We told the dealer that we were doing a cash deal and what kind of dollar figure we had available. I figure they ran our credit so that they could see if they could squeeze us for a bit more, partially on credit. We ended up doing the deal as a cash sale. We now have two reports back from different agencies that they ran.

Is there a legal problem on the part of that dealer?

All fully vested long ago. Had been with the company for over 18 years. Part of my "escape plan" was to live on a 401k withdrawal until I relocated and found other employment, roll over the rest.

Anyway - Principal says withdrawals are not an option unless I am no longer employed by that employer. Well, I am no longer employed by them - for 6 months now. Final paycheck and vacation payouts happened within 2 weeks. They won't tell Principal I am no longer employed there, and it is for revenge. They are admittedly doing it on purpose. (HR who handles this is laughing and saying things like, "I own you haha! Good luck!")

Edit for major typo - I had written "2" months but it's been just over 6!

It's immature and HAS to be illegal. What authority can I go to in order to get this resolved? I am no longer with the company and I should be able to withdraw/roll over and have it be under MY control.

My partner and I are getting married next year after 6+ years together (have lived together for over half of those years).We're both financially responsible, aligned on our goals, and don't really scrutinize each other's hobbies or personal spending. We've always managed money pretty independently, but we're getting tired of constantly Venmoing each other for shared expenses. I know some comments may say wait until marriage, but call my naive... I don't think we need to wait.

I'm leaning toward going almost completely joint: paychecks, checking, savings, bills, goals, etc. We'd keep our existing credit cards since we're both into optimizing rewards and add each other as authorized users where appropriate. We'd probably leave a card or two separate for things like surprise gifts.

Our budget already tracks spending as Mine, Yours, or Ours, so we'd still have visibility into personal spending without physically separating the money. As long as we're meeting our savings goals and neither person is being unreasonable, I don't really care if one of us spends more personally in a particular month. There is a disparity in income as one makes about 35% more... but it really hasn't led to any issues.

For couples who are financially aligned and merged finances, what worked for you? Did going fully joint create any problems you didn't anticipate? If you kept separate accounts, what practical purpose do they serve?

Most importantly, how do we go about selecting checking and savings accounts and migrate money over without missing auto payments (loans, utility bills, etc.)?

I'm mainly trying to optimize for simplicity, transparency, autonomy, and less financial friction.

This was my first experience working with an advisor from a private firm that was recommended to me by someone I knew. I’m high earning on w2 and originally had some stocks/index ETFs that I wasn’t sure what to do with. I was also interested in tax loss harvesting (since then I learned recently there are lower cost alternatives). My life has been crazy over the past 2 years and I hadn’t been paying close attention to the portfolio. Today some serious red flags popped out at me:

* overall the 438k brokerage portfolio they manage is up by 141k over the past 2 years…including 135k worth of my monthly 5k cash deposits. I feel utterly devastated.
* 1.5% fee. I didn’t realize that was well beyond the market average until I did more research today
* They bought 6-7k worth of SpaceX IPO.
* When I began to doubt things, I transferred out my remaining cash to another bank and stopped my automatic deposits to the managed brokerage. Seemingly in response they moved 185k worth of my assets into an alternative investment that’s high dividend but illiquid for 2 years.

The contract says I can give them 30 days notice in writing, but I don’t know what to do about the illiquidity issue regarding the alternative investments, and I don’t want them to try and do something with my current assets after knowing I’m terminating the contract. I have a meeting set up with the advisor for a week from now but I have half a mind to initiate an in-kind TOA to my self managed brokerage immediately. Any advice?

i was awarded a big grant to support my research. i want to save this money to use in two years to extend the amount of time i have to write my dissertation. because i need to use it two years from now the typical advice (set aside emergency fund, roth ira) doesn't apply. i have other savings and an income that will keep me going until then. what is the best way to protect (i dont want to to be tempted to dip in) and make this money grow that won't lock me in longer than 2 years?

I'm signing up for medical coverage at a new job. I'm going with a High Deductible plan as it actually seems to be better than the PPO in many regards (the deductible is only $2k, and it allows me to utilize an HSA which I've never done before).

This plan also allows me to contribute to a limited FSA.

Every year, I buy an annual supply of contact lenses around January. I was thinking of doing $1k-$2k in the FSA and then immediately buying new lenses and maybe a fresh pair of eyeglasses utilizing those dollars, and saving the HSA for medical expenses throughout the year (I plan to have a couple routine MRIs so I know that will come in handy later on).

Does this strategy make sense? Or am I better off just contributing to the HSA alone, and using funds I've accrued by January for the contact lenses? Does it ever make sense to do both HSA + FSA at the same time?

Hi, looking for advice.

I am 25M - moving to Ohio, USA on an E2 work visa. Moving from Scotland. Flying out Jan 27.

Salary is $180k.

Looking for advice on American bank accounts. Setting up my new financial life.

Roughly I think -

Chase - Debit Card (for receiving pay check)
Chase - Credit Card (to built a credit score as I know it resets to 0 in the USA)

For Savings

Chase Savings - 0.01% interest, simply a place to store ready cash each month.

A HYSA - 5-7% interest, not sure who from.

Roth IRA - max out $7.5k each year

Pension 10% contributions with 5% employee match.

Would also be looking to contribute to the US equivalent of a Vanguard S&S ISA - Not sure the limit on these but it would be in place to simply invest long term. I am thinking SnP500 - 10% per year.

I have around £30k GBP to be transferred to $ and roughly my first Pay will be around $22k - inclusive of a signing bonus.

I am looking for advise of the best accounts to open and a rough structure on where to send the money to each month.

I also appreciate that in the US I will have to complete a tax return every year. Still researching this.

Thank you.

Just wanted to inquire on whether doing a chargeback is the most appropriate solution to my problem. I scheduled a automotive detailing with a mobile service, they required pre-payment and we had texted a time and location for the service. 30 minutes after the scheduled time, I texted them asking for an ETA, about 2 1/2 hours the scheduled time I called and it went straight to voicemail and at the 2 1/2 hour I also texted asking for a response as I only have the for a limited time. The business is not responding to my messages, but will respond to text from a different phone inquiring about availability and services. We are currently about five hours past the scheduled time but if I don’t get a response by the end of the day, I was going to ask for my money back. If I don’t get an answer or they say no, would this service or like there of be something that one could do a charge back for?

I have a HSA with Fidelity and i rolled over my former employer's HSA to.

But my current employer has our HSA thru Health Equity. I've been with them a few years now. I think plan rules are pretty standard from what i'm reading online.

$1000 cash account, you can invest anything over that. $25 partial withdraw fee, 0.03% monthly balance fee. I have about $16k invest as of right now. They dont have much options so i went 100% into VIGIX. Normally I would just go 100% into VOO.

So looking at this its about $4-5 a month to keep this account open. So its most likely one of those balancing acts. I'm not the best with breakeven points and etc but i'm guessing twice a year you should move it out of HE and into a no fee account like Fidelity.

I'm not sure how the process is and how long the process takes but just wondering what people are doing.

I was trying to use my HSA card to pay my medication today and it was declined. I paid with a different card. On my way home, I remembered that I received a new card, with different card number about a week ago, but I was too busy to activate it. I called HSA about not able to use my card and received a new card I didn't request (the card expires in 2028, so not because of close to expiration). The person on the phone said my card was reported stolen. But she can't tell me who reported it. I am not sure if this is a scam. If it is, then how are they scamming me? Has this happened to anyone else? Thanks for any insights.

24 and just started a new job. My company matches 100% of 7% of my salary, which I have been told is quite good. The only issue is that they do not start matching until 1 year of service. I currently have $8,000 in credit card debt, with the highest APR at 30.40%. I definitely want to start contributing after 1 year, but I am unsure whether to start right away or forgo retirement contributions entirely for a year and put that money toward my high-interest debt.

I'm definitely leaning towards pausing for this first year, but I may be missing something. Any insights are appreciated!

So, my payment due is 23rd and statement is 26th
This month I paid all balance before 23rd and during 3 days I used my card and there is some balance. When I log in 5 min ago, apps said “my payment is due” I know it will infect my credit score but I want to make sure won’t pay any interest.
Am I right?

Previous post about combining finances inspired me to ask for models for my own situation!

We just got married this summer, first marriage for both at around 40, and we also have only been living together for two years. We haven’t taken any steps to combine finances yet (we have a spreadsheet for the wedding expenses and will settle up when we get around to it). Neither of us keeps a budget, but also neither of us has any debt and generally are naturally frugal so budget-free life is fine. VHCOL renters and now that the wedding is over we don’t expect any major expenses any time soon (no kids, no house, no car, just rent and vacations).

Sounds like it should be an easy choice to fully combine, right? But while we both spend below our income, I am a career freelancer and keep an abnormally large cash fund for slow periods and have generally adapted to highly variable income. So any model involving paycheck percentages doesn’t work for me.

Meanwhile, I also find some psychological benefit to having separate money. My spouse smokes, and it is a long-standing source of tension, and I do not want “my” money going to the tobacco industry. I also am much more keen on maxing cc rewards and making sure to use the right card for each purchase etc, and he couldn’t care less about doing that, which I respect but I can’t bring myself to leave money on the table, and if we share our cards I’ll inevitably get mad at him for not keeping up with it. Also since I’m a freelancer my tax situation is atrocious and his is normal (USA).

It is lazy and easy to keep just vibe-splitting expenses, but we can’t Venmo each other forever, I guess. Please suggest a model for combining finances that seems suitable for us!

Hello! I left my job earlier this year that had a 401k, it has $160,000 vested in it (Fidelity Freedom Index Fund 2060). I haven't contributed anything to it since I left. I'm 32, a state employee now with a pension fund (8.15%) with an 80 and out rule so I could theoretically retire as early as age 55. My spouse has a pension from a prior job and now a pension with the state as well. We have a toddler. I don't have any significant debt beyond our mortgage that we're going to pay off in the next 15 years ish (likely sooner).

I have concerns about my 401k, given that the majority of the stock investments in it are for US technology, but I don't know enough about the different options to feel like I could make a better choice here. My salary is a bit lower at my new job than my previous, but once I make a bit more in a few years I'd probably contribute to my retirement account again. We've been cutting away at living expenses in general and aren't making a lot of plans based on having more money in the future, though we get annual step increases of decent amounts. We're over the lifestyle creep/inflation life, living below means and consuming less.

Should I just leave it and ride the wave? Roll to a Roth IRA with a different fund? Just change investment funds? Pull it out completely and pay off the mortgage (mostly joking on this option, unless?).

I am a 23 year old M who makes $2,000 bi weekly. I have no credit card debt or student loans. I have started putting $313 (being able to max it every year at $7,500)per paycheck into my Roth IRA on vanguard investing in VOO and I have 1k in my HYSA. I also have money automatically put into my teacher pension every paycheck. With extra money I’m now saving I want to start investing into some other etfs. I was thinking of doing QQQm for money growth and SCHD for dividends. Am I doing ok and are these the best options for me to be looking at?

My parents have never been able to support me and I need to make sure I’m doing all I can to ensure I’m looking out for my best future. Thank you taking the time to read this!

Hello everyone;

I’m trying to decide between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan, and I’d appreciate advice from people who have experience with either one.

Under both plans, I contribute 3% of my salary, and my employer contributes approximately 13%. I’m trying to understand which option would make more sense for my long-term retirement.

A little about my situation:

* I’m 40 years old.
* I work for a county.
* I’m not sure if I’ll stay with the same employer long term, or even if I’ll continue living in Florida.
* I want to make a smart decision for my retirement while keeping my future career and relocation options open.

For those who have researched or experienced both options:

1. Why did you choose the Pension Plan or the Investment Plan?
   
2. How does the Pension Plan compare with the Investment Plan in terms of retirement income?
   
3. If I leave my employer or move out of Florida, what happens to my benefits under each plan?
   
4. How important are years of service and vesting when making this decision?
   
5. Does the Investment Plan offer more flexibility if I change jobs or move to another state?
   
6. If you could make the decision again, would you choose the same plan, and why?

I’d especially appreciate advice from people who have worked in Florida public employment for many years or who have already retired under either plan.

I’m not looking for someone to make the decision for me. I want to understand the pros and cons, especially since I’m uncertain about my long-term employment and whether I’ll remain in Florida.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

I’m 24, work in the public sector, and earn approximately $58k annually. I’m looking for feedback on my financial situation and overall budgeting. This is my first real job out of college so i feel like Im flying blind. I could really use a second opinion on my own personal budget to make sure Im leading my fiance and I in the right direction. This is also my first time really engaging on reddit so please give me grace if I broke any norms here. We split the bills in half so the numbers below are all half of the total amount. The assets are all in my name
Monthly Income
Net take-home: ~$2,950 (two-paycheck month)
Gross annual salary: ~$58k
Monthly Expenses
Rent: $650
Other living expenses: ~$600
Total expenses: ~$1,250
Retirement Contributions
Pension: ~$275/month
Roth 403(b): ~$290/month
Roth IRA: ~$575/month
Total retirement contributions: ~$1,140/month
Cash Savings
Approximately $1,130/month after expenses and retirement contributions
Two additional biweekly paychecks annually, which I plan to save
Current Financial Position
~$38k in combined checking and savings
Additional retirement and brokerage investments
Paid-off vehicle
No debt
Goals
I’m hoping to purchase a home within the next 1–2 years while continuing to prioritize retirement savings.
I would like to have at least 60k ready for a down payment but I dont want to blow my savings out just for a house payment to drown me.

All thoughts and consideration’s welcome, thank you!

Army Nurse here looking to separate from the service in 18months time and go to CRNA school. I have a full GI bill that I am planning to use at a Public CRNA school so the only Academic expenses will be miscellaneous fees, etc. I also get a monthly stipend (BAH) from the GI bill depending on the zip code of the School, and that covers most of my total monthly living expenses (~$2.6k). Single, No debt, No kids.

Now the Big Question - if you had an extra 2.5k to invest every month for the next 18 months for the purpose of withdrawing monthly for the following 36mo, what ETFs would you park that cash to break even on inflation and/or come out net positive?

Currently have:

Approx $5k in a Brokerage I started about two years ago for funsies

Six months worth of living expenses saved as of next Month (~$25k) I recalculated the math and it should only be like $17k idk how I got to 25 but I guess it just feels like a solid number.

recently found a vlog on you tube and they talked about creating / setting up a trust tri-fecta.

any one here familiar with the term / trust?

just trying to do my due diligence and looking for the actual facts about it before pulling a $2,500 + trigger setting one up

any feedback appreciated and welcome

My dad is 66, relatively healthy. and would like to work until at least 70. He had started a new job, so has rolled his 401k into a traditional IRA.

He doesnt make a ton of money and supports my mom who doesn't have a retirement, they own their house, etc.

Is it worth keeping his money in the IRA and changing his allocations?

Should he move the money into an Annuity that let's him withdraw up to 10% / year?

Most internet resources are about setting yourself up for retirement but I am having a hard time trying to figure out what to do for someone who is at retirement age... but would like to grow their money more while they are able and not fully dependant on it.

Edit for numbers, sorry! :)

IRA all traditional: 250k Total 65 large cap 35 bond

Social: can get 35k / year?

Income with current job: 45k/ year pre-tax

House: Paid off, they won't sell,expect a new roof in 10-15 years

Utilities/phone/internet: 600/month

Spending: Medical bills (mom) ~1k/month

Minimal spending on leisure / hobbies

Property Taxes: 1800 /year

Hi everyone. I recently got my first industry job after college, and after standard expenses (taxes/retirement/monthly bills) it’s about $48k. I just got my first paycheck so other than that money, I have no emergency funds, no savings account, and no credit card. I only have a debit card with access to my checking account. I have no debt, student loans, car loans or anything like that. I live in a low cost of living city, and I have a car that’s paid off.

I would like: Emergency savings, a credit card, money to travel, and a new reliable car, preferably within the year, but I have no rush. I also have a trip in June that will be around 5k, but probably less.

I don’t know how much money I should be saving, and I wanted the Sapphire chase card because of the travel benefits, but I don’t have a credit history. I don’t want to get too many credit cards because I’m not really sure how to handle them, and honestly I don’t care to spend a lot of money on anything other than travel. I cook and eat at home and my hobbies are art, cooking, and working out so I don’t spend much money at all. All of my outings are inexpensive as well because my friends don’t have a lot of income. I don’t plan on moving soon, either.

Please let me know if I am missing something necessary. I dislike handling finances so I would appreciate any and all help.

This is probably a really dimb question, but if I am invested in VOO (vangaurd s&p 500), it probably is a waste of time/inefficient to invest individually in a company that is already in tje s&p 500, even if I put a large cash amount, correct?

I plan to invest in the long term using VOO and other etfs/index funds, debating if I should invest my pocket change in smaller atocks or just pump it all back into my etfs/indexes.

Hey my grandparents were married for 20 years then decided to get a divorce . They spoke often and he told her a few times that when he passed she’s still apart of his pension plan . We have the pension document and she is on there but when she put in for it , they sent a letter saying no because the death certificate says divorced . Is there anything she can do about this or has anyone experienced this situation before ?

First time poster long time reader. Mid 30’s, have a young kid, partner is stay at home parent. Looking to retire asap because I really really don’t like my job & have a progressing medical condition making it difficult to be at work. At the very least I plan to go part time as soon as allowed but this could be years.

1M in tax advantaged retirement account
2.3M in a separate brokerage (a bit of concentration risk in the portfolio)
175k cash HYSA
~375k gross income.

Mortgage is $4800/mo with 600k remaining & ~350k in equity. Paying 400/mo extra. No other debt but due for two new (modest) cars within a few years. Annual spend with travel & home maintenance & mortgage ~140k.

401k, backdoor Roth, employer contributions are about $60k/yr. Contributing $300/mo to 529. Will receive pension of couple thousand a month starting at 55. If i stay til 60 it would basically be 100% of my future pay, but I won’t last that long.

What would be your next step to financial freedom?

I’ve thought about buying rentals with BRRR strategy as I’ve got a competent background in fixing up houses. However where I’m located the numbers just don’t pay off for a very long time with current interest rates and cost of west coast housing & relatively affordable rent (assuming they pay). I realize I should’ve done this before having a child as I want to maximize time as a parent now. If you were to do real estate what investment model would you recommend? At my income I believe it makes most sense to hire out the jobs anyway rather than DIY. My cash on hand is kind of ear marked for a rental hence the slightly high amount.

Buying a small business is also appealing but with my rigid work schedule and parenthood commitments & love for exercise I just don’t seem to have the time to dedicate to it.

Thoughts on how soon I could retire or other strategies to optimize my retirement plan? It’s a pretty long but hopefully not unmanageable bridge from 30’s to 55. Not terribly concerned about staying busy if I step away from workforce, have too many time consuming g hobbies as is… but none that I seem to be good enough to monetize.

How long do we need to keep brokerage account statements? 30-40 years ago we were told indefinitely to show cost basis for any assets we sold but that can’t possibly be true any longer, can it? What about bank accounts (checking, savings, HSA, etc? I have been keeping those for 7 years but don’t think I need to. We have an entire bookcase full of binders with old statements. I’m assuming I can get rid of most of it, but what? I’m trying to simplify things for our kids.