Would it be a mistake to sell $60k of stocks from a brokerage?

[John Garb]

Mid 30s, married with a couple of kids (5 and 3). Bought a house in 2019 and we have done very well with it.  Combined income is $182k. no debt outside our mortgage ($350k balance at 2.8%, $2900/month) and one car ($25k at 6%). Retirement is adequately funded (I contribute 17%, wife has pension).


I had about $225k in brokerage, but sold it down to its current $60k to fund an addition on my house, which recently completed. 

Thinking of selling the rest of my stocks and using the money to pay off our $25k auto loan (6%, $600/month).  I would then use the remainder of the cash to buy solar for my house in cash ($30k). 

Figure between solar and not having the car loan, my monthly bills will decrease by $1000. My oldest also just recently started kindergarten, so I have major daycare savings from that ($1250) and my other kid is done in June 2027, which is in sight and will have similar savings. 

Thinking of doing this as a “reset”, and then going forward in 2026, start doing some of the things (financially) I should have been doing.

I want to max out Roth IRAs for my wife and I, contribute to 529s for the kids, and if there is excess money beyond that, go the brokerage route. 

What do you think? 

[Jules Aton]

Having a car loan doesn't make sense but I'm otherwise impressed. If you are contributing max to retirement funds, doing Roth and 529s although I don't generally think the return on solar is worth it you can essentially do whatever with your taxable account. Keep in mind the tax implications.