Hi everyone, longtime lurker but first time poster here. I’m hoping to get some advice from you all regarding future directions with our portfolio. Some quick background my wife and I recently got married and are in the process of consolidating finances. Im a physician still in residency so her current assets heavily outweigh mine, however, since she has little interest in personal finance we agreed for me to take over. One of the challenges we’re facing is that her taxable brokerage and Roth IRA are actively managed, and seem to be diversified across many overlapping assets. Ideally I’d like to pare this down for simplicity if we are going to take over management. Our ideal strategy revolves around a simple index fund based portfolio. Sorry in advance for the long post; as mentioned, I think there are a lot of unnecessary assets in some accounts.
Emergency funds: $30,000 HYSA
Debt: $68,000 student loan debt @ 5.28% interest (currently in forbearance due to SAVE plan overhaul - currently no monthly payments due or interest accruing until likely early 2026).
Tax Filing Status: Married filing separately (due to student loan debt).
Tax Rate (married filing separately):
His: 24% Federal, 5.5% State
Her: 35% Federal, 6.2% State
State of Residence: NYC, NY
Age: 30
Desired Asset allocation: 70% U.S. stocks / 20% international stock / 10% REIT / 0% bonds.
Note:
- While bonds/TIPS make up a small percentage of the current portfolio, we agreed on pausing bond contributions for a more aggressive approach with the idea that my future salary will be protected from market downturns + many years of earning potential.
Approximate size of your total portfolio: $850,000
Current Accounts
- percentages shown are relative to entire portfolio
- “Notes” under an account indicates what I am thinking of re-allocating/rebalancing the assets to.
Her 401k at Vanguard (Company match 50% up to 8% of eligible salary)
- 6.8% “Employer” Corporation Stock Fund (N/A) (0.00)
- 13.1% Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) (0.06)
- 13.0% Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Trust Select (N/A) (0.045)
- 9.1% Vanguard Mid- Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VMCPX) (0.03)
- 8.4% American Funds EUPAC Fund Class R-6 (RERGX) (0.47)
- 16.1% Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Unit B (N/A) (0.008)
Note: potential new allocation
- Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Unit B (N/A) (0.008)
- Vanguard Mid- Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VMCPX) (0.03)
- Vanguard Small cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSCPX) (0.03)
His 403b at Empowers (No company match)
- 0.3% Vanguard FTSE All World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFWSX) (0.05)
- 1.2% Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX) (0.02)
- 0.0% Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX) (0.04)
Her Backdoor Roth IRA at Schwab (actively managed)
- 0.5% “Vanguard S%P 500 ETF (VOO) (0.03)
- 0.2% iShares MSCI USA Min VOl Factor ETF (USMV) (0.15)
- 0.1% iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF (ISTB) (0.06)
- 0.2% Vanguard Tax Managed Fund FTSE developed Markets ETF (VEA) (0.03)
- 0.5% iShares Core IS aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) (0.03)
- 0.2% Schwab US Small Cap ETF (SCHA) (0.04)
- 0.3% Schwab US Large Cap Value ETF (SCHV) (0.04)
- 0.3% Schwab US TIPS ETF (SCHP) (0.03)
- 0.4% Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) (0.04)
- 0.4% Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX) (0.09)
- 0.3% Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX) (0.04)
Note: potential new allocation
- Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) (0.03)
- Schwab International Index Fund (SWISSX) (0.06)
His Backdoor Roth IRA at Schwab
- 0.2% Schwab US Aggregate Bond Index (SWAGX) (0.04)
- 0.9% Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) (0.03)
- 0.4% Schwab International Index Fund (SWISSX) (0.06)
- 0.0% Schwab US REIT ETF (SCHH) (0.07)
Taxable Account at Schwab (actively managed)
1.8% iShares Core total ETF (AGG) (0.03)
0.8% iShares Core 1-5 Year Bond (ISTB) (0.06)
0.3% Schwab US TIPS (SCHP) (0.00)
0.2% iShares Core S&P 500 (IVV) (0.03)
0.1% S&P 500 (SPY) (0.1)
0.8% iShares Edge MSCI Min (USMV) (0.15)
0.6% Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) (0.03)
0.9% Schwab US Large Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) (0.04)
1.3% Vanguard Growth - ETF (VUG) (0.04)
1.1% CornerCap Fundametrics (FUNL) (0.5)
0.1% Schwab US Dividend (SCHD) (0.06)
1.1% Schwab US Large Cap Value (SCHV) (0.04)
0.1% Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) (0.04)
0.2% Vanguard High Dividend (VYM) (0.06)
0.6% Schwab US Small Cap (SCHA) (0.04)
0.6% iShares Gold Tr Micro (IAUM) (0.07)
0.3% iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) (0.2)
0.7% iShares Edge MSCI EAFE (Euro) Min (EFAV) (0.2)
0.7% Vanguard FTSE Developed (VEA) (0.03)
0.4% Vanguard Total Intl Stock Admiral (VTIAX) (0.09)
0.1% Apple Inc (AAPL)
Note: potential new allocation
- SWTSX
- SWISX
Her Employee Stock
- 14.4% Employee Stock Program (Employer Stock)
- $60,000 of vested stock options (planning to exercise and contribute towards taxable account)
_______________________________________________________________
Contributions
New annual Contributions
$23,500 Her 401k (Company match 50% up to 8% of eligible salary)
$15,000 His 403b (no employer contribution)
$7,000 His Backdoor Roth IRA
$7,000 Her Backdoor Roth IRA
$10,000-15,000 taxable
Available funds
Funds available in her 401(k)
American Funds EUPAC Fund Class R-6 (RERGX) (0.47)
Fidelity Contraband Commingled Pool Class D (N/A) (0.38)
FMI Large Cap Portfolio (N/A) (0.46)
Dennison Large Cap Growth Portfolio (N/A) (0.31)
Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFTNX) (0.07)
Vanguard Mid cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VMCPX) (0.03)
Vanguard Small cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSCPX) (0.03)
“Company” Corporation Stock Func (0.00)
Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) (0.06)
Vanguard Target Retirement Income and Growth Trust Select (0.045)
Funds available in his 403(b)
The funds I listed above in my 403b account are the broadest indices with lowest ER.
Questions:
1. I am looking for any general advice on how to simplify the above accounts to align with our investment thesis, as well as more specific recommendations regarding the following points:
2. Reallocation of assets in her 401k
3. Reallocation of assets in her Roth IRA
4. Is it reasonable to leave the financial advisor and manage the brokerage ourselves? I lean towards yes, given the fee (0.9%) will cut into earning as we start to contribute more in the future. If yes, how should I simplify the asset mix without selling off extra holdings and incurring unnecessary tax?Should I hold the current assets and just add index funds (SWTSX, SWISX)?
5. Can short term holdings be placed in the taxable account? Down payment, kids school, etc.
6. Reducing exposure to her employer company stock via ESPP (currently 14% of portfolio).
Sorry again for the long post. I probably included too much detail, but just hoping to give as much information. I’m happy to provide any other info clear things up. Thank you in advance!
Emergency funds: $30,000 HYSA
Debt: $68,000 student loan debt @ 5.28% interest (currently in forbearance due to SAVE plan overhaul - currently no monthly payments due or interest accruing until likely early 2026).
Tax Filing Status: Married filing separately (due to student loan debt).
Tax Rate (married filing separately):
His: 24% Federal, 5.5% State
Her: 35% Federal, 6.2% State
State of Residence: NYC, NY
Age: 30
Desired Asset allocation: 70% U.S. stocks / 20% international stock / 10% REIT / 0% bonds.
Note:
- While bonds/TIPS make up a small percentage of the current portfolio, we agreed on pausing bond contributions for a more aggressive approach with the idea that my future salary will be protected from market downturns + many years of earning potential.
Approximate size of your total portfolio: $850,000
Current Accounts
- percentages shown are relative to entire portfolio
- “Notes” under an account indicates what I am thinking of re-allocating/rebalancing the assets to.
Her 401k at Vanguard (Company match 50% up to 8% of eligible salary)
- 6.8% “Employer” Corporation Stock Fund (N/A) (0.00)
- 13.1% Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) (0.06)
- 13.0% Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Trust Select (N/A) (0.045)
- 9.1% Vanguard Mid- Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VMCPX) (0.03)
- 8.4% American Funds EUPAC Fund Class R-6 (RERGX) (0.47)
- 16.1% Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Unit B (N/A) (0.008)
Note: potential new allocation
- Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust Unit B (N/A) (0.008)
- Vanguard Mid- Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VMCPX) (0.03)
- Vanguard Small cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSCPX) (0.03)
His 403b at Empowers (No company match)
- 0.3% Vanguard FTSE All World ex-US Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFWSX) (0.05)
- 1.2% Vanguard Institutional Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VIIIX) (0.02)
- 0.0% Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VEMPX) (0.04)
Her Backdoor Roth IRA at Schwab (actively managed)
- 0.5% “Vanguard S%P 500 ETF (VOO) (0.03)
- 0.2% iShares MSCI USA Min VOl Factor ETF (USMV) (0.15)
- 0.1% iShares Core 1-5 Year USD Bond ETF (ISTB) (0.06)
- 0.2% Vanguard Tax Managed Fund FTSE developed Markets ETF (VEA) (0.03)
- 0.5% iShares Core IS aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) (0.03)
- 0.2% Schwab US Small Cap ETF (SCHA) (0.04)
- 0.3% Schwab US Large Cap Value ETF (SCHV) (0.04)
- 0.3% Schwab US TIPS ETF (SCHP) (0.03)
- 0.4% Schwab US Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) (0.04)
- 0.4% Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTIAX) (0.09)
- 0.3% Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VBTLX) (0.04)
Note: potential new allocation
- Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) (0.03)
- Schwab International Index Fund (SWISSX) (0.06)
His Backdoor Roth IRA at Schwab
- 0.2% Schwab US Aggregate Bond Index (SWAGX) (0.04)
- 0.9% Schwab Total Stock Market Index Fund (SWTSX) (0.03)
- 0.4% Schwab International Index Fund (SWISSX) (0.06)
- 0.0% Schwab US REIT ETF (SCHH) (0.07)
Taxable Account at Schwab (actively managed)
1.8% iShares Core total ETF (AGG) (0.03)
0.8% iShares Core 1-5 Year Bond (ISTB) (0.06)
0.3% Schwab US TIPS (SCHP) (0.00)
0.2% iShares Core S&P 500 (IVV) (0.03)
0.1% S&P 500 (SPY) (0.1)
0.8% iShares Edge MSCI Min (USMV) (0.15)
0.6% Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) (0.03)
0.9% Schwab US Large Cap Growth ETF (SCHG) (0.04)
1.3% Vanguard Growth - ETF (VUG) (0.04)
1.1% CornerCap Fundametrics (FUNL) (0.5)
0.1% Schwab US Dividend (SCHD) (0.06)
1.1% Schwab US Large Cap Value (SCHV) (0.04)
0.1% Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) (0.04)
0.2% Vanguard High Dividend (VYM) (0.06)
0.6% Schwab US Small Cap (SCHA) (0.04)
0.6% iShares Gold Tr Micro (IAUM) (0.07)
0.3% iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) (0.2)
0.7% iShares Edge MSCI EAFE (Euro) Min (EFAV) (0.2)
0.7% Vanguard FTSE Developed (VEA) (0.03)
0.4% Vanguard Total Intl Stock Admiral (VTIAX) (0.09)
0.1% Apple Inc (AAPL)
Note: potential new allocation
- SWTSX
- SWISX
Her Employee Stock
- 14.4% Employee Stock Program (Employer Stock)
- $60,000 of vested stock options (planning to exercise and contribute towards taxable account)
_______________________________________________________________
Contributions
New annual Contributions
$23,500 Her 401k (Company match 50% up to 8% of eligible salary)
$15,000 His 403b (no employer contribution)
$7,000 His Backdoor Roth IRA
$7,000 Her Backdoor Roth IRA
$10,000-15,000 taxable
Available funds
Funds available in her 401(k)
American Funds EUPAC Fund Class R-6 (RERGX) (0.47)
Fidelity Contraband Commingled Pool Class D (N/A) (0.38)
FMI Large Cap Portfolio (N/A) (0.46)
Dennison Large Cap Growth Portfolio (N/A) (0.31)
Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund Institutional Shares (VFTNX) (0.07)
Vanguard Mid cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VMCPX) (0.03)
Vanguard Small cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (VSCPX) (0.03)
“Company” Corporation Stock Func (0.00)
Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Institutional Shares (VBAIX) (0.06)
Vanguard Target Retirement Income and Growth Trust Select (0.045)
Funds available in his 403(b)
The funds I listed above in my 403b account are the broadest indices with lowest ER.
Questions:
1. I am looking for any general advice on how to simplify the above accounts to align with our investment thesis, as well as more specific recommendations regarding the following points:
2. Reallocation of assets in her 401k
3. Reallocation of assets in her Roth IRA
4. Is it reasonable to leave the financial advisor and manage the brokerage ourselves? I lean towards yes, given the fee (0.9%) will cut into earning as we start to contribute more in the future. If yes, how should I simplify the asset mix without selling off extra holdings and incurring unnecessary tax?Should I hold the current assets and just add index funds (SWTSX, SWISX)?
5. Can short term holdings be placed in the taxable account? Down payment, kids school, etc.
6. Reducing exposure to her employer company stock via ESPP (currently 14% of portfolio).
Sorry again for the long post. I probably included too much detail, but just hoping to give as much information. I’m happy to provide any other info clear things up. Thank you in advance!
Statistics: Posted by needmoremoney — Sun Sep 21, 2025 1:31 pm — Replies 0 — Views 22