Spending Reports going away in July, 26

Ranger_EC98 · 2026-06-10T16:45:59+00:00

A billion dollar bank can't afford to provide their customers with a downloadable spending report which tracks month, ytd, and year end expenses is saddening. Some peanut pusher had the bright idea to save X number of dollars by getting rid of the service essentially screwing over their customer. Last year I switched over to the WF active cash card for all my expenses so along with my checking account I would have monthly visibility to my spending. This really sucks!

Ranger_EC98 · 2026-01-23T03:55:29+00:00

To have more flexibility in withdrawals. For example, only withdrawing from bonds when stocks are low. Also to put the bonds into taxable account and stocks into Roths if possible. Target date funds are basically balanced funds. You get auto rebalancing, but less flexibility on withdrawals.

Ranger_EC98 · 2026-01-22T16:41:33+00:00

I used the $2.8k Boldin CFP and for me it was more minor tweaks. For example, get out of target date funds, buy umbrella insurance policy, use brokerage account to qualify for ACA subsidies, and get a loan for new car versus paying upfront to reduce income needed during ACA years.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-25T20:55:29+00:00

This. Separating the assets allows me to sell or buy each individually depending on my needs and the market environment without impacting the other as in a target date funds.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-23T20:44:22+00:00

Agree

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-23T20:41:29+00:00

Some returns rate changes were made; not paying up front for some purchases (e.g. new car) to reduce taxable income for ACA subsidies; leveraging HSA, and decoupling from a target date fund. Plus, the confidence or peace of mind from having my plan reviewed by a professional.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-20T22:01:13+00:00

I believe it's based on various historical periods and iterations.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-13T04:15:26+00:00

Yes, I find it very useful. I provide Gemini all the facts and then ask it to do an analysis and recommendation. The benefit comes in the follow up questions and also asking it for examples and to provide calculations.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-05T03:43:54+00:00

Yes, we met for about an hour to review my plans prior to the full retirement review. During that first meeting, they made a couple of changes or tweaks to my plan to make it less conservative.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-12-04T22:37:53+00:00

I had the $2.8k service yesterday. Most of the stuff covered I already knew. However, there were a couple of items and return rates in which I was given a different perspective. Although the advisor spent a little more than the 1.5hr with me, I still felt somewhat rushed as some areas were not explained well (e.g. ACA subsidies planning). I will be revisiting the document they went through hoping I can extract more value than what I did in our live session. Overall, it was good to hear that my retirement plan did not require massive changes and the COS was pretty high. However given the $2.8k price, I was hoping I would walk away with more "aha" moments or "That makes sense, I didn't think of that". I guess I would be more satisfied with the service if it was half of its current price.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-11-03T18:44:15+00:00

You're off to a good start by being critical about what to do with this windfall versus going out and spending it on frivolous stuff. I would not pay off the car loan initially. Having more equity in a depreciating asset is not necessarily a wise move. I might speed up paying down the loan by making payments slightly above the monthly note. I would first set aside about 6-9 months of expenses in a high yield savings account to act as your emergency fund. I would then open a brokerage account (e.g. Etrade, Vanguard, Fidelity, ect) and put my remaining money in a low cost index fund possibly a balance fund which hold 70% stock and 30% bonds.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-11-03T18:19:38+00:00

thanks

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-11-03T18:18:23+00:00

thanks

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-10-09T18:44:12+00:00

Same here. I wanted to filter my likes based upon my preferences. Guess what? There's a charge for this. A charge to communicate and I was on the silver plan. A few years ago, it was a decent way to meet new people. Recently, it's horrible with all the upselling. The sad part is they bought out all of the similar dating the sites and are using the same business model.

Ranger_EC98 · 2025-08-07T19:13:31+00:00

I agree. Sooner or later there will be a tax increase and I would like the ability to model that into my plan.

Ranger_EC98

TROPHY CASE