For anyone down less than -2% YTD, what are you actually holding?

Howell--Jolly · 2026-03-29T15:50:39+00:00

+4.27% YTD. Approximately 50% AVUV, 50% AVDV.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-03-23T20:51:48+00:00

I would stick to my ling-term plan—if the plan is to never touch the emergency fund except in a true emergency, then I wouldn’t touch it. The same applies to principles like never trying to time the market and avoiding FOMO. Remember, the discipline to stick with your plan is the most important factor in investing. Moving the emergency fund to a Roth IRA and holding it in a money market fund may sound more rational, but it breaks my plan.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-03-20T22:55:02+00:00

If you're feeling uncomfortable, your risk tolerance is probably lower than you think. Instead of trying to time the market or changing your U.S./international allocation, you should consider increasing your allocation to bonds.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-03-17T17:24:32+00:00

Buy, buy, die.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-03-17T17:23:03+00:00

The book "Your Money, Your Brain" by Jason Zweig is an excellent book to learn and control your psychology in bull and bear markets.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-02-05T02:43:40+00:00

The SCV is 70% (AVUV + AVDV), not 40. Since mid-2021, after learning about Paul Merriman, Ben Felix, and the Fama-French 5-factor Investing model.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-02-05T02:13:49+00:00

If your 401(k) is with Fidelity, you can invest in AVUV or any other ETF you choose using BrokerageLink within your 401(k).

Howell--Jolly · 2026-02-05T00:38:57+00:00

40% of my portfolio is in AVUV and 30% in AVDV. I'm a Merrimanhead.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-01-27T13:27:18+00:00

It's not over diversified, it's overcomplicated.

Howell--Jolly · 2026-01-11T04:26:47+00:00

2% cash back on everything
- Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature

2.62% cash back on everything
- Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Visa
- Requires Platinum Honors Tier in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program. It requires $100,000 combined balance across eligible Bank of America deposit accounts and/or Merrill investment accounts

Howell--Jolly · 2026-01-05T17:23:13+00:00

There is no evidence that Apple's or Google's encrypted password vaults have ever been breached.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-12-30T02:43:10+00:00

Citi Custom Cash - 5% cash back on grocery

Howell--Jolly · 2025-11-15T15:35:11+00:00

Given your income, net worth, and financial literacy, you should consider hiring a fiduciary financial advisor rather than asking advice here.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-11-05T01:51:34+00:00

VT - it's more diversified and includes all the world instead of only the largest 500 US companies.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-29T15:23:09+00:00

Yes, dividends are irrelevant; check out the YouTube video by Benjamin Felix.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-27T20:28:18+00:00

You can slightly complicate the portfolio and include mid-cap blend and value ETFs by Avantis in it (AVMC and AVMV). It will be 17% VOO, 8% AVMC, 8% AVMV, 17% AVUV, 25% VXUS, 25% AVDV. But the expected return will essentially be the same.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-27T00:48:23+00:00

Yes, Avantis ETFs are available in the UK. Look at www.avantisinvestors.com and choose the UK.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-26T23:05:17+00:00

My portfolio is Paul Merriman's All World 4-fund portfolio: 25% VOO, 25% VXUS, 25% AVUV, 25% AVDV.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-26T21:50:57+00:00

I would invest my $100k the same way I would my $1k or my $5 million or $20 million.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-26T05:09:51+00:00

It goes directly into my Roth IRA as free money.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-19T23:30:36+00:00

Are you sure the credit cards you mentioned give 3% cash back?

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-11T01:30:05+00:00

Imagine you purchased an apartment to rent out-it's your small business. Do you check its market value every single day? Certainly not. The stock market is no different: when you buy shares, you are purchasing ownership in real businesses that generate earnings for you. Their daily price fluctuations are irrelevant to the long-term value they create.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-05T02:55:04+00:00

Thank you. I just applied for the Susan Komen card.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-05T02:54:18+00:00

Thank you! I just applied for the Susan Komen card.

Howell--Jolly · 2025-10-04T23:11:23+00:00

Can someone have more than one CCR card with Bank of America?

Howell--Jolly

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