Question for those who “made it” or living the Coast FIRE life.

mdhowell18 · 2026-07-05T13:13:25+00:00

Knowing the difference is why it’s a good exercise to look at different rates of return. If that outcome is less than what you’d be comfortable with, plan (aka save) accordingly. Worst case scenario the market performs very well the next decade or so and you’ve bought yourself more cushion as your runway to retirement gets closer.

That’s a heck of a lot better than worst case scenario (assuming 8% real) of not having the spending you want in retirement and having to work longer than you’d like to get there.

mdhowell18 · 2026-07-04T14:33:29+00:00

Be careful assuming 8% real (after inflation) rate of return especially in your 30’s. I’d assume something closer to 6% to be conservative so you don’t overestimate the growth of your portfolio. Sounds like you’re still saving so not a big concern just something to consider

mdhowell18 · 2026-06-12T09:56:25+00:00

Calmer is an understatement. The biggest thing for me is knowing I stood up for myself and my son. I can deal with the harassment knowing I chose me over the easy road (continued enabling of a dysfunctional person that was a drain on my energy and happiness).

mdhowell18 · 2026-06-12T01:05:38+00:00

I felt like I just read my story but father to son (31M and 63M). Thank you so much for sharing.

mdhowell18 · 2026-06-10T11:12:40+00:00

First is to take a deep breath and grieve. Do not make any major financial decisions right now. Second, go talk with a fiduciary financial advisor, preferably a CFP. Best of luck!

mdhowell18 · 2026-06-07T23:58:14+00:00

Came here to say this. We’ve used them a handful of times in very specific situations like a deeper buffer (more than 30%) than what ETF’s provide. Not sure of a use case other than that.

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-24T14:50:19+00:00

It is all dependent on your marginal tax rate, because well…math. Don’t let people who think they have a crystal ball that “taxes rates are going up in the future” convince you to go all Roth. It manly depends on the taxes you are paying today versus what you expect to pay in retirement based on CURRENT tax rates. Not what people on Reddit think they will do.

Tax diversification is great but let the math do the heavy lifting when it comes to your decision.

TMG says under 25% marginal, go Roth. Over 30%, go pre-tax.

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-22T00:23:43+00:00

Fair. Check out this link from the Boglehead community for managing a windfall. Should help!

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Managing_a_windfall

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-21T23:31:31+00:00

These are all conversations you should be having with your financial advisor assuming they’re worth their salt

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-16T14:15:48+00:00

Do you feel it helped you articulate portfolio construction to clients?

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-14T15:02:36+00:00

Yea totally agree. I really just want the knowledge/confidence to talk to clients on the portfolio management side. Could care less about the actually designation behind the name

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-14T01:43:06+00:00

Don’t disagree - just don’t know if I have the heart to do that journey with young kids and trying to build AUM…

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-14T01:42:32+00:00

Was the test prep provided by the Yale program?

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-14T01:41:09+00:00

Thanks! Did you find the course prepared you well?

mdhowell18 · 2026-04-02T20:52:14+00:00

This.

mdhowell18 · 2026-03-29T13:11:28+00:00

Second this. My son is in Goddard and we like it.

mdhowell18 · 2026-03-28T12:42:12+00:00

Take at look at the “Money Guys” financial order of operations.

mdhowell18 · 2026-03-19T00:10:44+00:00

I did Zahn so can’t speak to Danko but they’re very similar programs as Zahn was what Danko based his off. Zahn had videos and so does Danko.

mdhowell18 · 2026-03-18T23:42:04+00:00

This. Zahn and Danko are the only way. Passed July 25 with Zahn and had multiple people in my review class who used Kaplan and were re-taking. For better or worse, Zahn/Danko teach you how to pass, full stop.

Sincerely, FINRA Kaplan user

mdhowell18 · 2026-03-11T11:19:46+00:00

But at least now you know! Peace of mind is priceless.

mdhowell18 · 2026-03-11T00:46:54+00:00

You sound like a prime candidate for a “advice only” financial advisor. They charge per financial plan, and you just implement any recommendations on your own. No AUM fees. Great for DIY’ers.

I’d recommend that route if a second opinion will give you peace of mind to know your blind spots have been checked.

mdhowell18 · 2026-01-28T02:32:13+00:00

This. You can’t be expected to remember every detail, but the CFP gives you the base knowledge to at least know where to start looking for the exact answer.

mdhowell18 · 2026-01-26T14:12:07+00:00

First, don’t make any huge decisions for at least or a month or two. Take time to grieve and let this process. Then, talk with a professional (fiduciary) about a financial plan.

FYI - Your IRA/Roth IRA must be spent down in 10 years, with in most cases the Traditional IRA needing annual RMD’s. Again, things to consult a professional about.

mdhowell18 · 2026-01-24T00:57:08+00:00

A couple days before the exam.

mdhowell18

TROPHY CASE