As subject states, opened up Roth IRA now that I'm working. I'm a little shy of the $3,000 threshold for Vanguard to get in their major funds since I've been putting most of my money in my TSP through work. I let it sit in the Vanguard 2065 fund, and now that the market is down I'm feeling I should be more bold and go after either stocks or aggressive funds (when I pass the 3k threshold I'll also start putting away a lot in the index funds as well.

My question is would you move the money out of that conservative fund since I'm 24 and have time on my side, stay put, etc. Interested to hear your feedback and criticism.

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Posted by nastytaco4

Member since Oct 2016

253 posts

Posted on 11/27/18 at 5:04 pm to nastytaco4

Side note: I guess it would be fair to admit my biggest flaw. Used a huge portion of my money this year getting invested in crypto. Down now 85%, I'm feeling it. I'm much more humble now haha, but just to give an idea why the Roth isn't greater by now.

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Posted by jimbeam

University of LSU

Member since Oct 2011

75703 posts

Posted on 11/27/18 at 5:42 pm to nastytaco4

quote:
and now that the market is down

assuming you’re in your 20s, you can’t think this way.

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Posted by bayoubengals88

Member since Sep 2007

18883 posts

Posted on 11/27/18 at 5:55 pm to nastytaco4

Keep the 3k in the fund and add to it.
If you want to get cute add extra or open a new account.

I’m an idiot and have already made the mistakes you’re looking to make.

You will either:
1) Show patience and wisdom by staying disciplined
2) Learn from your mistakes by chasing greater gains and getting nowhere fast

I did the latter and my Roth has acted more like a savings account since I opened it at age 24.
Just started making better decisions recently and I’m 29.

As far as other funds and ETFs go, I like VT, VWO, and QQQ, and for stocks CIM, BUD, and T at current values.
If you like tech take your pick, but I’d do this with new money every few months.
Keep your target date foundation and build it steadily.

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Posted by nastytaco4

Member since Oct 2016

253 posts

Posted on 11/27/18 at 7:37 pm to bayoubengals88

Could not have asked for a better post pertaining to my situation. Thanks!

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Posted by Ingloriousbastard

Member since May 2015

917 posts

Posted on 11/27/18 at 11:03 pm to nastytaco4

Keep it there and forget it until retirement. Or add more to it. Or buy something else with your extra cash. Never sell based on what’s happening in the market.

This post was edited on 11/27/18 at 11:05 pm

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Posted by Jag_Warrior

Virginia

Member since May 2015

4081 posts

Posted on 11/28/18 at 5:19 pm to nastytaco4

quote:
Side note: I guess it would be fair to admit my biggest flaw. Used a huge portion of my money this year getting invested in crypto. Down now 85%, I'm feeling it. I'm much more humble now haha, but just to give an idea why the Roth isn't greater by now.

That's OK. Better to learn hard lessons while you still have time to heal. There were people in their 50s who did the same thing (some using credit cards and HELOCs) and their punishment for "HODL" will be working past the retirement age that they excepted. As Bayou said, stay away from fads and get rich quick schemes... and roll slow & steady.

I don't know what industry sector you're in or what your interests are. But why not look at mutual funds or ETFs that have good, long term growth prospects? Leave whatever is in the target date fund alone. But you could split new money between aggressive growth (the majority), international/emerging markets (10-20%) and maybe some sector ETFs (10-20%). Just an idea. But for now (until you build a good foundation), I'd stay away from individual stocks and anything that sounds gimmicky or risky (save that for pure speculation and that wouldn't hurt you if it blew up).

You'll be fine. Good luck.