Manage episode 514392157 series 3661541
In this episode, we pick up where we left off on our Coast FI path—and dive into the real-life, real-time process of choosing 403(b) (or 401(k)) funds that match our values, fees, and family cash flow.
We talk about:
• Why we decided to prioritize Fetch’s 403(b) over Rascal’s SEP (for now)
• How we used ChatGPT to analyze 47 different fund options from scratch
• What we learned about expense ratios, ESG investing, and Fidelity vs. non-Fidelity funds
• Why our paycheck flow is temporarily upside down — and how that’s reshaping our money habits
• The psychological challenge of shifting control, roles, and comfort zones around who’s “managing” what
This is a deep and practical episode for anyone who:
- Wants to DIY their 403(b) or 401(k) investments
- Is navigating self-employment + W2 income trade-offs
- Is learning to balance values-based investing with expense ratio realities
- Is late to FIRE but trying to build systems that work for your real life
Plus: we tease an upcoming episode that will question whether ESG funds are truly aligned — or just shiny distractions with high fees. Stay tuned.
#403b #401k #firemovement #coastfi #esginvesting #expensetratio #diyinvesting #chatgptandmoney #retirementsavings #valuesbasedinvesting #financialindependence #familyfinances #financialdecisions
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18 episodes