Is a TDF a good choice for growing my money, in this case? I plan to use it for a house down payment and withdraw it in 5-7 years. I’ve been thinking of putting it in a 2030 or 2035 TDF. Should I go this route or just VTSAX and chill?

Background: USA, I will be saving in a taxable account, and I want to minimize my tax liability as much as possible.

  • berryjam@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    2 months ago

    I could certainly wait longer than 5 years if necessary. It depends on where life takes me.

    VT or VTI would be more tax-efficient than a TDF, then. I could diversify in another way: put some percentage of money into VT, and then the rest into, say, a CD ladder. Maybe start out with VT then taper towards CDs/treasury bills around the 3-to-5-year mark. A DIY TDF, if you will. (I suppose that’s the “personal” in personal finance.)

    Thank you for sharing your perspective!

    • sugar_in_your_teaEnglish
      2·
      2 months ago

      Yup, that’s basically what I’d do. And instead of “tapering,” I’d just sell and “freeze” the assets in CDs/treasury bills once you have a firm timeline less than 5 years. The extra year or so of potential gains isn’t really worth the risk of a major correction just before buying.