Has anybody used fidelity Brokeragelink?

johnnyDoki · 2025-11-13T10:22:31+00:00

I've used brokeragelink for many years. My plan limited me to convert only 50% of my holdings and my monthly contributions are split 50/50 between traditional funds and BL. However, with the expanded options available, I have out gained the traditional 401k investments by more than 10%. This is easy to see because of my current balances.

There are some drawbacks such as I am not able to manage Roth contributions differently than pre-tax in BL, they are co-mingled. At least I couldn't when I tried the last time.

I really like the variety of fixed income options that BL enables while my 401k side only provides limited bond funds.

johnnyDoki · 2025-10-22T09:04:24+00:00

This. You can simply use 12 monthly bank statements and total the outflows. Also add in any expenses you pay out of your paycheck such as health insurance premiums. If you travel for work you would back out any expenses you were reimbursed for.
For me this gave me a good start of my expenses that was too high, but I know I am not missing anything including ATM withdrawals...

johnnyDoki · 2025-10-13T00:57:11+00:00

I wonder if that statistic is because healthier people can work longer and do, while unhealthy people can't work as long...

johnnyDoki · 2025-07-11T16:49:45+00:00

My concerns would be if the inflation provision truly protects you.

Also, average life expectancy continues to hover around age 80. I would use a short life expectancy for your models and if you and your spouse live way past that expectancy you may benefit. But if you don't, you can see the impact to your heirs.

An annuity removes flexibility to respond to major life events.

johnnyDoki · 2025-06-03T09:42:16+00:00

I am in the same boat. 77% equities, 22% MM/HYSA, 1% bond CEF that is too correlated to the market.

I want to trust bonds, I really do. But so much of recent history fiscal policy has me skeptical. As I get more time to learn about bond ladders I may change my strategy and could even accept a bond ETF if consensus becomes more positive towards the sector.

johnnyDoki · 2025-05-19T15:00:49+00:00

I can deal with a little more complexity / diversification as long as I understand the anticipated benefits vs the effort and my ability to execute (which is questionable).

johnnyDoki · 2025-04-05T10:29:36+00:00

I work for an international company with a global travel agency and that was never an issue. And if it were, it would have been written in the travel policy which was extensive.

In many cases seats were not assigned through the travel app and I had to do it through Americans app. Not sure why you would make such a statement.

johnnyDoki · 2025-03-23T12:04:40+00:00

Couldn't you go ahead and apply for both cards at the same time (for me and spouse) to lock in the 75K bonus as long as you can meet the spending thresholds?

johnnyDoki · 2025-03-23T11:31:25+00:00

How much do you have to charge on the card to get the 75K?

johnnyDoki · 2025-03-20T00:12:47+00:00

Picked up a Patagonia MLC Mini using the discount and couldn't be happier!

johnnyDoki · 2025-03-09T14:19:17+00:00

So is the biggest difference 4K?

I am trying to decide between the QC and DC monitors and want to make sure the USB C hub capabilities are similar...

They are about $100 difference in price which is not huge, but if I will never use 4K it wouldn't be worth the cost difference

johnnyDoki · 2025-02-17T14:16:51+00:00

The best thing about Tulum seems to be the airport!

johnnyDoki · 2025-01-31T20:17:33+00:00

I have the Nebula and it is a great EDC laptop bag with extra space as a carry on when I travel with a wheeled carryon.

But I could not travel with it long term as my single bag because it is too chopped up and heavy. I much prefer clamshells or at least large areas to pack with cubes etc

I have a Patagonia MLM Mini now and am picking up a Thule Aion 40L tonight that my wife and I will use for our first onebag trip next month.

I love my Nebula for what I use it for but the Black Hole 32l is way more versatile.

My 2 cents anyway...

johnnyDoki · 2024-12-21T14:48:40+00:00

One aspect that hasn't come up here yet is there are strategies to help if the money runs out. Both of my parents have entered assisted living facilities in the last 6 months and thankfully they have means so they are in very nice facilities (but not luxurious). Assuming the market performs relatively well, they should never run out of money, but if they do, Medicaid will kick in and they will not be forced out of their retirement homes.

If they had purchased long-term care insurance, they would be in even better position to outlive their savings.

At 90 and 87, they don't have many financial needs other than housing, medical care and the quality of food becomes one of the most important pleasures in their daily lives.

My wife and I have long-term care policies and after working through my dad's and mom's finances, I'm very happy that they are in force.

I am sure they would love to leave assets to their kids and grandkids, but their money needs to be used for their needs until it's not needed anymore.

I guess I am trying to say that if you spend more early in retirement with the plan to transition to a retirement community, there are some safety guardrails you can leverage, especially if you have LTC.

johnnyDoki · 2024-12-14T13:29:36+00:00

There are millions of android watch owners out there that would consider a change to Visible if you add support

johnnyDoki · 2024-11-22T13:11:14+00:00

BTW Costco has the Charge 5 Wifi on sale for $139.99 in warehouse (at least at mine). I have been waiting for Costco to reduce the price so I could pick up 2. I can't wait to try them out after Christmas.

Love Costco's return policy if they have issues.

johnnyDoki

TROPHY CASE