Investing

“I’m 59.5 Years Old And Done Writing About My Money”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 31, 2020 14 Comments

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We’re aging out. As many of you know from your research, 59.5 is the minimum age for starting optional withdrawals from an IRA. Nearly everyone worries about how they’ll tap their IRA for living expenses when they reach financial independence before 59.5. (Although there are many penalty-free exceptions to this tax law.) I hit that dubious age … [Read more...] about “I’m 59.5 Years Old And Done Writing About *My* Money”

From The Mail Buoy: Hawaii Investment Rental Properties

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: April 26, 2020 2 Comments

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A reader writes: Hello Doug. I really enjoyed your interviews and what you have to say about how you got to where you are now. I am looking into financial independence as well. I had a late start, so I feel it’s going to take a while for me to get there, and it may not even be early retirement by then. The reason I am contacting you is … [Read more...] about From The Mail Buoy: Hawaii Investment Rental Properties

USAA, Victory Capital, And Schwab: Now What?!?

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: April 15, 2020 47 Comments

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USAA has sold its investment businesses to Victory Capital and Schwab. Let's analyze how that's going to affect your plans for financial independence. The sale of the Asset Management Company includes USAA’s mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, and 529 accounts. It closed in 2019 and Victory expects to finish moving the … [Read more...] about USAA, Victory Capital, And Schwab: Now What?!?

Fear And Despair In The Time Of Bear Markets

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: August 31, 2020 Leave a Comment

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Let’s discuss your plan for getting through a bear market and reaching financial independence. If you don’t have a plan, then by the end of this post you’ll know how to craft one. You’ll feel good about taking action and you’ll sleep better at night. You’ll cope with these situations every 5-10 years during all phases of your very long life. … [Read more...] about Fear And Despair In The Time Of Bear Markets

The 1980s-2000s: How I Wish I’d Invested Back Then

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: April 30, 2019 12 Comments

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My spouse and I were not brilliant investors. We made the typical dumb mistakes of our 20s and 30s and we paid ridiculously large fees along the way to financial independence, but a high savings rate overcame all of those errors. Your FI journey will be better (and cheaper!) than ours, but the math is the same. Focus on the factors within your … [Read more...] about The 1980s-2000s: How I Wish I’d Invested Back Then

“How the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse AFC® Fellowship (and Fate) Found Me”

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

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[This post is brought to you by Alecia D. Blair, M.S., AFC®. If you're interested in contributing at The-Military-Guide.com, please see our posting guidelines.] About six months after having my second child I found myself eager to return to work. It was summer in beautiful Upstate New York. Fort Drum, … [Read more...] about “How the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse AFC® Fellowship (and Fate) Found Me”

Good News! How Our Nords Family Financial Independence Life Will Change In 2019

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: January 27, 2019 10 Comments

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2018 was quite the turbulent year for the financial independence crowd, and it’s just going to get busier in 2019. Let me cover a few highlights from last year and then give a personal update. I’m here to reassure you that financial independence is sustainable and life is good. At the end of the post, I’ll share a few more personal details from … [Read more...] about Good News! How Our Nords Family Financial Independence Life Will Change In 2019

USAA And The Final Month To Opt In To The Military Blended Retirement System

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: December 7, 2018 2 Comments

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Here’s the latest information and tools to make your military Blended Retirement System decision-- and a new way to think about your career and your choices. [Note: I'm participating in Kate Horrell’s #BRSBlitz initiative. I’m not compensated by USAA for this campaign and you won’t see any FTC disclosures like “#USAAPartner”, "#ad”, or … [Read more...] about USAA And The Final Month To Opt In To The Military Blended Retirement System

Dept Of Defense Update On The Military Blended Retirement System

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: December 3, 2018 4 Comments

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On Wednesday 28 November, the DoD BRS office held a teleconference. The numbers As of Monday 26 November, the unofficial opt-in numbers are: 307,213 307,207 active-duty total opted in [Updated Monday 3 December] 243,709 active duty 63,498 Reserve/Guard. This is out of roughly 1.6 million opt-in eligible … [Read more...] about Dept Of Defense Update On The Military Blended Retirement System

Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone

Author: Doug Nordman Last Updated: July 27, 2020 25 Comments

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Quick review: the military’s Blended Retirement System offers matching contributions to your Thrift Savings Plan, and in 2018 you can contribute up to $18,500. In 2019 you can contribute up to $19,000. [12 November 2018 update: This post has a minor (but important) revision after further confirmation with the TSP staff. I've also added the 2019 … [Read more...] about Maximizing Your Thrift Savings Plan Contributions In A Combat Zone