Search found 26241 matches

by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Request for Portfolio Feedback
Replies: 8
Views: 506

Re: Request for Portfolio Feedback

Welcome to the forum :D . Is there a particular reason you have Roth IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts at both Fidelity and Vanguard? If not, then I suggest consolidation at one or the other of those two fund firms just to simplify. Which is your personal preference, Fidelity or Vanguard? In my opinion either one would be a good choice. Do you have significant UNrealized capital gains in Fidelity ZERO Total Market Index Fund (FZROX) 0% ER? Asset allocation is a very personal decision which must be based on your own individual ability, willingness and need to take risk. Will you be eligible for a substantial pension? If so is the pension indexed to inflation? Availability of a pension can have a large impact on the asset allocation decisi...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Employer 401k Investment Options vs. Self Directed
Replies: 3
Views: 290

Re: Employer 401k Investment Options vs. Self Directed

There is no advantage to using the brokerage option, the funds you are using are excellent choices with extremely low expense ratios.
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reported bond fund return inconsistancy
Replies: 8
Views: 373

Re: Reported bond fund return inconsistancy

Yahoo Finance is just wrong.

In case of any doubt, look at the fund company figure.

SEC Yield is a standard calculation, and should be the same across all sites.
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does PNC Bank have a good reputation for financial advisors?
Replies: 10
Views: 1577

Re: Does PNC Bank have a good reputation for financial advisors?

Welcome to the forum :D Hello, Thank you to all the responses to the topics. The responses are well thought out. My wife has a PNC Bank account and money with a PNC Finacial Advisor. I sat with her through approximately four one hour sessions. The advisor seems to plug in numbers for retirement funding. I think he is uncomfortable with me bringing up up expenses and fees. His response is he is providing a service (to be compensated for). The comfort factor in my perception of him is not very high. My wife is going to wait until we talk to our CPA accountant (for tax returns) after April 15 about retirement money concepts. This caught the PNC Advisor off guards. I get the impression PNC advisor wants to coast into easy fees and expenses for ...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio advice for young beginner
Replies: 9
Views: 1314

Re: Portfolio advice for young beginner

Welcome to the forum :D . It's great to see that you are starting young, using tax-advantaged accounts and your investing in very diversified index funds with very low expense ratios. You are off to a great start. Hi! I am 24, making $160k a year. My expenses are pretty low currently, so I am able to put away around $6-7k a month into investments. My employer does not offer 401k. I don't know a lot about finance and investment so I want to try to keep things simple for myself! Emergency funds: see below Debt: none Tax Filing Status: single Tax Rate: 25% Federal, 0% State State of Residence: TX Age: 24 Total portfolio: $150k Roth IRA: $35k VASGX (corrected) Taxable: $45k VASGX (corrected) Cash: $70k VMFXX I am trying to figure out what steps...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio advice for young beginner
Replies: 9
Views: 1314

Re: Portfolio advice for young beginner

Welcome to the forum :D . It's great to see that you are starting young, using tax-advantaged accounts and your investing in very diversified index funds with very low expense ratios. You are off to a great start. Hi! I am 24, making $160k a year. My expenses are pretty low currently, so I am able to put away around $6-7k a month into investments. My employer does not offer 401k. I don't know a lot about finance and investment so I want to try to keep things simple for myself! Emergency funds: see below Debt: none Tax Filing Status: single Tax Rate: 25% Federal, 0% State State of Residence: TX Age: 24 Total portfolio: $150k Roth IRA: $35k VASGX (corrected) Taxable: $45k VASGX (corrected) Cash: $70k VMFXX I am trying to figure out what steps...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ETF vs Index Fund
Replies: 6
Views: 805

Re: ETF vs Index Fund

If GinjaJo sticks to very tax-efficient stock index funds, it should not matter if they choose regular mutual funds or exchange traded funds (ETFs). Hey all! My wife and I both max out a Roth IRA, backdoor, and I contribute to a Roth 401(k) at work. Looking at starting a brokerage account, instead of maxing the 401(k) . I don’t want a lot of taxable turnover, so was looking at some ETFs. Is this a wise move? Would be between $2-$3k/month. You might benefit from reading a couple wiki pages... Both of the blue remarks above are what caught my eye. Have you read the traditional versus Roth wiki page ? This might lead you to use a traditional tax-deferred 401k contribution instead of Roth 401k. Have you read the prioritizing investments wiki pa...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VBILX vs MassMutual Stable Value Diversified HELP please
Replies: 3
Views: 377

Re: VBILX vs MassMutual Stable Value Diversified HELP please

Currently, I am invested in the MassMutual Stable Value Diversified for my fixed portion in my 457b account. I also have available Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBILX). Now that rates are going to be getting cut, thinking of transferring to VBILX since the 30 day SEC yield is 4.64% . But I have a few questions I don't understand and was hoping for some clarification on. You are asking what to do "" Account details as follows: 1. MassMutual Stable Value Diversified 2. The current crediting rate is 4.08% . This rate will be credited from January 01, 2024 through March 31, 2024. Rate going down to 3.61% for next the next quarter (04/01/24 - 06/30/24). The current crediting rate is net of the Separate Acc...
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retire in 7 years, getting close enough to plan
Replies: 22
Views: 3206

Re: Retire in 7 years, getting close enough to plan

We want to retire in 7 years. I feel like we are getting close enough to actually plan the logistics of it. Prior to this, we've been saving as much as possible in tax-advantaged accounts, saving/paying for education, and clearing out debt, including paying down the mortgage before interest rates rose. Now, it's time to pivot from the accumulation phase to the pre-retirement phase (still accumulating, but with an end goal in mind). Emergency funds: 3 months expenses, split between bank and brokerage accounts Debt: Mortgage, 2.625%, 7 years left Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate: 22% Federal, 4.8% State State of Residence: Missouri Age: 51 (Spouse 52) Desired Asset allocation: 70% stocks / 30% bonds Desired International al...
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving Money Around? Seeking Advice for New Boglehead!
Replies: 9
Views: 1049

Re: Moving Money Around? Seeking Advice for New Boglehead!

Welcome to the forum :D . It's great to see that you will complete your degree with minimal debt, have a an emergency fund, have started investing with very diversified index funds with low expense ratios and use an IRA. You are off to a good start. I've recently come to the Boglehead movement (31F) after finding what I've read in The Little Book of Common Sense Investing and The Boglehead Guide to Investing to be compelling. I come from a low-income background and am actively developing financial literacy, so I'm hoping that some of you seasoned Bogleheads can help me apply Bogle's principles to my current financial position. Here is how I have my money organized, but I'm looking for advice on to rearrange it/prioritize goals moving forwar...
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5441

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

goblue100 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:56 am
RetiredAL wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:36 am
lakpr wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:19 pm
I am completely soured on bond funds, and decided to NEVER INVEST A PENNY MORE in any bond fund going forward.
For me, I won't say NEVER, but I'll be very wary.
People need to quit taking the drop in bonds personally. Rates went up, bonds went down. Now we are being compensated with better dividends. My prediction is in a few years people will be complaining about the lack of returns from their stack of CD's.
The time to swear off bond funds was before the rate hikes, not after.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For Retirement: 403b/457 or brokerage account?
Replies: 6
Views: 580

Re: For Retirement: 403b/457 or brokerage account?

Welcome to the forum :D Hello All! First post! We are 50 y/o public school employees. We started late in saving/investing and playing catch-up for the next 10-12 years. Debt: no debt except for mortgage (will be done in 2-3 years) Retirement Accounts: CALPERS, CALSTRS, ROTH IRA (Fidelity Go) Emergency Funds: 6-month funded we are weighing the following options: - 403a/457 through employer agent (SchoolsFirst FCU / Corebridge Financial) and fund it to max allowable, and select index funds - open our own IRA account at Fidelity/VG/Schwab and load it to max allowable, also with index funds - buy I-Bonds at treasury direct Questions: 1. What are the main pros and cons of each option? 2. Which one would you choose if it were your money? Why? 3. ...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock
Replies: 296
Views: 28920

Re: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock

I was thinking maybe sell the Publix stock this year since it is at a very high price now $15.20 (after the 5:1 split). Then I'm not sure if I should buy the target date in my brokerage account and keep it there or sell it from the brokerage account and buy the target date in my roth account. I could also just increase my 401k contributions to 30% and invest in the aggressive balanced fund until I reinvest the $10,800 from the stock sale. I'm not sure how long I want to hold on to the crypto. I'm hoping it will go up in value over the next few months and I may sell it for a $500-1000 profit and reinvest it in the target date or aggressive balanced 401k fund. Then next year if the prices for SOCL and PNQI go up a bit more, just sell those. ...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to use Google 401k for 2-3 fund portfolio
Replies: 63
Views: 6214

Re: How to use Google 401k for 2-3 fund portfolio

... I want 80% domestic, 20% international. That's interesting. I sometimes wonder when someone chooses an apparently arbitrary weighting instead of market cap. I guess either they must know something the market hasn't yet figured out or they just don't subscribe to the "own the haystack" strategy. No problem. You wondered why someone might arbitrarily choose something other than market weight. ... Historically 20% of stocks in international stocks has captured about 85% of the maximum diversification benefit of adding international stocks. There is no magic to market weight allocation that makes it automatically the best allocation. Care to cite source(s)? I have one: Vanguard’s approach to target-date funds November 2022 Equity...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Portfolio and where to focus next
Replies: 14
Views: 1437

Re: My Portfolio and where to focus next

1) Reduce your allocation to vested company stick.
2) Increase contributions to both 401ks to the annual employee maximum of $23k.
3) Make traditional rather than Roth 401k contributions.
4) Add a fixed income allocation of some type.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which fixed income investment to choose
Replies: 2
Views: 439

Re: Which fixed income investment to choose

We have a 55% equity/45% fixed AA although target is 50/50. I am planning to reduce equity to target and use some MM funds to invest in fixed income. Most of our fixed is in CDs, a couple of ETF bond funds and MM. I am considering deferred annuities, secondary TIPs and treasuries. All in the 3 to 5 year range. Based upon Fidelity website, projected yields are in the 4.5% to 5% range and TIPs yield around 2% plus inflation. I do not currently have any TIPs and am leaning towards that, but open to your suggestions. Thanks for your replies. A fixed income allocation can include bonds, bond funds, I-bonds, SPIAs, Deferred Income Annuities, CDs, savings accounts, Stable Value or Guaranteed Income funds, money market funds, or any combination of...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to use Google 401k for 2-3 fund portfolio
Replies: 63
Views: 6214

Re: How to use Google 401k for 2-3 fund portfolio

Cocoa Beach Bum wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:59 am
LittletonRetire wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:54 am...
I want 80% domestic, 20% international.
That's interesting. I sometimes wonder when someone chooses an apparently arbitrary weighting instead of market cap. I guess either they must know something the market hasn't yet figured out or they just don't subscribe to the "own the haystack" strategy. No problem.
Historically 20% of stocks in international stocks has captured about 85% of the maximum diversification benefit of adding international stocks.

There is no magic to market weight allocation that makes it automatically the best allocation.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond Investing
Replies: 21
Views: 2786

Re: Bond Investing

Hello Forum, I am relatively new to bonds. I am 36 years old, married, and we currently have all our personal investments in VTSAX (90%) and VMFXX (10%)... aside from Employer 401k's, which are 80/20 e/b split. I am a bit stumped on how to diversify into bonds in 3 ways: (1) Types of bonds, (2) Amount of bonds, (3) adding/subtracting the allocations over time. I've been considering: -VBTLX: Medium Duration Bonds (on avg), broad exposure - "U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities of all maturities (short-, intermediate-, and long-term issues" -VBLAX - Long Duration Fed Bonds - "U.S. investment-grade bonds with maturities of more than ten years. Reflecting this goal, the fund invests about 60% of assets in corporate bon...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5441

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

DireStraits wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 12:51 pm Is anyone holding cash or CD's in lieu of bond funds to achieve the proper asset allocation?
I believe some hold a money market fund or CDs as part of a fixed income allocation, in addition to a bond fund not in lieu of bonds.

I hold 40% of portfolio in fixed income, I use Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX) ER 0.07%.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bonds vs MM funds vs ETF
Replies: 7
Views: 1015

Re: Bonds vs MM funds vs ETF

sl5050 wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:25 pm I feel like this question is dumb but I'll ask anyway.

1) Why would anyone buy bonds at yields under 8% when you can buy a money market fund from fidelity (fisxx) or vanguard yielding ~ 5.2%. It doesn't seem like the 300 bps is worth the risk of single bond exposure.

2) I have the same question for an etf like BND versus the aforementioned money market funds. BND is yielding 3.3% right now and introduces principle risk via price fluctuation.


I think I have to be missing something and I am not sure what to search to find the answer or what book to read.
What you are missing is the correct number for current yield.

The current SEC Yield on Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is 4.52%.
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock
Replies: 296
Views: 28920

Re: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock

No, I don't expect to dramatically increase my salary. Emergency funds : Yes Debt : 0 Tax Filing Status : Single Tax Rate : 12% Federal, 0% State State of Residence : FL Age : 37 Desired Asset allocation : 90% stocks / 10% bonds Desired International allocation : 40% of stocks Approximate size of your total portfolio : $145,000 Show us your current portfolio including all investment and retirement accounts: Brokerage account : PNQI [Invesco Nasdaq Internet ETF] $19,910 (13.7%) SOCL [Global X Social Media ETF] $8,019 (5.5%) Roth IRA : FDEWX (2055 Target date fund) $28,303 (19.4%) 401k : Moderate balanced fund : $35,459 (24.4%) (The Fund seeks to offer a broad diversification and a disciplined rebalancing process by investing approximately 3...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie for Bonds
Replies: 30
Views: 2465

Re: Newbie for Bonds

BoilerBear wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:33 am
ruralavalon wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:44 am
BoilerBear wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:40 am
Peter Foley wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 4:31 pm Not mentioned specifically here is where will you hold your bond allocation? Will it be in an IRA or in a regular brokerage account? If in a regular account there may be income tax implications for some holdings.
Sorry i missed your response/question earlier … but I’m planning to hold these in my regular Brokerage account (E*Trade and Schwab primarily).
What is your tax bracket, both federal and state? What state do you pay any income tax to?
Illinois (4.95%) and 35% Fed.
For a bond fund I would suggest something like Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEB) ER 0.05%, effective duration = 5.60 years, credit rating = AA.
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k allocation/rebalance
Replies: 15
Views: 953

Re: 401k allocation/rebalance

This sent me down the rabbit hole of analyzing my other 401k. FNiPX target date 2035 is where I am currently in. It meets my asset allocation criteria (70/30). The fees are 0.06% which is obviously low and I like the set it and forget it approach. But I see the other funds are about 0.01% (see below). Is it worth changing ? . . . . . . Your employer's plan offers excellent very diversified funds with low expense ratios. You are fortunate :D . A Fidelity Freedom Index 20xx Fund, ER 0.06% would be an excellent choice for a simple one-fund portfolio. You could do a simple three-fund portfolio using: 1) FID 500 INDEX (FXAIX) 0.015%; 2) FID TOTAL INTL IDX (FTIHX) 0.06%; and 3) FID US BOND IDX (FXNAX) 0.025%. Either choice would be fine in my op...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switch 401k from VHYAX to SCHD?
Replies: 10
Views: 550

Re: Switch 401k from VHYAX to SCHD?

FreddieG wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:12 am I have low 7 figures in a 401k in VHYAX. I am 67 and am on Social Security, have a defined benefit pension, and of course my 401k. So I am somewhat risk tolerant.

Would I be better off in SCHD instead of VHYAX? SCHD seems like it pays a higher dividend and higher overall return. I understand it has a higher turnover, but that isn't a concern since this is a 401k.

My goals are income more than capital growth.
With both Social Security benefits and a defined benefit pension why is your goal income rather than total return in your 401k?
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice
Replies: 11
Views: 1770

Re: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice

McDougal wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:28 pm
sailaway wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:24 pm This can make a lot of sense. One thing to watch out for would be IRMAA. Might make sense to split contributions between traditional and Roth if you are near any cut offs for tax brackets or additional charges.
Great point sailaway, thanks. I am already in the second IRMAA tier with an SSA-44 under review to go one tier lower, hopefully. I will be close either way, so I will absolutely keep this in mind!
It's good to see that you have initiated a SSA44 review, a request to lower your IRMMA due to a life changing event, link. I have never seen that option discussed here, more people should be aware of it. A SSA44 review worked for me.
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie for Bonds
Replies: 30
Views: 2465

Re: Newbie for Bonds

BoilerBear wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:40 am
Peter Foley wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 4:31 pm Not mentioned specifically here is where will you hold your bond allocation? Will it be in an IRA or in a regular brokerage account? If in a regular account there may be income tax implications for some holdings.
Sorry i missed your response/question earlier … but I’m planning to hold these in my regular Brokerage account (E*Trade and Schwab primarily).
What is your tax bracket, both federal and state? What state do you pay any income tax to?
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie for Bonds
Replies: 30
Views: 2465

Re: Newbie for Bonds

I recently retired and find the subject of fixed income pretty complicated. I have moved away from funds, other than money market For a younger investor with a long horizon and a desire to dampen volatility, an intermediate bond fund like BND is pretty much a central recommendation. It is important to match your investment time horizon with the duration of your fixed income investments, whether individual bonds or a fund. My problem is that I can no longer grasp my investment horizon very clearly, and I believe it will continue to change. I have settled on the following fixed income strategy for my situation. First, is to consider the income I will need to spend for the next several years, 6 until Social Security at 70. After that it gets ...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k allocation/rebalance
Replies: 15
Views: 953

Re: 401k allocation/rebalance

roccodean wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:47 am It doesn’t appear that the mutual fund/more expensive one adds much international bond exposure (which I know is another topic of debate). So I don’t see any reason to pay 15x the fee. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Stick with the index fund. I prefer a good index fund over a good actively managed fund.
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retiring at 77 - Annuity vs. investment income
Replies: 17
Views: 2628

Re: Retiring at 77 - Annuity vs. investment income

IDpilot wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:29 am How much of her $2500/month expenses are covered by social security?
We need this information, to know how much of her spending needs to be funded from investments or an income annuity.

My guess is that a Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA) is likely to be the better choice.
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k allocation/rebalance
Replies: 15
Views: 953

Re: 401k allocation/rebalance

In the process of changing my investments in 401k from target date fund (0.6% fee) to essentially 3 fund portfolio bc fees will be about 0.06%. The only option for the US stock portions is a sp500 fund (fxaix). Is this enough to mimic total us stock market (such as VTI in standard 3 fund portfolio)? Yes. In my opinion a S&P 500index fund is Norwegian good enough by itself for investing in U.S. stocks. "In a 401(k) plan with limited choices you might very well opt for an S&P 500 index fund to serve as the domestic stock component of a three-fund portfolio." Wiki article, 401k, Other considerations A S&P 500 index fund covers 80% of the U.S. stock market market, investing in stocks of selected large-cap and mid-cap U.S....
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 13, 2024 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6486

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

VG's user interface is miserable compared to Fidelity, which is hands down technically superior (functionality/features/performance) to VG. Just curious: can you give specific examples of functions, features, or performance available only on the Fidelity website? I can do pretty much everything I want/need on-line with Vanguard (e.g., Portfolio analysis and testing), but maybe I don't know what I'm missing. I have a workplace retirement account with Fidelity, but I prefer Vanguard's interface, perhaps only because I'm more familiar with using it. What unique features do you use at Fidelity? There are too many to list. First of all, since you have accounts at both, you may want to bring up your accounts from both brokerages and take a look ...
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock
Replies: 296
Views: 28920

Re: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock

ralphboy, I believe it's good that you are selling some of the company stock (Publix). I think I agree with the suggestion to prioritize contributions to your employer's 401k plan, which as I recall offers good, very diversified funds with low expense ratios.

There have been a lot of changes over the last 2 years.

Can you please remind us what accounts and investments you currently have, your tax bracket, what contributions you plan to make annually to each account? In other words please tell us your current situation using the Asking Portfolio Questions format.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6486

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

I have been a Vanguard customer for almost 20 years, with no problems whatsoever.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option
Replies: 49
Views: 7791

Re: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option

With little to no savings, SS will eventually be their primary source of income. Therefore, it will be sufficient to survive. Unfortunately, this may not be true. We don't know their expenses -- health-care expenses can be ruinous -- and we don't know their SS income. I hope it is true that SS is enough for them to survive. But just because you need something doesn't mean that thing will magically appear. But there was more to what printer86 wrote. The heading for this thread is incorrect. With little to no savings, SS will eventually be their primary source of income. Therefore, it will be sufficient to survive. Just not at the standard of living they are currently enjoying. Expenses need to be evaluated sooner rather than later to stave ...
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock
Replies: 296
Views: 28920

Re: Poor Publix employee seeking 401k investment advice - no longer have Publix stock

ralphboy wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:19 pm I'm considering selling my Publix stock. I believe I purchased $7500 worth and it's now valued at $10,800. If I sell it, I'll buy more of my target date fund in my roth account (FDEWX). I maxed out my roth account this year so it would be in SPAXX (fidelity gov. money market fund) in my brokerage account until next year.
That's reasonable in my opinion. Or you could buy Fidelity Freedom Index 2055 Investor (FDEWX) ER 0.12% now in your taxable brokerage account, instead of waiting.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie for Bonds
Replies: 30
Views: 2465

Re: Newbie for Bonds

Hi all! New poster, but I’ve been reading for a bit. I will post a more complete profile later, but need some advice on Bonds. I’m mid 50s right now and fortunate enough to hopefully retire in the next few years (tentatively targeting 2026). I have had kind of a ‘set it and forget’ investing approach with RSUs from my company. The good news is my company has done very well over the last 10 years, but I’m in a position where i have very little invested in bonds right now. I’m currently moving some of my company shares (they are at an all time high) and want to move some of the money to bonds. I’ve bought a decent # of CDs over the last few years (so kinda bonds) and also bought some individual US Treasury bonds (I live in Illinois, so savin...
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option
Replies: 49
Views: 7791

Re: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option

I do not know any of the other details regarding SS incomes, other debts, etc. The information I've provided was just offered in a casual conversation. I was sufficiently concerned that I offered to help her find resources, and keep her away from EJ and the like. I was hoping to provide very rough direction, such as read the materials I cited, investigate SPIAs, probably stay out of stocks. Did they ask for asistance, or was it offered and accepted gratefully? Sometimes, especially with family, it can be a minefield to insert oneself into others' financial matters (or any matters in fact). They did not ask for advice, just mentioned that they had very little in retirement savings, when I asked when they were going to retire. You're right a...
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA - Transfer
Replies: 6
Views: 436

Re: Roth IRA - Transfer

I have about $80k in a Roth IRA in American Funds with a small, local broker. I do not pay fees (directly) to the broker but pay a very high expense ratio on the mutual funds I'm invested in with American Funds. I'd like to simply transfer this into an index fund with low fees. I believe I can transfer this tax free to Fidelity or Vanguard and have it invested without administrative fees and a very low expense ratio in the right index fund or ETF, is that correct? Any other guidance on how to handle this? The only thing I think I know is that keeping it in high expense mutual funds is killing me long-term... In my opinion either Vanguard or Fidelity would be a choice. It's largely a matter of personal preference, my personal preference is ...
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio
Replies: 26
Views: 2544

Re: What Platforms are DIY Investors Using to Manage Portfolio

Welcome to the forum :D I'm curious about what platforms investors are using to self-manage their portfolios, whether it's an IRA, Roth IRA or taxed account. If you're using Fidelity, Schwab or Vanguard are you using their funds or selecting your own funds, what fees are you paying? Anyone using M1 or Wealthfront? I'm using a wealth management advisory firm paying 1% AUM (ouch!) to manage my rollover IRA and Roth IRA, and contemplating making a move to self-manage this. I also have a brokerage account with Fidelity using their basket technology ($4.99/month fee) to manage a 6 fund portfolio of mostly Vanguard funds with an allocation of 70/20/10. I welcome all suggestions and ideas! I have a rollover IRA, Roth IRA and taxable brokerage acco...
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which 403b would be the fund closest to the S&P500?
Replies: 4
Views: 341

Re: Which 403b would be the fund closest to the S&P500?

I just got hired and have several options for my retirement. I've never heard of Mutual of America but when I checked my options it looks like the following 3 funds mirrors it best but when I look at the 5 yr ROR for the most part it looks terrible. MAAKX, MoA All America Fund, ER 0.54% TRBCX, T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ER 0.71% GSSQX Goldman Sachs US Equity Insights A, ER 0.92% The other option is a retirement fund like the 2065 retirement fund etc.... anybody have any ideas? This is a screenshot of the fund options. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bw24z1CfYogms01tXAVSoS1qX27aSxVx/view?usp=drivesdk None of the 3 you listed is a good match for an S&P 500 index fund, Portfolio Visualizer 2005-2024 . Of the 3 you listed, I suggest T...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6486

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

I am transferring retirement funds and opening an investment account. Should I do Vanguard or Fidelity and will need personal assistance/advice from them as well. Any advice you may provide is appreciated. Thank you Either Vanguard or Fidelity would be a good choice in my opinion. It's largely a matter of personal preference,my personal preference is Vanguard because of their large menu of low cost funds to choose from. Fidelity does have local customer service offices in some cities, that may be important if they have an office near you and you need face-to-face help. Vanguard has a low-cost Personal Advisory Service you could use, link . Nerdwallet, review. Investopedia, review . Also Vanguard offers a wide variety of balanced funds whic...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with new 401k options
Replies: 15
Views: 1252

Re: Help with new 401k options

I'd rather have 1.5% of a larger pie taken away than 1% of a smaller pie. One can minimize taxes by not having income... If they have sufficient funds where they can hold only bonds in this 401k and not distort their allocation, I guess it would make sense. It is 1.5% of the larger pie or 1.5% of the smaller pie ... *IF* it were 1% of the smaller pie, perhaps I'd have wavered too. Her 401(k) has 765k part of which is also invested in VBTIX; some money from there can move to equities, and this particular 401k be loaded with just the bonds. Thanks. I brought the possibility of loading his 401k with bonds this weekend and it didn’t seem “fair” to him. Our prenup says we get to keep our own retirement funds, and I’m already so far “ahead” of h...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard or Fidelity
Replies: 73
Views: 6486

Re: Vanguard or Fidelity

I am transferring retirement funds and opening an investment account. Should I do Vanguard or Fidelity and will need personal assistance/advice from them as well. Any advice you may provide is appreciated. Thank you Either Vanguard or Fidelity would be a good choice in my opinion. It's largely a matter of personal preference,my personal preference is Vanguard because of their large menu of low cost funds to choose from. Fidelity does have local customer service offices in some cities, that may be important if they have an office near you and you need face-to-face help. Vanguard has a low-cost Personal Advisory Service you could use, link . Nerdwallet, review. Investopedia, review . Business Insider, review . Also Vanguard offers a wide var...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: need advice on 401 after leaving job
Replies: 17
Views: 1858

Re: need advice on 401 after leaving job

What interest rate is currently being paid on the "Putnam Stable Value Fund 0.09", and what rate if any is guaranteed? Please post a link to the fact sheet for the "Putnam Stable Value Fund 0.09" as offered in your employer's plan. The following accounts are available Stable asset fund/Putnam Stable Value Fund 0.09 Diversified Foreign Stock Fund/Northern Trust ACWI ex US Index Fund 0.10 Mid and Small Company US Stock Fund/Northern Extended Market Index Fund 0.08 Large Company Stock Fund/Northern S&P Index Fund 0.05 Diversified Bond Fund 0.18 ITW Common Stock Fund 0.04 All others are Target Date Funds I would need the 2250 per month from the funds until 7/25 when I turn 65 and then would receive the same amount from S...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: need advice on 401 after leaving job
Replies: 17
Views: 1858

Re: need advice on 401 after leaving job

Welcome to the forum :D . Congratulations on your retirement. I retired 2 years ago and left money in 401 managed by Empower. Half in stable asset fund and other half in company stock that was purchased at 180 and now at 261. Pension money is in a annuity that provides 981 per month.I am 64 and not collecting SS yet. I take 2250 per month from the 401.So figure 3231 from me and wife has SS plus pension that is about 1750 per month. I figured on waiting until 65 to collect SS and go onto Mediacare. So my question is should I be in a IRA? I have a Fidelity Money Management/Brokerage account with 100k in 6 month T bills. The 401 allocation is as follows 363000 stock 265000 stable asset fund as of 3/9/24 629065 What interest rate is currently b...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Checkup: I'm way behind. Hope for late bloomers?
Replies: 42
Views: 5387

Re: Checkup: I'm way behind. Hope for late bloomers?

yogesh wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:32 pm You are doing great.
Save in this order
Image
Because this 401k apparently offers institutional class index funds with extremely low expense ratios, (Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 ER 0.065%, a lower expense ratio than available in an IRA) it's best to make maximum annual employee contributions to the 401k as a priority over contributions to an IRA.

"If the company plan offers good, low-cost funds, it may be preferable to contribute to the company plan before contributing to an IRA" . Wiki article, Prioritizing Investments, Choosing between an employer retirement plan and an IRA
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689752

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

Murder is Easy, on Amazon Prime.

This is a two part mystery based on a novel by Agatha Christie.

Luke Fitzwilliam, a Nigerian, meets elderly Miss Pinkerton on a train. Pinkerton tells him that a series deaths in the village of Wychwood are not accidental and there will be more murders. Miss Pinkerton is killed in a car accident. Fitzwilliam goes to Wychwood to solve the mystery of these deaths.

Recommended.
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can’t convert VBTLX to BND
Replies: 26
Views: 3452

Re: Can’t convert VBTLX to BND

GroovyDreamyFab wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 7:13 pm The expense ratio of ETF is less than mutual fund. Tiny difference but still. $15000 now but as I get closer to retirement that will increase. I’d prefer to have ETF’s so if I decide to move my account to Schwab or anywhere else later, it will be easier.
The tiny difference in expense ratios has been immaterial.

As had been the case with some other fund/ETF pairs (link) the tiny difference in expense ratios has not meant higher return for ETF (CAGR for VBTLX = 2.67%, for BND = 2.59%)
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Checkup: I'm way behind. Hope for late bloomers?
Replies: 42
Views: 5387

Re: Checkup: I'm way behind. Hope for late bloomers?

Here are some calculators you can use to assess the range of possible outcomes:
1) https://firecalc.com/;
2) https://i-orp.com/Plans/index.html;
3) Vanguard, Retirement Nest Egg Calculator; and
4) Otar Retirement Calculator (ORC).