I was just asked the same question by another investor in retirement. But nope, I don't buy gold in any form. We should realize this is a great deal for THE FUND, BANK, HOLDING COMPANY. You'll pay plenty for the security and holding of these assets, so not a low cost investment.
And when you buy Gold coins, bullion, you buy at retail and sell at wholesale, an extreme loss of capital.
Buy a little nice jewelry and leave it at that. At least you'll get some appreciation of the emotional kind.
If you only have two accounts (his and hers), there is no need to rollover to simplify your accounts.
In my case, by retirement, I had 9 accounts, my husband had 4. Simplification was a boon. I rolled over one account at a time, getting everything in one place, with two accounts for each of us (IRA and Roth).
Unless Roth conversions are in your plan, you can keep the accounts you have and not worry about it.
The only caveat is to watch for future changes in your accounts. One employer decided to transfer the costs of the 401K plan to the ex-employee plan holders. When presented with an annual fee of $800+/-, so many ex-employees rolled over to IRA, that the cost of the remaining accounts for active employees doubled for the employer. Karma is a bitch.
I am an expat who had long standing accounts at Fidelity and Schwab, before I departed the US.
1) Fidelity sent me the warning letter that they knew I was outside the US and would be restricting my account activity, with a gentle suggestion to leave. According to others, this letter is often followed by a termination by Fidelity and a request of where to send your proceeds. I've confirmed with two different offices that I would need to make plans to leave at some point, and rather than having to deal with this problem as a surprise, I began the process of finding a solution.
2) Schwab has an international branch to which customers can transfer accounts for management. However, they do NOT cover all countries. My home country (Italy) is not covered, so I was on borrowed time with Schwab.
3) My choices were limited. I first placed my accounts with Creative Planning, the international unit. It was more expensive than I'm used to paying, and my advisor was dismissive of my Boglehead portfolio and me. After paying the AUM fee for awhile, I kept my ears open for another option.
This year, a friend suggested Interactive Brokers. Their reputation was that their website was complicated to navigate, and their low cost strategy does not include hand-holding. And, several comments were made that it could take weeks to open a new account. But, I was tempted by the lack of fees for advisory services. So, I decided to open an account and see how it went. Well, I had no problems opening the first account. And I was offered an online introductory session with an advisor, which gave me a chance to ask questions. I cruised around the website/app, and won't be using any of the fancy stuff available (made for day traders, options traders, etc. etc.). I've made draws and it was fast and seamless. The transfer of my accounts was easy, same as my experience with Schwab and Fidelity when I set up with them. So far, so good. P.S. for cash withdrawals, I use my WISE debit card. I'm leary of using a debit card attached to a large account outside the country of the ATM, so I never used my Schwab nor Fidelity cards at ATMs.
I keep an eye on all accounts as one portfolio for general planning. And I have each person's accounts on their own
spreadsheet, to manage/match rebalancing.
As the opportunity arises, I've rolled over money to pair down the number of accounts (originally 13 the year before retirement, now down to 4) to simplify management.
In my excel workbook, I keep a notes page, to explain any changes I make, and document reasons for rebalancing differently between the two people.
I've used a variety of tools over the years, and decided my best course was to pick at least three to continue using as I began retirement. I run each, and then pick a number among the three projections for my next annual withdrawal.
When one varied, it meant I should dig deeper to understand why.
But most often, one would become obsolete and I would take the opportunity to find and vet another tool.
I like the safety of having three predictions. So long as I'm spending based on three recommendations, I feel that I'm on safe ground.
My education started when I was young with the book by Andrew Tobias, The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need in 1978. And I listened to Forbes Magazine (when Malcom Forbes was the editor) and Louis Rukeyser on PBS.
The first year of the IRA (1974 or 5), I was eligible to put the kingly sum of $600 into my brand new IRA account. Saving to the maximum of my IRA, 401K, Sep IRA or Solo 401K accounts was my mission in life.
My portfolio grew, and I ignored the markets and kept saving the maximum allowed. I was planning to retire early in 2009. Thank goodness I did not mention this to any clients!
After the haircut in 2008, I needed to avoid withdrawals for awhile. I continued working and went looking for advice on managing my now sizable portfolio for withdrawals, and found the Bogleheads forum. It was an excellent place for me to investigate what to change, how to manage withdrawals, and gave me solace that I hadn't done too much stupid over the years.
Now, I'm several years into retirement and the trepidation around starting my way down the mountain has eased. The best instruction along the way has been Wade Pfau's book The Retirement Planning Guidebook. I never would have guessed that spending my savings would be harder than building my savings. All of us seem surprised by this, as we reach the peak, take a few selfies, and then ponder how to get down the mountain safely. The RISA selftest in Pfau's book really narrows the scope of what you should consider when setting up your retirement plan. I wish I'd had it sooner, but still found it comforting in confirming the choices that "felt" right for me.
When we fail to pause and contemplate, we sway with the latest breeze of options. I like to try out tools, and I have two favorites: Goals to Metrics, and a separate Global Bucket List. Goals to Metrics is a table with these headings:
Goal - Strategies - Actions - Objectives - Constraints - Metrics Goal: What is important for me in the next year?
Strategies: What will be my strategy to work on this goal?
Actions: What specifically will I do toward this goal?
Objectives: Why am I working on this? What do I want to accomplish?
Constraints: What might get in my way?
Metrics: What gets measured, gets done. How will I measure progress? Each year I start with a new table, and give myself the gift of contemplation about what is important for me in the next year, why, how, purpose, impediments, and how I'll measure progress. Global Bucket List is a file I keep online. Split by continents, I jot down countries of interest, and follow with notes about specific places I want to visit, links to articles, pictures that sparked my interest. The first few years of travel during early retirement, this was a key guide. "A cheap flight to XXX, where else nearby can we also visit while we are in that part of the globe?"
Now, I'm approaching a slow down in travel, and I find myself taking some destinations off the list for lack of motivation and interest, and reminding myself I still want to do that Canadian cross country rail trip.
I agree with Jonathan, as usual. And I live in Italy most of the year, so I want some tilt toward non-US markets. I hold 55% in US stock index, and 45% in Global XUS (no US) stock index. I could use a single global index, but I like to rebalance, taking some profits from the stronger (currently US) and buying more of the weaker (Europe is on sale!). Gives me something to do with my hands that keeps me from doing anything stupid.
Actually, my reaction is the opposite. What a good job the actuaries did to make many of these decisions of so little consequence for most people. (in my evaluation, $23,000 amortized over 30 years, without inflation discounting the future payments is a difference that will not make a difference for most people.)
For those of us so inclined, the calculations are enlightening. But basically boil down to delay as long as able to increase benefits. And pay attention when two parties (or more if dependents are involved) have different economic situations.
We here love to get into the weeds. But most folks can't/won't. I am happy to see that for those dependent on Social Security, there are few traps, but a few self-inflicted wounds. Remember, most folks taking early are either forced to by sudden loss of income or inclined to because they mistrust everyone. Not much can be done to remedy either situation.
I constantly harp on Bogleheads who spend all kinds of time and energy building the "perfect" retirement strategy and withdrawal plan, but don't once run the numbers for the "last man standing." It frustrates me, especially since the last man standing is likely to be the person less familiar with financial details and uncertain of what to do next.
You are absolutely right to be streamlining your portfolio, and running numbers for the last man standing.
Comments
I was just asked the same question by another investor in retirement. But nope, I don't buy gold in any form. We should realize this is a great deal for THE FUND, BANK, HOLDING COMPANY. You'll pay plenty for the security and holding of these assets, so not a low cost investment. And when you buy Gold coins, bullion, you buy at retail and sell at wholesale, an extreme loss of capital. Buy a little nice jewelry and leave it at that. At least you'll get some appreciation of the emotional kind.
Post: The Playground Indicator
Link to comment from January 31, 2026
If you only have two accounts (his and hers), there is no need to rollover to simplify your accounts. In my case, by retirement, I had 9 accounts, my husband had 4. Simplification was a boon. I rolled over one account at a time, getting everything in one place, with two accounts for each of us (IRA and Roth). Unless Roth conversions are in your plan, you can keep the accounts you have and not worry about it. The only caveat is to watch for future changes in your accounts. One employer decided to transfer the costs of the 401K plan to the ex-employee plan holders. When presented with an annual fee of $800+/-, so many ex-employees rolled over to IRA, that the cost of the remaining accounts for active employees doubled for the employer. Karma is a bitch.
Post: Consolidating 401(k)s in retirement
Link to comment from January 10, 2026
I am an expat who had long standing accounts at Fidelity and Schwab, before I departed the US. 1) Fidelity sent me the warning letter that they knew I was outside the US and would be restricting my account activity, with a gentle suggestion to leave. According to others, this letter is often followed by a termination by Fidelity and a request of where to send your proceeds. I've confirmed with two different offices that I would need to make plans to leave at some point, and rather than having to deal with this problem as a surprise, I began the process of finding a solution. 2) Schwab has an international branch to which customers can transfer accounts for management. However, they do NOT cover all countries. My home country (Italy) is not covered, so I was on borrowed time with Schwab. 3) My choices were limited. I first placed my accounts with Creative Planning, the international unit. It was more expensive than I'm used to paying, and my advisor was dismissive of my Boglehead portfolio and me. After paying the AUM fee for awhile, I kept my ears open for another option. This year, a friend suggested Interactive Brokers. Their reputation was that their website was complicated to navigate, and their low cost strategy does not include hand-holding. And, several comments were made that it could take weeks to open a new account. But, I was tempted by the lack of fees for advisory services. So, I decided to open an account and see how it went. Well, I had no problems opening the first account. And I was offered an online introductory session with an advisor, which gave me a chance to ask questions. I cruised around the website/app, and won't be using any of the fancy stuff available (made for day traders, options traders, etc. etc.). I've made draws and it was fast and seamless. The transfer of my accounts was easy, same as my experience with Schwab and Fidelity when I set up with them. So far, so good. P.S. for cash withdrawals, I use my WISE debit card. I'm leary of using a debit card attached to a large account outside the country of the ATM, so I never used my Schwab nor Fidelity cards at ATMs.
Post: Which Brokerage Works Best for U.S. Expats?
Link to comment from November 22, 2025
I keep an eye on all accounts as one portfolio for general planning. And I have each person's accounts on their own spreadsheet, to manage/match rebalancing. As the opportunity arises, I've rolled over money to pair down the number of accounts (originally 13 the year before retirement, now down to 4) to simplify management. In my excel workbook, I keep a notes page, to explain any changes I make, and document reasons for rebalancing differently between the two people.
Post: How do Couples Rebalance with Multiple Accounts
Link to comment from November 1, 2025
I've used a variety of tools over the years, and decided my best course was to pick at least three to continue using as I began retirement. I run each, and then pick a number among the three projections for my next annual withdrawal. When one varied, it meant I should dig deeper to understand why. But most often, one would become obsolete and I would take the opportunity to find and vet another tool. I like the safety of having three predictions. So long as I'm spending based on three recommendations, I feel that I'm on safe ground.
Post: Recommendations for Retirement Planning Tools
Link to comment from August 20, 2025
My education started when I was young with the book by Andrew Tobias, The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need in 1978. And I listened to Forbes Magazine (when Malcom Forbes was the editor) and Louis Rukeyser on PBS. The first year of the IRA (1974 or 5), I was eligible to put the kingly sum of $600 into my brand new IRA account. Saving to the maximum of my IRA, 401K, Sep IRA or Solo 401K accounts was my mission in life. My portfolio grew, and I ignored the markets and kept saving the maximum allowed. I was planning to retire early in 2009. Thank goodness I did not mention this to any clients! After the haircut in 2008, I needed to avoid withdrawals for awhile. I continued working and went looking for advice on managing my now sizable portfolio for withdrawals, and found the Bogleheads forum. It was an excellent place for me to investigate what to change, how to manage withdrawals, and gave me solace that I hadn't done too much stupid over the years. Now, I'm several years into retirement and the trepidation around starting my way down the mountain has eased. The best instruction along the way has been Wade Pfau's book The Retirement Planning Guidebook. I never would have guessed that spending my savings would be harder than building my savings. All of us seem surprised by this, as we reach the peak, take a few selfies, and then ponder how to get down the mountain safely. The RISA selftest in Pfau's book really narrows the scope of what you should consider when setting up your retirement plan. I wish I'd had it sooner, but still found it comforting in confirming the choices that "felt" right for me.
Post: Paying Your Tuition
Link to comment from March 29, 2025
When we fail to pause and contemplate, we sway with the latest breeze of options. I like to try out tools, and I have two favorites: Goals to Metrics, and a separate Global Bucket List. Goals to Metrics is a table with these headings: Goal - Strategies - Actions - Objectives - Constraints - Metrics Goal: What is important for me in the next year? Strategies: What will be my strategy to work on this goal? Actions: What specifically will I do toward this goal? Objectives: Why am I working on this? What do I want to accomplish? Constraints: What might get in my way? Metrics: What gets measured, gets done. How will I measure progress? Each year I start with a new table, and give myself the gift of contemplation about what is important for me in the next year, why, how, purpose, impediments, and how I'll measure progress. Global Bucket List is a file I keep online. Split by continents, I jot down countries of interest, and follow with notes about specific places I want to visit, links to articles, pictures that sparked my interest. The first few years of travel during early retirement, this was a key guide. "A cheap flight to XXX, where else nearby can we also visit while we are in that part of the globe?" Now, I'm approaching a slow down in travel, and I find myself taking some destinations off the list for lack of motivation and interest, and reminding myself I still want to do that Canadian cross country rail trip.
Post: What’s on Your List?
Link to comment from November 23, 2024
I agree with Jonathan, as usual. And I live in Italy most of the year, so I want some tilt toward non-US markets. I hold 55% in US stock index, and 45% in Global XUS (no US) stock index. I could use a single global index, but I like to rebalance, taking some profits from the stronger (currently US) and buying more of the weaker (Europe is on sale!). Gives me something to do with my hands that keeps me from doing anything stupid.
Post: Stuck at Home
Link to comment from November 23, 2024
Actually, my reaction is the opposite. What a good job the actuaries did to make many of these decisions of so little consequence for most people. (in my evaluation, $23,000 amortized over 30 years, without inflation discounting the future payments is a difference that will not make a difference for most people.) For those of us so inclined, the calculations are enlightening. But basically boil down to delay as long as able to increase benefits. And pay attention when two parties (or more if dependents are involved) have different economic situations. We here love to get into the weeds. But most folks can't/won't. I am happy to see that for those dependent on Social Security, there are few traps, but a few self-inflicted wounds. Remember, most folks taking early are either forced to by sudden loss of income or inclined to because they mistrust everyone. Not much can be done to remedy either situation.
Post: Death Benefits
Link to comment from October 19, 2024
I constantly harp on Bogleheads who spend all kinds of time and energy building the "perfect" retirement strategy and withdrawal plan, but don't once run the numbers for the "last man standing." It frustrates me, especially since the last man standing is likely to be the person less familiar with financial details and uncertain of what to do next. You are absolutely right to be streamlining your portfolio, and running numbers for the last man standing.
Post: Unasked Questions
Link to comment from August 3, 2024