Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast episode #257 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA: the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) comes very highly recommended by JL Collins in his book, The Simple Path to Wealth. So why not put all your money into it? Plus, Joe & Big Al answer your questions on the 4% rule for retirement withdrawals, what to do before and after age 59 and a half, whether to invest in the Roth or traditional thrift savings plan (TSP), and of course, Roth IRA conversions. Send in your money questions, read the transcript & access free financial resources:

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00:00 – Intro
00:48 – Why Not Just Go All in On VTSAX?
08:29 – If I Retire With $1M and Take a 4% Distribution Starting at 65, Why Would I Run Out of Money If I’m Not Touching the Principal?
14:19 – Should I Invest in the Roth TSP or Traditional TSP?
20:42 – Penalty-Free Withdrawals Before 59.5?
22:48 – What Should Retirees Do at 59 and a Half?
25:30 – No Tax on 401(k) Withdrawals in IL – Should I Ignore the Roth?
28:50 – Should I Convert More to Roth?
34:40 – I’m 24, Making $103K Self-Employed, Maxed Retirement Accounts. Should I Do Roth Conversion from Solo 401(k) to Roth IRA Now?
38:36 – Should We Do a Roth Conversion? (Will, Philadelphia, PA)
41:02 – Can I Recharacterize Roth to Traditional?
42:50 – Form to File for Estimated Tax Payments When Conversion Spikes Income?

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• Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Services are offered through Pure Financial Advisors, Inc. A Registered Investment Advisor.
• Pure Financial Advisors Inc. does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations.
• Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
• Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.
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Why Not Just Go All in On VTSAX Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund? – YMYW Podcast 257

In the world of investing, Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX) has become somewhat of a legend. With its low expense ratio, broad market exposure, and historical performance, many investors have turned to this fund as a staple in their portfolios. But is going all-in on VTSAX the right move for everyone?

In episode 257 of the Your Money’s Worth (YMYW) podcast, the hosts dive into this question and explore the potential pros and cons of going all-in on VTSAX. While the fund has its merits, it may not be the perfect solution for every investor.

One of the key advantages of VTSAX is its low expense ratio. This index fund allows investors to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of U.S. stocks with minimal fees, making it an attractive option for long-term investors. Additionally, VTSAX offers broad market exposure, covering both large-cap and mid-cap companies, which adds an element of diversification to the portfolio. This broad exposure helps reduce the risk associated with investing in a single company or industry.

Furthermore, VTSAX has historically performed well, providing investors with steady growth over the years. This track record has earned the fund a reputation as a reliable long-term investment option.

However, there are a few considerations that investors should keep in mind before going all-in on VTSAX. First and foremost, it’s crucial to understand that investing solely in stocks carries an inherent level of risk. While VTSAX mitigates some of this risk through diversification, it does not eliminate it entirely. A significant market downturn could still impact the fund, potentially leading to substantial losses for investors.

Another aspect to consider is an investor’s risk tolerance and time horizon. Different individuals have different risk appetites and investment goals. For some, going all-in on VTSAX may align with their long-term objectives and willingness to weather market volatility. However, others may prefer a more balanced approach by diversifying their investments across different asset classes.

Furthermore, VTSAX is primarily focused on the U.S. stock market, which means it lacks exposure to international stocks and other asset classes like bonds or real estate. By going all-in on VTSAX, investors may miss out on opportunities for further diversification and potentially higher returns that these other asset classes may provide.

Lastly, it’s important to acknowledge that past performance is not indicative of future results. While VTSAX has delivered solid returns in the past, there is no guarantee that it will continue to do so in the future. Market conditions and economic factors are ever-changing, and it’s wise to consider a variety of factors before making any investment decision.

In conclusion, VTSAX can be an excellent addition to an investor’s portfolio due to its low expense ratio, diversification, and historical performance. However, it may not be the best fit for every investor, as risk tolerance, time horizon, and the need for diversification might differ between individuals. As with any investment decision, it’s crucial to do thorough research, consider one’s financial goals and risk tolerance, and consult with a financial advisor to make an informed choice.