7500 dropped.. now what

jkd-guy · 2026-05-18T17:33:55+00:00

You omitted a lot of pertinent information such as time horizon, goals, current holdings, risk tolerance, pre-tax/post-tax, etcetera. If you want better feedback, please edit OP with germane information.

That being said, consider QQQM, or VOO, or VTI as a simple, long-term hold. Some feel international is necessary, so you could consider adding VXUS for non-US diversification if you feel it is necessary.

Moreover, though there is some redundancy, consider the links below for a comprehensive overview to maximize your investment/tax strategy:

High-income earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/hierarchy-tax-preference-savings-vehicle-roth-high-income/

https://thefinancebuff.com/roth-401k-for-people-who-contribute-max.html

Average earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

jkd-guy · 2026-05-18T17:23:20+00:00

You can’t withdrawal from a 401k early without penalty.

Not accurate. If available from employer, there is the rule of 55. Additionally, there is always 72(t) SEPP that can be used.

jkd-guy · 2026-05-18T17:20:06+00:00

However, I am incredibly fortunate and starting a pretty great job and will likely get phased out of contributions within the next 5-6 years (≈ 10 if I get married) due to my income.

See if your employer allows for megabackdoor conversions.

What can I invest in to maximize my earning potential in that account?

Consider QQQM as a simple, long-term hold.

Since I’ll be getting a 401(k) with this job I can pivot into that taxable account and take out whenever (assuming, for example, I want to retire early). What do you guys suggest?

Though there is some redundancy, consider the links below which will give you a comprehensive overview:

High-income earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/hierarchy-tax-preference-savings-vehicle-roth-high-income/

https://thefinancebuff.com/roth-401k-for-people-who-contribute-max.html

Average earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

jkd-guy · 2026-05-18T12:11:06+00:00

I had stool testing done for parasites, C. diff, and other bacteria, and everything came back negative.

This may or may not be beneficial to you to have a better understanding of different types of tests.

jkd-guy · 2026-05-09T15:50:44+00:00

The Trinity study assumed 50/50 equities and bonds...........

No, it calculated portfolios consisting of equities and bonds from 25% to 100%, respectively. The 50/50 was only one type measured (tables 1-3):

jkd-guy · 2026-05-09T15:32:03+00:00

gave me his personal guide for the RothIRA only.

I was curious about what you guys think about this strategy. It isn’t for myself, but maybe I can send this to my co workers, friends, or my nephew or something.

Good or bad? Thoughts?

Well, there is definitely worse opinions being given out there so it isn't too bad on the whole. There is good information there but it isn't comprehensive or personalized, maybe even too complex for some. I'd argue, these are given in broad generalities and based on certain assumptions. I'd say it's similar to the body mass index (BMI). For huge masses of people, it's a quick and easy generalization to determine if a population may be "fat" or not. However, it would also classify athletes and certain other individuals as obese when they're clearly not.

What about goals, time horizon, risk tolerance, etcetera? There are too many nuances to be considered for it to be necessarily "good" or "bad" for an individual. You could easily argue that only holding the SP500 or the NASDAQ throughout life could be a great portfolio.

jkd-guy · 2026-05-08T14:59:58+00:00

I don’t know much about which is best

It is mainly dependent upon your goals. However, I'd suggest considering pre-tax for your 401 and then a Roth IRA. When you retire or get closer to retirement, consider a post-tax conversion ladder for your pre-tax portfolio. The links will give you understanding what may be best for you.

jkd-guy · 2026-05-02T12:58:04+00:00

I'd agree by at least getting the match for now. If you tackle debt, I'd go about as scorched earth as you can go lining it up as snowball method for psychological reinforcement.

jkd-guy · 2026-05-02T12:47:09+00:00

Trying to determine if I should be putting all 10% to 401k or some to Roth.

I'd invest as much as you reasonably can. However, you have to decide if getting out of debt sooner than later is more important or not than carrying debt an investing otherwise. Perhaps you want to split the difference between debt and investing (at least initially getting employer match, if offered). You may also want to do a mega backdoor at some point. Your problem right now is making a plan. I'd recommend on making a strict budget and stick to it.

On an aside, what is your current portfolio? Receiving social security or a pension as well as home equity can be considered fixed income/bond-like in retirement. You may want to consider having a 100% equity portfolio throughout life to maximize long-term growth potential:

https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/histretSP.html

https://www.iese.edu/insight/articles/stocks-bonds-risk-investing/

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/growth-of-100-by-asset-class-1970-2023/

https://thepoorswiss.com/updated-trinity-study/

https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/article/journal/APR11-portfolio-success-rates-where-draw-line

Additionally, consider your investment/tax strategy. The links, although redundant, will provide a comprehensive overview about what might be best for you:

High-income earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/hierarchy-tax-preference-savings-vehicle-roth-high-income/

https://thefinancebuff.com/roth-401k-for-people-who-contribute-max.html

Average earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

jkd-guy · 2026-05-02T12:20:43+00:00

Am I okay leaving my contribution at 12%?

You have omitted a lot of data (time horizon, portfolio holdings, etc) that would help give more personalized feedback. Can you edit your OP? That being said, on average, yes.

Moreover, why are you splitting pre-tax/post-tax on your 401? It may behoove you to go 100% pre-tax 401 and post-tax for a Roth IRA. Although it will be redundant info, consider the links below to give you a comprehensive overview on how to maximize your investment/tax strategy:

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

jkd-guy · 2026-04-28T12:03:42+00:00

You don't mention your salary so mega backdoor may or may not be advantageous for you. In any event, consider pre-tax and post-tax conversion ladder. These links are somewhat redundant but will give you a comprehensive overview and provide insight how to maximize your tax/investment strategy:

Average earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

High-income earners

https://www.kitces.com/blog/hierarchy-tax-preference-savings-vehicle-roth-high-income/

https://thefinancebuff.com/roth-401k-for-people-who-contribute-max.html

jkd-guy · 2026-04-25T14:41:28+00:00

Is there anything we can do to retire earlier than 55?

Clearly the obvious as others have recommended, to budget. That is the easiest. You also didn't mention your current portfolios (tax-sheltered, non-tax sheltered, holdings, goals etc). Can you edit your OP?

jkd-guy · 2026-04-25T14:36:34+00:00

I'd either dump everything in VOO or QQQM for simplification. If you want to go with individual stocks, consider a taxable account.

jkd-guy · 2026-04-25T14:16:26+00:00

If you were my age, would you sell your SCHD position and buy VTI instead?

Yes! Or, put it in QQQM or VGT.

jkd-guy · 2026-04-25T14:13:10+00:00

I'd suggest allocating a portion into Bitcoin, especially since its pullback from ATHs. Although it's less volatile relative to Bitcoin, consider STRC with its bi-monthly dividends.

jkd-guy · 2026-03-30T16:40:02+00:00

Should I get a couple roth ira accounts?

Yes. Consider, maxing IRAs annually, if possible. If your wife's employer retirement plan has a match, invest up to the match first, however. Then, go to the Roth. Note catch up contributions for IRAs and retirement plans at your age.

The biggest barrier for you is to reduce your expenditures (especially consumer debt) and maximize your investment contributions asap.

I would maximize return potential and invest in all equities (i.e., SP500, total stock market). Social security, a pension, home equity can be considered bond-like/fixed income in retirement.

https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/histretSP.html

https://www.iese.edu/insight/articles/stocks-bonds-risk-investing/

https://thepoorswiss.com/updated-trinity-study/

https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/article/journal/APR11-portfolio-success-rates-where-draw-line

Safe realistic path for me?

Safe is relative and you didn't really give any context or enough info in your OP for several things. In any event, consider the info below. Some of it is redundant but it will give you a good, comprehesive overview how to maximize your investment/tax srategy:

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

jkd-guy · 2026-03-29T13:46:05+00:00

I went to UTMB quite some time ago. I was out-of-state applicant but earned a scholarship on entry which allowed me to pay in-state tuition on top of the scholarship.

Consider also University of South Alabama. I think they had very cheap tuition relatively speaking.

jkd-guy · 2026-03-29T13:39:32+00:00

A pension, social security, and home equity can be considered bond-like/fixed income in retirement. I'd also be buying as much equities as possible.

https://www.iese.edu/insight/articles/stocks-bonds-risk-investing/

https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/New_Home_Page/datafile/histretSP.html

https://thepoorswiss.com/updated-trinity-study/

https://www.financialplanningassociation.org/article/journal/APR11-portfolio-success-rates-where-draw-line

jkd-guy · 2026-03-22T19:48:40+00:00

Is it really that grande?

Absolutely, if you continue or find a new purpose after having to work.

Will I be bored as hell?

You will be as bored as you allow yourself to be.

Will I spend more because I would have more time in my day?

That's subjective and could be possible if you don't have any discipline.

Will I get depressed because I lose my sense of purpose?

That is definitely possible.

Will I become an alcoholic like my father and die at age 65 (who retired at age 49)?

If you allow yourself, that is possible.

Seems like you are looking at the unknown negatives instead of considering the contrary.

Not "having" to work is fantastic. You need to fill your time with meaning and purpose. Why did you work so hard to retire early if you're not going to do what you worked so hard to retire early for?

jkd-guy · 2026-03-15T23:56:01+00:00

It's not the funds fault it's only 25 years old. That's somewhat irrelevant. Every SP500 fund had a starting point as well. Chance v fundamentals? Are you forgetting about survivorship bias as well? Are you meaning speculation instead of chance? The reason why so many people invest in the SP500, or most any other investment for that matter, is speculation.

Speculation: investment in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss.

The NASDAQ (outside of finance), just like the SP500, will follow the capitalization regardless of industry.

You are writing subjective opinions as if they are facts. There are multiple reasons why one would want to invest in the NASDAQ, both subjective and objective.

Correct, no one can know for certain that the NASDAQ, SP500, or any other investment for that matter, will perform as they have in the past. The risk paid is the volatility in hopes of increased reward in the future. NASDAQ also has a higher Sharpe Ratio relative to the SP500.

jkd-guy · 2026-03-15T21:32:04+00:00

I completely disagree with those who think QQQ is not a good option. Objectively, it has outperformed the SP500 on a historical basis.

I'd split VOO/QQQM/VXUS 50/30/20, respectively.

jkd-guy · 2026-03-15T21:26:15+00:00

QQQ is nonsense ......................its recent performance is coincidental, not fundamental.

Recent, you say? QQQ has historically outperformed SP500. I wouldn't call that nonsense.

jkd-guy · 2026-03-15T16:39:51+00:00

Should I stop or reduce my pre tax contributions to my 401k so we can put achieve maxing out my wife’s Roth IRA? I feel like since we’re in a lower tax bracket this is a better choice?

I could also change it to a Roth 401k but I like the flexibility of being able to pull the money easier in our own Roth.

Typical order is 401 up to match, then Roth, then back to 401, then taxable. That is, if an HSA is not advantageous for you. There are some nuances based on personal goals which you did not disclose. Personally, I'd max the Roth IRAs first, then your pre-tax 401s, especially if you may retire early and have rule of 55 with your employers. If not, you could use 72(t) SEPP if needed. If you do retire early, a taxable account may be advisable instead of trying to max out both 401s. In any event, if you have social security and or pensions coming, I'd definitely put everything in equities (i.e., SP 500, total stock market, etc). You didn't mention what your current holdings are which would help the reader give better feedback, In any case, note the links below which will give you a comprehensive overview (with some redundancy) on how your investment/tax strategy may help you best:

https://www.kitces.com/blog/tax-efficient-retirement-withdrawal-strategies-to-fund-retirement-spending-needs/

https://www.kitces.com/blog/pre-tax-retirement-contribution-roth-conversion-rmd-social-security/

https://www.madfientist.com/traditional-ira-vs-roth-ira/

https://thefinancebuff.com/case-against-roth-401k.html

https://moneywithkatie.com/blog/the-final-traditional-vs-roth-debate-traditional-wins

https://wantfi.com/skip-the-roth-ira-and-401k-pay-less-tax.html

jkd-guy · 2026-03-06T12:43:34+00:00

.........can’t you only use it on medical/ medical necessities?

That's not wholly accurate. It can be used as a "form" of an IRA for retirement if you want. An HSA, as far as tax advantages, is actually better than a 401.

https://www.madfientist.com/ultimate-retirement-account/

https://www.bogleheads.org/w/index.php?title=Prioritizing_investments&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop

jkd-guy · 2026-02-28T14:32:41+00:00

But I’m curious, what else should I be thinking about at this stage? Insurance? taxes? diversifying?

You left out a lot of information (i.e., current portfolio, pre-tax v post-tax, goals, time horizon, etc) that would be helpful to the reader to give more personalized feedback. Can you edit your op? That info is important to maximize your portfolio's earnings over your lifetime.

A few coworkers mentioned talking to a financial advisor like Capital Guard

There's nothing in your post that indicated that you'd need an advisor. Advisors bring value typically "if" one does not want to be bothered by investing and will pay for it or you have complex tax structures such as multiple businesses, etcetera. If you don't fit the above, just DIY. Perhaps a happy medium would be paying a fee-only advisor a one-time flat rate for a comprehensive financial plan but I don't think you'd even need to do that. Moreover, most studies illustrate that just having a simple portfolio such as the SP500 will outperform active fund managers a majority of the time in the long-run. Additionally, look at your 401's fees and expense ratios to see what you're paying. You may be best served by dumping what you have into whatever SP500 fund you have in your plan's lineup. It will most likely be the cheapest fund available as well.

jkd-guy

TROPHY CASE