40 year corporate finance career in Corporate Finance with Fortune 500 companies including UnitedHealth and ING. Focus on insurance lines including annuities, life and health. Now retired.
We use a DAF. Been great in that we were able to bunch deductions into a single tax year; the deposit grows with the market allowing for greater giving. I’m not 70 yet so I’ll consider a QCD as well in the future.
Contrary to other comments, I wouldn’t trade out of the S&P 500 index ETFs due to concentration risk. That’s trying to guess the market and trade in it; which historically has weakened returns. Still, maintain a balance per your own risk tolerance between equities, bonds - both domestic and international.
However, it does go to show that American investor tendency to overweight US (home bias) investments is not the answer(I’m guilty too). I’ve slowly tilted to closer to a world market value balance.
I take a little more risk to get yield. A general bond fund has yielded 5.25% over the last 3 years; an Intermediate fund 6.5%; and 2 high yield corporate bond funds 10.0% and 10.2%.
If both are under 65 and on ACA, then both incomes apply to determining ACA subsidy - makes sense. If then one goes on Medicare, both incomes still apply in a 1 person household for determining ACA subsidy. This means a disappearing of a subsidy at the same income level. It happened to us and it’s painful.
Comments
Dan - switching as long as that doesn’t drive capital gains
Post: Once Burned, Twice Shy
Link to comment from March 7, 2026
We use a DAF. Been great in that we were able to bunch deductions into a single tax year; the deposit grows with the market allowing for greater giving. I’m not 70 yet so I’ll consider a QCD as well in the future.
Post: What is the best way to donate to charity in 2026?
Link to comment from March 7, 2026
Contrary to other comments, I wouldn’t trade out of the S&P 500 index ETFs due to concentration risk. That’s trying to guess the market and trade in it; which historically has weakened returns. Still, maintain a balance per your own risk tolerance between equities, bonds - both domestic and international.
Post: Managing Investment Risk
Link to comment from February 28, 2026
I love my DAF at Fidelity. Serves it’s purpose perfectly
Post: Why I use a Donor-Advised Fund
Link to comment from February 21, 2026
VT - total world market fund is 62% US.
Post: Sell America
Link to comment from February 14, 2026
Well we have this deficit thing but I hear you
Post: Yes, I am a NIIT wit
Link to comment from February 14, 2026
However, it does go to show that American investor tendency to overweight US (home bias) investments is not the answer(I’m guilty too). I’ve slowly tilted to closer to a world market value balance.
Post: Sell America
Link to comment from February 14, 2026
I take a little more risk to get yield. A general bond fund has yielded 5.25% over the last 3 years; an Intermediate fund 6.5%; and 2 high yield corporate bond funds 10.0% and 10.2%.
Post: High Interest Savings Accounts vs Bond funds
Link to comment from February 8, 2026
If both are under 65 and on ACA, then both incomes apply to determining ACA subsidy - makes sense. If then one goes on Medicare, both incomes still apply in a 1 person household for determining ACA subsidy. This means a disappearing of a subsidy at the same income level. It happened to us and it’s painful.
Post: The ACA Financial Cliff … some helpful visuals (and hope for continued dialog)
Link to comment from February 7, 2026
Agreed - exactly how I view it
Post: Who cares if Social Security benefits are cut?
Link to comment from December 30, 2025