More Posts
Are low-cost mutual funds or ETFs better investments in a tax-advantaged account? Also, more strategizing from that SECURE Act 2.0 529 plan provision, the pros and cons of selling a rental house now or holding it until you pass, and an easy-breezy self-employed retirement account that’s better than a SEP IRA. Plus, will municipal bond income bump you into a higher tax bracket? Can you avoid capital gains tax by investing less aggressively over time?
Joe and Big Al spitball on set-and-forget brokerage investments for 30-something investors, real estate as a substitute for bonds in a diversified portfolio, and options for taking a state pension with or without sick time pay. The fellas also discuss how to bridge the gap until collecting Social Security, strategies for claiming spousal Social Security benefits, and whether you need to sign up for Medicare if you’d rather keep the healthcare you already have.
Is it better to choose low-cost index funds or to diversify investments, even if it means paying higher fees? What causes mutual fund price fluctuation? Are mid-cap funds necessary in a balanced portfolio? Joe and Big Al also talk about real estate funds vs. real estate investment trusts (REITs), and annuities vs. bonds in a retirement portfolio. Finally, we revisit some investing strategy questions from earlier in the year that are still relevant in today’s volatile markets, on moving to cash in tough times, analyzing your asset allocation, and rebalancing your retirement portfolio.
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
LISTEN on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Player FM
Joe and Big Al discuss LIRPs, or life insurance retirement plans, they spitball whether to take full pension survivor benefits or buy a life insurance policy, and whether to sell losing stocks for even bigger losers to take advantage of the 0% capital gains tax bracket. Plus, zero coupon municipal bonds and the de minimis rule, and target date funds as part of Paul Merriman’s Two Funds for Life strategy. Finally, how do dividends figure into the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals, and should that 4% come from stocks or bonds?
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
LISTEN on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Player FM
Most investors hold bonds for safety, diversification, and income. In fact, you’ve probably read or been told that you should hold stocks for growth and bonds for safety. There is logic to that advice; bonds have historically been much less volatile than stocks and historically have provided ballast during stormy markets. That concept might leave […]
When you retire and when you actually stop working may be two different things. How can you get a raise when you’re working for a startup in retirement? Should you do Roth conversions before or after you quit working? Plus, find out what Joe and Big Al think about a 529 and series I bond gifting strategy, and using whole life insurance to transfer wealth to the kids.
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
LISTEN on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Player FM
With the consumer price index at forty-year highs, this is a good time to take a look at what types of investments might make sense in an inflationary environment. Before diving in, though, it’s important to note that there are no foolproof methods to avoid short-term surprises. The bottom line is that if inflation readings […]
Inflation is high, interest rates are high, and the financial markets are volatile. Are bonds and series I bonds good investments or bad investments right now? How do bonds fit into your overall retirement portfolio? Plus, variable annuities, evaluating the long-term value of Roth contributions vs. Roth conversions, what if anything can be done about losses in an after-tax 401(k), helping adult kids buy a home – and drinks in the Derails.
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
LISTEN on Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Player FM
Financial markets remained volatile in the second quarter of 2022, while inflation reached four-decade highs and concerns grew that inflation fighting efforts might tip the economy into a recession. Regarding the possibility of a recession, some context is also in order. There is an old joke that goes like this: Q: What’s the difference between […]
Part 1: High-Yield Bonds We’ve been living in a world of low-interest rates for a while, which means that although they still provide both safety and diversification, it can sometimes be difficult to get the income you want from traditional, high-quality bonds. Because of that, some investors are looking around at alternative income sources to […]
If you own bonds and you’re like most investors, you’re probably frightened by the idea that interest rates might keep going up. After all, everyone knows that higher rates are a disaster for bond owners. The thing is, though, that prevailing wisdom may not be correct. What are bond investors really afraid of? As a […]
Covered calls, preferred stocks, interest on series I bonds, required minimum distributions (RMD) from your retirement accounts and when they must begin, using retirement savings at age 72 to buy a home, calculating the highest possible Social Security benefit, and how it may be taxed. Plus, listener comments about YMYW and Andi’s record collection!
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
How much company stock in your investment portfolio is too risky? Can series I savings bonds act as the cash in your portfolio? In the sequence of retirement savings, would contributing to a brokerage account instead of maxing out your 401(k) or 403(b) ever make sense? How should a 20-something self-employed couple, investing monthly in Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX), get retirement-ready? Is it possible to pay for the construction of a new home and keep the earned income tax credit and child tax credits? Should Roth conversion funds come from an inherited IRA, 401(k), brokerage account, or Social Security?
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
Can your investment portfolio be over diversified? How do dividends and net unrealized appreciation (NUA) work? How will ownership inequality in the stock market impact future returns for most investors? What do Joe & Big Al think of target date funds? Plus, the YMYW podcast is now on video! Watch the fellas spitball on annuities, bonds, long-term treasuries, risk tolerance, the buckets of money investing strategy and the latest on the Roth provisions in the Build Back Better Act. Show notes, video clips, free resources, Ask Joe & Al On Air: https://bizlink.to/ymyw-352
Subscribe to the YMYW podcast Subscribe to the YMYW newsletter
When you first learn about investing you are told to diversity – to spread out your risk. But if you invested in bonds, certificates of deposit, or put your money in a savings accounts lately you could be losing money. Now and for recent history, the return has been near zero versus 5% historically. So […]
