u/WritingParking

No judgements and not trying to make a political statement here. Listening to them for a decade l, I don’t think I would have had that on my bingo card based on the advice they used to give.

I heard Dr. Drew on KABC about 10 years ago and was just stunned at how much to the right he was. And Adam’s podcasts and public comments speak for themselves.

Again, this isn’t meant to be political. Just curious what others think and if they’re as surprised as me.

Hi fellow Redditors. I’m considering moving from Fidelity to Schwab. I’ve read plenty of complaints in both subreddits about how lacking the apps in particular are.

For those who use both brokerages, do you find the Schwab app to be better or at least not worse than Fidelity?

I don’t want to open a Schwab brokerage and then realize the grass was greener at Fidelity (pun not intended.)

Thanks in advance.

I know Redditors have a propensity to complain for every little issue or inconvenience. But this feels different. Amazon was the gold standard for logistics and efficiency. Now it feels like some process or system broke down on the order fulfillment side and they can’t figure out how to fix it. Meanwhile their customer service side thinks long time customers are suddenly scamming returns and violating terms of service with fraudulent refund requests.

I have to believe they’re aware, but they’re such a massive company that maybe it takes a lot longer than it should for their metrics dashboards to point to a systemic issue. I hope there are some Amazon employees whose job it is to lurk on these subs to report back to leadership.

I thankfully haven’t gotten shutdown by Amazon. Not because I love them but because they’ve effectively killed off most other retailers so they’re more of a utility that isn’t easily replaced. I’ve had a few minor issues with my orders and I’ve hesitated to even engage with customer service. Most recently they made an error in my favor that balanced out the dollar amount of the issues I didn’t reach out to customer service for.

All that having been said, I’ve intentionally started finding alternatives. I’ve been buying air filters for my HVAC from Amazon for 15 years. I just recently ordered them from Home Depot for the same price. Likewise, paper towels, toilet paper, vitamins now come from Target delivery. So I’m down to only buying from Amazon when absolutely necessary. And that’s too bad. I’ve got the prime credit card and very invested into their ecosystem with an Alexa device in every room, Ring alarm system and cameras, and the like.

I’m (M54) blessed with the most amazing kids M13, F15 and an (F49) ex-wife who I consider a friend. We didn’t work out because having frequent sleepovers at each other’s apartments is not the same thing as sharing a house as a married couple, being dependent on each other for literally everything, commingling finances, etc. The in-laws also created a lot of damage in our marriage, her dad constantly telling her and me I wasn’t good enough for his daughter and my MIL constantly henpecking me.

Here’s what’s bothering me. I’ve noticed my ex-wife henpecks the fuck out of our M13 son while letting our F15 daughter do whatever she wants. One of the most noticeable things is when we’re going somewhere. My son is never late. Tell him to be ready at 9am, and he’s sitting in the living room putting his shoes on at 8:59 while our daughter will saunter down the stairs whenever she’s ready.

Our daughter has quite the morning ritual. Takes forever in the shower. Forever to dry her hair, moisturize, stare at the ceiling, etc without a peep from mom. Our son however, is super efficient, yet his mom starts banging on the bathroom door like at 8:47am because he’s still in the shower. He’s unfazed but it really bothers me. Maybe it’s bothering me because of how my ex and MIL henpecked the hell out of me. But it just doesn’t sit right at how differently my ex treats our two kids. There are other things too. Our daughter has zero chores and her room is a mess while my son’s room is never orderly enough. I still come over often for dinner. Occasionally I’ll sleep over. We’re still very friendly that way. Our son has to load the dishwasher while our daughter goes up to her room. I come over to mow the lawn every other weekend and even though I don’t need the help, his mom insists that he come outside to help me.

I’ve talked to the ex about this and she absolutely does not see it. She’s offended that I would even think she treats her kids differently and one night started crying asking me if I was attempting parental alienation. Even though we’re divorced, I love my family and would never fathom that. I’ll also note she’s not a manipulative. She genuinely doesn’t see it and as I mentioned our son just rolls with it.

So, should I just try to let it go?

I’m blessed with the most amazing kids and an ex-wife who I consider a friend. We didn’t work out because having frequent sleepovers at each other’s apartments and amazing vacations is not the same thing as sharing a house as a married couple, being dependent on each other for literally everything, commingling finances, etc. The in-laws also created a lot of damage in our marriage, her dad constantly telling her and me I wasn’t good enough for his daughter and my MIL constantly henpecking me.

Here’s where I need advice. I’ve noticed my ex-wife henpecks the heck out of our M13 son while letting our F15 daughter do whatever she wants. One of the most noticeable things is when we’re going somewhere. My son is never late. Tell him to be ready at 9am, and he’s sitting in the living room putting his shoes on at 8:59 while our daughter will saunter down the stairs whenever she’s ready.

Our daughter has quite the morning ritual. Takes forever in the shower. Forever to dry her hair, moisturize, stare at the ceiling, etc without a peep from mom. Our son however, is super efficient, yet his mom starts banging on the bathroom door like at 8:47am because he’s still in the shower. He’s unfazed but it really bothers me. Maybe it’s bothering me because of how my ex and MIL henpecked the hell out of me. But it just doesn’t sit right at how differently my ex treats our two kids. There are other things too. Our daughter has zero chores and her room is a mess while my son’s room is never orderly enough. I still come over often for dinner. Occasionally I’ll sleep over. We’re still very friendly that way. Our son has to load the dishwasher while our daughter goes up to her room. I come over to mow the lawn every other weekend and even though I don’t need the help, his mom insists that he come outside to help me.

I’ve talked to the ex about this and she absolutely does not see it. She’s offended that I would even think she treats her kids differently and one night started crying asking me if I was attempting parental alienation. Even though we’re divorced, I love my family and would never fathom that. I’ll also note she’s not a manipulative person. She genuinely doesn’t see it and as I mentioned our son just rolls with it.

So, should I just try to let it go?

Forgive me for sounding dumb, but I am honestly curious if there’s a difference between identifying as “gay” versus “men loving men.” I only ask because I was educated recently that straight people can identify as “queer” which came as a surprise to me. Please be kind. I’m old and would like to understand. Thanks.

I just retired just shy of 55 due to a layoff. I’ve talked to two financial advisors who both agree I’m in good shape, but have conflicting advice on what to do. So I’m hoping the smarter people in this Sub can help. I have six years of cash in SGOV. And I have $1.3 million in 401k that will allow me to maintain my standard of living in retirement. 

The conflicting advice has to do with the amount of cash I have. Both advisors say it’s too much. One wants me to take half of that and put into BND. The other says to do 40% VGSH, 30% VCSH, and 30% SCHD. I’m leaning towards keeping the money parked. 

Do any of these approaches make sense considering I’d be selling a 1/4 to a 1/3 of this “in-between” money starting next year to replenish my cash until I hit 62? At that point I’d start SS + sipping my 401k. 

*******
EDIT to add specific numbers and also to say thank you to everyone who shared their advice.
*******

Age not quite 55 yet. Missed rule of 55 option.

Monthly spending budget is $4900 which includes health insurance premiums & $400 for discretionary expenses. Assumes 2% increase in withdrawals each year.

$375k in SGOV

$90k in a taxable brokerage VTI’ing and chilling

$1.3 million in 401k in a 2035 target fund.

Health insurance is covered until* I turn 65 with the same premiums as when I was working (usual co-pays and out of pocket max) - budgeted above.

I was never eligible for ROTH due to income until now.

(*EDIT # 2 to fix confusing typo)

I have about $2million in assets spread across Fidelity, ETrade, Vanguard, and others.

I’d like to consolidate all these investments
(3 brokerage accounts, 3 old 401k’s, 1 traditional IRA, 1 HSA, etc) over to one firm.

The easy move is to just consolidate everything at Fidelity, since it’s the one I use the most, and also the only firm I can move my HSA to.

However, I’m strongly considering Schwab, despite having no relationship with them. My primary reasons are:

Superior customer service / one person to resolve issues opposed to being shuttled between people for basic activities at Fidelity.

Expat friendly: I haven’t made up my mind, but I’m considering moving to either Spain or Portugal in the next 5 - 7 years. My research suggests Fidelity is low key hostile towards expats, even in “approved” countries.

Amex Platinum benefits, including $200 annual offset of the annual fee and the ability to transfer Membership rewards points into real money in a brokerage account at a favorable 1.1 cents per points. That alone is worth several thousand dollars.

A real checking account. Although I’m generally satisfied with Fidelity’s cash management account, it has some limitations which were mildly frustrating when I first encountered them.

A meaningful new customer bonus.

HOWEVER, the customer bonus and membership rewards transfer is a one time thing. I don’t know for a fact I’m going to be an expat, but just planning for the future. I could always consolidate at Fidelity and then move everything to Schwab if that becomes a reality. I’ve figured out work arounds for the CMA and I can keep my HSA where it is. And I have a fear of consolidating everything at one firm only to have KYC lockdowns. This is something that scares me at Fidelity but I don’t know how much of an issue it is at Schwab considering I have zero relationship with them.

Hence my anxiety over the analysis paralysis I’m experiencing.

Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.

I have about $2million in assets spread across Fidelity, ETrade, Vanguard, and others.

I’d like to consolidate all these investments
(3 brokerage accounts, 3 old 401k’s, 1 traditional IRA, 1 HSA, etc) over to one firm.

The easy move is to just consolidate everything at Fidelity, since it’s the one I use the most, and also the only firm I can move my HSA to.

However, I’m strongly considering Schwab, despite having no relationship with them. My primary reasons are:

Superior customer service / one person to resolve issues opposed to being shuttled between people for basic activities at Fidelity.

Expat friendly: I haven’t made up my mind, but I’m considering moving to either Spain or Portugal in the next 5 - 7 years. My research suggests Fidelity is low key hostile towards expats, even in “approved” countries.

Amex Platinum benefits, including $200 annual offset of the annual fee and the ability to transfer Membership rewards points into real money in a brokerage account at a favorable 1.1 cents per points. That alone is worth several thousand dollars.

A real checking account. Although I’m generally satisfied with Fidelity’s cash management account, it has some limitations which were mildly frustrating when I first encountered them.

A meaningful new customer bonus.

HOWEVER, the customer bonus and membership rewards transfer is a one time thing. I don’t know for a fact I’m going to be an expat, but just planning for the future. I could always consolidate at Fidelity and then move everything to Schwab if that becomes a reality. I’ve figured out work arounds for the CMA and I can keep my HSA where it is. And I have a fear of consolidating everything at one firm only to have KYC lockdowns. This is something that scares me at Fidelity but I don’t know how much of an issue it is at Schwab.

Hence my anxiety over the analysis paralysis I’m experiencing.

Any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.

I started planning for FIRE when I was in my late 20’s before I even knew it had a name. I did the best I could to live on one paycheck a month while putting the second paycheck away for the future. I told everyone who would listen that I was “55 and out” and all my obsessive color coded spreadsheets seemed to align with my FIRE goal of retiring on my 55th birthday.

Problem is I’ve been laid off at 53 1/2. The severance will take me to 54. So I’m FIRE’ing a year sooner than anticipated. I’m excited, confident the markets will provide, and also freaked the fuck out, checking linkedin multiple times a day for jobs I know no longer exist.

My fire number was $600k in cash to cover me 55-62, then $2m in 401k + early SS to carry me into the future. My 401k is on target but I’m about $75k short for the cash. My thought is to wing it and if i run of money, I’ll just start 401k withdrawals at 59 1/2 and just be a little more frugal in retirement.

The other rub is that I qualify for lifelong health & pension benefits at 55. So I have to figure out whether to COBRA for 18 months, get on one of the exchanges, go live in Costa Rica, or just wing it.

I’m not counting the pension in my math because although I qualify for health benefits at 55, I have to pay both the employee and employer contributions until I’m 65. And the pension will cover that, plus co-pays, and whatnot, but not much else since full retirement age is 65, so I’m only getting about 50% of what I would have otherwise gotten.

I really do not want to barista fire, nor do I want to desperately find any job that will have me.

What do you think I should do? I’m leaning towards saying fuck it and just FIRE’ing 18 months sooner than I had counted on.

Thoughts?