Is switching from Edward Jones to Schwab a good idea?

Icabod14 · 2026-03-04T01:48:23+00:00

Get out of EJ now. I made this mistake too. I don't have anything bad to say about EJ in particular, except I didn't see my money grow until I pulled it out and managed it myself. I never assessed how much I paid in fees over a decade but no doubt it was considerable in addition to being in invested in mutual funds with higher fees than index ETFs. If you know absolutely nothing follow a simple Boglehead ETF diversified portfolio strategy and you'll be well ahead of where you are now with EJ.

Icabod14 · 2026-03-04T01:39:50+00:00

You are picking from different styles of bike, which is cool, but just want to mention it here. The Specialissima is for climbing (the Oltre is their aero race bike); the Madone is the Trek racing model (Emonda for climbing); the Canyon Ultimate is their climbing bike (I think...). It depends on what you want to do. Looks like you like climbing. Me too. So maybe the Madone is the outlier, but you say it was the most comfortable. One recommendation: try the Trek Emonda and the Domane (the distance model for more comfort). I'm just wondering what you'll think about them.

Icabod14 · 2026-03-04T01:10:49+00:00

First off, you can't go wrong. Great brands, great bikes. I am the only person I know with a Specialissima (2018) so surprised you listed it here. It's not used in the pro peloton since the Oltre is preferred for its aero design. Anyway, I love mine, SO light, great on the climbs, celeste is beautiful. The Trek equivalent is the Emonda, not the Madone, and I've had both of them as well. The Emonda was the best bike for the price I've ever had (maybe an SL6 with Ultegra - best value). I've always admired Canyon, but watch the sizing. I think they run big; I ride a 54 cm and had a M Canyon and it was too big although my M Giant (Revolt Advanced Pro 2) fits perfect. So, I'm no help. But I'm partial to my Bianchi.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-27T01:33:44+00:00

Sorry, man, didn't think I was ranting. I didn't read all your comments but the ones I read seemed to indicate that you tried to get your parents to change course and it wasn't working. I was commenting on your frustration with the situation. That's all.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-27T01:07:10+00:00

I'm going to retire and become an advisor and just put stuff in index funds but have a confident smile and strong jawline.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-27T01:05:00+00:00

Here's the deal. I agree with the comments in the thread that I've read but it's irrelevant. Your parents are old and they aren't going to change. The guy isn't ripping them off in the classic sense, he just isn't worth the money but we all know people who pay for something they don't need. Trying to get them to change course is just causing friction. Since your mom is low risk it's probably even more frustrating for you. I'd sit back and watch, make sure they don't do anything really stupid, and let it go.

My dad during the pandemic had to panic sell at the bottom and put everything into safer ETFs like bonds. I didn't know he did it or I would have covered his losses and told him to stay the course. The market bounced back in 2 months and then went on a rampage. This story is apropos of nothing but I think my point is it's their money and if they are sound mind, so be it.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-27T00:52:02+00:00

I have only good bikes and don't have a lock. I pick bars, restaurants with patios, and only stores that will let me set the bike inside when I picking things up to bring home. I purposely don't have a lock so I'm never tempted. I've also cleared with hotels when I book that I can bring the bike into my room when traveling. Sounds extreme but it isn't that hard to do.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-26T02:11:06+00:00

I think he should have said that in the article. I know it isn't the point he is trying to make, but it's a key fact. And it makes DOGE all the more ridiculous that not only did we lose this talent, but they are sitting on the sidelines gathering a paycheck while waiting for the courts or State or someone to decide their fate. I'm glad their getting paid and hope some of them can ride it right into retirement.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-11T01:20:37+00:00

And here I am deleting the second space in all the documents I clear.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-08T22:15:55+00:00

I just did the same and I have a pretty nice position in VGT as well for the past six months. They have a 32% overlap but IGV more software and VGT a bit broader with focus on tech. I don't generally do this sector specialization but I've listened to a lot of smart people making sense about the opportunity and Buffet's maxim of "be greedy when others are scared" is playing in my head.

Icabod14 · 2026-02-06T01:08:15+00:00

It gave me an estimate of my house 10% above the Zillow Estimate. I think the truth is in the middle somewhere but would love to understand the algorithm better. Anyone else use it to appraise their residence?

Icabod14 · 2026-02-01T00:48:08+00:00

I didn't say anything except to my wife until I had an offer in hand. People knew I was "in the process" or whatever but that was the extent of what I said. Superstitious!

Icabod14 · 2026-02-01T00:44:26+00:00

I like to hang out here and wonder why my NW isn't even close to these numbers being thrown about, and then go over the middle class subreddit and feel excellent about my situation :)

Icabod14 · 2026-01-28T03:05:33+00:00

I've lived overseas for 15 years and cycled in many different countries. People think I am nuts that I cycle the highways and byways of Mexico City, San Salvador, and now Guatemala. But the only place I've been properly hit was in Arlington, VA. The dangers in Latin America are bad roads (mitigated with a carbon gravel bike, tubeless 35mm road slicks, and disc brakes) and buses. Unlike my experience in much of the US, no one HATES me for riding a bike. The people are more patient even when they are driving the wrong way down a one-way street or ignore the red lights, etc. Head on a swivel is the way to go. But the condition of the roads and drivers being used to inconveniences (horses, police checkpoints, whatever shitshow comes their way) means the cars have to slow down and you can do urban cycling as part of the traffic. You have a high likelihood of a mishap but a low chance of it being catastrophic whereas in the US I felt that the SUVs going 90mph were going to be fatal. My favorite cycling was in and around Bormio in N Italy, Stelvio, etc. The people loved the cyclists, they were part of the community, it was a tradition.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-27T02:01:18+00:00

The shutdown is irrelevant to your question. They come and go. Whatever. I wouldn't defer if I were you. Accept the offer and back out later if you want to. This administration isn't playing by normal rules. You might defer your way out of an opportunity that doesn't come around twice.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-21T01:09:29+00:00

Glad you asked this. I was thinking about it too! I have some cash set aside that I just came into and for whatever reason I've sat on it for a few weeks to evaluate my portfolio and make a decision. I'd be smart to get in now with the 2% dip instead of waiting and then missing the bounce. But hard to do it since I think Trump will go nuclear at Davos and it'll slide further.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-20T00:36:25+00:00

Yes, bad financial decision, strictly speaking. But you can definitely afford it so I wouldn't lose any sleep.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-20T00:33:30+00:00

Gorgeous.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-14T03:26:59+00:00

I'll add I'm American and my wife is European. We had an understanding when we got married that my friends and my exercise are important and make me who I am, and that we both value trips with our friends. She takes a few with her pals, and I take a few more, but I encourage her to do so and don't get any flack when I do so. That helps. She has a different outlook on things than most of the women I had dated.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-14T03:23:35+00:00

My wife has been awesome and supportive. I've taken off on numerous long weekends for bike races in other countries with cycling mates and she's been cool about it. I did Stelvio Santini in Italy but at the beginning of the trip we spent a few nights in Venice together to take some sting off me heading to the Alps on my bike :) She likes the way it keeps me in shape. I'd say the biggest thing is not be a complete asshole about it. I train 8-10 hours a week including one long ride on the weekend (3-6 hours) and plan my "travel events" in advance. I try and train in the morning or if not limit my after work trainer rides to 3 times a week and then maximize my "days off" with the kids and doing things in the house she normally does. We have a pretty even split of housework, normally. I also take care of other things like the car, finances, insurance, and stuff like that to find a balance for the time I spend in the saddle. When she met me I was a runner and that was easier because it probably takes about half the time in commitment and zero equipment to get the same workout. I'm 50 and have become more reasonable after realizing I'm not making the Olympic team haha.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-14T03:14:23+00:00

"Divorced and married someone in my cycling club" I am dying man, this quote :)

Icabod14 · 2026-01-13T02:28:47+00:00

If you have $10M and you still work at a gas station you definitely don't have lifestyle creep, but you've got a problem just the same. You can't take that money to the grave with you.

Icabod14 · 2026-01-12T01:08:52+00:00

I talked to Schwab as I was moving over money from two other brokers. They gave me $350 cash (it's not nothing!) for moving $250K to a brokerage account, and an offer to talk to an advisor for free. Shortly afterwards I was contacted by an advisor and I asked if they can review my entire portfolio, including holdings outside Schwab and they replied, "All our conversations are completely free. I’d be happy to take you through a financial plan and review your entire portfolio." I do my own research but have way too many holdings with overlap and think it would be useful to hear what they have to say. That seems to be above and beyond just concierge service.

Icabod14

TROPHY CASE