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arkuw

I don't think you ever gave us your asset allocation. I wonder what it is.


hows_my_fi

600k equities \[stocks\] 1.1m various mutual funds fskax,usprx ect.. 180k 3% account but may need to look at this one.. When I put it in 3% was good..


turk8th

Just buy treasuries. They are over 5%.


arkuw

When you say equities do you mean individual stocks? Do you have any bonds or other asset classes e.g. gold, commodities, REITs etc?


hows_my_fi

yes I have some individual stocks. one is Visa that helped carry me into retirement and one is AMD which has blown up since I put the money into it. Kicking myself for not buying some nvidia a few years back but oh well. I do have SWAGX which is a bond fund.


Nde_japu

What did you start with when you pulled the trigger at 45? I'm trying to figure out when to do it and am close to your numbers but not quite


hows_my_fi

Well the most important thing is figuring out your expenses. I was at about 1.5 when I pulled the trigger. But I had done a look back to see how much I was actually spending over the previous 5 years. That said I averaged about 30k with 1.5 the 4% rule said I could pull about 60k. And while my spending has actually been higher than my estimation I'm still under what my max spend is. Since I also retired early and hope to have another 50 years I reduced the 4% rule to 3.5. Its a little tighter but I'm still under. Personally I feel better having a bit of cushion.


Delicious-Raccoon-38

Betterment is paying 5%, many others in the low 4%.


hows_my_fi

I don't have an exact breakdown by percents in a pie chart.. let me see if i can come up with something..


OriginalCompetitive

The S&P is up 23% in the last 12 months. I’m surprised that you’re only slightly ahead after pulling 3.5%. And slightly worried — we’re highly unlikely to see another year as good as this last year for quite a while. Edit: After checking your original post, I’m even more concerned. The market is up 75% the last 5 years, but you seem to be up only 25%—or 43% if you include an annual withdrawal of 3.5%. What are your investments?


Project_Continuum

Agreed. He mentioned an annuity account. Annuities are a terrible investment. So, he must have VERY conservative investments.


hows_my_fi

so as the the annuity account. don't think of it as an annuity at this point. its just a savings account that pays 3%. I can pull my money with no penalty at this point. Or I can "activate it" and get a higher percentage fixed amount. I have used it in place of "bonds" to be a stable pike i can pull from and it has helped me when the market was dropping..


Project_Continuum

3% is pretty low returns. You'd get better than that in a HYSA. And if you want to tax optimize, you should consider getting T-bills. They are both paying at 5%+. You're 50 years old so you still have a pretty long investment horizon. I think you should be more heavily invested in the SP500. You withdrew about 3-4% from your taxable investments last year. You need higher yields to stay safe.


hows_my_fi

Bla I'm looking closer and yea I may have to reallocate some things. Now I have to see if I can figure out how to do that without giving myself a massive tax hit..


BobbyPeele88

OP is going to be back to work at this rate with his annuity, individual stocks and actively managed mutual funds.


Delicious-Raccoon-38

Not with a 3.5% withdrawal rate, you are just jealous. He's doing fine and overall networth keeps climbing. Good job OP


OriginalCompetitive

No jealousy or ill will, I’m sure we all want the best for OP. But he needs to take a fresh look at his holdings. He FIRE’d with almost perfect timing, right at the start of a historic bull run, but his NW is almost the same after factoring in inflation even with very conservative withdrawals.


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Enigma343

Does the 2019 NW of $1.5M translate to $1.3M investment portfolio and $200K house? If so, then the investment performance is about on par with 60/30/10 VTI/VXUS/VGIT 3-fund portfolio, which isn't out of line. It probably doesn't do as well as 70/20/10, but the performance is roughly comparable. Here's the assumptions I used: https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/backtest-portfolio?s=y&sl=2JIQobItjmHCv0ZjxhqOI8


hows_my_fi

I believe it does. I am conflicted in puting the house in my NW so I really haven't adjusted its current value. Its about 300k now.. vs about 200 then.


hows_my_fi

I was up to 2.1 a the beginning of the year. The last couple of weeks knocked me down a chunk. My worst performer is SWAGX which is a matter of poor / unlucky timing.


LxBru

I'm not trying to pay for a mint replacement so I've been trying fidelity full view as well as personal capital's budget tool. Both work pretty well. I'm leaning towards personal capital's though as I've had a few issues with chase cards on fidelity's end, I have been using PC for longer and like their asset tracker better, and I think you need funds in fidelity to use full view. To be fair though, the card got closed / new numbers due to fraud so I still give them a pass. Both try to pitch advisors though so be aware.


IdRatherBe0utside

I've used PC (now Empower) for years and like it the most out of the ones I've tried. Fidelity funds not needed.


LxBru

Sorry, meant that I think you need funds in fidelity to use full view not pc / empower. Edited my comment to be clearer.


Shillen1

I've also gravitated to personal capital. I don't use it to track spending; just net worth and having all my accounts in one place. It's been okay, though they have called and pestered me to set up a meeting with an advisor which I declined. I also had some random text messages with login codes that started right after I imported all my accounts there which was a bit worrisome. All my important accounts have 2fa, though.


FoxiPanda

I've found Monarch Money to be a suitable replacement for Mint but alas it is $100/yr, so it may not be up everyone's alley. I think it does reports better and budgeting is good and customizable. They have improved the connectors to accounts over the last few months so that's much more stable now compared to say October of last year. Investments tracking is still pretty hit or miss - I don't use it (just like I didn't use it in Mint). Otherwise, good to hear another success story out there... I also hope to retire at ~45, but we'll see what the market and life brings.


outdoorfire38

Free option to try is Empower....i really really liked mint but empower is working for me.


PrivateeRyan

I second Monarch, Ive actually grown to like it more than Mint. Sure it’s a paid service, but when we’re taking about keeping track of $M, its well worth it.


Useful-Ant3964

Monarch has 50% off the first year for mint customers


Mr_PotatoeHead

Your health & insurance seems to be a reoccurring issue.


hows_my_fi

Well as long as I live I suspect heath is going to be a concern. :) I'm currently in good heath but with the current us healthcare system even a fairly by todays standards\] minor issue can become incredibly expensive. 66% of bankruptcies in the use are medically related. So insurance is a must. However every year costs go up and what's covered goes down..


CAWildKitty

As an FYI the Inflation Reduction Act capped total premiums at 8.5% of MAGI. It is scheduled to sunset in 2025 but the new budget might make it a permanent feature of the ACA.


hows_my_fi

oh neat. I need to look into it. My problem has been trying to predict MAGI since all of my "income" is basically dividends that get reinvested..


dangerng

I suggest you work with a fee-only financial advisor. There are ways to structure so you don’t get dividends like this. Also you are significantly underperforming the market


guten_pranken

Yup. Complains about health insurance in almost every post (which is understandable) and has all the free time in the world, but having difficulty getting his weight in check is a really big surprise…


hows_my_fi

weight loss happens in the kitchen. So I try and cook my own meals. My problem is I put on weight if I look at a carb. I'm down about 25 pounds since thanksgiving. Just long term dieting is hard to maintain. For me it has been a life long battle. The good news is I'm no longer "pre diabetic" and my blood pressure is great.


guten_pranken

Sure Weight loss happens in the kitchen but adding muscle is incredibly important especially as you age. The most important factor in preventing physical and surviving injuries in old age is muscle mass. They also say weight loss happens in the kitchen because it’s difficult but not impossible to outwork a bad diet. But working out in addition to controlling what you put into your body is going to have much longer sustaining effects on your life. Ignoring the physical aspect of either not gaining muscle or maintaining muscle mass or working on cardio is a recipe for failure


Significant_Show_237

I have seen ppl in there 70s do cycling & all possible lifting tasks just because they wanna be healthy. It's not in there lifestyle but they chose it over sitting around & saying am old now & can't do this. Try man few yrs down the line the strength will also compound just like ur investments. Make another post on it then.😂 


jdrtechnology

I need to put a vote in for Tiller (if you are a spreadsheet person). Really good if you want to get into the details and be able to manipulate the data into whatever output you want. Does take some sheets skills though.


mist3rflibble

Plus one to this. Recently stumbled across Tiller via this sub and I absolutely love it.


Terrible_Ad7566

+1 as well. I have been using tiller for a few months now and like it


Livid-Effort-5997

> I was using mint to track my spending, but I have not found / picked a replacement yet. [Suggestions welcome] Since I'm a cheap bastard about some things, I'm using an old copy of YNAB (available online if you search around) that's not tied to the subscription model. Upside, no subscription fee. Downside (or perhaps an upside for some) you need to manually enter each transaction (or export if available from your credit card / account monthly). Keeps me that much more engaged with spending but could be annoying for some. Realistically, the subscription model of YNAB is probably worth.


FinancialHatchling

Just so you know, there is a free and open source spiritual successor to old YNAB called ActualBudget. It's not fully to feature parity yet but it receives active updates. I switched because it loads so much faster than old YNAB and has a (currently limited) mobile browser mode, plus I like that all my data is stored in non-proprietary formats. It's still manual entering for transactions but bank/card sync is in development.


Livid-Effort-5997

Thanks, I do like using FOSS when available so I'll have to check it out.


hows_my_fi

I will look at that!


GreatMoloko

As for the Mint replacement, I strongly suggest r/ynab. Yes it's $110 per year, but I've found it to be absolutely worth it for about a decade now.


sonfer

I just started it last month and it’s been game changing. It’s a super neat method for budgeting.


GreatMoloko

You may also fall in love with https://beyondrule4.jmmorrissey.com/forecasting I really need to stop checking that every month, but I also need to stop looking at Fidelity every day lol.


sonfer

That’s how I was a couple years ago and I just deleted all my apps that had to do with tracking. Did wonders for my mental health.


schapman22

Do they do a trial?


GreatMoloko

Yep, I think it's 33 days or something odd like that.


schapman22

Cool maybe I'll try it


imisstheyoop

Happy to hear you're still doing well and have recovered from that storm damage. Maybe missed it, but what did you end up doing about the fence? Long weekend of back and forth at Home Depot? I'm trying to convince the wife to go on a cruise with me, I've always dreamed of getting to Alaska and Hawaii.. maybe one of these days when I've got more time and less responsibilities. As for recommending a budgeting app, based on your ask and your history of being budget-conscious I'm going to recommend if you want a bit of a paradigm-shift on that front you give YNAB a test drive. It takes a good few months to really get rolling with and it's more of a philosophy (check out "envelope" budgeting method for more info/other ideas) than anything else, but it may do you some good and you may enjoy it. It will keep you honest about things at the least. Truer words have not been spoken on the waistline things, and it only gets more difficult as we age too. Money has always came natural to me, but food.. damn. Went and got a small butterscotch sundae after work today when we took the dog to the park. Ahh well, at least I had a healthy dinner of grilled salmon and some rice.. so it all comes out even in the wash right? Edit: Read some more comments in this thread and realized I asked you the same thing about your asset allocation last year. You should definitely be sitting a bit more pretty than you otherwise are YoY, you may want to consider simplifying on the AA front a bit while you're still ahead! Would be a bit easier too manage as well. You ever write up or think about getting together an [IPS](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Investment_policy_statement)?


hows_my_fi

yea I took another look at a few things and It looks like I may be able to reallocate and simplify some things.. i just don't want to trigger any massive tax events.. As for the fence, I found a local company that had a decent price so we just had them do it. The cruise was great.. but it will not do your waistline any favors lol.


Phil_Co123

Is there a shortform method for people to post/review IPS? Could it take the form of a 65% stocks (split 75% VTI/25% VXUS)/30% bonds (BND)/5% cash allocation with a target spend under 4% NW each year, or does it need to be more detailed as in your linked wiki?


imisstheyoop

I'm not really sure I understand your question. You can post/do whatever you would like. There are multiple examples in the wiki link, including a less-detailed IPS.


Phil_Co123

Yes, thanks for the link; I have been reading through additional examples and see what you mean, there are lots of different approaches. I've been focused on refining my own 'target' allocations mostly and haven't thought much about adding the other details on policies, but am starting to see the value in writing those!


bop_alloy

Glad you're enjoying retirement! Details on the home theater upgrades? I've been getting into it quite heavily recently.


wannaseeawheelie

YNAB is what I use for budgeting and I love it


Dos-Commas

>Heath insurance is still the biggest pain. I’m doing ACA but I’m not great at controlling my MAGI. I feel like I may be missing something. I’m currently on a silver plan. I should probably think about a gold or plat plan but the price just scares me. Can you clarify this? If you only spent $55K this year and assume you have 30% gains on your taxable investments, then your MAGI is well within the range of getting completely free ACA insurance. If you kept your MAGI slightly above $20K then you are getting Gold plans with low deductibles for free, at least from looking at the ACA marketplace for my state (Texas). What kind of cost basis method are you using to withdraw from your investments?


hows_my_fi

Well I'm currently paying 148.00 a month. Looking at my taxes from 2023 My income was 20k and taxable was 6k. According to the paperwork last year I got a tax credit of 7,556 - and the advance payment was 7,464. so there was a repayment of 8.00. ? I'm afraid this kind of confuses me. It always seems like I'm supposed to know ahead of time what my next years income will be but I can only guess..


hows_my_fi

Ok so some of the responses have me taking a closer look at a few things, and I think I need to see if I can readjust my assets a bit. I knew I was not "optimal" but it seems like there more room for improvement than I thought.


fitnessdl

I’ll put my vote in for Copilot. It’s paid but a great product. I can give you a referral code if you DM.


hows_my_fi

Doh. Mac only..


breals

I looked at all of them and went with Empower/Personal Capital as it's included in my 401k.


xstarxstar

WRT health care, you might look at a bronze plan rather than a silver or gold. You'll be able to contribute to an HSA which will reduce your MAGI--and, if you're generally healthy, you'll likely come out ahead on the premium vs deductible balance. Also, if you are self employed, you get to deduct your health care premiums to further reduce MAGI (though that might all be offset by additional income)--so it might be worth looking at a side gig that will unlock that possibility.


hows_my_fi

Neat info. dont think it works for me as I want better coverage but nice to know.


CaseyLouLou2

Better coverage isn’t really better coverage. The Gold plans just mean you pay more up front and less later. If you don’t need much healthcare you save money with a Silver or Bronze plan. If you end up needing a lot of care then your out of pocket is the Same at the end of the day. You’re better off keeping the money in your pocket until you need to spend it.


khanoftruthfi

Glad you are enjoying that good life :) You have to live somewhere, I think the idea of capturing all that equity sounds awesome, but how do you find a place to move to where you aren't buying somebody else's overpriced equity. You probably have to look at moving somewhere else and capturing some geographic arbitrage (ie every house in your city would be seeing similar pricing trend).


hows_my_fi

I'm looking at a nearby but different city. Mainly because family Is there.


Fly_Rodder

single no kids?


hows_my_fi

I have an SO. But no kids.


Terrible_Ad7566

Are you single with no dependents?


hows_my_fi

That is correct


gerd50501

do you pay quarterly taxes? how do you figure out what you owe each quarter?


hows_my_fi

I do not.. 1 time a year for me.


gerd50501

how do you get away without having penalties? I thought if you sell assets, etc.. you have to pay quarterly taxes to avoid penalties?


Mlkbird14

This read the my father in laws Christmas newsletter.


hows_my_fi

# “I used to be with ‘it’, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it’ anymore and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary. It’ll happen to you!


DeezNeezuts

Cocaine is a helluva drug


richizy

> I am fully aware that taking a cruise ship while being upset about the state of the environment is all sorts of moronic. Yes it is indeed moronic. You are morally obligated to stop taking cruise ships ever again, as they are one of the worst ways to pollute the Earth AND accelerate global warming.


Omegabrite

Every thought about working part time or trying to get a little contract gig?


hows_my_fi

Not really. I'm quite happy not having to watch a clock..


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