Previously you could only get a target date fund in the form of a mutual fund. Now they're available as ETFs. The enormous asset manager BlackRock has launched the industry's first lineup of target date ETFs. I've noted elsewhere why ETFs are usually preferable to mutual funds for a number of reasons and are gradually replacing mutual funds. Millions of Americans … [Read more...] about BlackRock iShares Launches First Target Date ETFs
Retirement
Buy Borrow Die Strategy Explained – How the Rich Avoid Taxes
The Buy Borrow Die strategy is a tax minimization technique that has made headlines in recent years because it's what rich people like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffett do to avoid taxes. Here we'll look at how exactly the strategy works and how you can use some of the same tactics as the wealthy to minimize your tax burden. Video Prefer video? Watch it … [Read more...] about Buy Borrow Die Strategy Explained – How the Rich Avoid Taxes
“Should I Invest in International Stocks?” Yes. Here’s Why.
The U.S. stock market isn't always king, and it doesn't really matter if it has been historically. Here I'll explain why that's the case and why it's probably a prudent idea for U.S. investors to also invest in international stocks. Video Prefer video? Watch it here: Introduction Make no mistake that the U.S. stock market usually dominates the global … [Read more...] about “Should I Invest in International Stocks?” Yes. Here’s Why.
How Much You Should Save by Age 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60
While there's no one-size-fits-all approach for how much one should save by age, here's a general framework to aim for as you progress on your financial journey to retirement. Introduction - Savings Benchmarks by Age Obviously the specific amount of money you need as you get older will depend on your personal circumstances, lifestyle, and expenses. Speaking … [Read more...] about How Much You Should Save by Age 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60
Fees, Trees, & Forests – Stop Obsessing Over Expense Ratios
One of the core tenets of the Boglehead philosophy is to minimize fees whenever possible. That sounds reasonable enough on the surface, but here I'll explain why it's not so simple and why fees aren't as big of a deal as they're made out to be. Fees Are Relative If you've read any of my stuff on factor investing or specific small cap value funds, for example, … [Read more...] about Fees, Trees, & Forests – Stop Obsessing Over Expense Ratios
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Explained – Should You Buy?
An Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) is a program by which employees can purchase their employer's stock at a discount, but there are a lot of nuances to consider. Here I review the pros, cons, and some lesser known risks and strategies of ESPP's. What Is an Employee Stock Purchase Plan? As the name suggests, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan - or ESPP for short … [Read more...] about Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Explained – Should You Buy?
Backdoor Roth IRA Explained – What, Where, Why, & How (2023)
A backdoor Roth IRA is a way for high income earners to indirectly contribute to a Roth IRA who would otherwise be ineligible. Here we'll look at what it is and where, why, and how to open one. What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? A backdoor Roth IRA is a way for high income earners to still be able to contribute to the account from which they'd otherwise be ineligible … [Read more...] about Backdoor Roth IRA Explained – What, Where, Why, & How (2023)
Can Teenagers Open a Roth IRA? Here’s Why They Should
Yes, teenagers can open a Roth IRA. In this post we'll explore how and why investing in a Roth IRA can be extremely powerful for kids. What Is a Roth IRA? First let's do a brief recap of what exactly a Roth IRA is. A Roth IRA is simply a retirement savings vehicle that was established in 1997 to help U.S. citizens save for retirement. It is an individual … [Read more...] about Can Teenagers Open a Roth IRA? Here’s Why They Should
Traditional IRA Explained – What, Who, When, Where, & How (2023)
The Traditional IRA explained. This is a guide for the U.S. tax-deferred individual retirement account. Here we'll explore what a Traditional IRA is, who they're for, when to contribute, and where, why, and how to open one. What Is a Traditional IRA? A Traditional IRA is simply a U.S. retirement savings vehicle by which investors contribute pre-tax income, that … [Read more...] about Traditional IRA Explained – What, Who, When, Where, & How (2023)
Roth IRA Explained – What, Who, When, Where, Why, & How (2023)
The Roth IRA explained. This post is a guide for the U.S. tax-exempt individual retirement account. In it we'll explore what a Roth IRA is, who they're for, when to contribute, and where, why, and how to open one. What Is a Roth IRA? A Roth IRA is simply a U.S. retirement savings vehicle by which investors contribute after-tax money, that money grows tax-free, … [Read more...] about Roth IRA Explained – What, Who, When, Where, Why, & How (2023)
401k vs. Roth IRA – Which Is Better for You?
A 401k and a Roth IRA are two very different types of retirement accounts for U.S. investors. Is one better than the other? Let's dive in. 401k and Roth IRA Similarities First we'll briefly go over the few similarities between a 401k and a Roth IRA. They don't have much in common. 401k and Roth IRA Differences The bulk of the discussion about a … [Read more...] about 401k vs. Roth IRA – Which Is Better for You?
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA – Which Is Better for You? (2023)
Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs are two types of retirement accounts for U.S. investors. Is one better than the other? Let's dive in. Roth IRA and Traditional IRA Similarities First we'll briefly go over similarities between a Roth IRA and a Traditional IRA. Also note that you can open either or both of these types of IRA's in addition to an … [Read more...] about Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA – Which Is Better for You? (2023)
Tail Risk – What It Is and How To Hedge Against It
Tail risk refers to the probability of an extreme outcome from a rare event. Here we'll look at what it is, how it affects portfolio construction, and hedging strategies for it. Introduction - What Is Tail Risk? Tail risk describes the likelihood of rare events at the ends of a probability distribution. Specifically, greater tail risk would suggest that the … [Read more...] about Tail Risk – What It Is and How To Hedge Against It
Portfolio Risk Explained – How To Think About Risk and Volatility
In using the term "risk," different investors and advisors mean different things. There are several different types and definitions of portfolio risk. Some are more useful than others. Here we'll explore how to think about risk and volatility when it comes to investing. Portfolio Risk Defined So I think it's important to qualify and define what exactly we're … [Read more...] about Portfolio Risk Explained – How To Think About Risk and Volatility
The 10 Best ETFs for Retirement Portfolios in 2023
Retirees have unique needs when it comes to their investment portfolios. Here I've assembled what I think are the best ETFs for retirement portfolios in . Retirement ETFs Video Prefer video? Watch it here: Introduction - What Retirees Need From ETFs Obviously, many ETFs are perfectly suitable for both the young investor at age 20 and the retiree at age … [Read more...] about The 10 Best ETFs for Retirement Portfolios in 2023
The 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawal Rate – A Revisitation
With high stock valuations and low bond yields, is the "4 percent rule" for retirement withdrawal rate still valid for the 21st-century investor? Let's dive in. What Is the 4% Rule? The 4% rule refers to what is widely accepted as a safe withdrawal rate (SWR) for retirees from their investment account. Using this figure and assumptions about future expenses and … [Read more...] about The 4% Rule for Retirement Withdrawal Rate – A Revisitation
Portfolio Diversification – How To Diversify Your Portfolio
Portfolio diversification is considered to be the only free lunch in investing. In this post, I'll show you why and how to diversify your portfolio. What Is Portfolio Diversification? Portfolio diversification simply means combining different assets in one's investment portfolio, effectively spreading out your risk. As the related adage says, "Don't put all your … [Read more...] about Portfolio Diversification – How To Diversify Your Portfolio
Sequence of Return Risk in Retirement Explained
Sequence of return risk may very well ruin your financial retirement plans, and all from sheer bad luck. Here we’ll look at the nature and implications of sequence of return risk in retirement, and some proposed solutions to at least mitigate its potential negative impact. What Is Sequence of Return Risk? Sequence of return refers to the variability of … [Read more...] about Sequence of Return Risk in Retirement Explained
Portfolio Asset Allocation by Age – Beginners To Retirees
Asset allocation refers to the ratio among different asset types in one's investment portfolio. Here we'll look at how to set one's portfolio asset allocation by age and risk tolerance, from young beginners to retirees, including calculations and examples. In a hurry? Here are the highlights: Asset Allocation Video Prefer video? Watch it here: What … [Read more...] about Portfolio Asset Allocation by Age – Beginners To Retirees
