@jonathan_ping

Low expense ratios

Primary investment platform holding majority of portfolio with minimal transaction activity.

Converted all mutual funds to ETFs for portability. Best cash sweep option. Core growth account with minimal customer service needs.

Competitive fees

Second-largest balance platform for high-touch accounts and active management.

Used for Solo 401k, individual stock holdings, and Treasury purchases on secondary market. Preferred over Schwab for cash sweep policies.

Free trades

Temporary platform holding transferred Vanguard IRAs due to promotional offer.

Moved Vanguard IRAs here for 3% transfer promo (~$18k bonus). Plans to move to Fidelity after 5-year hold period. Complicates simplification goal.

Varies

Brokerage account maintaining $100k for Bank of America Preferred Rewards qualification.

Reliable with minimal hassles but considering closing for simplification. 5th largest balance.

Government backed

Long-term inflation-protected bonds bought through Fidelity with 2-2.6% real yields.

Replaced I Bonds after selling all TreasuryDirect savings bonds. Bought on secondary market through Fidelity.

Government backed

Short-term Treasury securities purchased through Fidelity secondary market.

Buys on secondary market through Fidelity rather than at auction for flexibility. Willing to pay small spread.

Ultra-low expense ratios

Core portfolio holdings converted from mutual funds for portability and lower costs.

Converted all mutual funds to ETFs in 2024. Slightly lower expense ratios and easily portable between brokers.

Free but problematic

Former I Bond and savings bond platform - sold all holdings in 2024 for simplification.

Sold all savings bonds for estate planning simplification. Zero liability policy for hacks was concerning. Customer service issues.

Free

Primary cash flow management account handling direct deposits and bill payments.

Handles most monthly cash flows - direct deposit in, BillPay out. Central hub for cash management.

Low fees

Self-employed retirement account with manual contributions and Treasury access.

Allows manual contributions and ability to buy individual TIPS/Treasuries. Consolidated from multiple 401k custodians.

Low fees

Aggressive 529 education savings plan, now one of largest investment accounts.

Very aggressive asset allocation. Consolidated from multiple 529 plans. Utah leads in 529 plan quality.

Requires $100k in Merrill assets

Banking relationship providing 2.625% cash back on all purchases.

Reliable system but considering US Bank Smartly card with 4% cash back. Keeps $100k at Merrill Edge for tier qualification.