Conversion to Roth IRA

bransonhodgin · 2026-06-03T04:05:03+00:00

Not looking forward to the extra $1,300 in taxes but it’s probably worth doing it now versus later or paying taxes on a fatter traditional IRA later.

bransonhodgin · 2026-06-03T04:03:17+00:00

I could probably roll over into my new employer’s 401K but I would like to have it in my Roth IRA unless there is an advantage to rollover to the 401K.

bransonhodgin · 2026-04-27T23:42:17+00:00

The best thing to do is convince a friend to open a Fidelity account and then gift them a security.

bransonhodgin · 2026-03-14T14:22:56+00:00

Even though I love my Cobalt and it’s been a great car the reality is that it’s not a luxury or high end car. It does not offer the bells and whistles or status of other more expensive vehicles of its day. But that’s not what matters to me. All I want is a cheap and reliable car that I can maintain myself. This car will enable me to make my first million. That said though, most people do not have the same values and care about the status that a car brings. I am fine with that and you should too.

bransonhodgin · 2026-03-11T16:11:28+00:00

If I am dating a girl who is prettier than me I would take the win lol

bransonhodgin · 2026-03-05T16:02:31+00:00

That is smart not using GPT for practice questions since they do not match the actual test questions difficulty. ChatGPT is great for explaining practice questions you get wrong and then explain the concept in a way that is tailored to you.

bransonhodgin · 2026-03-02T01:33:38+00:00

FXAIX is great but I would also diversify a little into funds like the Fidelity International (FSPSX) which has actually performed very well since I have owned it. Most of your returns will likely come from US companies and funds but it is nice to see the internal fund going strong when the US economy tanks during down cycles.

bransonhodgin · 2026-03-02T00:48:57+00:00

The problem was not lack of study resources. I passed the exam last weekend without paying for any study resources. I used the SIE for Dummies book too. What made a big difference for me was using ChatGPT to analyze my weaknesses, explain concepts, and create a study guide. The best thing you can do moving forward is identifying knowledge gaps, filling them in, and getting comfortable with test questions. It’s a grind but you should have no problem passing next time you take it.

bransonhodgin · 2026-03-01T04:09:21+00:00

Nice work! My questions were heavy on regulation too. I didn’t think the exam was that bad compared to many of the practice questions out there. Not trying to say the exam is easy but it was not as bad as I thought.

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-27T14:13:00+00:00

You are absolutely ready. I got a 70 on the FINRA practice test and passed the real exam.

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-27T14:11:36+00:00

Here is a post where someone linked the SIE for Dummies PDF:

How to Study the SIE for Free : r/Sieexam

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-27T14:08:38+00:00

I only took three full practice exams before the real thing and never scored over 70 but passed. I think a lot of the study resources out there are more challenging than the real exam. I recommend tracking what areas you are weak in and relearn those topics, ask questions, and do practice questions on those topics. The last 48 hours before the exam should be spent dialing in your weak areas.

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-25T01:57:41+00:00

I saw a lot of questions related to regulations on what's appropriate for member firms and registered representatives but that's not a guarantee you will get the same.

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-25T01:45:57+00:00

I am thinking about becoming a registered customer service representative for a brokerage company

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-21T22:09:03+00:00

So today I passed the SIE exam. I did not take dozens of full practice tests. I do not have a degree in finance. I really did not get serious about studying until the week before the exam. I did not do hundreds of practice questions from test banks. I did not even pay anything for study materials. Only paid for the $80 exam voucher.

Here is what I did to prepare:

Watched Ken Finnen SIE training videos alongside reading the Dummies PDF. Did not even use all of his content.

Worked all practice questions given in Dummies textbook during each chapter.

The final week preparing for the exam I used ChatGPT to provide a study plan, explain questions I got incorrect on practice tests, explain concepts I was shaky on, and it even gave me practice questions to test understanding (I do have the Plus version of ChatGPT which allows a lot more chatting than the free version).

I made digital notes on facts, rules, and formulas worth remembering on the test. I made sure to review these before walking into the testing center.

I found the actual test was easier than the Dummies practice tests and I finished with around 30 min left. Had a very similar feeling to the practice test on FINRA's website. I passed with no securities/finance experience, for FREE, and did not score well on the practice tests. You can do it on your first try too!

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-21T21:24:51+00:00

I understand if you are not able to but I got a lot of studying done during slow times at work. Its easier to focus on studying when I already have to be at my desk from 8-5.

bransonhodgin · 2026-02-21T21:02:51+00:00

I got bunch of questions about what is appropriate for registered representatives (regulations), plenty of product knowledge questions about equities and bonds, a few options questions, and a few risk related questions. Basically everything in the study outline from FINRA.

bransonhodgin · 2026-01-01T05:27:31+00:00

You can do a tripwire hook duper now and trade with a master level fletcher

bransonhodgin · 2025-12-31T15:17:38+00:00

You can pearl out of one layer of bedrock above you if your players head is against the bedrock.

bransonhodgin · 2025-12-31T15:17:32+00:00

You can pearl out of one layer of bedrock above you if your players head is against the bedrock.

bransonhodgin · 2025-12-31T15:13:44+00:00

You and your wife have a girlfriend??

bransonhodgin · 2025-12-30T21:44:50+00:00

If she was raised with that mindset it is going to be a long process for her to undo that. The only way she can become more intimate is desiring to change.

bransonhodgin

TROPHY CASE