Pure Vanity - Nest Egg Investment Questions

3/11/25 | captainphilfan

[CaptainPhilFan]

Ok so I paid a Vanity tax to ask this stupid question.

Don't come at me with "Oh you shouldn't ask strangers on the internet for advice". Is there a better and more trustworthy brain trust than FReepers? I don't think so.

This is just an intro, I know I'll have more questions. I called one of Dave Ramsey's money guys, and we've had 2 meetings so far. Kinda weird.

I'm not a huge Ramsey fan but figured it was a place to start. I get the feeling they are on a script and don't deviate. Plug in $$ and Age and work off that.

Money markets are the only option he's set out for me, whereas I would take more risk. They are not earning a lot, are they?

And, I haven't been told what they charge for service, just a vague "we charge everyone the same percent".

So, questions.... ???

1 - Anyone work with one of these Ramsey guys?

2 - Would you put all your eggs in one basket?

3 - Why hasn't FR had an Investor's Club before? :) e But really, honest opines about the Ramsey guys and their plans. I'm so damn cynical I don't trust anyone if they sneeze funny.

Thanks Brain Trust!

[CaptainPhilFan]

I admit I’ve never thought of EJ as a serious kind of place. I don’t know why. But there is an office in my town, maybe I’ll look it up. Thanks much!

[The Duke]

The best investment for someone < 30, I believe, is to "invest in themselves" (grow your professional credentials). This investment, however, maxes out quickly, as you have limited bandwidth.

Beyond that, my own goal is to start an LLC and begin flipping residential real estate. Lots of fortunes have been made with real estate.

SIDE STORY: Several years ago, when he was just out of college, I offered my son $1000 with the single string attached that he must invest it. I was talking to him the other night and asked him how much he had invested now, to which he replied "just at $100,000". He's also become a knowledgeable investor as a result. I think it's the best thing I did as a parent.

[Political Junkie Too]

I agree that Bogleheads might be a good way to start if you're a complete novice.

The Boglehead philosopy is to keep it simple and "buy the entire market." This was espoused by John Bogle, who founded Vanguard.

Bogleheads invest in "lazy portfolios," that is, since you can't beat the market, just buy and hold it forever. They prefer the three-fund plan:

1. Total US Stock Market (alloc: 34%)
2. Total Internation Stock Market (alloc: 33%)
3. Total Bond Market (alloc: 33%)

Which funds to buy within those categories is up to the investor, but Bogleheads have an extensive Wiki that will suggest the best funds to use.

-PJ

[cgbg]

Ramsey’s guys charge insane fees.

Run!

Next—this is where you need to go for free advice:

https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=a49b817be7b30c6d891f40aae018f18e

Search and you will find answers to any questions you have.

[cgbg]

“Smartvestors” have crazy high fees—big trouble.

[cgbg]

Edward Jones charges high fees.

Run!

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/How_much_do_you_lose_to_annual_fees_after_many_years%3F

[Faith65]

following...

[af_vet_1981]

www.bogleheads.org has answers to all relevant questions

[CaptainPhilFan]

Hey FReeps, thanks much for your collective wisdom.

I am at Bogleheads .com and it’s challenging.

My next Ramsey Guy meeting is next week sometime. They make 4 appointments, get some info and give you recs. I’m not sure if we’re allowed to argue for less conservative investments.

But thanks all, I know I’m not the only one in this WTF do I do now boat.

[subterfuge]

Only for certain transactions. If it weren’t for my guy at Edward Jones I would never have bought Apple and Amazon stock years ago. Apple split 7 for 1 after I bought it. I don’t expect my financial advisor to work for free. He’s made me a lot of money.

[subterfuge]

Nice. See my other post number 50.