December RETIREMENT Portfolio UPDATE + YouTube Income💲

[@mymusicalsons]

You deserve every penny of that YT income!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! That's so kind of you! ☺

[@golt4576]

You and Buzz fellow YT share that's what people want to see. Lots of folks share that's what people want to see to compare and have a much better understanding. The Christmas stock rally didn't happen so a small hit.

[@HappyonMonday]

I love Buzz! His channel is great! Yes I had a small hit too. Not terrible though! 🙂

[@anthonybutler3157]

Great job on the KZbin income. Keep sharing. When I retired 6.5 years ago at 57 with similar savings as you, there was so little concrete info. Your videos reaffirm that I'm on the right track with the added bonus of enjoying your story. As we say over here, feliz ano novo

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too!! 😁

[@bettyb1581]

Please explain because I'm totally clueless. If i retire at 62, since I wouldn't qualify for medicare. Would i qualify for Obamacare? I have a friend who says i will get penalized if i don't have insurance when i turn 65. Thank you ​@HappyonMonday

[@user-bg9em7ch6k]

@@bettyb1581 you would be eligible for ObamaCare, though of course the subsidies that make it affordable may not be the same for 2026 and beyond. If you haven’t retired yet, maybe wait until you can see how things look before deciding to leave your company!

[@HappyonMonday]

@@bettyb1581 Yes, you can get Obamacare any time you do not have other insurance. But your income will affect how much is costs. The less taxable income you have the more subsidies you will qualify for. ☺

[@bettyb1581]

I just turned 59 in December so I have a few years before I turn 62. Since I haven't worked a lot my retirement check will be less than $850 but I do have 2 cds and 1 annuity and a money market would that count as income? In addition I sold my condo so I can have cash living with my adult son for now. I don't want to work till I'm 70 my arthritis is starting to kick in. Greatly appreciated all your information

[@pedrozatravel]

It is crazy how much a social stigma sharing expenses is, thank you for sharing.

[@HappyonMonday]

I agree! You're welcome! ☺

[@noreenn6976]

I'm very thankful that you share your numbers Julie! I only know of one other channel that shares their numbers

[@HappyonMonday]

@@noreenn6976 I don't know why it's so taboo. 🙂

[@joemarc62]

@@HappyonMonday If people think you have a lot of money they may try to get you to feel bad for them when they need help.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@joemarc62 I get that. But I don't have a lot of money and I will also not share it unless it's my family. 😁

[@myengs6937]

Your videos are helping me see how I can structure my finances in retirement. Thank you.

[@HappyonMonday]

I'm so glad - you're welcome! ☺

[@fazalrahaman5910]

Hi Julie, Yes. The markets in December were a little fickle. They were up and down but, no significant losses. I am thinking positive and hopefully that will lead to many good things to come. Thanks for sharing your personal financial details. They really do provide perspective on the specifics of types and quantity of investments one should hold in retirement for peace of mind. Thanks.

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes, it could have been much worse! I'm thinking positive too. You're welcome! ☺

[@QuallsJohn]

Just joined your channel is successful because of the details you provide. Gives us hope and strategy.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you and welcome! 😀

[@AnnMarshall881]

I love your updates!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@charleswatkins6402]

You go girl! Keep it up!❤

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! 😁

[@meloniemurray6086]

What a Fantastic Motivational Video to finish 2024 and move forward into 2025. I love that you mentioned all of the Security options.... so many people do not know about this. I also have set up an alert on all of my accounts which let me know if there were any transactions on my accounts. This is awesome... It even shows me when my interest gets put in the accounts. Talk about a Dopamine hit.. YIPPEEE.. and that credit goes to you. I have been watching my spending and putting so many new goals together as I get closer to retirement in just under 2 years. Thank you so much Hope you a Buzz continue to produce such great inspirational and educational videos. Happy and Healthy New Year

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Setting up alerts is a great idea. 2 years will fly by! I love Buzz's channel! Happy New Year to you too! 😀

[@nofuss3947]

Really happy that all your hard work is paying off! Have a great year! Cheers from Canada

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you so much! ☺

[@TracyB-d9y]

Another great video! Congrats on 12k subscribers! My last day was today so I am officially retired! I’ll be happy on Monday for sure!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Yay! Congrats to you!! 🥳

[@TracyB-d9y]

@ Thank you!

[@noreenn6976]

@@TracyB-d9y Congratulations Tracy!

[@TracyB-d9y]

@ thank you!!

[@jimperry4420]

Congrats, you made it!!!

[@murrayhaven]

Happy new year! Here’s to lots of fun in 2025 for us retired gals!

[@HappyonMonday]

Happy New Year to you too! Yay! I love that! 😃

[@daveschmarder-US1950]

Congrats Julie! About 10 years ago I locked down my credit at the 4 major credit agencies. There are a lot of tricksters out there as you have pointed out. Best wishes for a good 2025. At 74yo, my asset allocation is about 67% in equities. I am comfy what that allocation.

[@HappyonMonday]

There are a lot of scammers! Good idea locking your credit! Best wishes to you too! ☺

[@stevensager5318]

I am so happy for you. You're showing the rest of us how to do it! Great segment on two-factor authorization!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! I'm so glad! ☺

[@tonylevine2716]

Great video as always and appreciate the transparency. One day you will have 50K subscribers, and then 100K!! 🙏🏾

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you Tony! I don't know about 50K, but I'm super happy to have 12K now! 😁

[@billholden5271]

Hello Julie, congratulations on the success of your KZbin channel. It is well deserved. You always provide great content in a very easy to understand manner. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025. 😃

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you so much! Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025 too! ☺

[@noblegirl1991]

Thank you for been transparent

[@HappyonMonday]

You are welcome! ☺

[@robertyoung2318]

Happy Bday and congrats!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@kimmer1622]

Congratulations! I always look forward to your recaps!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@Erika-fi2dx]

You knocked it out of the park!!! Way to go!! Keep up the great work on KZbin!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@user-rc4zk1zs7g]

Glad you are doing well! Hope you have a happy & prosperous 2025!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! You too!! ☺

[@lost-south-lake-crafters]

Thanks, Julie, for sharing! I always enjoy your content and the quotes you share.

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome and thank you! ☺

[@BeerBikes]

🎉 Woohoo you killed it for December! Thanks for sharing your numbers, I'm sure it's not easy but helps me a lot. cheers and peace!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! I'm glad it helps. That's why I do it! ☺

[@ibenglish]

I got two main things from this video. 1. KZbin was generous in December and 2. Beware of scammers. There is a segment of the population no matter where you are that will take what you have without thinking twice. You could be old and frail with limited funds and someone will gladly take it with zero remorse. Or family that cares not about you but show up to claim what they can upon your passing. I have experienced the latter with friends and family. Our time is limited so do the best you can, being the best person you can be. Another very good video and congratulations on the pay increase Julie as its well deserved. 🌹👍🏻

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes! I've heard Ads pay more this time of year. Scammers and greedy people are everywhere. It's sad and scary! Thank you! ☺

[@daniellem5175]

Congrats on the YT income!! I appreciate you sharing the details, it does help!!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you - I'm glad! ☺

[@Ceci_-pw9nk]

Love your videos, you did great on your investments. I think it’s great that you are sharing your info. Someone like me definitely can benefit from your experience. I hope to retire soon and have been really loving your videos.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear that! ☺

[@bw5277]

Great job on building your YT channel! Look forward to your clear and concise presentations. I'm a retired teacher as well, still sub and tutor a bit.....enjoy getting out with kids at recess and shooting hoops or playing handball!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! That's awesome! I miss the kids, just not all the other stuff. 🙂

[@bw5277]

I get ya! Happy New Year!🎆

[@Green-jl9yh]

Happy new year Always appreciated

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! 🥳

[@letschatfamilyfinances]

Happy new year! Enjoy your content as a forty-something working towards early retirement.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! ☺

[@FIRE_DrNinjaTurtle]

Happy New Year Julie.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you - you too!! 😁

[@ljosephdumas3113]

Well, Happy Belated Birthday birthday to you, young'un!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! ☺

[@gretchenwheelock1079]

You are incredible helpful please keep going in the same direction. Happy birthday too🎉. I turned 59 in Dec too. I love your videos!! Congratulations on all your success. Unfortunately I grew up never talking or learning about investing you don’t know how incredibly helpful you really are:)

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad I've helped. Happy birthday to you too! 😀

[@frugaltofreedom76]

Thank you for your videos. I am in Australia, 48 years old & planning on retiring early.

[@HappyonMonday]

You are welcome! Hello from the U.S.! 😁

[@fluffie6568]

Congrats on 12k subscribers! Happy to see you are making a lot from KZbin! Happy new year Julie! 🎊 🎉❤

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you too! 😁

[@sherriegray1447]

Congratulations on 12,000 subscribers. Your videos are so inspiring!😊 Scammers are so annoying. You have to stay vigilant. Thanks for sharing some of lastest scams to be aware of.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺I agree scammers are VERY annoying!

[@noreenn6976]

Thank you so much for sharing Julie! Happy New Year!

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! Happy New Year to you too! ☺

[@tammy9964]

Happy belated birthday, Julie. You would make a great financial consultant as an advisor. Happy New Year 🎉

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you!! Happy New Year to you too! 🎉

[@CourtneyRobinson]

Another great video!!!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! ☺

[@gratefulplanning8217]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@HappyonMonday]

You're very welcome! ☺

[@prettybrowneyes4901]

Thank You!

[@HappyonMonday]

You're welcome! ☺

[@411sponge72]

Happy New Year Julie!!!

[@HappyonMonday]

Happy New Year to you too!! 😁

[@Mightyluna]

Happy New Year Julie! The scammers worked overtime this year past year, it seems. I get so many phishing emails and even text messages on my phone. I'm pretty good at spotting them but a few months ago I got one from "Apple" which I almost fell for. 🤦‍♀ Glad to see your portfolio ended on the upside for December. Mine ended up on the downside. But, today it's slightly back up although not to it's early December high. 😥 Don't panic and stay the course, I tell myself. 🤞 Have a great weekend!

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! Yes, the scammers are really getting bad. Yes, stay the course! ☺

[@billyrayband]

at your age you need to be less conservative. I would have at least 50% of your portfolio in bucket 3. You are doing a good job of being transparent, while still protecting personal information on your video.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Yes, I will be rebalancing and reallocating soon. ☺

[@noblegirl1991]

At early 50s with at least 40% more, I have less anxiety. Plus I plan on retiring overseas. Very much cheaper

[@HappyonMonday]

That's so great! 😃

[@danncorbit3623]

I use fingerprint for my two factor authorization.

[@HappyonMonday]

That's great - fool proof!! 😀

[@Chris-hw2nx]

Great video as usual Julie! Question, did you come from the finance industry? Youre very fluent in the aspects of investing, budgeting, ACA, etc.

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! No, I was a teacher. I've just always been interested in finance. ☺

[@70qq]

DISCLAIMER : I KNOW ITS YOUR MONEY , DO WHATEVER YOU LIKE ... however i noticed you have over 2/3 of your bucket money in #2 ... i think usually 50-70% is kept in #3 ... not that your way will not work , but youre probably giving up a bunch of growth on money you will not need in the next 10 years ... also i see the account types , but we'd be more interested to know about the actual investments inside them instead ... especially concerning which investments are in which buckets ... thanks , congrats !

[@HappyonMonday]

Thank you! Yes, I will be doing some reallocating and rebalancing soon! ☺

[@silentnot4812]

It isn’t clear what your investments are in the buckets since you have both account types (403b, IRA) and types of investments vehicles (mutual funds, CDs). CDs would be a no risk investment. Is the “mutual funds” account, a taxable account? You can hold mutual funds in your Roth, IRA, or any other type of account. Mutual funds can also include actively managed and passively managed (indexes) and can include low risk securities like bonds or high risk securities like equities. The financial industry has done no favors to people by making everything confusing. I have the majority of my investments in equities, but am still working for now. I’m eligible for survivor benefits and then can switch to my benefits later when they grow more for Social Security. I also will have a small pension. I’m making good money and have a good amount of PTO each year. I like my employer’s healthcare much better than ACA which will be expensive for me since I will have a lot of income most likely.

[@HappyonMonday]

@@silentnot4812 I have other videos where I go into more detail about each account. My mutual funds account is taxed on the earnings. I will also make a video in the future with more details when I rebalance and reallocate things. Thanks!

[@lesliemcfarlane783]

Thanks for sharing. I'm almost 59. I've been working on a dividend/ETF income portfolio. It's doing well. We're not retired yet. Will probably a few years yet.

[@boatsie]

Have you ever run a Monte Carlo simulation on your current portfolio?

[@HappyonMonday]

Yes I have! 😁

[@laurarose6829]

New subscriber

[@HappyonMonday]

Welcome! ☺

[@amycolucci6769]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@woodsparker7902]

Two factor for some of my accounts is now required. It concerns me somewhat because I worry about losing my phone. Switching gears. Since this is the year you will turn 59 1/2, you will be able to pull money from your 403(b) penalty free this year, correct? My follow-up question is must you wait until you are actually 59 1/2, or is it enough that you will turn 59 1/2 are are eligible to start pulling now, if the need arises. I know the Rule of 55 is based on the year you turn 55, so just curious if the same logic is at work.

[@HappyonMonday]

If you lose your phone you should talk to your cell provider and get a new phone with the same number. From what I understand you need to be 59 1/2. But I will definitely double check before I actuall pull any money! Thanks! ☺

[@noreenn6976]

Security tip - Do NOT use your email address as your username on your financial accounts, use a unique username for each account.

[@HappyonMonday]

Great tip! 👍

[@mymusicalsons]

Not sure if you've mentioned this before, but are you a self-directed investor or does someone do that for you? We are self-directed because we don't want to spend money on a financial planner. We have educated ourselves well and are retiring at the beginning of April. It's a lot of work to do everything yourself, but if you're willing to do it, it does save a lot of money.

[@HappyonMonday]

At this point I am self-directed. I met with a couple different advisors, but it wasn't the right fit. The more I learn about it, the more I think I can do this on my own. No one cares more about my money than me! Congrats on your upcoming retirement! 😀

[@davidhansen4193]

Do you count HSA money as retirement funds, if you have one? What do the rest of the people here think?

[@HappyonMonday]

I have an HRA instead of an HSA. I count it in my total for retirement, but not in my 3-bucket portfolio. ☺

[@davidhansen4193]

@HappyonMonday That is a government plan health savings?

[@HappyonMonday]

@@davidhansen4193 Yeah, it's called a health reimbursement arrangement.