and use the Total Stock Market Index Fund AND Total International Stock Index Fund. The only question I have is after the account is opened how do I go about making sure my desired allocation into the taxable account is accomplished? For example, say I want to put 30% into international fund and 70% into TSM fund? Also, does anyone know of the distribution date for either of these funds?
by devinjameskenzie
Fri Nov 30, 2012 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

No specific reason for S&P in my Roth and TSM in her Roth. Just want to make sure I choose the right index, tax efficient account for the taxable account I plan to open and avoid distribution issue? I can certainly reduce internation allocation in 401K (b/c it is not that good), but is the TISM fund better or the TSM better for the taxable account, or both? Any thoughts?
by devinjameskenzie
Fri Nov 30, 2012 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

What about distribution issue/ tax consequences as stated in my earlier post?
by devinjameskenzie
Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Re: Taxable Accounts

Usually 25% Tax Bracket...this year however, will most likely be 28%. We do have an allocation plan. We have S&P 500 index fund in my Roth and Wife has Total Stock Market Index in her Roth. My 401k is allocated between stocks, bonds and international. I am still a little uncomfortable with the bond funds issue, can you explain why it as opposed to a index fund?. Also the Bogelhead book says to be careful of distribution dates when purchasing a fund because of tax consequences, is that something I should be diligent about looking at if I choose the TSM index fund in the taxable account? And is it better (or does it even matter) if a put money in each pay or should i do periodically like one or twice a year. I know these are stupid questi...
by devinjameskenzie
Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable Accounts
Replies: 22
Views: 2898

Taxable Accounts

I have some really basic questions. By way of background, I intentionally max out my 401(k) each year through my job; however, because of regulations on the 401k plan, I end up being refunded 5-6K from the administrator at the end of the year. My accountant says thats because others at job don't contribute enough and plan fails IRS regulations. So, I have money that I would like to invest ( and also add some other funds too through the year). My Wife and I also have Roth's through Vanguard that we max out each year. I have read the Boglehead books and ( I think) I am ready to open a taxable Vanguard Account. We have no debt and a well funded emergency fund. I want to know how to open a Vanguard taxable account and what is required if you kn...