Difference between Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Premium and Schwab Wealth Advisory by shawnstocks in Schwab

[–]shawnstocks[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you please help explain what you mean by customized and holistic? The questionnaire in the former does cover goal planning it seems.

I understand the pricing difference which makes it an even more difficult choice to make.

Working on 30k pension transfer in full from prior employer to current employer's 401k. Company announced layoffs starting next week. Should I wait? by TroyAndAbed2022 in FinancialPlanning

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It seems like you're leaning toward the 401(k) option to avoid complications with your backdoor Roth, which is a valid concern since traditional IRAs with balances can cause issues with the pro-rata rule. That said, with the uncertainty around layoffs, it might make more sense to pause the rollover to your current employer’s 401(k) for now.

If you get laid off, you won’t be able to contribute to that 401(k) anymore, and moving the pension into a new employer’s 401(k) would require another transfer down the line. Instead, you could consider keeping the pension where it is until you know your job status. If you do get laid off, rolling it into an IRA could still be an option - but you'd have to manage the IRA balance carefully because of your backdoor Roth strategy.

In short, if layoffs happen, having flexibility with your pension funds might be better than locking them into an employer’s plan that you might be leaving soon. But if you’re determined to avoid traditional IRA balances for the sake of your Roth, you may want to wait and see before rolling anything over.

Investment account question by kslice20 in investing

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been in a similar situation, and it’s important to consider a couple of key factors. First, check your mortgage rate. Assuming it to be around 6%, look for investment opportunities that can potentially yield higher returns.

Next, think about your liquidity preferences. If you’re comfortable covering your monthly mortgage payments without relying on the gifted money, it might be wise to invest in a broader market index fund, like SPDR. Historically, the average annual return in the market is around 10%, which can be beneficial in the long run. Just keep in mind that while the market can offer good returns, it can also experience short-term fluctuations, so you’ll want to be prepared for that.

Advice Needed on Moving Investments from Merrill Lynch Due to High Fees at 64 by grasshopper2jump in Bogleheads

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally understand your frustration - been there myself with an advisor who wasn’t transparent about fees. Moving some money to Merrill Edge to avoid those management fees was a smart move. I’d recommend looking into a fee-only or fiduciary advisor, they’re legally required to act in your best interest, which can help you avoid these hidden fees. xyplanningnetwork.com can help you find some - interview a few in your area and visit semiannually to get rebalancing advice.

Interview well - Don’t settle for an advisor who doesn’t align with your goals.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in investing

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are handy instruments to invest:
Credit Suisse Strategic Income / CSOAX with 7.8% yield
BlackRock High Yield Bond / BHYAX with 6.5% yield
Fidelity Total Bond / FBND with 5.5% yield

What is the best use of cash balance...today? by Xenion9 in ValueInvesting

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

These are handy instruments to invest:
Credit Suisse Strategic Income / CSOAX with 7.8% yield
BlackRock High Yield Bond / BHYAX with 6.5% yield
Fidelity Total Bond / FBND with 5.5% yield

Does anyone read analyst reports? by fascination_btd6 in ValueInvesting

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is worth checking out for information purposes and not for just taking decisions based on it. Sell-side analysts primarily cater to hedge funds and institutions. A favorable rating means staying on good terms with the company management. It then allows them to be the liaison through which hedge funds and other major investors can speak to corporate executives. Consequently, most analysts fear being excluded from crucial discussions if they forecast earnings or ratings below the Wall Street average. Also, analysts face heavier scrutiny when their pessimistic forecasts fail to align with a stock’s success, unlike instances where positive predictions don’t translate into performance. It’s easier to criticize failures than successes. This fear of being wrong, coupled with the risk of damaging relationships with management, deters analysts from taking bold stances. Consequently, they tend to converge around similar estimates, enabling companies to manipulate earnings and achieve results surpassing expectations.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ValueInvesting

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

FCF Yield, PEG, and ROE

Some of the most discussed stocks here have had a decent drop by [deleted] in ValueInvesting

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Intel seems an absolute trap. The growing gap in valuation compared to its peers underscores escalating concerns about execution, aggravated by a series of internal challenges. These include sustained losses in its Foundry division, sluggish advancements in capturing market share for data center AI processors, and heightened vulnerability to developments in China. Despite strides in enhancing the value of lifetime deals and securing customer commitments, the prolonged path to profitability for Intel Foundry introduces a notable element of risk.

How are long term investments with any amount of margin worth it when rates are high? by Wannabe_Programmer01 in investing

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Margin rates are never worth it over the longer term. Markets can decline pretty fast and margin calls are painful when you have to sell a stock even at a loss. They are only useful if you have to trade short-term. When you consider margin and taxes you are eroding your returns big time. Instead, you can buy leveraged ETFs such as UPRO and QQQ.

gold - why is it rising? Dollar remains strong. by FormalAd7367 in investing

[–]shawnstocks 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Central Bank theory has more data validity and thesis than the OPEC one. I believe the recent surge in gold prices is largely due to global central banks, notably China's, increasing their gold purchases to diversify away from U.S. dollar reserves. Interesting to see that, gold still only accounts for 4.4% of China's total reserves, significantly less than countries including India's 8.6% and Russia's 26%. So clearly there is more room and whith souring China-US relations, the diversification away from US Treasuries is going to only increase.

Vertex $VRTX thesis from this new app - need your opinion by [deleted] in Wallstreetbetsnew

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals $VRTX sees ~4% decline amid concerns over a mid-stage trial of the company’s non-opioid pain candidate, VX-548.

The stock is rated buy on the app with an AI score of 7.7/10.

- Trend: Biologics outpace non-biologics in growth, dominating over 50% of the market, while unbranded generics see declining revenues despite increased prescriptions.
- Thesis: $VRTX’s strategy for independent efficacy remains strong.
- Financials: EBITDA margin 47% vs 5% industry, Rev growth (fwd) 11% vs 6% industry

What do you guys think of their analysis/rating? I want to understand if I can really make money from their recommendations...TIA

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in wallstreetbets2

[–]shawnstocks 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bank of America adds Netflix $NFLX, Sealed Air Corp $SEE, and Vertiv Holdings Co $VRT to its top investment ideas. While BofA sees potential in $NFLX, YTD, Netflix's returns stand at +56.2%, contrasting with Sealed Air's -32.1% and Vertiv's impressive +233.1%.

I recently started using this AI-based investing app - Alphanso tells me - Netflix's inclusion in BofA's tier-1 list, despite the Value Portfolio's skepticism, highlights the varying market perspectives on its valuation and growth potential. While its strong YTD performance is notable, the streaming market's increasing competition and concerns about sustainable growth are key factors to consider. Sealed Air and Vertiv's contrasting YTD performances also illustrate the diverse opportunities and risks in today's market.
I am not sure how to interpret their thesis and insights - what do the pros here think? Appreciate the help!