Target Date Fund or Index Fund investing for 23 y/o analyst? Which should I prioritize?

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’ve been invested in a Target Fund for about 15 years now, and I’m satisfied with how it’s performed relative to the market. I think it’s currently supposed to be essentially 80% equities and 20% bonds. We have our non-emergency savings in an S&P 500 fund, and when I compare the two, I’m satisfied that the target fund is growing enough for my goals.

Posts here are 100% right - you can do even just a little effort and choose your own funds and likely get a better return, but I don’t feel like I’ve left a lot on the table by choosing a target.

likesmart

Management fees are too high for target date funds IMO. Be since you’re still so young — it’s probably worthwhile to just dump money into small cap for a while

like

Index. At your age, target date fund will be too conservative and too high fees. Just remember to start rebalancing into a small amount of bonds around age 40

like

They are not "too high fees". They cover more asset class and yes that comes with slightly higher transactional costs. I do agree it is a little too conservative for someone in their early 20s. But it is still a very solid option

like

Perspective: girlfriend does target date fund 2060 and her return this year has been about 7%. I do not do target date, do index with a mix a growth and stock funds. My return has been about 15%.

Pick your poison - hands off and 8% less or a little hands on with 8% more

likesmarthelpful

Target funds can be more conservative and have higher fees. If that’s the route you want, you can be slightly more hands on and make your own. You can see what makes up each firm’s target date fund. And at your age I’d back out any bonds and probably add some a tech focused fund like QQQ.

As a starting point read up on lazy portfolios.

like

Thank you!

I do both! My Roth IRA contributions are into a target date index fund which I max out at $6k annually. I also put money into a regular index fund biweekly. Am 24 y.o. for context.

like

Thanks for sharing. Thinking of doing the same thing

Are you interested in being hands on and putting a little effort into studying options and allocating to optimize, or do you want to be hands off and put it on autopilot? Autopilot = target date. Being more involved = anything else.

like

Is it common to invest in both?

I’ve accumulated a mix of both over time

like

Perspective above was for Roth 401k where the options are limited... for my Roth IRA, I actually don’t own any target dates or index funds. Hold etfs and mutual funds with the following themes: value (VTV), growth (VUG), 2 aggressive funds (AOA & POAGX), tech fund (VGT), health care fund (VHT), dividend fund (VIG), and some international exposure (DGEIX & NFFFX). Limited bonds, keep emergency $$ in low risk bond funds through a brokerage account cause savings rates are so depressed. Good income and capital appreciation I’ve found.

smart

Great insight, thank you

The Target fund creates an equity : bond ratio based on your target date. This formula uses : years away from retirement as percentage to hold on stocks, etc. But , based on my limited knowledge, it just seems the ratio formula used by them is too conservative. Since you have a long way to go , my suggestion would be to invest in growth index funds . You can just invest in an index fund which tracks the entire market. Also, as you learn more you can take control of diversifying- some international funds, bonds, metals, energy, etc.

All the major groups have a growth index fund- Vanguard, Fidelity, etc. They are heavily tilted towards technology funds. Just search online and then compare the growth index funds and invest in the ones you feel good about. I am talking about growth “index” funds. Not growth mutual funds. Some of the growth mutual funds may have high returns but cost structure may be high, turnover high and tax components may be high too.

like

Awesome perspective - thanks! Do you do index funds for both your Roth IRA and personal brokerage?

Related Posts

Confused as to how I should be buying more ETH. I have a Trezor, but would like to stake it while also having it be as secure as possible. Any advice?

like

Are we on recession? My portfolio is super down - low cost ETF investor here

like

Anybody have experience with PenFed for a VA loan? Came up in a search and their rates are extremely competitive. Any reason I shouldn't take the lowest bidder?

like

What will be the inhand for this with proper taxation?

P.s: want to compare with another but fishbowl don't allow to add 2 images
I just shared that too a while ago.

Please help i think the gratuity is extra

Post Photo
like

EY fish - any suggestions for options within our 401k if I want to pull out of FXAIX (S&P 500 Index) and cool my heels for a while? I like the idea of bonds or gold equivalent (or cash I guess) but not sure which option is best. Perhaps VIPIX?

like

y’all doing too much on LinkedIn… comparing having a baby to paying off debt. Great accomplishment but wtf is this post??? It’s so long I’ll have to include second part in another photo

Post Photo
like

Where do first year associates / business analysts typically live in NYC? What’s a realistic rent budget?

like

What’s the best way to maximize having both the chase freedom unlimited and sapphire preferred?

For context, I’ve had the unlimited for 2 years and just opened the preferred because of the bonus offer. I will hit the $4k spending target, but after that, what’s the best way to use these two in tandem, given the unlimited rewards are all around much better.

like

Are there any tax benefits from working from home?

like

I have two offers on the table: One in Los Angeles, CA for $145K and another in $120 in South Fl. I live in Atlanta, I’ll have to move, which would be a good option?

like

Has anyone found a good mutual fund that matches Dave Ramsey's recommendations? I've always dumped into an s&p500 index fund, but have some time to explore other options. Curious where to start.

like

Anyone finding it harder getting managed money biz? If so, what changes or adjustments have you made in prospecting or sales approach? Thanks.

like

Hello fishes, will be really insightful to understand cost of living in Doha for a single person. Rent + food and other expenses manageable at 8-10k QAR/ month?

like

Hello, is there anyone here that can recommend ways to make money as a notary public?
Thanks

likehelpful

Please share your portfolio value and how long you been investing

like

Base is at 180k, after tax, insurance , 401k and ESPP (max out), my bi-weekly pay is only like 3600 (like 8000 monthly). Can people really save this kind of money, or most people rely on their stock appreciation?

like

How long did it take after getting your license to actually start making money?

like

I had no income in India and was in US the entire year. Do I need to file IT return with 0 income?

like

More Posts

Has your company developed a SEO strategy for TikTok?

*Many claim that the SM platform is being used as search engine.

Post Photo
like

Odd request, but does anyone have a post-TCJA international tax law school outline that I can connect with?

like

Help! I’m moving for a job from NYC and have 0 clue about the ATX area. Where should I live??

Anyone in Big 4 health (payer) consulting practices have any insight in to current or upcoming openings for SM level roles?

like

How many pages is your resume/CV?

like

Everyone complains about high healthcare costs in the US. I understand that it’s a complex problem including drug prices, insurances etc. But no one talks about the high physician salaries. Why do surgeons make near a million in the US while they make $250K in Canada?

The artificial supply limitation should end.

like

Hello! I just got promoted, but I can’t tell anyone yet bc I have to wait for it to be announced company wide. But I’m so excited, I could burst. So instead, take this anonymous confession and let’s celebrate!

likeuplifting

I had a zoom interview with three partners last Thursday. I thought it went super well, but haven't heard anything yet. Should I follow up with the in-firm recruiter, if so, when? This is for a position in a highly ranked but regional (mountain state) firm. Thanks!

like

Anyone here recommend a good laser hair removal device safe for your face? I used to go in every few months to get laser treatments but now looking to do it at home

like

Where’s everyone spending their Labor Day weekend?

like

Do you need an insight when presenting social posts?

Hi Fishes,
I have offers from Vistusa - 16.5Lpa, Exl - 17 lpa, Zensar - 17.5 Fixed with 4 yoe. Which one would be best to join in terms of wlb, work culture and hikes. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

like

Anyone starting to hear anything regarding salary increases due to inflation?

like

Hello everyone , Please can someone share the compensation structure for sales analytics lead L6 roles for AWS Canada. And are there any tips on which component can we negotiate and tips for negotiation. Thank you in advance.

Hey Guys, Any hackathon ideas for a fintech organisation?

like

Hello Fishes, Just curious to know anyone working with any gaming companies (EA Games,Activision, ubisoft, Sega,etc)
Like how do they hire?
Which tech stack they would be looking for?

likehelpful

Hey, i’ll be joining PA Consulting at the end of this year.

Does anyone know how the business is structured? My contract says i’m part of the Sourcing, IT Strategy & Corporate Services capability. I’ve shown an interest in Finance transformation given my experience and wondered if Finance transformation is within that capability?

like

LA creative: I guess the good thing about working late is I’ll be able to skip all the traffic:

10FWY: Not so fast.

likefunny

Can anyone share any examples of outstanding direct to consumer healthcare ads?

like

Why the heck does being good at writing and concept mean I should spend MORE time in meetings? This system makes no sense. just let me do what I'm GOOD at.

likesmartfunny

Additional Posts in Personal Investment Chatter

Is it too late in our lives to jump into a mortgage?

So my fiancée and I are relatively late in terms of finally landing well paying jobs and being able to save money instead of living paycheck to paycheck. We’re both 36 and currently rent a 2 bedroom in NY and have a combined savings of $35,000 which she wants to use as a down payment on a condo. I kinda just wanna continue saving while renting. I also literally just started contributing to my 401K so I’m also late in the game for that too.

helpful

Newbie trying to get a better understanding: is it better to max the 401K or just hit company 401K match and max Roth IRA first?

like

I own two commercial rentals in heart of a tier 1 city. Opposite to my space is a mom and pop store. I have become somewhat friends with the owners of the mom and pop store over the years and they would do one of favors for me when I asked to take care of the rentals. Now the commercial rental is vacant and I have been approached by a mid size chain for potential agreement. The dilemma is that the big box store is direct competition to the mom and pop store. What would you do ?

like

If planning to buy my first home in next 1-2 years, what should I be doing now leading up to the purchase e.g. things to boost credit score?

like

How much do you keep in the bank vs brokerage?

like

Would you invest in individual stocks if you're invested in a fund that includes those stocks as well? Why or why not?

like

25 and a year into having a brokerage account. How does one build a strong portfolio? I’m currently doing well based on stock picks but understand that it’s really just luck based on this rollercoaster year. Holding for the LT

like

Has anyone used EquityZen to invest in secondary markets?

like

What were people's 401k /pension balances at 30?

Feeling behind at $40k but making big headway now saving 10% and pwc wealth builder at 6, (26k a year on 160k)

like

This might be the wrong place to ask but is getting a car worth it?

I think it’ll somewhat improve QOL but with parking, insurance, gas and financing costs I’m not sure spending almost 1K/month is a good idea at 22.

The other problem is that used cars are so damn expensive right now so I can’t just buy a used mx5 for 5-10K

like

The store brand = name brand a lot of times at the grocery store. Always buy the cheapest.

likesmarthelpful

Has anyone taken up the Personal Capital investment management service that they offer?

They say they will manage my 401k but to do that they will require my credentials that I use to log into fidelity. Is that normal? Has anyone here done that before? Any feedback or experiences of using them?

like

I once heard that the average age of those that achieved a net worth of a $1M was around 49 yo. Is this intended to include assets like real estate equity or is this meant to be liquid assets / retirement accounts only?
Understanding, $1M is no longer the goal but for those of you that have achieved this already - What was the age you achieved it and are you including your home equity?

like

Had my sapphire preferred for 4 years. Can I downgrade to a freedom today and re-apply for a sapphire after a couple weeks to get a new bonus?

like

What is the value of / case for hiring a wealth manager with management fees (say 1% of holdings) as opposed to investing directly in ETFs/index funds yourself (through any of the brokers like Fidelity, Vanguard, etc.)?

like

What happens if I deposit funds into a Roth IRA account when I am over the income limit?

like

Looking for some software or tools recommendations for
1. Plan for retirement- I am looking to do the following calculations : calculate total corpus required at retirement based on inflation lifestyle etc. , calculate total amount my investments will grow at retirement age ( 401 k , savings etc, ). These two figures should give me an idea where the additional amount i need to invest.

Any recommendations?

like

Where should I invest my 6K 2020 Roth IRA?

like

For couples who are not married yet - Do you guys talk about net worth, income, or anything even finance related? I know my SO earns more given his current industry, but thinks it’s rude to talk about those things. But I’m wondering… isn’t it normal for couples who live together or are married share those info? For example - How am I going to know what to pay for our child’s education in the future etc?

likefunny

Okay finance gurus, I have an idea and interested in your thoughts. Might be a bad one so be gentle 🙂. I have a 2 yr old and another on the way. Need to start planning for college. I was thinking of buying a condo or 2 in lieu of saving and selling them down the line for tuition. Condos downtown are pretty inexpensive (T3) so it’s financially feasible. But is this a good idea or too risky?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal