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.
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!
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.