AUTHOR: Chris on 4/25/2026 FIRST: Edmund Marsh on 4/25 | RECENT: R Quinn on 5/5
Comments
Just a quick comment and another way to look at the target date funds. I’m an owner of one myself as a primary investment in a 401k and I listen to a podcast recently where I learned that when you sell a portion of your target date fund to receive a distribution in retirement for example that it sells a slice of the investment such that you don’t get to select if you are selling stocks or bonds, it just sells a slice of both/a unit of the target date fund. This gives you less flexibility to sell the portion of the portfolio that you’d like to. Maybe you’d like to sell stocks that are doing well to lock in your gains there or maybe you’d like to sell bonds only. It was an interesting thought and made me consider if I should invest a bit outside of the target date funds. Maybe this is an opportunity for you to do that. Of course I’m not sure how big of an issue this is but I thought it was an interesting fact that I was not previously aware of so thought I’d share here as well. Of course do your own research in case I’ve mistaken misrepresented anything here accidentally.
Work ethic is important in my view for several reasons. Builds character, empathy and connection for and with the fellow man. Few people have the means to not work so you’ll have fewer people to connect with should you not, but one can always find his/her tribe. Plus it can fuel the spirit knowing that you can achieve certain goals and make you self sufficient and resilient knowing you can always roll up your sleeves and dig yourself out of any hole with your efforts .Also once you know how hard it can be to make money, you appreciate it more and waste less. Age and personality also matters. One kid may be a good steward with funds while another will blow through it. I’d suggest accounting for age and experience, maybe releasing funds at specific ages …at age 21, 25 percent, or age 26, 25 percent, age 30, 25 percent and then all remaining funds at a final age. with provisions of course for specific milestones, graduating college , purchasing house, marriage etc. Like all things there is no one strategy that works as everyone’s means, resources and situations are different. Anyone receiving funds from inheritance should be grateful, no matter if it’s provided periodically and over time. There are many people who are left nothing and is common in certain communities. Thanks again for the information and articles that you share!
It has been my pleasure to read your articles each week. With those articles, you not only shared advice, but you shared a part of yourself. Thank you for teaching so many how to fish and thank you for giving me the opportunity to write an article on your site. It was joyous for me to join the conversation in that manner and for that I truly thank you. Fellow traveler, I wish you and your family the absolute best and enjoy those bucket list items :)
Working and going to school at the same time can be tough. I admire anyone who does it. I was fortunate enough to have work study during college so I just answered the phone at the front desk of the dorm which also provided the opportunity to study. Thanks for reading the article. I hope you enjoyed it!
Hi Larry, I teach my children lessons on finances just as I would any other topic The sooner the better. My son has wanted to purchase $125 tennis shoes. Not owning a pair myself that cost as much myself, I set a budget at $85 with taxes. Beyond that amount, he needs to earn the extra money, mowing the yard, washing the car etc. The more we talk with them about finances , the more comfortable they'll be and the more they will learn. Teens and preteens need practice, so we've given allowance in exchange for chores, and engaged them while paying bills. The children of the "Our Rich Journey" couple, posted videos on youtube so hearing the message from others their own age also helps.
Hi Joey, You're right, teens and preteens aren't the most receptive to parental advice. It takes a village and sometimes they need to hear the message from someone other than me. I've signed my children up for summer courses with Wealthy Habits, a site that provides education on financial topics for 11-18 year olds. I've reviewed monthly bills with them, told them how much their tutoring cost and let them see the check when we go out to restaurants. They also can't help but pick up a tip or two when I have the Clark Howard Podcast on in the car or when I convinced the 15 year old to watch " Get Smart With Money" with me on Netflix. If they're exposed then they can't help but learn something along the way. How does the expressing go..... " Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, but involved me and I'll learn."
Comments
Just a quick comment and another way to look at the target date funds. I’m an owner of one myself as a primary investment in a 401k and I listen to a podcast recently where I learned that when you sell a portion of your target date fund to receive a distribution in retirement for example that it sells a slice of the investment such that you don’t get to select if you are selling stocks or bonds, it just sells a slice of both/a unit of the target date fund. This gives you less flexibility to sell the portion of the portfolio that you’d like to. Maybe you’d like to sell stocks that are doing well to lock in your gains there or maybe you’d like to sell bonds only. It was an interesting thought and made me consider if I should invest a bit outside of the target date funds. Maybe this is an opportunity for you to do that. Of course I’m not sure how big of an issue this is but I thought it was an interesting fact that I was not previously aware of so thought I’d share here as well. Of course do your own research in case I’ve mistaken misrepresented anything here accidentally.
Post: When your 401(k) excludes target date funds
Link to comment from August 15, 2026
Work ethic is important in my view for several reasons. Builds character, empathy and connection for and with the fellow man. Few people have the means to not work so you’ll have fewer people to connect with should you not, but one can always find his/her tribe. Plus it can fuel the spirit knowing that you can achieve certain goals and make you self sufficient and resilient knowing you can always roll up your sleeves and dig yourself out of any hole with your efforts .Also once you know how hard it can be to make money, you appreciate it more and waste less. Age and personality also matters. One kid may be a good steward with funds while another will blow through it. I’d suggest accounting for age and experience, maybe releasing funds at specific ages …at age 21, 25 percent, or age 26, 25 percent, age 30, 25 percent and then all remaining funds at a final age. with provisions of course for specific milestones, graduating college , purchasing house, marriage etc. Like all things there is no one strategy that works as everyone’s means, resources and situations are different. Anyone receiving funds from inheritance should be grateful, no matter if it’s provided periodically and over time. There are many people who are left nothing and is common in certain communities. Thanks again for the information and articles that you share!
Post: K-shaped Economy
Link to comment from July 18, 2026
Thank you all for taking the time to respond. Your feedback is invaluable, I find it helpful and truly appreciate it!
Post: How much to provide a college student monthly?
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
There is always more than one way to get to your destination. Thanks for the reminder and for sharing your story
Post: Around the Obstacles
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
It has been my pleasure to read your articles each week. With those articles, you not only shared advice, but you shared a part of yourself. Thank you for teaching so many how to fish and thank you for giving me the opportunity to write an article on your site. It was joyous for me to join the conversation in that manner and for that I truly thank you. Fellow traveler, I wish you and your family the absolute best and enjoy those bucket list items :)
Post: The C Word
Link to comment from June 26, 2024
Working and going to school at the same time can be tough. I admire anyone who does it. I was fortunate enough to have work study during college so I just answered the phone at the front desk of the dorm which also provided the opportunity to study. Thanks for reading the article. I hope you enjoyed it!
Post: How Far I’ve Come
Link to comment from May 23, 2023
Such an honor to have you comment on my article, when I've read so many of yours. Thanks for all you do!
Post: How Far I’ve Come
Link to comment from May 23, 2023
Hi Larry, I teach my children lessons on finances just as I would any other topic The sooner the better. My son has wanted to purchase $125 tennis shoes. Not owning a pair myself that cost as much myself, I set a budget at $85 with taxes. Beyond that amount, he needs to earn the extra money, mowing the yard, washing the car etc. The more we talk with them about finances , the more comfortable they'll be and the more they will learn. Teens and preteens need practice, so we've given allowance in exchange for chores, and engaged them while paying bills. The children of the "Our Rich Journey" couple, posted videos on youtube so hearing the message from others their own age also helps.
Post: How Far I’ve Come
Link to comment from May 23, 2023
Very true. That was one of the extra benefits I received from not purchasing the sodas.
Post: How Far I’ve Come
Link to comment from May 23, 2023
Hi Joey, You're right, teens and preteens aren't the most receptive to parental advice. It takes a village and sometimes they need to hear the message from someone other than me. I've signed my children up for summer courses with Wealthy Habits, a site that provides education on financial topics for 11-18 year olds. I've reviewed monthly bills with them, told them how much their tutoring cost and let them see the check when we go out to restaurants. They also can't help but pick up a tip or two when I have the Clark Howard Podcast on in the car or when I convinced the 15 year old to watch " Get Smart With Money" with me on Netflix. If they're exposed then they can't help but learn something along the way. How does the expressing go..... " Tell me and I'll forget, show me and I may remember, but involved me and I'll learn."
Post: How Far I’ve Come
Link to comment from May 23, 2023