We hear it all the time. “Put your money in an S&P 500 index fund.” Or, “put your money in a target date fund.” Set it and forget it.

This episode probes the academic origins of passive investing, and walks through pros, cons, and an alternative approach.

Unpacking: Should I Invest in a Low-Cost S&P 500 Index Fund?

A listener writes: I have recently been gifted $220,000 and I want to wisely invest it! I obviously want the best of all worlds and would like the money to earn money AND be able to easily and safely without penalty withdraw funds when needed.

This episode walks through immediate action steps plus Roth IRAs and alternative accounts.

Q&A: How Do I Wisely Invest a $220K Gift?

A listener asks: Should I keep a two-year emergency fund in the bank?

This episode explores both the energetics and practical details of emergency savings.

Q&A: Should I Keep a Two-Year Emergency Fund in the Bank?

A listener writes: I’m almost 60 years old. I’m currently going through a divorce after almost 33 years of marriage. I haven’t worked outside the household for over 23 years. How do I know the divorce settlement is good, taking into account taxes, Medicare, retirement coming up, etc.?

This episode breaks down income and asset division plus tax and Medicare considerations.

https://www.ssa.gov/family/amount

https://institutedfa.com/find-a-cdfa/

Q&A: How Do I Negotiate Divorce With Retirement Coming Up?

Reminder: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 is the deadline to make your Roth IRA contributions for 2024. Now is also a great time to make your contributions for 2025.

https://medium.com/@dianawinterrichey

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Reminder: Roth IRA Contributions for 2024 Due April 15

Reminder: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 is the deadline to file (or extend) your 2024 federal income tax return and to pay any taxes owed.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Reminder: Federal Income Tax Return and Payment Due April 15

Maybe you are just starting your investing journey. Or maybe you want to organize and consolidate your investment accounts. Which brokerage firm should you choose?

This episode defines a brokerage firm and helps narrow down the universe of available companies.

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-fidelity-family [https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-fidelity-family/]

Unpacking: Where Should I Keep My Investment Accounts?

Required minimum distributions or "RMDs" are an annual tax requirement for people with certain retirement accounts, and they are so easy to miss.

This episode breaks down RMDs, including what they are and how to take them.

Check out Question 4 at: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plan-and-ira-required-minimum-distributions-faqs

Reminder: Required Minimum Distributions Due December 31

Reminder: Federal Income Tax Return (Extended) Due This Tuesday

Maybe you want to open a new checking account. Or maybe you want to consolidate your accounts at fewer institutions. Which bank should you choose?

This episode breaks down the distinction between banks and brokerage firms and gives you five criteria to frame your decision-making process.

https://www.federalreserve.gov/publications/dodd-frank-act-stress-test-publications.htm

https://mapping.ncua.gov [https://mapping.ncua.gov/]

https://www.waldenmutual.com [https://www.waldenmutual.com/]

Unpacking: Where Should I Bank?

The Women’s Investor Community is a place to ask all the money and finance questions - especially the ones that feel hard, embarrassing, or complex. 

It's a place to get well-researched, forward-thinking investment ideas that move the world to a better place. And it's a place to let your guard down - to finally feel like you can live in your authenticity AND be financially successful.

If you have a personal finance question, please feel free to get in touch at www.dianarichey.com.

About the Host: 

Diana Richey is a nationally recognized personal finance expert. She is passionate about helping people take control of their finances and invest in conscious companies. As a financial planner and tax lawyer with over two decades of experience, she has worked with individuals and represented multinational corporations on everything from sustainable investing to international tax planning to charitable giving.

Diana earned a B.A. with honors from The University of Chicago and a J.D., cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Project Management Professional (PMP®), trained mediator, and FINRA arbitrator. She sits on the Board of Nature and Culture International, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to preserving wild places.

She lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with her husband, young son, and dog.

LEGAL, INVESTMENT AND TAX NOTICE: This information is not intended to be and should not be treated as legal advice, investment advice or tax advice. The reader should under no circumstances rely upon this information as a substitute for obtaining specific legal or tax advice from their own legal or tax advisors.

Diana Richey

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