August 20, 2025

Direct Indexing vs. Mutual Fund or ETFs

45 minutes

💬 Show Notes

In this episode, Roger explores how naming and recognizing the different phases of life can bring clarity to the retirement journey. A listener’s question about inherited money sparks a conversation about direct indexing—what it is, when it makes sense, and what to watch out for. He also shares how to navigate calm, choppy, and rough waters in retirement planning so listeners can move forward with more confidence and control.

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE OF THE RETIREMENT ANSWER MAN

(00:00) Today we will talk about direct indexing and answer some more of your questions.
(01:04) Roger talks about acknowledging and naming things in life.
(04:19) There are four levels that Roger wants to acknowledge with clients- calm waters, choppy waters, rough waters, and change of course.

ROCKIN RETIREMENT IN THE WILD

(08:55) Brian says he focuses on spending time with family in retirement.
(09:20) Don says electric bikes are game changers.

PRACTICAL PLANNING SEGMENT

(10:30) John asks a question about direct indexing.
(13:17) Direct indexing is when you buy the individual stocks of an index in your own account instead of a fund, allowing for tax benefits and customization but with more complexity.
(16:32) Should you do this if you are concerned about taxes? What are the benefits? The drawbacks?
(20:38) Roger says exchanging traded funds has some advantages over indexing.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

(21:20) Scott has a follow up question about getting a mortgage in retirement.
(28:45) An anonymous listener says it's too late for long term care and wants a recommendation for a low risk investment.
(35:40) Our next question comes from John related to being an executor for an estate.
(39:17) Dan asks a question about rebalancing.

SMART SPRINT

(43:46) In the next seven days, take a small step by naming the season of life you’re in—calm, choppy, rough, or changing direction—so you can better focus your energy on where to lean in right now.

UP NEXT

(44:40) Next week Roger chats with Tanya Nichols on the show and answers some of your questions.

REFERENCES

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By Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, RMA, CPWA®

4.6

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