+1 on using a DAF. I use mine to growth my donated money. I limit gifts to 3% less admin and fund fees. The will and trust are set to move final assets to my DAF administrator, and they have instructions to continue my plan as an endowment (perpetual "DAF"). Donations to the DAF are also helping with tax efficiency - paying less taxes now (still doing roth conversions) and reducing RMDs (future taxes). My brokers advisors have been a big help establishing a plan and showing it's many benefits.
As a retiree, I feel ok about an extended market correction/recession. I maintain 24-30 months cash and have a portfolio with appropriate fixed income and equity investments. The income from the investments should be able to refill cash positions for an extended period so I won't have to sell stock or bond positions for losses. For those still working, increasing your emergency fund and discussing defensive moves with your advisor would be appropriate. Broadening taxable brokerage accounts to less tech and more index/value/international holdings may be appropriate. Exchanging stocks for bonds doesn't make much sense based on holding bonds in a taxable account isn't tax efficient. Munis performance generally isn't great but may provide a temporary buffer. Having said all that, I was 100% equities until retirement and, with a little luck, did ok. It's time in the market, not timing the market that produces the best long-term results.
Great topic and suggestion for those that are charitably inclined. I'd been wanting to find a way to leave a financial legacy but didn't know how. Fidelity advised using a DAF as part of multiple strategies. I'm doing Roth conversions to reduce future excessive taxes, and I've started my charitable giving journey. This year we'll update our estate plan to have final estate assets, and the DAF will start an endowment that will support our favorite causes in perpetuity. DAFs are only great to giving, they are also great for tax effeciency.
Comments
+1 on using a DAF. I use mine to growth my donated money. I limit gifts to 3% less admin and fund fees. The will and trust are set to move final assets to my DAF administrator, and they have instructions to continue my plan as an endowment (perpetual "DAF"). Donations to the DAF are also helping with tax efficiency - paying less taxes now (still doing roth conversions) and reducing RMDs (future taxes). My brokers advisors have been a big help establishing a plan and showing it's many benefits.
Post: What is the best way to donate to charity in 2026?
Link to comment from March 8, 2026
As a retiree, I feel ok about an extended market correction/recession. I maintain 24-30 months cash and have a portfolio with appropriate fixed income and equity investments. The income from the investments should be able to refill cash positions for an extended period so I won't have to sell stock or bond positions for losses. For those still working, increasing your emergency fund and discussing defensive moves with your advisor would be appropriate. Broadening taxable brokerage accounts to less tech and more index/value/international holdings may be appropriate. Exchanging stocks for bonds doesn't make much sense based on holding bonds in a taxable account isn't tax efficient. Munis performance generally isn't great but may provide a temporary buffer. Having said all that, I was 100% equities until retirement and, with a little luck, did ok. It's time in the market, not timing the market that produces the best long-term results.
Post: How Far Back Would a 40% Drop Take Us?
Link to comment from February 22, 2026
Great topic and suggestion for those that are charitably inclined. I'd been wanting to find a way to leave a financial legacy but didn't know how. Fidelity advised using a DAF as part of multiple strategies. I'm doing Roth conversions to reduce future excessive taxes, and I've started my charitable giving journey. This year we'll update our estate plan to have final estate assets, and the DAF will start an endowment that will support our favorite causes in perpetuity. DAFs are only great to giving, they are also great for tax effeciency.
Post: Why I use a Donor-Advised Fund
Link to comment from February 22, 2026