Ready For Retirement

At What Point Should I Take the Tax Hit on Unrealized Gains?


Listen Later

Benjamin, nearing retirement at 65, faces a familiar dilemma with his taxable account housing expensive mutual funds. Despite their underperformance, converting to low-cost index funds entails a significant tax hit due to long-held appreciable value. 

James explains weighing the immediate tax consequences against the risk of holding onto underperforming assets. He also provides a framework for assessing risk, identifying options, and making decisions based on personal financial goals.

Questions Answered: 
How can you decide whether to sell underperforming mutual funds or continue holding onto them?  

What factors should you consider in determining whether converting to low-cost index funds aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance?

Timestamps:
0:00 - Listener question from Benjamin
2:17 - Tail wagging dog?
3:52 - Benjamin’s situation
5:31 - WCS of selling vs not selling
11:17 - Be careful about tax drag
12:47 - Rethinking the break-even point
14:11 - Consider your goal for the money
17:17 - Identify the bigger risk
19:26 - Make your decision
20:26 - Will your tax situation change?
24:20 - Consider staggering sales
28:21 - Summary

Create Your Custom Strategy ⬇️


Get Started Here.

Join the new Root Collective HERE!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Ready For RetirementBy James Conole, CFP®

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

722 ratings


More shows like Ready For Retirement

View all
Sound Retirement Radio by Jason Parker

Sound Retirement Radio

442 Listeners

Your Money, Your Wealth by Joe Anderson, CFP® & Alan Clopine, CPA of Pure Financial Advisors

Your Money, Your Wealth

757 Listeners

Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger by Audacy

Jill on Money with Jill Schlesinger

1,920 Listeners

The Retirement and IRA Show by Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

The Retirement and IRA Show

732 Listeners

Retirement Answer Man by Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, RMA, CPWA®

Retirement Answer Man

1,287 Listeners

Retire Sooner with Wes Moss by Wes Moss

Retire Sooner with Wes Moss

433 Listeners

Retirement Starts Today by Benjamin Brandt CFP®, RICP®

Retirement Starts Today

494 Listeners

Big Picture Retirement® by Devin Carroll, CFP® & John Ross, JD

Big Picture Retirement®

492 Listeners

Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast by Taylor Schulte, CFP®

Stay Wealthy Retirement Podcast

545 Listeners

The NewRetirement Podcast by Steve Chen

The NewRetirement Podcast

184 Listeners

Retire With Purpose - The Retirement Podcast by Casey Weade

Retire With Purpose - The Retirement Podcast

544 Listeners

The Rob Berger Show by Rob Berger

The Rob Berger Show

147 Listeners

Early Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance) by Ari Taublieb, CFP®, MBA

Early Retirement - Financial Freedom (Investing, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategy, Personal Finance)

34 Listeners

Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko by Andy Panko

Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko

695 Listeners

Retirement Answers by Jacob Duke, CFP®

Retirement Answers

95 Listeners