From 28 Funds to 3: Simplifying to a 3 Fund Portfolio

In real life, I don’t talk about money with many people, but there is one retired couple that I discuss dollars with rather freely.

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In recent years, as I’ve broached the subject of early retirement, they’ve taken a little more interest in what I’m doing, and have taken a closer look at what they’ve been doing.

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From 28 Funds to 3: Simplifying to a 3 Fund Portfolio

How do you choose an advisor? You can meet face-to-face with each and develop your own set of criteria.

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Do we share the same vision? Will he consider my input? Does he have enough gray hair? Do we share the same alma mater and root for the same teams?

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In the past, I had casually mentioned to the couple that it wouldn’t be too difficult for them to manage their own nest egg if they had any interest.

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It would also save them some money, of course. How much? Well, we didn’t really know until we took a closer look at his current investments and fee structure.

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All three existing accounts (two IRAs and a taxable account) were with Fidelity. While I have mine with Vanguard, I had read about the recent lowering of fees in Fidelity’s index funds.

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Indeed, when I did my own discount double-check, the fees were a hair lower at Fidelity. I also realized the transition would be a bit quicker and uncomplicated by sticking with Fidelity.

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Furthermore, Fidelity has branches you can walk into, staffed by humans at desks, and you can sit across from them. We decided to remain with Fidelity.

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From 28 Funds to 3: Simplifying to a 3 Fund Portfolio

In real life, I don’t talk about money with many people, but there is one retired couple that I discuss dollars with rather freely.

In recent years, as I’ve broached the subject of early retirement, they’ve taken a little more interest in what I’m doing, and have taken a closer look at what they’ve been doing.

From 28 Funds to 3: Simplifying to a 3 Fund Portfolio

How do you choose an advisor? You can meet face-to-face with each and develop your own set of criteria.

Which Advisor Would You Choose?

Do we share the same vision? Will he consider my input? Does he have enough gray hair? Do we share the same alma mater and root for the same teams?

Which Advisor Would You Choose?

In the past, I had casually mentioned to the couple that it wouldn’t be too difficult for them to manage their own nest egg if they had any interest.

It would also save them some money, of course. How much? Well, we didn’t really know until we took a closer look at his current investments and fee structure.

All three existing accounts (two IRAs and a taxable account) were with Fidelity. While I have mine with Vanguard, I had read about the recent lowering of fees in Fidelity’s index funds.

Indeed, when I did my own discount double-check, the fees were a hair lower at Fidelity. I also realized the transition would be a bit quicker and uncomplicated by sticking with Fidelity.

Furthermore, Fidelity has branches you can walk into, staffed by humans at desks, and you can sit across from them. We decided to remain with Fidelity.

SWIPE UP NOW TO READ MORE

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