Recent content by JPD5801

Or, build the exact vehicle you want on the manufacturer’s site using your preferred dealer’s zip, and it’ll appear on the lot and you can go buy it. That’s what happened to me. I spent close to 3 months researching and building cars on Ford’s site. Then, the car I really wanted appeared on...

Are you going to do a more detailed write-up? I’ve been looking at them online, and I keep reading that some people feel they are over-priced. Any additional details would be appreciated.

I have been looking at that one. What do you think about it?

I’ll preface these comments by saying I am a Financial Advisor. If you open an account with Schwab or Fidelity, ETF trades are generally commission free. I wouldn’t pay a broker $40 per trade to buy an index fund. That’s a waste of your money. Agreed. A Professional who does comprehensive...

Potentially stupid question that I think I already know the answer to: Will dealers ever honor another’s special? Right now, most dealers have the 2019 F150s marked down. If I found a truck at one dealer that is marked down by $10k, is there any way in hell I could buy that truck, for that...

Not sure how this is relevant here.

https://blog.wealthfront.com/7702-retirement-plan/

If you can do both, do both! 401ks have higher contribution limits and the prospect of an employer contribution. When did the drop start? That would have been the time to dump it! It’s just a rule of thumb. It won’t hold true for everyone. Plus, this is an average - you won’t get 5-8%...

Whatever makes you happy! What would you do for money? Keep working? You can’t build long term wealth living like that, but if you don’t care about wealth, do what makes you happy! I’ve never seen hedge funds in a life insurance policy. Most are standard mutual funds offered by the issuing...

Excellent point on PA state tax. The “catch” is that they don’t give you a deduction for contributing to retirement accounts while you’re working.

I feel like I’m missing details - why are you limited to 4%? Does the plan fail the annual testing (do you and other highly compensated employees get refunds?) Because you are highly compensated, and covered by a retirement plan at work, you won’t be able to make a deductible contribution to...

That works out to roughly $2.1MM at retirement. Don’t forget SS benefits though - most people think the program will go away, but I don’t agree with that line of thought. It may be hard to believe, but tax rates are around all time lows. (There was a time when the highest marginal tax rate...

How do you define "comfy?" The rule of thumb has been that someone can withdraw about 3.5% of their portfolio for a period of 30 years without outliving their money. So, if you want to live on $35k in retirement, you would need a portfolio of $1,000,000 to support that. This doesn't include...

When investments are gifted, the cost basis 'carry's over' to the recipient. Given the run up we've seen in the stock markets over the last 10 years, it is possible that the cost basis on that fund is very low. It may not be worth paying the taxes to sell AIVSX and buy a new fund. If you want...

That depends on the expenses associated with the 401(k) Plan. Contrary to popular belief, 401(k) plans are not free to the employees of a firm. If the IRA has lower fees and expenses than the 401(k) plan, it is likely you'll be better off leaving your money in the IRA. Also, IRAs generally...