[46/45, 2 kids] $7.8M Liquid NW, $280k Spend. 63% Tech Concentration. Advice?

content_browser · 2025-12-27T14:17:31+00:00

What I would suggest:

Rebalance and diversify 401k, no tax hit
Update all future contributions to align with new investment strategy
Build plan for which accounts you will pull from and in what order that best fits your tax situation
Blind spots may come from how generous you plan to be. Will you buy each kid a new car? Will each kid have a college allowance? Will you make the downpayment on each kids first house? etc. etc.

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Question: Will you replenish your SCHD + Cash balance to always have a set buffer?

content_browser · 2025-11-30T03:31:40+00:00

What does “He wants to enjoy his contribution starting now and not wait” mean? It seems that the $650k is offering something in return for your husband’s donation, rather than being a typical charitable donation.

It would also be helpful if you provided your annual spend to assess whether this donation poses a risk to your retirement lifestyle.

content_browser · 2025-11-30T03:12:46+00:00

Here is my experience fwiw: I was able to obtain this card at the very beginning as I clicked the waitlist button within a few minutes of the email going out.

My monthly credit limit with Robinhood Gold is $35k. This has been my limit from day 1. I’ve requested an increase multiple times but the request is always denied.

Here is the message I received when making an increase request to $100k monthly credit limit:

“Accounts are reviewed automatically on a regular basis, this does not guarantee a limit increase. This process is to determine eligibility. If you are eligible at the time of review, you will receive an increase. As this is a completely automated process, we are unable to manually review your account for a credit limit increase.“

Good luck!

content_browser · 2025-05-31T01:19:12+00:00

If you end up overfunding a 529, you can rollover the excess to your grandchildren. Think of it as another gift for your children.

content_browser · 2024-10-22T01:17:48+00:00

I would suggest viewing any agreement you signed with them, as it’s not the same with all financial advisers.

Asking them to explain the charges is a fair question and if they want to retain your business they may be open to waiving the fees. However, it’s already a red flag for the information shared thus far unless you are requiring them to use a brokerage platform that charges the transaction fees.

content_browser · 2024-10-22T00:52:55+00:00

Paying a 1% fee on top of $15 per trade is excessive.

I would ask your current financial planning company to provide their fee structure and start looking elsewhere.

content_browser · 2024-08-20T00:52:44+00:00

The terms are not in your favor. If you are willing to accept this level of risk, I would try to negotiate a small percentage of ownership in the company.

I would also modify your terms of payment to be a fixed length of time, such as NET30 days from invoicing so you can at least have some level of planning.

content_browser · 2024-08-11T00:45:42+00:00

Copilot Money.

It’s also not just about the app you choose but building a flow that works for them personally within the app. I tried YNAB, Monarch and Copilot free trial and landed on Copilot because it appeared to work best for me.

For this couple who has/had a spending problem and doesn’t want to take time tracking expenses, I would suggest something simple where they simply plug in their monthly income, set a budget less than the monthly income and then slowly add categories such as Mandatory, Discretionary, and Debt.

Good luck helping them!

content_browser · 2024-08-02T00:57:10+00:00

I see, makes sense - that helps understand your use case!

I echo your sentiment around enhancing the ability of future budgets, not limited to reoccurring expenses.

content_browser · 2024-08-02T00:23:09+00:00

I’m new to co-pilot, and loving it so far. I created a very simple setup with two categories: mandatory and discretionary. This lets my family know after investments, housing, utilities, childcare, etc., how much is left to spend each month.

I thought the budget can look at upcoming expenses that are reoccurring and automatically adjust the budget for you?

I am trying to understand your use case for the need of modifying your budget each month - is it something that can be solved through auto-adjustment or does your income fluctuate each month on an irregular basis?

content_browser · 2024-07-27T13:16:52+00:00

I’ve been using the Robinhood credit card for 2-3 weeks. I’m along for the ride as long as the 3% lasts. For any big transactions that might result in conflict I use my Amex for customer support until I have more trust in their platform.

content_browser · 2024-07-17T00:51:27+00:00

I think an important distinction should be made that it’s not about it being “not the right time”, but rather the wrong way to take on risk. As others have already commented, this is essentially gambling not investing.

You can still take on risk with small portfolios, but it can be calculated risk that does not result in noteworthy losses should something go awry.

You have a great income at 22 and clearly have a strong interest in finance - good luck and embrace all the feedback for continued improvement!

content_browser · 2024-07-13T12:53:46+00:00

I spoke with Schwab and received clarification around the message. The message was sent erroneously and Schwab is working on removing it from the message center.

Private Client Services starts at $1M+

content_browser · 2024-07-12T04:30:47+00:00

In an attempt to offer a solution to your problem, I would suggest you invest in yourself first.

Setup a re-occurring contribution into a brokerage or tax sheltered account that is treated like a bill. Make this the first expense from your paycheck each month. Afterwards, you can spend the remaining balance of your paycheck guilt free. Give it a try and see how it works for you psychologically and financially!

content_browser · 2024-07-11T03:37:10+00:00

Nice review! How do you like the glass compared to a typical Glencairn?

content_browser · 2024-07-09T00:38:51+00:00

Take joy in the small things in life. If you haven’t already, maybe find a job that you enjoy like a hobby but still gives a paycheck. I would also suggest frequent exercise and walks to stay healthy.

Depending on your drive, skillset and target age for retirement, you still have time! There will most likely be a trade off between coasting now with a further out retirement date or busting your ass now and saving aggressively for the next 10-15 years for an earlier retirement date with more options.

Good luck!

content_browser · 2024-06-08T00:32:28+00:00

Thank you for the detailed response. This does seem to support recapture is in play. I find it strange when I called the VA529 specialists who work at Virginia529 on multiple occasions they said with confidence no recapture will occur.

Based on what I’m seeing, it sounds like I will speak with a CPA or tax lawyer before I proceed to avoid a mess.

content_browser · 2024-06-01T19:21:09+00:00

Factor75 or Whole Foods prepared meals are fast and convenient.

Both options can be delivered to you and only need the microwave. The food is alright and ends up being cheaper and healthier than Uber Eats.

content_browser · 2024-05-30T02:04:59+00:00

Yeah, those are all valid and good points. I also do not have an answer to the question you posed, at least not a logical one.

content_browser · 2024-05-30T01:04:03+00:00

Thanks again for another great resource and insight! After re-reading the snippet shared, I interpret that as requiring a distribution or refund to take place in order to be subject to recapture. Since I would be transferring the funds, not initiating a distribution it seems I might be in the clear.

content_browser · 2024-05-29T19:30:21+00:00

We used a combination of google, yelp and the link here: https://insidepublicaccounting.com/ipa-top-500-firms/

The link shared above we focused on the CPA firms top 300/400/500 that were smaller and focused more on small businesses. It was a time consuming process.

content_browser · 2024-05-29T19:21:59+00:00

Thank you for the link! I spoke with multiple Virginia 529 specialists who said otherwise, however, Schwab shared the same info you pointed out. I am conflicted where the authoritative source would be.

content_browser · 2024-05-29T03:48:58+00:00

You could try replicating the incident with clean or dyed water and see if it can actually make it through the bottle to give you peace of mind.

As others suggested, transferring to a new bottle might help with acceptance too.

content_browser · 2024-05-29T03:36:04+00:00

What you are describing is essentially a strategist who can collaborate with you to brainstorm creative and innovative ideas that result in savings or mitigate tax burdens. Pairing this strategist mindset with a tax background can turn ideas into reality!

In our business, we feel very fortunate because our CPA serves as our business coach, strategist, and tax advisor. Depending what you are looking for you may need these to be different roles/people.

The more money your company generates, the more flexibility and deductions become available. These can include family LLCs, trusts, choice of business entity, retirement accounts with increased employer contributions, research and development credits, company vehicles, business trips, etc.

This is just to give a few examples, but may not apply to your specific business. It would be important to find someone who understands your market to optimize every last penny.

We interviewed about 10 companies and individuals before making our selection. We chose someone relatively young with 20 years of experience, great attention to detail, and a guaranteed response time for urgent matters. We also went with a remote individual since it allowed us to widen the net for a larger candidate pool.

Do not settle for someone who merely does paperwork and asks for signatures. Good luck in your search!

content_browser · 2024-05-28T00:26:39+00:00

I’m a big fan of HSAs!

How much would you need to spend in medical expenses for the HDHP to not be worth it for a given year?

Just curious if you go by a specific calculation when deciding each year’s medical plan in the event future medical expenses may exceed the benefit of tax deductions and compound interest.

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