How to Evaluate Your Investments | A Portfolio Checkup Using Free Online Tools

I've received hundreds of emails from viewers asking me questions about their investments. They want to understand whether their investment portfolio is sound. While I'm not a financial advisor, I do believe do it yourself investors can evaluate their own portfolios with the help of some free tools.
In this video I walk through how I evaluate an investment portfolio. I could also be useful for those just starting to invest. I hope you find it helpful in your own investing journey.
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ABOUT ME
While still working as a trial attorney in the securities field, I started writing about personal finance and investing In 2007. In 2013 I started the Doughroller Money Podcast, which has been downloaded millions of times. Today I'm the Deputy Editor of Forbes Advisor, managing a growing team of editors and writers that produce content to help readers make the most of their money.
I'm also the author of Retire Before Mom and Dad--The Simple Numbers Behind a Lifetime of Financial Freedom (amzn.to/3by10EE)
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DISCLAIMER: I am not a financial adviser. These videos are for educational purposes only. Investing of any kind involves risk. Your investment and other financial decisions are solely your responsibility. It is imperative that you conduct your own research and seek professional advice as necessary. I am merely sharing my opinions.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Some of the links on this channel are affiliate links, meaning at no cost to you I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase and/or subscribe. However, I only recommend products or services that (1) I believe in and (2) would recommend to my own mom.

[@wineguy68]

Where Rob talks about the tax implications of various funds and how they throw Cap gains, pay very close attention to this when building your after tax brokerage investments if you are young. 20 years ago, I didn't fully understand how much this could impact taxes as my balances were small at that time. Fast forward 20 years later where my balances are significant and these funds are throwing off HUGE cap gains every year adding a ton of complexity to my tax situation. If I could go back in time 20 years ago when I started my Taxable brokerage, I would have focused on low cost index funds that did not distribute Cap gains. Im now working over the next 5 years to unwind all of these funds while managing the tax implications.

[@ggpp6252]

Thank you for sharing this information so that we re aware of the implications and how to deal with it.

[@bentackett6299]

11:35 Rob not only is a great investment teacher but he can also make his fingertips light up!

[@danmarkiewicz3697]

Whoever provided the example portfolio, Thanks very much for allowing Rob to use it as the example for this video. It was really helpful to have a 1st hand example with multiple brokers and accounts (taxed and tax deferred) for the explanation. Also, thanks to Rob for sharing his knowledge.

[@marygaus]

INVALUABLE VIDEO. I listened to it while driving and can’t wait to listen again while sitting in front of my computer so I can evaluate my own portfolio in the same step-by-step fashion. Thanks for teaching us how to fish, Rob!

[@communicationnethygiene2205]

Its wonderful knowing that he has helped this number of people.

[@seanwool]

I would love to see more "portfolio rehab" type videos like this one. The "oops, I'm doing that" factor is very strong!

[@angelalopez2003]

So much valuable information in this video! I became a widow in 2020 and I'm trying to put something together for retirement. It can get very confusing for someone like myself who never focused on this kind of thing. I appreciate that you don't ever put people down or harshly criticize them. It makes it easier to reset and correct my mistakes and keep moving forward. Thank you!

[@alrocky]

Seems like you're hinting for advice. Do you have company match in your 401(k) and have you contributed $6,000 to your 2021 Roth IRA?

[@angelalopez2003]

@@alrocky I do have a company match and have my paycheck set to max that plus an extra 1% I had a work injury and am currently on workers comp, which prohibits me from contributing anything at the moment. The TSP didn't always have a Roth option and I'll have to wait till I'm back to work to set it up.

[@alrocky]

@@angelalopez2003 Maximum you may contribute to Thrift Savings Plan is $20,500 year but perhaps you meant max to receive gov match which is 5% of salary. If you have available funds you should contribute $6,000 to your 2021 Roth IRA. When you return to work status contribute as much as your income and budget allows.

[@angelalopez2003]

@@alrocky Yes, I was referring to the government match; first 3% 100% match, and next 2% 50% match. And, yes, that will be my plan when I return to work, although my current financial situation and future retirement are drastically impacted by the loss of my husband's income.

[@Propguypaul]

I am so glad to be a student at Rob Berger University! Thank you Professor Berger! You are hands down, the best out there!

[@NothingBtBlueskies]

As a newbie investor, this is my favorite of your videos. I’ll watch it several times so that I’ll be able to recognize some of the mistakes that I’ve made in my investment accounts. Thank you!

[@Jane-oc5hy]

Thank you for this video! I learned a lot, especially about correlation of funds and how to screen for taxable accounts. I had an idea of what to look for but now I have more knowledge. It was nice of that man to share his three fund info. I have a very similar situation. I love to learn about investing and Rob, you are a great teacher!

[@carrie5709]

I wonder why vanguard would recommend VTABX - Vanguard Total International Bond Index Admiral? In this video I heard you recommend for the bond portion to keep it in U.S. bonds. Thank you for this video. You are such a good teacher.

[@vistahawk1688]

Thanks Rob. Long time viewer. Based on your videos, I see opportunities for tweaks to my portfolio. Retiring next year. I would rather be teaching my grandsons sports and less time concerned about my portfolio

[@mikeflair6800]

Rob - good analysis stuff for finance, accounting and investment types...most people are not like this. I use 'VTI and Chill' 70% with one bond etf BND 15% and one real estate etf VNQ 15% - that's all...low low low cost and highly diversified USA only...I 'match' the USA market year in and year out - and spend my time outside, exercising, and travel...put the investment stuff on 'auto-pilot'.

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

Another very helpful video. The only problem with it, I didn’t have it 30 years ago. Starting my first year of retirement I’ll give my portfolio a check up using these guide lines.

[@Veed3300]

Great video! I totally agree, keep it simple, 3 funds is all you need.

[@4tomop]

EXCELLENT VIDEO ROB! on so many fronts - mainly an well-outlined process on how to evaluate and consider changes to one's portfolio: how to unpack a portfolio's contents, factors and correlations, free tools, and some great rules of thumb on pairing appropriate investments with account types.

[@polymath5119]

Thanks for a good video Rob. The more I've learned the more complex my portfolio has become.

[@jeffmkimmel]

Fantastic video, Rob. Thank you!

[@DumbUserName782]

Thank you!

[@patti2454]

Very helpful analysis. Thank you!

[@kurtc6302]

Thanks for sharing very informative

[@veritas3179]

Thank you Rob, this video was very informative. But I will need to watch this again.

[@m.a.9194]

Thank you so much for the videos! I have been contemplating the use of a financial advisor. After listening to ur videos I was able to add to my investment fund of knowledge. I am addicted to ur videos. Please keep making more. I would to hear about your tips on REITs investment.

[@oscarromero991]

Thank you for the information now I know which funds to use but the question that I have is how and when is the best time to switch my funds in my portfolio . Thank you and God bless.

[@barrywalsh9417]

Great video, thanks for sharing. A LOT of information to take in and learn, very helpful!

[@liwang4357]

very helpful, just I need.

[@bencrosby4551]

Great video, thank you!

[@CheJoffre]

Excellent topic for a video. I am scheduled to retire in 18 years (Federal) and definitely would like to focus on this as the big day approaches and past it into a hopefully long retirement.

[@jasonmarchant4525]

I've been very impressed with your videos so far. Thank you for all you do. i even decided to buy a copy of your book so when you get your next royalty payment....that's me. :-)

[@brianandbarikelly5349]

Thanks! Great video and tools. I plan to retire within five years, but my wife is a little younger so may work for up to 15 more years. We will definitely have to do some juggling and probably have at least slightly varied portfolio mixes.

[@tingliu6966]

This one is really good. I will find out soon if the sites you introduce include Australian stocks info 😅

[@sharonkaufman1064]

Hey rob, this is one of your best videos. A couple questions if you can help me out. Would you use VTEB in a taxable instead of BND? Also, any opinion on avantis etfs small cap value and international value? Thanks.

[@terryadams1830]

Another great video! Thanks Rob!

[@kellyk3742]

Rob, Always enjoy your videos.Wondering your thoughts on reits as part of diversifying an ira or a roth account.

[@davidtodd1037]

How does this guy only have 39k subscribers and the "click bait" king Graham Stephan has over 3 million?

[@SKITTLELA]

To be fair, Stephan has high quality videos with typically good fundamentals. I hate his clickbait stuff though (and he's the first to say he unfortunately does it for the algorithms.)

[@dtovar2]

Thank you, Rob. This was an excellent video! Is the spreadsheet available? Also, is there a way to use Personal Capital without giving them access to my personal accounts (Vanguard, Schwab, etc.)? I appreciate your awesome instruction!

[@Retire-py2yk]

Rob - Thanks a lot for all the valuable info. Can I get what's your take on target date fund for 401k ? I'm just looking for your personal opinion which I value a lot :) - not looking for an advice.. Thanks in advance.

[@MysteryExodus]

would you recommend VWUSX for a Roth IRA ?

[@leeward1717]

Cool- I started using personal capital last week and it is definitely elucidating. I plan to use a time bucket plan for retirement. Do you happen to know if one is able to have multiple personal capital accounts, as I will have 3 portfolios each with a different time and asset class allocation? Thank you for sharing great info!

[@rob_berger]

You can view them all together or individual in one Personal Capital account. Just go to the asset allocation screen and select the accounts you want to view in the drop down near the top right.

[@endlessawareness]

Hi Rob, which link do I click to see the other options you recommend in different brokers/tickers?

[@KevenJoslin]

Very helpful, I noticed the portfolio you evaluated, his fidelity account had vanguard funds. Are there any extra fees associated with having vanguard funds

[@rob_berger]

Yes, if you buy Vanguard mutual funds. No if you buy Vanguard ETFs.

[@kylel8954]

Aside from one being a mutual fund and one being an ETF is there really any difference between VTSAX and VTI. I’m trying to figure out/understand why the expense ratios are different since they cover the same assets.

[@rob_berger]

Nope. If you invest at a broker other than Vanguard, buying/selling VTI should be free, while you may pay a fee for VTSAX. Otherwise, they are the same.

[@alrocky]

*0.04%* Expense Ratio = VTSAX Vanguard Total US Stock Market Index *0.03%* Expense Ratio = VTI Vanguard Total US Stock Market Index They are different share classes of the same investment. Difference of last year's expense ratio of *0.01%* is negligible and does not impact / affect your portfolio as there are far more important issues to worry about like your risk tolerance, asset allocation and amount of money to contribute to retirement..

[@chrisirizarry7040]

I was wondering what percentage of each would you invest in, if I went with a VTI, VXUS and the 2 bond etfs?

[@rob_berger]

For me, a solid long-term investment approach is 60% VTI, 30% VXUS and 5% each in two bond funds. Certainly not the only reasonable approach, but one that I like.

[@InterCity134]

Is there a service like Personal Capital that lets you visualize the makeup of your portfolio visually (stocks/bonds/sectors, that drill down box chart)... that is actually manually populated. I know Personal Capital does it, but as it REQUIRES me to link accounts to even use it (no option for manual data entry), the services is a non-starter. I'm not giving a service access to my actual accounts. Curious. Thanks in advance.

[@obrientracy1]

I agree, I'd like the same. Don't feel safe giving passwords..

[@davidrogers0717]

Several years ago I had a 401(k) from a prior employer that I turned over to Schwab to manage for me. They have done ok and only charge me 50bps. However, they spread out my fairly small portfolio to several actively manage mutual funds, no doubt in an attempt to diversify, but not sure they needed to do that. I think I'm going to take it over now and simply. I sometimes think these firms feel they must practice defensive medicine if I can use that analogy.

[@zeagle8647]

In some situations, having two identical funds allow you to do some tax harvesting. Say for a given year the funds lkse value, you can sell (capture the loss for taxe purposes) and buy back in right away into the other fund. You end-up doing this swap twice, once for each fund.

[@bartz4439]

I don't get it. If somebody doesn't want 40% international allocation, buy VT and then buy either voo or vti or some us small cap to reach required allocation

[@rob_berger]

Definitely a solid approach. Can do the same thing with LifeStrategy or a Target Date Fund.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

Forget International. You don't need it

[@PH-dm8ew]

@Rob Berger: If i inves through FIdelity and i use a vanguard etf through it, is the cost a lot more than buying from vanguard directly?

[@rob_berger]

Nope. You can buy Vanguard ETFs for free just about anywhere, including Fidelity.

[@ashleyjackson5746]

Hola! ♫♪♫♪

[@mucusofwanderhome6945]

Excellent video! Thank you.