Personal Finance Advice and Education! (3 Viewers)

[The Tick]

A question for all the college planning parents out there (or anyone else that wants to weigh in  ).  If you had a new child, and the financial freedom to fill up a 529 plan pretty much all at once, how much money would you put in there?  I'm in a really good spot with my retirement planning and other investing, and if I can, it seems to make the most sense to fill a 529 as quickly as possible to get the maximum tax free gains on it, but I don't want to "overfill" it where there is no way the kid would use it.  We don't plan to have more kids at this point, so I wouldn't need to worry about doing this multiple times.

Anyone have any thoughts on A) is this a good plan if I can do it, and B) what would be a good amount to put in there that you could watch grow and *HOPEFULLY* pay for most of a 4 year state school college education in 18 years.  This would likely all be coming from cash, so I wouldn't need to sell any current investments to set this up.

Thoughts?

 

[ditka...mike ditka]

A question for all the college planning parents out there (or anyone else that wants to weigh in  ).  If you had a new child, and the financial freedom to fill up a 529 plan pretty much all at once, how much money would you put in there?  I'm in a really good spot with my retirement planning and other investing, and if I can, it seems to make the most sense to fill a 529 as quickly as possible to get the maximum tax free gains on it, but I don't want to "overfill" it where there is no way the kid would use it.  We don't plan to have more kids at this point, so I wouldn't need to worry about doing this multiple times.

Anyone have any thoughts on A) is this a good plan if I can do it, and B) what would be a good amount to put in there that you could watch grow and *HOPEFULLY* pay for most of a 4 year state school college education in 18 years.  This would likely all be coming from cash, so I wouldn't need to sell any current investments to set this up.

Thoughts?

Good question and interested to hear others thoughts.  I read somewhere that if you can put 20k aside the first 5 years of their life in a plan like this, you *should* be able to just let it sit in a balanced fund and be ok to pay for their colleague.  

 

[Random]

A question for all the college planning parents out there (or anyone else that wants to weigh in  ).  If you had a new child, and the financial freedom to fill up a 529 plan pretty much all at once, how much money would you put in there?  I'm in a really good spot with my retirement planning and other investing, and if I can, it seems to make the most sense to fill a 529 as quickly as possible to get the maximum tax free gains on it, but I don't want to "overfill" it where there is no way the kid would use it.  We don't plan to have more kids at this point, so I wouldn't need to worry about doing this multiple times.

Anyone have any thoughts on A) is this a good plan if I can do it, and B) what would be a good amount to put in there that you could watch grow and *HOPEFULLY* pay for most of a 4 year state school college education in 18 years.  This would likely all be coming from cash, so I wouldn't need to sell any current investments to set this up.

Thoughts?

Average in state tuition is about 10k/yr.  So if sp500 keeps pace with tuition increases 40k today invested in a sp500 fund should = 4 years of in state college at any point in the future.

Or did I oversimplify this?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

A ROI calculator could help:

Link

 

[The Tick]

Average in state tuition is about 10k/yr.  So if sp500 keeps pace with tuition increases 40k today invested in a sp500 fund should = 4 years of in state college at any point in the future.

Or did I oversimplify this?

is 10K about right for state school, I thought it was getting higher then that?  But i think 529 can also cover living expenses so that would probably bump it up a bit.

 

[thecatch]

A question for all the college planning parents out there (or anyone else that wants to weigh in  ).  If you had a new child, and the financial freedom to fill up a 529 plan pretty much all at once, how much money would you put in there?  I'm in a really good spot with my retirement planning and other investing, and if I can, it seems to make the most sense to fill a 529 as quickly as possible to get the maximum tax free gains on it, but I don't want to "overfill" it where there is no way the kid would use it.  We don't plan to have more kids at this point, so I wouldn't need to worry about doing this multiple times.

Anyone have any thoughts on A) is this a good plan if I can do it, and B) what would be a good amount to put in there that you could watch grow and *HOPEFULLY* pay for most of a 4 year state school college education in 18 years.  This would likely all be coming from cash, so I wouldn't need to sell any current investments to set this up.

Thoughts?

If you are in a state that allows for a deduction for 529 contributions, the amount of that deduction is often capped annually.  So I would double check the rules on that in your state - you may want to spread the contributions out over a couple of years to maximize those deductions.

 

[The Tick]

If you are in a state that allows for a deduction for 529 contributions, the amount of that deduction is often capped annually.  So I would double check the rules on that in your state - you may want to spread the contributions out over a couple of years to maximize those deductions.

Nope, in Texas so no state taxes on that stuff as far as I know.

 

[Random]

If you are in a state that allows for a deduction for 529 contributions, the amount of that deduction is often capped annually.  So I would double check the rules on that in your state - you may want to spread the contributions out over a couple of years to maximize those deductions.

Ohio is capped at $4000 per year, per beneficiary, with unlimited carry forward.

 

[Random]

is 10K about right for state school, I thought it was getting higher then that?  But i think 529 can also cover living expenses so that would probably bump it up a bit.

https://www.ontocollege.com/average-college-tuition/

 

[Sand]

A question for all the college planning parents out there (or anyone else that wants to weigh in  ).  If you had a new child, and the financial freedom to fill up a 529 plan pretty much all at once, how much money would you put in there?  I'm in a really good spot with my retirement planning and other investing, and if I can, it seems to make the most sense to fill a 529 as quickly as possible to get the maximum tax free gains on it, but I don't want to "overfill" it where there is no way the kid would use it.  We don't plan to have more kids at this point, so I wouldn't need to worry about doing this multiple times.

Anyone have any thoughts on A) is this a good plan if I can do it, and B) what would be a good amount to put in there that you could watch grow and *HOPEFULLY* pay for most of a 4 year state school college education in 18 years.  This would likely all be coming from cash, so I wouldn't need to sell any current investments to set this up.

Thoughts?

IMO, I'd aim for 60-75% of the anticipated cost.  There is always the chance that your kid does community college and is cheaper than what you think.  Personally I'd prefer to be shy in the 529 than over and cover the rest out of something else.

 

[-OZ-]

IMO, I'd aim for 60-75% of the anticipated cost.  There is always the chance that your kid does community college and is cheaper than what you think.  Personally I'd prefer to be shy in the 529 than over and cover the rest out of something else.

Community college and scholarships. Although you can get some of the money out without penalty if the kid gets scholarships. 
i think your target is a good one. 
It worked fairly well for us to just contribute $2k annually. You could double that and be in good shape. 
$30-40k right now should be good imo. 

 

[Random]

I think it was mentioned upthread, but you can also beef it up with Ibonds.  

So 30-40K in a 529 + 10-20K in Ibonds (if you haven't done so yet, you can get 10K for 2021 and 10K on 1/1/22).

 

[wilked]

Seeking 401K advice please.  Here is basic info:

- Target retirement date is in 2027
- Employer-sponsored 401K within Fidelity
- Despite being so close to retirement current asset mix remains highly aggressive (82% domestic stock & 8% foreign stock + misc)
- Using the Fidelity retirement tool my score is a 117 using the "significantly below average returns" model and the "moderate" asset mix listed below (100 is "on track" and any score above 100 is better)
- I have no interest in actively managing a portfolio as I can't or won't dedicate the time to becoming an investment expert

I'm considering the following options and would appreciate advice or direction:

Option 1 - Move the 401K to a target retirement date fund which is supposedly optimized for those retiring around a certain time (options would be 2025 or 2030 as the target date)

Option 2 - Move 401K to a still somewhat aggressive mix - 49% domestic stock, 21% foreign, 25% bonds

Option 3 - Move 401K to a "balanced" mix - 35% domestic, 15% foreign, 40% bonds

Option 4 - Move 401K to a "moderate" mix - 28% domestic, 12% foreign, 45% bonds

Option 5 - Pay for active management of the 401K by a Fidelity advisor (I would strongly prefer not to do this but could be convinced it is a smart investment of that expense)

Thank you so much for thoughtful advice.
 

The best advice I can give is not to give advice. You haven’t posted enough info to make any recommendations.  
 

this thread is good and folks including myself are well intentioned.  If you want better and broader advice signup here 

www.bogleheads.org

And put a post up using this format 

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6212
 

you could also add the missing details here and I’m happy to offer any advice I can give once things like ERs and age are added 

 

[wilked]

A question for all the college planning parents out there (or anyone else that wants to weigh in  ).  If you had a new child, and the financial freedom to fill up a 529 plan pretty much all at once, how much money would you put in there?  I'm in a really good spot with my retirement planning and other investing, and if I can, it seems to make the most sense to fill a 529 as quickly as possible to get the maximum tax free gains on it, but I don't want to "overfill" it where there is no way the kid would use it.  We don't plan to have more kids at this point, so I wouldn't need to worry about doing this multiple times.

Anyone have any thoughts on A) is this a good plan if I can do it, and B) what would be a good amount to put in there that you could watch grow and *HOPEFULLY* pay for most of a 4 year state school college education in 18 years.  This would likely all be coming from cash, so I wouldn't need to sell any current investments to set this up.

Thoughts?

How many children are you likely to have?

my goal is 50% per kid (at age 18) of expected in state tuition.  I personally think that’s a good balance of priming the pump and not risking overfunding. You need to estimate inflation of college price and overall returns. For me I’m assuming college costs rise at 3% / yr and my portfolio returns 6% / yr 

 

[themeanmachine]

How many children are you likely to have?

my goal is 50% per kid (at age 18) of expected in state tuition.  I personally think that’s a good balance of priming the pump and not risking overfunding. You need to estimate inflation of college price and overall returns. For me I’m assuming college costs rise at 3% / yr and my portfolio returns 6% / yr 

This is exactly what we did - targeting 50% of in-state tuition in 529, funding the rest from other sources.  Oldest is now a freshman, and it's worked out well, glad we good this approach.

 

[Sand]

Community college and scholarships. Although you can get some of the money out without penalty if the kid gets scholarships. 
i think your target is a good one. 
It worked fairly well for us to just contribute $2k annually. You could double that and be in good shape. 
$30-40k right now should be good imo. 

Funny enough I'm actually probably over.  My first kid ended up with grant money for his technical degree, and with market performance what I pulled out (for what wasn't covered) grew right back.  So I have lots for the second kid, probably too much.

May be some grandkid down the line gets the benefit.

 

[Sand]

Seeking 401K advice please.  Here is basic info:

- Target retirement date is in 2027
- Employer-sponsored 401K within Fidelity
- Despite being so close to retirement current asset mix remains highly aggressive (82% domestic stock & 8% foreign stock + misc)
- Using the Fidelity retirement tool my score is a 117 using the "significantly below average returns" model and the "moderate" asset mix listed below (100 is "on track" and any score above 100 is better)
- I have no interest in actively managing a portfolio as I can't or won't dedicate the time to becoming an investment expert

I'm considering the following options and would appreciate advice or direction:

Option 1 - Move the 401K to a target retirement date fund which is supposedly optimized for those retiring around a certain time (options would be 2025 or 2030 as the target date)

Option 2 - Move 401K to a still somewhat aggressive mix - 49% domestic stock, 21% foreign, 25% bonds

Option 3 - Move 401K to a "balanced" mix - 35% domestic, 15% foreign, 40% bonds

Option 4 - Move 401K to a "moderate" mix - 28% domestic, 12% foreign, 45% bonds

Option 5 - Pay for active management of the 401K by a Fidelity advisor (I would strongly prefer not to do this but could be convinced it is a smart investment of that expense)

Thank you so much for thoughtful advice.
 

Agree with the fee only planner for this.  I would talk to them about sequence of return risk and thoughts about a bond tent around your retirement date.  SORR and inflation are your biggest variables getting close to and through the first parts of retirement.  Address those and things get safer.

Also, just me, but I see no reason for much foreign exposure.  100% US companies give you plenty of exposure. 

 

[Random]

Whats the downside to overfunding?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Agree with the fee only planner for this.  I would talk to them about sequence of return risk and thoughts about a bond tent around your retirement date.  SORR and inflation are your biggest variables getting close to and through the first parts of retirement.  Address those and things get safer.

Also, just me, but I see no reason for much foreign exposure.  100% US companies give you plenty of exposure. 

Good primer on SORR:

SORR

 

[Runkle]

Whats the downside to overfunding?

Penalty for using the funds on anything other than education/withdrawing the unused bit, I think?

However, with the wide range of things that qualify as educational expenses, you can shoehorn a lot in if you're aware of it going in. For example... rent can be paid from a 529, I believe up to the room & board cost published by the school. So if the kids rent an off-campus house instead of folding the housing costs into the tuition bill, you can still use the 529 to pay for it. Obviously, though, the kid needs to know and pay correctly. 

 

[Sand]

Penalty for using the funds on anything other than education/withdrawing the unused bit, I think?

However, with the wide range of things that qualify as educational expenses, you can shoehorn a lot in if you're aware of it going in. For example... rent can be paid from a 529, I believe up to the room & board cost published by the school. So if the kids rent an off-campus house instead of folding the housing costs into the tuition bill, you can still use the 529 to pay for it. Obviously, though, the kid needs to know and pay correctly. 

I just went through this.  Each school has a publication of cost of education that includes things like rent, etc. You can reimburse yourself up through that amount, which is what I did (that was my kid's major expense item).  It should be available from any institution.

Yes, there is a penalty for using it for anything but education.  

 

[NutterButter]

I've personally gone the Roth route as well as 529 to save for the kids college.  You obviously can pull out the contributions and the earnings as well if for education.   If I need to tap into the the Roth and want more Roth for retirement, I can always switch my 401k contributions to that.   

 

[-OZ-]

Penalty for using the funds on anything other than education/withdrawing the unused bit, I think?

However, with the wide range of things that qualify as educational expenses, you can shoehorn a lot in if you're aware of it going in. For example... rent can be paid from a 529, I believe up to the room & board cost published by the school. So if the kids rent an off-campus house instead of folding the housing costs into the tuition bill, you can still use the 529 to pay for it. Obviously, though, the kid needs to know and pay correctly. 

This is a good point. The likelihood of overfunding to the point where you’ll have a penalty you couldn’t find a way out of is pretty low.  Even if you just pass it on to the next generation. 

 

[Desert_Power]

I think it was mentioned upthread, but you can also beef it up with Ibonds.  

So 30-40K in a 529 + 10-20K in Ibonds (if you haven't done so yet, you can get 10K for 2021 and 10K on 1/1/22).

I'm wondering about this as an either/or for next February. There has to be some non-zero chance either they won't want college or this inefficient university model changes in the next 18 years. Although, at a high enough marginal tax rate it may not really matter.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I'm wondering about this as an either/or for next February. There has to be some non-zero chance either they won't want college or this inefficient university model changes in the next 18 years. Although, at a high enough marginal tax rate it may not really matter.

Valid points. I would say that if is someone just starting out with a newborn, it would be wise not to go "all in" with money you expect to need. Just see how college changes and the rules change for several years. 

 

[Tom Hagen]

This is a good point. The likelihood of overfunding to the point where you’ll have a penalty you couldn’t find a way out of is pretty low.  Even if you just pass it on to the next generation. 

The bolded is a great fall back plan.  Let the 529 lay dormant for 20+ years and then roll it over to grandchilden. The extra years should leave enough to cover multiple grandchildren without ever having to contribute additional money.

 

[SFBayDuck]

As pointed out by others, 529 funds can cover a wide range of college-related costs.  The total cost of attendance that is available on any institution's website will show that tuition is often only 1/3-1/2 of the total cost, with housing, food, transportation, etc making up the rest.  

Currently you can also use $10K to pay off student loans.  So with my daughter, who is a freshman now, we are taking some subsidized loans just so I don't have to touch her 529 yet, and I plan to use $10K towards those loans when she graduates.  I just feel it gives me additional flexibility in case of an unexpected job loss or income reduction.  She's also undeclared still, and as she selects a major we'll have a better idea if graduate school is likely, and in that case I'd like to continue to let those 529 funds grow (I'm still contributing as well).

I like the idea of using iBonds as a savings vehicle for college as well as you can exclude the interest earned from income if used for higher ed, although like with many things there are income limits to being able to do so.

 

[-OZ-]

Throughout these past few weeks my Junior has been increasing his talk about staying home for his first couple years (university of Alabama Huntsville is a solid school) then transfer to auburn, then maybe get his MBA at Vanderbilt. Seems a fairly solid plan, and vanderbilt (graduate) is a yellow ribbon program, so his tuition would be fully covered. 

I might be overselling going away to college, but those were the best days of my life, lots of personal growth and lifelong friends from school. More so than law school or working years, although those have been great in their own way. Then he asked just how much that experience is worth for the first two years. That’s hard to quantify but I wouldn’t trade my freshman and sophomore years just for $30k in cash (the likely difference). He’s a different person than me, and I was VERY much looking forward to college with friends already in school and visiting my sister during my Junior and senior years.  
 

so I’ll ask the group, how much difference would you pay to go away to school again, as opposed to staying home?  Assume the schools are fairly equal academically. 

 

[b-snatchers]

So I have one more payment from my 529 for my college senior. Looks like I might have about 1K left over. Right now I pay her off campus housing from my regular checking account.

I looked up the price for room and board from the college website  and it lists room as 7.7K/yr and board for 4.6K/yr.

So I can apply the 529 to her off campus rental as long as I stay below 7.7K/yr?

 

[jm192]

With BBB stalled, the backdoor Roth appears to be alive and well...for now.  If you're going to utilize it, probably prioritize it early in 2022 as who knows what will happen with that going into next year.

 

[tonydead]

With BBB stalled, the backdoor Roth appears to be alive and well...for now.  If you're going to utilize it, probably prioritize it early in 2022 as who knows what will happen with that going into next year.

Meeting with my financial advisor next week.  I've got all this years contributions rolled over just in case it passed and went into effect Jan 1st.

It's possible it could be retroactive if life is breathed into it.  I'm not sure what our company's advise is going to be with contributions while in limbo.  If it finally dies for good you can always make up contributions later in the year.  If it passes and is retroactive you run the risk of getting stuck.

I'll definitely post any revelations if I hear any.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Throughout these past few weeks my Junior has been increasing his talk about staying home for his first couple years (university of Alabama Huntsville is a solid school) then transfer to auburn, then maybe get his MBA at Vanderbilt. Seems a fairly solid plan, and vanderbilt (graduate) is a yellow ribbon program, so his tuition would be fully covered. 

I might be overselling going away to college, but those were the best days of my life, lots of personal growth and lifelong friends from school. More so than law school or working years, although those have been great in their own way. Then he asked just how much that experience is worth for the first two years. That’s hard to quantify but I wouldn’t trade my freshman and sophomore years just for $30k in cash (the likely difference). He’s a different person than me, and I was VERY much looking forward to college with friends already in school and visiting my sister during my Junior and senior years.  
 

so I’ll ask the group, how much difference would you pay to go away to school again, as opposed to staying home?  Assume the schools are fairly equal academically. 

That's the million-dollar question. I would never trade those first two years at college either, but back then it wasn't as much of a financial commitment as it is now.

Very, very difficult question to answer. 

 

[jm192]

Meeting with my financial advisor next week.  I've got all this years contributions rolled over just in case it passed and went into effect Jan 1st.

It's possible it could be retroactive if life is breathed into it.  I'm not sure what our company's advise is going to be with contributions while in limbo.  If it finally dies for good you can always make up contributions later in the year.  If it passes and is retroactive you run the risk of getting stuck.

I'll definitely post any revelations if I hear any.

I would think surely they can't pass it in March and say my January contributions are illegal.  I mean I guess with the current batch of Dems running things--anything is possible.  But I would sure hope that's not the case.  

 

[tonydead]

I would think surely they can't pass it in March and say my January contributions are illegal.  I mean I guess with the current batch of Dems running things--anything is possible.  But I would sure hope that's not the case.  

I think it would be more like, you owe us tax on that taxable transaction.  Which yes, it would suck because you would never do that knowing you were going to be taxed.  

I'll have a better answer by next Thursday, hopefully.  I work for a pretty big company that's been strategically using this so I'm sure they have it thought out as best as humanly possible.  

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I think it would be more like, you owe us tax on that taxable transaction.  Which yes, it would suck because you would never do that knowing you were going to be taxed.  

I'll have a better answer by next Thursday, hopefully.  I work for a pretty big company that's been strategically using this so I'm sure they have it thought out as best as humanly possible.  

I think it's likely that something passed in 2022 would be retroactive to the beginning of the year. 

 

[Random]

What kinds of things should be considered when deciding if one should set up a trust?

 

[-OZ-]

What kinds of things should be considered when deciding if one should set up a trust?

There are a variety of reasons. A complicated estate with property in different states could benefit from a trust. Special needs children who will need someone to watch over them as they turn to adulthood can benefit from a trust as would minors.  Most of us won’t incur estate taxes unless the exemption amount changes significantly (which I’d generally be in favor but many with influence would not). Avoiding probate has advantages too. 
we don’t have one established while living but our wills establish testamentary trusts if our kids are under 25 when we die. 

 

[Orange&Blue]

My parents moved states and my dad seems to think that he needs to roll Colorado 529s to the Oklahoma 529s.  Is that true and when is the best time to do that?

 

[steelerfan1]

So, I’m helping a niece set up an IRA account.

She do3s not make a lot of money so there’s not a huge tax deferred incentive at this time.

 I’m actually thinking for her a ROTH makes more sense as if I understand correctly you can use a ROTH saving to purchase a first home. Do I have that right?

 

[tonydead]

So, I’m helping a niece set up an IRA account.

She do3s not make a lot of money so there’s not a huge tax deferred incentive at this time.

 I’m actually thinking for her a ROTH makes more sense as if I understand correctly you can use a ROTH saving to purchase a first home. Do I have that right?

I think - you can avoid the 10% penalty fee for any IRA for a single one time only first home purchase.  After 5 years you can withdraw ROTH without paying any tax.  A regular IRA withdraw for a first time home would still be subject to tax.

 

[Sand]

My parents moved states and my dad seems to think that he needs to roll Colorado 529s to the Oklahoma 529s.  Is that true and when is the best time to do that?

No.  You can use any state's offering.  Each fund has it's details, but you can invest anywhere.  I invested in Alaska way back when (I'm in Alabama).  No problems.  State funds, depending on the state, offer state level tax breaks. 

 I’m actually thinking for her a ROTH makes more sense as if I understand correctly you can use a ROTH saving to purchase a first home. Do I have that right?

Roth is the right vehicle when she's at a very low tax rate.  And she can always take out her contributions anytime without penalty for her down payment if that is something she wants to do.  Roth contributions are post tax, so no penalties, no taxes due, etc.

 

[Judge Smails]

My parents moved states and my dad seems to think that he needs to roll Colorado 529s to the Oklahoma 529s.  Is that true and when is the best time to do that?

Nope.  I used Utah's plan for my granddaughters.  I live in CA

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Nope.  I used Utah's plan for my granddaughters.  I live in CA

Utah's is fantastic. Has been for a long time. 

 

[ConstruxBoy]

No.  You can use any state's offering.  Each fund has it's details, but you can invest anywhere.  I invested in Alaska way back when (I'm in Alabama).  No problems.  State funds, depending on the state, offer state level tax breaks. 

Probably worth seeing if OK offers tax breaks, if he would qualify for them, and how much better, if at all, OK is than CO. 

 

[The Z Machine]

Talk to me about long term disability insurance for me and my wife.  I already have term life insurance with Northwestern Mutual.

 

[Lehigh98]

Talk to me about long term disability insurance for me and my wife.  I already have term life insurance with Northwestern Mutual.

Calling @Ned Ryerson

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Sorry..this is prolly a dumb question but the advice in here is top notch so I'll ask it.

Starting Fall 2022 we will likely have college expenses for the next ~7 years for our two daughters aged 17 and 14.  We have roughly one year of college saved ($25k).  Plan to fund the rest out of current income, then loans if necessary.

My question is should I use the $25k in Year 1 or Year 7 of overall college expenses?  My guess is try to not tap into it until we have to, letting it hopefully continue to grow a bit.

Not the most material decision we will ever face but just thought I'd ask.  Thanks in advance.

 

[Instinctive]

Sorry..this is prolly a dumb question but the advice in here is top notch so I'll ask it.

Starting Fall 2022 we will likely have college expenses for the next ~7 years for our two daughters aged 17 and 14.  We have roughly one year of college saved ($25k).  Plan to fund the rest out of current income, then loans if necessary.

My question is should I use the $25k in Year 1 or Year 7 of overall college expenses?  My guess is try to not tap into it until we have to, letting it hopefully continue to grow a bit.

Not the most material decision we will ever face but just thought I'd ask.  Thanks in advance.

It'll kind of depend on aid situation and scholarships of your kids.

There's an argument to be made to blow it right away so it isn't included in aid calcs going forward. 

 

[b-snatchers]

Isn't there some tax credit too that you could take advantage if you pay a certain amount of non 529 money?

 

[cubd8]

End of Year Review of my 401k

My 401K rate of return has been excellent: 24.48%

Currently invested in the following three, but always looking to get any advice on how to modify or anyone has any recommendations:

• American Europacific Growth: 10%
  
  
  Market Price: 64.33
  
• Symbol: RERGX
  
• Fee Level: LOW
  
• Expense Ratio: 0.460%
  
• YTD Return: 2.38%
  

[*]Vanguard Extend Market Indx: 20%

• 
  Market Price: 138.79
  
• Symbol: VIEIX
  
• Fee Level: LOW
  
• Expense Ratio: 0.050%
  
• YTD Return: 12.56%
  

[*]Vanguard Institutional Index: 70%

• 
  Market Price: $408.02
  
• Symbol: VINIX
  
• Fee Level: LOW
  
• Expense Ratio: 0.035%
  
• YTD Return: 29.19%
  

Other options:

• Aberdeen Emerg Mrkts Eq CT (UOVST)
  
• Columbia Trust Cntrarian (AMERT)
  
• DFA US Small Cap Prtl Cl Instl (DFSTX)
  
  Market Price: $47.18
  
• Symbol: DFXTX
  
• Fee Level: LOW
  
• Expense Ratio: 0.330%
  
• YTD Return:30.42%
  

[*]Hartford Mid Cap FD R6 (HFMVX)

• 
  Market Price: $34.76
  
• Symbol: HFMIX
  
• Fee Level: AVERAGE
  
• Expense Ratio: 0.870%
  
• YTD Return:9.66%
  

[*]Vanguard Total Intl CL INSTL (VTSNX)

• 
  Market Price: $136.46
  
• Symbol: VTSNX
  
• Fee Level: LOW
  
• Expense Ratio: 0.080%
  
• YTD Return: 8.46%