fund-vehicles

Compare investment vehicles by fees, tax efficiency, and mechanics.

164|33|Updated Feb 15, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/JoelLewis/finance_skills --skill fund-vehicles
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: fund-vehicles
Source: https://github.com/JoelLewis/finance_skills/tree/main/plugins/wealth-management/skills/fund-vehicles
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JoelLewis/finance_skills --skill fund-vehicles

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires numpy, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps users understand and compare different investment vehicles like mutual funds, ETFs, and SMAs, enabling them to make informed decisions based on factors like fees, tax efficiency, and mechanics.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Compare Fund Types: Differentiate between mutual funds, ETFs, index funds, and SMAs.
  • Analyze Fees: Understand expense ratios, 12b-1 fees, loads, and their long-term impact.
  • Tax Efficiency: Evaluate how different vehicles affect after-tax returns.
  • Use Case: A user is trying to decide between an ETF and a mutual fund for their retirement savings and wants to know which is more tax-efficient and has lower costs over the long term.

Quick Start

Compare the long-term fee impact of a 0.05% expense ratio fund versus a 0.75% expense ratio fund on a $100,000 investment over 30 years.

Frequently Asked Questions about fund-vehicles

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I compare ETF vs mutual fund tax efficiency and expense ratios?

To compare ETF vs mutual fund tax efficiency and expense ratios, analyze the ETF creation and redemption mechanism, share class differences, and calculate the tax cost ratio. ETFs typically offer better tax efficiency due to in-kind redemptions, while mutual funds may distribute more taxable capital gains.

What is tracking error and tracking difference in index funds?

Tracking error and tracking difference in index funds measure how closely a fund follows its benchmark. Tracking error quantifies the volatility of returns difference, while tracking difference calculates the actual long-term performance gap, often caused by expense ratios and sampling techniques.

How do I calculate long-term fee impact on investment vehicles?

Calculate long-term fee impact on investment vehicles by applying the expense ratio to the total investment amount over the holding period. Compounding a 0.05% versus a 0.75% expense ratio on a $100,000 investment over 30 years reveals significant differences in final portfolio value.

What is the difference between mutual funds, ETFs, and separately managed accounts?

The difference between mutual funds, ETFs, and separately managed accounts (SMAs) lies in structure and customization. SMAs offer direct ownership of individual securities for tailored tax management, whereas mutual funds and ETFs pool assets, with ETFs providing intraday trading liquidity.

When should I choose an ETF over a mutual fund for retirement savings?

Choose an ETF over a mutual fund for retirement savings when prioritizing tax efficiency and lower long-term costs. ETFs generally minimize taxable capital gains distributions through the creation and redemption process, making them advantageous for taxable investment accounts.

Can I analyze 12b-1 fees and loads using numpy for fund selection?

Yes, you can analyze 12b-1 fees and loads using numpy to compute their drag on annual returns. By calculating the compound effect of these mutual fund charges alongside the base expense ratio, you can quantitatively evaluate their impact on net investment performance.