Search found 24500 matches

by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Diversify brokerage houses?
Replies: 6
Views: 502

Re: Diversify brokerage houses?

I have a significant portfolio, which I've owned for years, with Vanguard. As has been noted, their customer service took a dive, though recently it seems to be back on its way up. I am about to receive another sizable amount of money to invest, from an inheritance, and am wanting people's opinions on the pros and cons of putting that money with Vanguard as opposed to another brokerage house (Schwab? Fidelity?). What do people see as the pros and cons of each approach, and what advice might they have to offer with regard to a final decision? If it has any relevance, I am retired. Thank you. For simplicity I have all my investing accounts (rollover IRA and Roth IRA) at a single fund firm, and my banking functions at a large bank with a bran...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k/403b Contributions
Replies: 2
Views: 273

Re: 401k/403b Contributions

I want to max out my employer contributions to my solo 401k for 2022 but am unsure about the max contribution limits. I have a 403b (employer 1), 401k (employer 2) and solo 401k (1099 income). Does the 401(k) Employee & Employer Contributions limit of $61,000 apply to all of these cumulatively or does each get a $61,000 limit since they are "unrelated employers"? Can I contribute any more employer contributions to my solo 401k for 2022? 1099 Income: $182,932 Expenses: $8,009 Net 1099 income:$174,923 1. Employer 1 403b - Employee contributions: $15,720 - Employer contributions: $9,040 2. Employer 2 401k - Employee contributions: $5,124 3. Solo 401k - Employer contributions: $38,279.00 Thanks for your help! IRS, "How Much ...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I did it, Goodbye Edward Jones
Replies: 46
Views: 4990

Re: I did it, Goodbye Edward Jones

Thanks, I appreciate the continued support from you all as I get ready to set it and forget it with my accounts. I'm strongly leaning towards a target date fund but also like the 2-4 fund index option. My current inclination is to go with: 70% - FSKAX - Total US Stock Index 15% - FTIHX - Total Intl Stock Index 15% - FXNAX - Total US Bond Index Still pondering 5% or so of FSRNX REIT as well. Then set a reminder to check up around age 50 in 8 years. I have the bulk of my holdings, 3/4 or so, in traditional IRA and the rest in a Roth 401k that will be funded w/ 15-25% of my income moving forward. It has good vanguard low cost index fund options I can match the Fidelity allocations with. By age 60, my Roth to Traditional holdings should be abo...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What % cash in portfolio?
Replies: 137
Views: 12660

Re: What % cash in portfolio?

No cash "in portfolio". The only cash is whatever happens to be in my checking account, it varies, currently about 0.25% of the portfolio.
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 19, 2023 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VBTLX vs VBILX bond fund comparisons
Replies: 10
Views: 1838

Re: VBTLX vs VBILX bond fund comparisons

Total bond VBTLX includes mortgage-backed securities, of which roughly a third are GNMAs. Another difference is that VBILX holds intermediate bonds only, while VBTLX achieves an intermediate average duration but also holds short-term and long-term instruments. Older thread I am responding to, but I am responding with a question due to my spouse's plan switching all participants within the plan from VBTLX to VBILX next month. Is it okay to assume that they are similar enough funds that for her tax deferred plans (403b and 457b) bond coverage (she keeps 30% in VBTLX in one plan and 40% in the other) it will more or less be a wash? CyclingDuo Historically higher returns with higher volatility, good risk-adjusted returns, and the same low corr...
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 18, 2023 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 4719
Views: 468184

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

The Cafe, on Amazon Prime.

Just two seasons and 15 episodes, a comedy about a cafe operated by a mother, daughter, an grandmother and in a seaside resort town in England.

Recommended.
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 18, 2023 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 9582
Views: 1772605

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Waking Ned Devine, on Amazon Prime.

We watched in St. Patrick's Day. Fifty two residents of a coastal Irish village conspire to cash a winning lottery ticket, after the man who bought the ticket has died of shock.

Recommended.
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 18, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I did it, Goodbye Edward Jones
Replies: 46
Views: 4990

Re: I did it, Goodbye Edward Jones

Shooting4Sixty wrote: Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:56 pm Are there any other metrics aside from expense ratio that I should use to better understand why none of the american funds are worth keeping?

Since they're all unique blends it seems hard to compare to any given index?
American stock funds tend to concentrate on so-called "growth stocks", ignoring "value stocks", so not fully diversified .

Other metrics could include degree of diversification, volatility, turnover rate, and risk-adjusted returns. For bond funds other metrics could include average credit quality, effective duration and volatility.

It's hard to beat an index fund for the combination of lower risk and higher net returns.
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 18, 2023 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I create my own "fund" on Vanguard or Schwab so I don't have to individually purchase 10 different etfs every month?
Replies: 50
Views: 3157

Re: Can I create my own "fund" on Vanguard or Schwab so I don't have to individually purchase 10 different etfs every mo

One total market index will get you the same results. Can you explain? My portfolio is very different than a total market index. I am tilting towards small cap and value, which over the long term have outperformed the total market significantly. . . . . . . . . . My split is: VALUE EMERGING: Aves: 20% S&P 600: IJR: 20% SMALL CAP VALUE: AVUV: 15% MID CAP: VO:20% INT SMALL CAP VALUE: AVDV:15% S&P 500: 10% The simpler solution is Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) plus Vanguard Small-cap Value Index Fund (VSIAX). The ratio could be 3:1. Rick Ferri, etf.com (7/21/2014), To Tilt Or Not To Tilt? Using regular mutual funds rather than exchange traded funds (ETFs) allows you to set up automatic investment of new contributions a...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to calculate the effect of expense ratio on retirement savings?
Replies: 57
Views: 4101

Re: How to calculate the effect of expense ratio on retirement savings?

Welcome to the forum :) .

Rom wrote: Sat Mar 11, 2023 8:15 pm
. . . . .

. . . . I would like to focus only on the effect of expense ratio on earnings.

Thank you in advance for any insights you can provide.
The SEC Mutual Fund Cost Calculator.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 17, 2023 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I create my own "fund" on Vanguard or Schwab so I don't have to individually purchase 10 different etfs every month?
Replies: 50
Views: 3157

Re: Can I create my own "fund" on Vanguard or Schwab so I don't have to individually purchase 10 different etfs every mo

One total market index will get you the same results. Can you explain? My portfolio is very different than a total market index. I am tilting towards small cap and value, which over the long term have outperformed the total market significantly. Have you compared your portfolio against a more typical three fund portfolio in portfolio visualized? Even if you were convinced the risk/returns were better with your AA, I’m sure you could recreate by consolidating mainly within VTI and adding a small cap value tilt with a single ETF along with some international exposure in another fund. Do you have a specific tool to suggest on how I can do this comparison? It seems most portfolio visualizer are just looking at past performance. There is no too...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I create my own "fund" on Vanguard or Schwab so I don't have to individually purchase 10 different etfs every month?
Replies: 50
Views: 3157

Re: Can I create my own "fund" on Vanguard or Schwab so I don't have to individually purchase 10 different etfs every mo

Imagine this question has been asked many times, but couldn't find much. Seems like a pretty simple feature for them to implement. Each month I contribute to my portfolio (7 different etfs, at 10-20% weightings). It is time consuming to do this each month. I wish I can just contribute to one thing and set the weightings and it does it for me (market order or set limit order at .02% below market or something). What is the solution to this basic issue? EDIT: 6 funds, not 10. But point is the same. Cheers If in tax-advantaged accounts switch to the regular mutual fund versions of the 6 exchange traded funds (ETFs). With regular mutual funds it's easy set up automatic investment of new contributions and also easy to set up automatic reinvestme...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 17, 2023 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I did it, Goodbye Edward Jones
Replies: 46
Views: 4990

Re: I did it, Goodbye Edward Jones

Congratulations on quitting Edward Jones :) . I finally took the steps to transfer my e jones accounts to fidelity! I now have the following Traditional IRA/Rolledover Acct holdings to figure out what to do with. FUND NAME - % OF ACCT AWSHX AMERICAN WASHNTN MUTUAL INVESTRS CL A - 22% AGTHX AMERICAN GROWTH FUND OF AMERICA CLASS A - 18% SMCWX AMERICAN SMALL CAP WORLD CLASS A - 14% ABNDX AMERICAN BOND FUND OF AMERICA CLASS A - 13% ANWPX AMERICAN NEW PERSPECTIVE CLASS A - 13% CWGIX AMERICAN CAPITAL WORLD GRTH & INC A - 10% LGMAX LOOMIS SAYLES GLOBAL ALLOCATION CLASS A - 4% AHITX AMERICAN HIGH INCOME TRUST CLASS A - 4% NEWFX AMERICAN NEW WORLD FUND CLASS A - 2% This is the breakdown I got from Fidelity Domestic Stock 52% Foreign Stock 24% Bo...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio check up and support/help, specifically vthrx vs fffex
Replies: 11
Views: 504

Re: vthrx vs fffex

RETIRE ONE DAY wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:52 am
ruralavalon wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:48 am
RETIRE ONE DAY wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:54 am roth ira account and it will be maxed every year, 7 years left until retirement, which one and why ? Thank you
vanguard 2030 account vthrx----- fidelity 2030 account fffex
Fidelity Freedom® 2030 (FFFEX) has a high expense ratio, 0.66%. I would never consider using that fund for that reason.

Which fund firm or brokerage is your Roth IRA with?

If at Vanguard I suggest using Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX) ER 0.08%.

If at Fidelity I suggest using Fidelity Freedom® Index 2030 Fund Investor Class (FXIFX) ER 0.12%.
At Capitol Group american funds 2030 target date 0.66 fee but the problem i have is load fee 3.5 %
In your Roth IRA at Capital Group are you charged any fee for buying the Vanguard target date fund?
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 16, 2023 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to personal responsiblilty... [Help with portfolio]
Replies: 10
Views: 1632

Re: New to personal responsiblilty... [Help with portfolio]

Welcome to the forum :happy . Please add the fund names and expense ratios. Please don't use ticker symbols alone. Hello. I am new to this forum and investing. I have $15K to invest in a ROTH, I will take this money out in 10-15yrs from now. From what I have learned from this forum, I have come to the following portfolio: FSPGX 20% VQNPX 20% VTSAX 20% VTRIX 10% VTIAX 10% VQNPX 10% FTBFX 10% This is based on the "Core Fore" and I've expanded a little bit. I don't need this money, I'm hoping it can generate some amount for my future down payment on a home in the future. So I welcome any input and thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully expand my knowledge further. Seven funds is more complex than I prefer. Why funds from...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio check up and support/help, specifically vthrx vs fffex
Replies: 11
Views: 504

Re: vthrx vs fffex

RETIRE ONE DAY wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:54 am roth ira account and it will be maxed every year, 7 years left until retirement, which one and why ? Thank you
vanguard 2030 account vthrx----- fidelity 2030 account fffex
Fidelity Freedom® 2030 (FFFEX) has a high expense ratio, 0.66%. I would never consider using that fund for that reason.

Which fund firm or brokerage is your Roth IRA with?

If at Vanguard I suggest using Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Fund (VTHRX) ER 0.08%.

If at Fidelity I suggest using Fidelity Freedom® Index 2030 Fund Investor Class (FXIFX) ER 0.12%.
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: All investments at Fidelity - is that prudent?
Replies: 16
Views: 2186

Re: All investments at Fidelity - is that prudent?

Always passive wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:15 am Given the present banking crisis I wonder, like I have in the past, whether it is prudent to have almost all of my investments (ETFs, single TIPs plus some cash) at Fidelity. I have worked with them for close to 30 years and I have been very pleased, but what if something happens to Fidelity?

There is an article at WSJ by the name
“Can Your Money Pass a Stress Test? Lessons From SVB’s Collapse”

Which brought back that question.

Once again (this has been discussed in the past) can I get some input on the question???
I don't believe that's an issue. I have all investing accounts with one fund firm (Vanguard) and banking functions with the local branch a large bank.

reasons for using one fund firm
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Long time financial adviser retiring
Replies: 9
Views: 1630

Re: Long time financial adviser retiring

Hello Bogleheads , My long time financial adviser is retiring and his succession plan is to merge his current clients with another firm that uses the same investor broker /dealer . My wife and I have been doing due diligence interviewing two other advisory firms . Question is it prudent to stay with his succession plan or move funds to a new advisory firm ? Thanks What fees are charged by each adviser being considered? Costs matter and they matter a lot. Here is a guide to help in deciding if you want or need an advisor: "The great paradox of using an advisor is that you must know some basics in order to evaluate the advice, and once you do, you also know enough to consider doing your own management." "Chapter 10 – On Your O...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 16, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rolling old 401k accounts
Replies: 4
Views: 485

Re: Rolling old 401k accounts

Hey guys my wife has 2 smaller 401k accounts from pervious employers. With typical 401k account fees should I roll these into something else or should I let them alone. The accounts have been holding their own and doing pretty well but I was thinking long term with 401k fees. Thanks for your advice. A financial advisor told me a few years ago to not worry with rolling them anywhere and just don't forget about them basically. Just getting everyone's opinion. Rollover of some kind should be the default preference; otherwise you may wind up with many small old 401k accounts. The average worker tenure at an employer is just 4-5 years, and employees on average have 12 employers during their working life. Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBR...
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 15, 2023 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mutual Fund vs ETF
Replies: 8
Views: 803

Re: Mutual Fund vs ETF

Bonehead3 wrote: Sun Mar 12, 2023 6:33 pm Hello,

I'm retired and am in Vanguard, primarily the Total Stock Fund. My rep explained that I could switch with no tax consequences to a EFT. Would my annual capitol gains generated internally be less with the ETF?
No difference. The ETF is just another share class of the mutual fund.
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 15, 2023 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TD Ameritrade SEP- over the insurance limits, transfer?
Replies: 2
Views: 216

Re: TD Ameritrade SEP- over the insurance limits, transfer?

My dad has his SEP retirement (>$1M) in cash (for right now) at TD Ameritrade (unsure if it's now Schwab)? He is asking me whether he can and should open SEP accounts at other brokerages and transfer $250K to each to stay under the $250K FDIC limit at each facility. I started to help him look into this. I see that for Fidelity, he needs to complete a form and then mail it in. I also don't see a place to specify how much of his TD Ameritrade money he wants to move to Fidelity. Must he move the whole balance, which defeats the purpose for him, or can he just move maybe $250K and then move other chunks to other brokerages. Does this process take a while since it appears this needs to be done by mail? I told my dad I would call some brokerages...
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 15, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Funds/ Capitol Group investments
Replies: 21
Views: 1423

Re: American Funds/ Capitol Group investments

Welcome to the forum :D # GAIOX FUND- expense ratio 0.68, opened 04/22 with 125k and have added another 1k since then, current balance 110k with a loss of -13.08 since current investment. This is not needed money should i sit on it and wait for better days or take my loss and move to another investment. # AAETX FUND- expense ratio 0.67 this is a roth ira account, opened 04/22 with 21k and have since then added 10k to this for a total investment of 31k, right now the balance is 29,400 with a loss of -2.01 since opened, same question for this account # 55 years old working at least another 7 years and yes i do have a 401 k thru work witch i max out and i do have other investments one in vusxx and then cash I suggest rollover of the Roth IRA t...
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Breaking up with a financial advisor
Replies: 58
Views: 6503

Re: Breaking up with a financial advisor

bshnew wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:51 pm Hi everyone,

Thanks again for all your input. I have a new question. Do you think I need to have bonds in my Roth IRA? I’m 46, I will likely work until 70, I have an incredibly stable job with a 403b and 457b, and my income is solid. I’ve read it’s reasonable to have an all-stock portfolio in your Roth to let it get fat as a tick.

Thanks,
Brooke
In general it makes sense in a Roth IRA to use only stock funds with their higher expected returns.

This is provided that you have good low cost bond funds available to use in your employer's plans.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 14, 2023 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help enter the bond world in my 30's
Replies: 12
Views: 1038

Re: Help enter the bond world in my 30's

I have been investing and fairly basic index funds in both taxable and non taxable for awhile now. Given my age though (mid 30's) I have stayed 100% stocks with a very large, 85% plus, in index funds. Given the recent environment I have really thought about trying to enter the bond world with some of the cash I have sitting on the side. Am I reading the headlines to much by thinking it appears to be a good time to enter the bond world now? Oh I should mention, I don't sell once I buy, so by entering the bond world now it would mean I would anticipate holding. Everything I have read over the last decade has made me more than comfortable being in all stocks but now it just seems like the bonds are providing a more stable return. Any insight ...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 13, 2023 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help with 401K balancing
Replies: 5
Views: 621

Re: Need help with 401K balancing

My total 401K/IRA value is $1.34M. I contribute the maximum to my 401K including catchup ($30K). I have a very small pension that is vested but only pays $8K a year. It is not indexed to inflation. Up until 2023, I used a company called Blooom to manage my Fidelity 401K, but the company folded. I have not touched my IRA since 2019 since the balance did increase from 2019 to 2022. Beyond SSA and a small pension, my IRA and Fidelity 401K are my entire investments. I had hoped to retire at 66 but I don't see that happening anymore. I had hoped to have saved a minimum of $1.8M by retirement. I've listed my current profile below. Emergency Funds: $45K Debt: $0 Mortgage: I split a remaining mortgage of $125K 3-ways on an IN property. Mortgage is...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 12, 2023 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any downsides with international fund inside 401k?
Replies: 5
Views: 735

Re: Any downsides with international fund inside 401k?

renegade06 wrote: Sat Mar 11, 2023 5:09 pm 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 think it's best to rebalance in the 401k account.

Exchanging to international stocks inside your 401k account means the transaction will not trigger income tax liability like a transaction in the taxable account.
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 11, 2023 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need help with 401K balancing
Replies: 5
Views: 621

Re: Need help with 401K balancing

I would not give up on the idea of retirement at age 66 or 67. We all had a rough year last year. A lot can happen in the next 3-4 years. Hi, I posted a question regarding balancing my 401K back in 2019. I was 59 1/2 at the time and my Vanguard 401K was valued at $995K. I had to rollover the 401K into an IRA since the company I work for was acquired. Ironically, while my IRA did grow from 2019-2022, the value of my IRA has fallen back to a current value of $995K. At Vanguard I also have a small Employer savings plan of $45K that was not rolled over. Finally, my 401K at the acquired company is managed through Fidelity and it has a value of $313K. My total 401K/IRA value is $1.34M. Up until 2023, I used a company called Blooom to manage my Fi...
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 11, 2023 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Made my first trades today
Replies: 21
Views: 1689

Re: Made my first trades today

KellyInBaconville wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 5:00 pm In the t-IRA that came over from EJ was in cash. It settled yesterday.
This morning I bought
FZROZ
FZILX
FXNAX
Best part was no fees to do this!! :happy
Think I’m beginning a journey.
Still reading the Wiki here.
Lots to learn.
Congratulations, no fees and extremely low expense ratios :D
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please Help With 401k Allocation
Replies: 7
Views: 622

Re: Please Help With 401k Allocation

Do you or your spouse have any other accounts? It's often best to coordinate investments among all accounts, rather than treat any particular account in isolation. My 401k is ~40% of overall net worth, I left my old job and never got around to moving my 401k to new employer. Should I keep that money in old 401k plan? And if so do you think I should reallocate existing funds? Or should I move the money to my new 401k plan? What do you think of the investment choices in new plan? Any comments on which funds to choose? Other things I should consider? I'm 40yr old with 3 elementary aged kids. Wife and I both work and max out 401k each year. This is solely my 401k plan and have no intention to retire early (another 15 years minimum). Old 401k ~4...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Additional retirement savings in taxable accounts
Replies: 27
Views: 3221

Re: Additional retirement savings in taxable accounts

patientnvstr wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 10:56 am
ruralavalon wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:39 am What is your tax bracket, both federal and state?
I'm 24% Federal, 9.3% state (California).
ruralavalon wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:39 am Hold a larger fixed income income allocation in the tax-deferred accounts accounts to achieve your desired overall asset allocation.
So either a different target retirement fund in my taxable accounts, or adding some additional bond funds to balance out the overall asset allocation?
It depends on what fixed income funds are offered offered in your employer's 401k plan. Which fixed income funds are offered? Please give fund names, tickers and expense ratios.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Additional retirement savings in taxable accounts
Replies: 27
Views: 3221

Re: Additional retirement savings in taxable accounts

What is your tax bracket, both federal and state? I'm currently maxing out my 401k and IRA, have emergency savings and no debt, and am looking to save additional funds towards retirement. Since my 401k and IRA both use a target retirement fund (VTIVX), should I try to mimic that fund in my taxable account using tax efficient funds? Is that even possible, and if so, any guidance on fund choices? Much appreciated! I suggest very tax-efficient total market or large-cap stock index funds your taxable account. If at Vanguard that could be Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX), the ETF share class is VTI. Hold a larger fixed income income allocation in the tax-deferred accounts accounts to achieve your desired overall asset allocation. W...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard vs Schwab
Replies: 84
Views: 9070

Re: Vanguard vs Schwab

Target2019 wrote: Fri Feb 03, 2023 4:58 pm
jbogler wrote: Thu Feb 02, 2023 11:25 am Thank you for all the great feedback. I will sum it up as "it depends". Depends on what your needs are, as there are quite a number of factors. I will digest all this information and make a decision
Most recommend what they use. That's human nature. What I've observed over a very long time, with my own behavior and others, is that humans tend to look past the data that doesn't support their choice.
Or it could be that many people have settled down at a fund firm or brokerage that suits their personal needs.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 07, 2023 5:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Already Retired - ETF’s?
Replies: 18
Views: 1282

Re: Already Retired - ETF’s?

I am 78, wife is 75. Have small ($50K) IRA, paid for (~$250K) home and ~$200K in taxable brokerage account with a 1.25% fee. And, that account is entirely ETF’s and MF’s. No need to leave any funds to kids. They do quite fine. Simply want to gradually withdraw $7K-$10K annually to live our years. And with lower or no fees. Think I could do fine with the appropriate ETF’s in a robo account or a zero cost brokerage account and be rid of the advisory fees (or have a significantly lower annual fee with a robo). I really do not want to spend much time to manage an account. Did that for the better part of my life. Looking for advice on my fee reduction ideas and thoughts on where (robo or self)? TIA Did not make any transfer yet to a robo. My Fe...
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 07, 2023 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disappointed in Bonds...
Replies: 208
Views: 17934

Re: Disappointed in Bonds...

Alex GR wrote: Tue Mar 07, 2023 10:01 am . . . . so what happened is, I kept buying bonds and they kept going down :oops:
That is good, isn't it? Buying more of something on sale.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 07, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If not Vanguard, then who?
Replies: 62
Views: 4942

Re: If not Vanguard, then who?

saycanyouc wrote: Mon Mar 06, 2023 2:11 pm Basis of this question: I'm getting what I consider unacceptable customer service from Vanguard. For convenience's sake, lets not discuss why I feel that way. My interest is in competence and low fees. For those of you who are Vanguard customers, if you HAD TO move your account, where would you move it to?
In my opinion either Fidelity or Schwab would be good choices. If moving my personal preference would be Fidelity for slightly better mutual fund selection (total international stock index, and small-cap value index funds), and better use of cash.
by ruralavalon
Tue Mar 07, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 31 year old investing for first time, would love your guidance
Replies: 52
Views: 5607

Re: 31 year old investing for first time, would love your guidance

As a fellow 31 year old, I recommend dumping everything that you can into VT Vanguard Total World and think about bonds in 10 years. If VT isn't available, then the cheapest target date fund available. Considering we have a long runway, I'm not going to assume the US dominates the stock market our entire lives. With VT, you're covered no matter what happens, but this is debated ad nauseam here; you'll have to come to your own conclusions. Keep things as simple as possible and worry about saving more than investing right now, as your savings are likely to outpace any investment gains. Thank you! Yeah, I ended up going with a strategy of 60% domestic and 40% international stocks as an overall in my portfolio. When you say, "worry about ...
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 9582
Views: 1772605

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Death on the Nile, with Britbox on Amazon Prime.

This is the 2004 movie-length TV adaptation starring David Suchet as Poirot. "A wealthy American heiress honeymooning on a Nile cruise ship is stalked by a former friend, whose boyfriend she had stolen before making him her new husband." IMDb.

Recommend.
by ruralavalon
Mon Mar 06, 2023 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking Investment Advice: Where Should I Allocate My Money This Month?
Replies: 8
Views: 690

Re: Seeking Investment Advice: Where Should I Allocate My Money This Month?

Do you have employees in your business?

The individual (solo) 401k has higher contribution limits than other account types, but with more paperwork required than the other tax-advantaged account types.

So if you have no employees, then an individual (solo) 401k is your better choice.
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 05, 2023 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking Investment Advice: Where Should I Allocate My Money This Month?
Replies: 8
Views: 690

Re: Seeking Investment Advice: Where Should I Allocate My Money This Month?

Welcome to the forum. If you came here hoping to find "hot stock tips", you are in the wrong part of the internet. If you came here looking for good financial advice that isn't based on false assumptions and fads, you are in the right spot! It will be hard for anyone to give you meaningful advice without a better understanding of your situation. As such, highly recommend editing your post and following the guidance/format of https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asking_portfolio_questions Doing so should force you to think about "your desired asset allocation", among other things. Other resources you might find useful: https://www.etf.com/docs/IfYouCan.pdf https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Prioritizing_investments https://www.b...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 05, 2023 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transitioning to bogleheads index funds from stocks portfolio
Replies: 10
Views: 906

Re: Transitioning to bogleheads index funds from stocks portfolio

More information is needed. Hi All, Looking for advice on best way to transition stocks portfolio to indexing to 4 ETFs as per bogleheads suggestions. Few questions: Edits: I am 40 year old , my effective tax rate was 20% last year, my spouse is home maker. My portfolio in taxable account is 400k and non taxable is 400k. 1. Is there a science of doing this over 1-3 months or should i simply sell all my stocks portfolio and immediately allocate to index funds? 2. Is there a right way of doing this? 3. Should i spread this over 1-2 years? For a large portfolio? What is your tax bracket, both federal state? In your taxable account what stocks (please give name and ticker symbol for each stock) do you hold, and what is the current capital gain/...
by ruralavalon
Sun Mar 05, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking Investment Advice: Where Should I Allocate My Money This Month?
Replies: 8
Views: 690

Re: Seeking Investment Advice: Where Should I Allocate My Money This Month?

Welcome to the forum :D . It's good to see that you will be investing regularly every month, and intend to invest for the long-term. Hi there, I'm looking to start investing my money for the long term, with a plan to invest 10% of my income every month. My top priority is finding an investment with a high earnings yield, followed by something that has a low risk of losing value, and finally, the potential for significant growth. Currently, I'm considering investing in BXMT, based on a couple of articles I've read about the best REITs. The stock is in a good price range and seems to be on an upward trend. Additionally, BXMT has been experiencing steady growth, so there is a potential for value appreciation over time. To ensure diversificatio...
by ruralavalon
Sat Mar 04, 2023 4:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where is everyone's ["safe asset"] allocation?
Replies: 96
Views: 10130

Re: Where is everyone's allocation

Marseille07 wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2023 1:13 pm
pizzy wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:15 pm
ruralavalon wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:13 pm
pizzy wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 2:53 pm
RobLyons wrote: Fri Feb 24, 2023 2:48 pm Age 41 and I continue to hold no bond funds or treasuries.
Any cash?
Any other kind of fixed income investment?

Any pension? A large multi year "emergency fund" ?
"I don't count that" is a response I've seen here a lot.
Give them a break. All they said was they don't hold bonds. Why do they have to be inquired about cash or pensions?
Because the initial question was not just about bonds, it was about the "safe" part of an investment plan.
chrismckay wrote: Tue Feb 21, 2023 11:38 pm After a rough period, are Bonds still the "go to" for your safe % of your portfolio?

Chris :happy
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 03, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Uncomplicated Vanguard Fund For 80 Year Old Spouse]
Replies: 18
Views: 1885

Re: [Uncomplicated Vanguard Fund For 80 Year Old Spouse]

Why or why not VTINX Vanguard Retirement Income Fund as the single, and only, fund in Deferred tax account? Objective is to keep withdrawals very simple for 80 year old spouse after I die. The rationale is, spouse is not rich but will have ample cash and is not at all interested or competent to invest after my death. Preservation, for her, trumps growth. But let's be honest, inflation must be a consideration - even for an 80 year old. I noted a recent comment from Taylor Larimore who seems to be a valued contributor to this forum who said VTINX Vanguard Retirement Income Fund is "a very good fund". Sure, you lose flexibility when you need or want to cash in - but spouse just wants to keep it simple. Anybody really sour on VTINX i...
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTWAX or VT in Fidelity IRA?
Replies: 4
Views: 568

Re: VTWAX or VT in Fidelity IRA?

mdlm wrote: Fri Mar 03, 2023 11:31 am I have an IRA at Fidelity. I want to invest in the broadest possible stock index.

I think that means VTWAX (mutual fund) or VT (ETF). Other fund companies have 'all world' funds/ETFs but they all have significantly higher costs.

Should I invest in VTWAX or VT? VT is simply the ETF version of VTWAX.

The main differences I see are that (1) VTWAX is slightly more expensive and (2) for VT I need to pay the bid/ask spread (I understand that I only need to pay it twice, once when I buy and once when I sell many years from now, but it looks like it is a couple of pips so it is not irrelevant).
In an IRA at Fidelity use Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) ER 0.07%.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 6547
Views: 1502085

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Dead to Me, by J. M. Dagliesh.

This is a murder mystery set in Norfolk, England. A teenage girl has disappeared from foster care, and homeless man is found dead in the trunk of a wrecked car at a rural salvage yard.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 03, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 4746
Views: 768324

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Age 77, my asset allocation is 60/40.

Total return year to date is up 2.88%.
by ruralavalon
Fri Mar 03, 2023 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio
Replies: 46
Views: 4027

Re: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio

Which accounts have to be moved in 2 days? Brokerage $55K 3.8% Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) ER 0.06% 10.19% Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) ER 0.03% Brokerage (must be moved) $62K 5.3% Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX) ER 0.11% 10.48% Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) ER 0.04% Rollover tIRA $209K 5.72% Schwab Intermediate-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (SCHR) ER 0.05% 4.63% Schwab International Index Fund (SWISX) ER 0.06% 42.88% Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) ER 0.03% tIRA (must be moved) $10K 2.54% Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) ER 0.04% Roth IRA (must be moved) $56K 4.22% Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admira...
by ruralavalon
Thu Mar 02, 2023 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio
Replies: 46
Views: 4027

Re: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio

Which accounts have to be moved in 2 days?

Why do they have to be moved in 2 days?
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 01, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio
Replies: 46
Views: 4027

Re: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio

I agree with the suggestion to rollover the traditional IRAs into the 401k, for simplicity.
by ruralavalon
Wed Mar 01, 2023 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio
Replies: 46
Views: 4027

Re: Portfolio Review: VTIAX/VTSAX/VBTLX and SWISX/SWTSX In Same Portfolio

Welcome to the forum :) It's great to see that you are debt free, using tax-advantaged accounts, making maximum annual contributions, and investing in very diversified index funds with very low expense ratios. Some additional information may be helpful (see my questions below). Please simply add any new information to your original post using the edit button (the pencil icon near the upper right corner of your post), it helps a lot if all of your information is in one place). Hello, and thank you for your time and sharing your wisdom. Emergency Fund: $81K (5 years of routine living expenses; half in 17-week T-Bills) Thats a huge emergency fund, far larger than I would suggest. What is your reason for a 5 year emergency fund? $10K I-Bond Deb...