Listen online or download free episodes of the Dough Roller Money Podcast, a finance podcast for easy-to-understand advice and guidance on managing your money. We discuss personal finance, retirement, money tools, resources, best practices for saving, debt reduction, investing and so much more!
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I am an active duty military member and pay into SGLI every month ($25 approx) which gives me roughly $410k benefits upon death to my wife. As I understand it, the coverage ends 120 after separation. Is a logical move to obtain a policy (term vs whole) on my own, which provide better payouts, or am I missing something in the details?
In PodCast #310, Rob mentioned that Fidelity target date funds are expensive, and that is true for the “Freedom” series. However, they started a new series of “Freedom Index” funds and those are set up similar to Vanguard target date funds. These funds are the target date funds used in my 403(b). They are a fund of funds, but just total market index and so on, with special share classes not available at retail. The expense ratio is only 14 basis points. They still have the expensive “Freedom” funds, though, so people need to be careful when choosing.
True John. I have many clients that use the Freedom funds and are not even aware of the Freedom Index funds. They are available from Fidelity but not nearly as prominently featured on the site.
I met via videoconferencing with Mark Zoril after hearing his podcast. I was skeptical at first, wondering how someone in the financial world would give advice for $96 a year. Well, no need to wake me up–I’m not dreaming. After uploading my financial profile and future projections (via eMoney), I just finished a 50 minute session during which he went over various scenarios with slide sharing. This guy is amazing and even though he’s not a CFP or CFA, he knows as much about the investment world as any planner I’ve interviewed (and at a fraction of the cost). And yet, several times he stated “I’m not an expert in this, but…”. He’s now going to spend additional time making specific recommendations on asset allocation/location and invited me to set up a meeting in the future if needed. He even shared 2 books that he thought would be useful for my daughter to read to expand her knowledge of investing and the importance of saving early. Having been turned off by advisors who use only AUM models, which can lead to the potential expenditure of large fees with no guarantee of even outperforming the market, the world needs more Mark Zorils. I hope his business flourishes and thrives.
How can I contact Mark Zorils?
Rob, really enjoy your podcasts. I just listened to one (DR235), which really hit home. My son just graduated from High School and was accepted by one of those “private colleges in the Northeast”. I had explained to him that the “Bank” of Dad will pay his way to the State School, and if he attends another school, he needs to make up the difference. This is the same deal his two older siblings got. He chose to attend the State School and I opened up a Vanguard account for him to invest the money he’s put away vs. use all his own money and take out school loans. Rather than graduate with debt in 4 years, he’ll have investments put away. He’s been a saver since he started working at 14 and I couldn’t be more proud. I think he may be second generation FI, as I’m a year from that myself and retire in my mid fifties.
Great advice, Peter. Your son will thank you for years.
Great podcasts. Will there be any more?
Hi Rob – eagerly awaiting the next podcast. Are you still producing it?
Are you guys still producing the podcast?
Hi Rob,
love your podcasts! I’m curious if you moved forward with working with Jeanne Fisher and are planning a follow up review about that. Thanks!
Keep listening; you’ll come to the episode where I talk about my experience using her firm!
Did you ever do the follow up podcast comparing Jean Fisher and Mark Zorill?
Re: DR268 and DR294 Podcasts:
After hearing your interview with Mark Zoril, my wife and I decided to reach out and give his approach to financial planning a shot. Mark worked with us to review our budget and retirement needs. We have just entered retirement and had concerns about our financial strategy. Among the many things that impressed us about Mark was how well he communicated with us and answered our questions in advance the main session (video conference). That session was in depth as Mark asked a number of key questions while reviewing our data and was able to project out likely scenarios for our retirement goals. He actually makes the whole process enjoyable. He knows what he’s doing and provides sound insight and advice. He has a unique business model that is great for clients. We intend to continue to work with him in the years ahead.
I miss the show notes. 8^(
You asked about a site that teaches people about managing your money. There is a site that has worked wonders for me, and many others. It’s called You Need a Budget. I had always knows I was missing something. This programs has videos, guides, live classes, is constantly improving. You can try it for something like 39 days for free. If you don’t find it worthwhile you just move on. If this is the step you have been missing (like it was for me), you are hooked and won’t mind paying the annual fee because of all it saves you.
Love your podcasts. Thank you for posting them.
Hello. Thanks for your podcast, really enjoy your insight. Could you explain your opinion of the Russell indices. I recently read, ‘ Unconventional Success’ by David Swenson. In this book, he advises investors to avoid Russell Funds and favors the S & P and Wilshire indices.
Basically, his views are as follows:
Russell (1000, 2000, & 3000 funds), are notorious for being poorly constructed due to high turnover of companies in these funds. High turnover leads to the inefficiency of funds and excessively high fees. He recommends the indices of the S & P 500 OR Wilshire 5000, as they have a much lower turnover of companies that make up the funds. Russell indices turnover run anywhere from 15.8% to 23.4%, compared with the efficient indices of the S & P 500 and Wilshire 5000, which typically average about 4.3%. The percentage difference has to do with how the different indices manage the companies in the fund. The Russell group of indices assigns companies in July each year, based on the performance of the company. He views this as a flawed approach. Index managers buy new ‘joiners’ and mindlessly sell companies ‘exiting’. With July reconstruction, the arbitrage of activity causes index managers to pay more for purchases and receive less for sales. In contrast, the companies that comprise the S & P 500 and Wilshire 5000 are based on the ebb and flow of companies going out of business. Only then will the managers assign new companies to these indices.
I have a 457b plan through my employer (state of Oregon). This plan uses the Russell Funds (1000, 2000, & 3000) of which comprises some of my portfolio. I also have a Roth IRA through Vanguard where I hold the Total International Index (10%), Total US Stock Market Index -Wilshire 5000 (40%), REIT (10%), Small Cap Value (10%), and Total Bond (20%). Do the Russell Funds performing differently. Should I be worried about the Russell Funds in my 457b?? The plan does not offer an in-service transfer of portfolio. Upon retirement (in 4-6 years), I plan to do a direct transfer of my 457b to a Vanguard IRA.
I’d love to hear your take on robo-advisors. Is there an old episode or should I await future Q&A?
Bob, great website and podcasts. I’ve only been listening for the last 2 months, only recently discovering your terrific service. Concerning podcast 278, I haven’t been able to find Mark Zoril’s contact information. When I google him or Planvision, the icon spins and time outs. I’d appreciate any direction.
Just finished up meeting with Mark Zoril after hearing about him on your podcast. As a do it yourself investor for retirement with a fairly long time horizon (I’m 34), he provided exactly what I was looking for: an affordable adviser to look over my plan and investments and tell me if I was on track to meet my goals, if my goals were reasonable, and point out any glaring problems. Luckily, for me it turns out I was doing okay; but the assurance was well worth the cost to me! Mark also helped me evaluate opening an HSA, and my family’s need for additional life insurance. I would recommend his services in a heartbeat!
DR 067 is missing in your podcast list
Hi Rob, I am a long time listener. I have learned a lot from your podcast over the years. After hearing this podcast I contacted Mark Zoril. I have been looking for someone to outline a plan as I am getting closer to retirement. It is the best money I have ever spent. Mark’s knowledge and experience are invaluable. The other fee only planners were going to charge me $1500-3500 for what would have been a similar plan. The ability to receive ongoing guidance is also something that was not mentioned on the show. Thanks for all the wonderful resources your give us. You have truly impacted my financial life.,.
the lady on the vanguard pod cast made the comment that giving securities will result in the gain not being taxed. that is incorrect. if you donate long term(held by the donor for 12 months and one day or longer) securities you will be able to deduct the fair market value on the date you transferred the securities to vanguard. if you have not held the securities for the long term you can only deduct the original cost of the securities.
Re 268 I also worked with Mark Zoril after hearing him on this episode. I found it to be a great experience at a great value. Mark was eager to help and quick to respond. Thank you!
Re 268, I worked with Mark Zoril and the value he added to my financial well being was exactly what he promised on your podcast and more. A greater value cannot be obtained anywhere. Mark is very hard working, experienced, and responsive to a fault. The best value anyone can ever get for their money. Thank you Rob and Thank You Mark!
RE: DR271 Podcast.
Rob, I enjoy your podcasts. I’m a Paul Merriman listener who became aware of you through your podcast with Paul. I’m 57 and have been mostly retired since I was 48. My comments relate to your take on Paul’s Strategy I have been using for years.
1. Paul’s strategy isn’t really Paul’s it is anchored in DFA strategy, Dr’s Fama and French who have complied academic evidence supporting this strategy. While nothing has guarantees, it does seem more likely that this strategy has a higher likelihood of achieving a greater return for unit of risk.
2. The latest SPIVA reports seem to cast doubts on active management ( owning individual stocks). It is very difficult and very unlikely that active management will beat passive. Accordingly, I don’t see how it would be a good idea for investors to own individual stocks vs index funds. I too still own stocks I’m unwinding and it is quite difficult to figure the correct time to sell. Tax loss harvesting and rebalancing is much easier using ETFs. And yes, over the years I have owned stocks like WaMu and Enron. You may say it more fun to own stocks but I’d rather get a higher return and have more free time. Here are some links to support my Paul’s position http://www.etf.com/sections/index-investor-corner/swedroe-spiva-survey-continues-passive-winning-streak ,http://www.etf.com/sections/index-investor-corner/swedroe-europes-spiva-results-nothing-new
3. Target date funds are not optimized for the latest academic evidence. They usually are too conservative and they lack enough of certain asset classes like small cap value. What is the goal here? To increase the likelihood you will get to financial freedom at the earliest possible date. Not 2 years later. Here is a podcast on this topic. http://paulmerriman.com/3-ways-target-date-funds-fail-investors/
4. So what do I care about 1,2 and 3 above? Because someone one half a percent is a big deal. It can change your retirement life and cause you to delay your financial freedom date. Here is an article on this topic. http://paulmerriman.com/opinion-a-half-percent-can-change-retirement/
Thank you again for your podcasts and all the great content on your website.
Danny
Redondo Beach, CA
sound like you just repeated what Paul Merriman states. Maybe he is correct maybe not. We will find out in 30 years.
Is there something wrong with the podcast? I downloaded this to my android and I have just listened to it onlne. Both times around 1hour 7 to 1hour 8 minutes and just before it ends there is some weird buzzing over the voice? Is this something I am doing?
John
Good work on your latest podcast on personal responsibility. I know you will no doubt get your haters who will very strongly disagree with you. But for what it’s worth, I couldn’t agree with you more!
Cheers
Sam
I have a question for Rob regarding Episode 244 of the Dough Roller Money Podcast. Is this right place to ask Rob a question?
Lee,
Your best bet is to email him at DR@doughroller.net. However, he has limited email access during the month of February, so it may be a bit until he gets back to you. If it’s a general question, you’re welcome to email me at stephanie@doughroller.net. Otherwise, he will get back to you as soon as he returns!
Warmly,
Stephanie
Thank you for your quick reply!
1. Thanks for the wonderful (podcast 179). 2. Clicked download (and subsequent links) but could not figure out how to copy the spreadsheet and create my own. 3. I got some idea(s) about improving the spreadsheet – for example… “create your own indicator” for evaluating a stock
I’d like to subscribe, but when I click the green RSS feed icon it takes me to 404 not found page. (iTunes link works)
We are in the process of switching our 12 employees & ourselves from Edward Jones to Vanguard. Returns have not been good for 7 years. He hasn’t taught me a thing. I took it upon myself to learn & your podcast confirmed all my beliefs. He consistently skirted around my direct questions. Episode 234 confirmed everything I thought I knew. I listen to several money podcasts. That was the most understandable, thorough explanation I’ve ever heard. BRAVO! This is the first time I’ve ever left a post for a podcast! So excited! Thank you so much!!
So glad you enjoyed the podcast, Shayla, and hope you’ll stick around for more! Let us know if you ever have any specific questions for which you can’t find an answer.
Best, Stephanie
Rob how do you sign up for the Facebook group ?
Head over to doughroller.net/facebookgroup to be directed to the page. Just click “join group” and we will accept your request. It’s a wonderful resource and everyone in there is a wealth of knowledge. Hope to see you in the group!
–Stephanie