Alright!

25(m) here. My company is rolling out a Roth 401k in the new year. Matching at 6%.

Last 3 years I have maxed out both Roth IRA and 401k (also 6% but I can’t find anything that says they would match both if I tried it). I probably can’t squeeze all 3. Anyone have any advice on balancing all 3 and making a choice on what to prioritize?? Salary 112k if that helps.

Well yes, it is quite clear you aren't in it for financial optimization so I have no doubt that not doing so doesn't bother you.

Though why that lack of interest in financial optimization on your own end would drive you to suggest others actively avoid doing so is beyond me.

You may find these links helpful:

• Budgeting
• Tools and spreadsheets
• /r/mintuit and /r/ynab

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Yes if the original investment rapidly recovers to the point it has no losses and you couldn't TLH in the next year, and all your other investments also have no losses to harvest, and you dont have significant capital gains, you'll be in a position where you missed the chance to offset some taxes on 3k or less ordinary income. That risk doesn't bother me lol

This sub is largely about simplifying financial choices, so my advice tends to revolve around simplicity

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> This would be identical holdings (VTSAX) in the old and new account for this money. If I wait 30 days do I avoid a wash sale?

Yes. You can buy on the 31st day.

You’re asking about using a debit abroad, not transferring funds.

What do you envision paying with your checking account? It's one thing if your study abroad is in a developing/cash-based economy, but if for example it's somewhere in Europe or most of Asia you can use a credit card for 99% of transactions. It's of course nice to have a small amount of cash on hand, but in amounts that a 3% transaction fee isn't worth the hassle of setting up a new account.

But I presume you are keeping them invested in investments you expect to provide gains going forward - so not realizing the losses and carrying them over would also make you unable to offset ordinary income next year...

>to higher-taxed ordinary income

That's exactly my point. If I carryover losses to next year, I may be unable to use them to offset ordinary income because I have capital gains that year. It's an unknown, which is why I suggest avoiding carryover.

That’s a good point! I’m solidly mid career and not sure I will have the extra money for the IRA in 2023 if I don’t get it from the brokerage, so I guess my only concern here is the wash sale.

Don't try and time the market with your nest egg. It's not a horrible idea to buy after a giant market drop.

Heads up to keep an eye as you approach phase-out in qualification levels for your ROTH IRA. Based on your numbers and 1.85x ratio - your combined income appears to be about 248k gross. The AGI limits for married filers kicks in between 214k-228k: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/roth-ira-contribution-limits

okay, so you have an account at Fidelity and use Schwabs checking account. Why not just transfer your fidelity account to Schwabs? I think that's what I would do if I decide to go with Schwab.

This would be identical holdings (VTSAX) in the old and new account for this money. If I wait 30 days do I avoid a wash sale?

I didn’t realize this applied if you were re-purchasing similar funds in a different type of account.

I currently have the Wells Fargo autograph credit card which is ok and doesn't have any foreign transaction fees, but my checking accounts through wells fargo all have a 3% FTF and I've kinda been wanting to switch away from WF anyways.

I have the same with fidelity. I can’t remember exactly, but there is a FTF. Schwab doesn’t have any so I’ve always used that one.

WFH with unlimited OT? That’s hard to beat if not unheard of. I have unlimited OT at work but I’m 100% on-site. It’s never a bad idea to look around but either way you seem to be in a good spot.

It sounds like you're showing off just how good you have it, and I am very jealous. If you can, pay off the minivan. I think it unlikely that a year's worth of payments will put a dent in your overall financial health. I've also seen CDs that pay 4%+ on just 6 months, with rates going higher the longer they hold on to your money.

>I also don’t see why spending another $100 month, especially when my pay is set to increase regularly is a problem.

It's a huge problem....it's called life-style creep - the more you make, the more you spend.....next thing you know, 8 pay increases have happened and you don't know what happened to your money because it's "only $100".

the problem is not in spending the money - it's the perception that it's only a little bit. That little bit, compounded over the next few years is substantial. Now what was once only $100 extra rent...becomes $400 going to rent increases, Starbucks, BEC w/SPK everyday, a round for the crew on friday, etc.

I'm going to assume you are in an apprenticeship program with the trades at somewhere in the about 40%-60% journeyman rate (if I'm wrong - correct me).

Apprentices "always" work...cheap labor is always in demand - is the work picture guaranteed after you top out in the next few years?

I would not invest much energy or effort into looking, can’t hurt I guess but sounds like you have the ideal setup already

I would recommend using a 0% FTF credit card if you can. The extra layer of protection offered by the credit card is very helpful when you're in a foreign country and have a higher likelihood of getting scammed or having the card be lost/stolen. Assuming you'll be traveling during the downtime between classes, the insurance on rental cars, plane/train tickets, lost luggage, etc. may come in handy too.

There's tons of 0% FTF cards with no annual fee but Capital One and the Amazon Prime card come to mind if you don't have an extensive credit history yet.

fair enough