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Re: How to integrate legacy investments into Bogleheads appr

Copernicus wrote:Thank you, that is helpful. I do not reinvest dividends. As for 86% S&P + 14% Russell 2000: Is that known to be composition of the Total US Stock Market? I wonder where one finds information such as this?


http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Approxim ... ock_Market
by BrandonBogle
Fri May 17, 2013 12:35 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: How to integrate legacy investments into Bogleheads approach
Replies: 11
Views: 727

Re: How to integrate legacy investments into Bogleheads appr

It doesn't cost anything extra to hold individual stocks that you already have, and as long as the portfolio is diversified, these stocks will serve the same function as a large-cap mutual fund such as an S&P 500 index. Thus, once you have your asset allocation, count this as part of your large...
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 16, 2013 11:35 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: How to integrate legacy investments into Bogleheads approach
Replies: 11
Views: 727

Re: Protecting Gains

I am thinking I should "protect" some gains on stock that I currently have. One in particular is showing a gain of 73.55%, but this might apply to many others. Strategy: lets say this stock is currently @ $100, bought @ ~$60. Lets also say I placed a limit sale for $90 that would run unti...
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 16, 2013 5:58 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Protecting Gains
Replies: 21
Views: 1483

Re: Is the Vanguard Webpage Down for Anyone Else?

I ran into a similar problem with the Vanguard site earlier today. Looked like one of their load-balanced servers had a bad SSL certificate. Hitting refresh got me another server with no problems.
by BrandonBogle
Wed May 15, 2013 10:25 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is the Vanguard Webpage Down for Anyone Else?
Replies: 8
Views: 378

Re: switched jobs but not coemployers - 401k rollover denied

My mom worked for a company who was bought by a competitor. The company used ADP TotalSource as a PEO. Her boss was the new company, they picked her role, they decided her duties, they promoted her, all within the company. They had specific health insurance and retirement benefits in the name of the...
by BrandonBogle
Wed May 15, 2013 1:21 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: switched jobs but not coemployers - 401k rollover denied!
Replies: 33
Views: 2476

Re: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track

DamJam, Thanks for the heads up! For the International Holding, I plan to exchange it in the old 401k as I free up funds for future contributions other than my current 401k. My plan is to hold 100% of Total Int'l in my taxable. But until then, I will have to watch for it to avoid wash sales. Basical...
by BrandonBogle
Fri May 10, 2013 1:39 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track
Replies: 38
Views: 3425

Re: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track

Been a whirlwind of a couple months and many changes in my financial life (promotion, bonus, selling one of the cars, etc.), so I thought I would update this post with a refresher. Didn't edit the Op so that the conversation could still be followed. Emergency funds: Yes, 5 months Debt: - Auto 1 - $0...
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 09, 2013 12:29 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: New Boglehead, Portfolio hopefully not off track
Replies: 38
Views: 3425

Re: Pay off Student loans (2.4%) or invest?

I began putting all my extra payments into VWLUX and switching the minimum for my remaining student loans. But then I'm also in the 25% bracket.
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 09, 2013 12:08 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off Student loans (2.4%) or invest?
Replies: 6
Views: 696

Re: What firms allow securities-backed lending via Vanguard?

Didn't see your prior post. I wonder if banks will do a secured loan on an IRA CD. Can't hurt to check.
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 09, 2013 12:06 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: What firms allow securities-backed lending via Vanguard?
Replies: 22
Views: 791

Re: What firms allow securities-backed lending via Vanguard?

You could move your "bond" holdings to a CD at a bank and get a secured loan on the funds. Personally, I would find other avenues to finance what you need and I would adjust my spending to save as much of it as I could. Even just sticking a good portion in a decent rewards checking or Ally...
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 09, 2013 12:05 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: What firms allow securities-backed lending via Vanguard?
Replies: 22
Views: 791

Re: Buying appliances - home maintenance plan?

I've also learned to do a few repairs myself. There are lots of great step-by-step videos on YouTube. I've also watched what repairmen have done -- sometimes it is very easy to do what they are doing! I've been moving into this category lately. Replaced my Maytag/Whirlpool dishwasher door latch for...
by BrandonBogle
Tue May 07, 2013 9:12 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying appliances - home maintenance plan?
Replies: 22
Views: 1106

Re: Wells Fargo - no more 100 free trades (for new accounts)

Last I remember Wells was charging $50 per account to transfer PMA accounts out of Wells to another brokerage like Vanguard. Wonder if Vanguard would pickup that fee to transfer over to them, my old Scottrade brokerage told me they would pay those account closing fees if I ever decided to come back...
by BrandonBogle
Sun May 05, 2013 10:53 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wells Fargo - no more 100 free trades (for new accounts)?
Replies: 21
Views: 2617

Re: Wells Fargo Brokerage Fees??

The Op and I talked over a PM. This was a case that the MF was NTF when originally bought, but no longer is. Confusing part is that some other duds from this family are still NTF. This isn't exactly the easiest info to find at WF. I personally had to use a "Custom Screener" to find out if ...
by BrandonBogle
Fri May 03, 2013 4:52 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo Brokerage Fees??
Replies: 11
Views: 817

Re: Is it a good time to invest in S&P 500

Surprised nobody has asked/mention this yet... Why would you buy the S&P 500 (presuming an index fund following it like the Vanguard 500) versus buy a total market fund that inherently includes the S&P 500 and a cap-weighted average of all the US Market (except micro-caps)? Any particular re...
by BrandonBogle
Fri May 03, 2013 9:47 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Is it a good time to invest in S&P 500
Replies: 23
Views: 2365

Re: When you reach your number and keep working

I see myself doing number 1: continuing to be frugal. I do not like waste, and I love efficiency. I take vacations, go out to eat, and enjoy life, but I do so with purpose. I do not drink coke with dinner at restaurants because of the cost and health reasons, but if I really want a coke, I get one....
by BrandonBogle
Fri May 03, 2013 12:58 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When you reach your number and keep working
Replies: 71
Views: 6618

Re: Is it important to frequently change passwords?

I wish I could change my passwords only every 6 months. My employer requires we change them every 33 days!
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 02, 2013 5:11 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it important to frequently change passwords?
Replies: 37
Views: 2014

Re: Any Regrets on The Triple Play

We use Verizon's Home Phone Connect for $9.99 (add'l line on our cell plan). Combine that with each of us having cells and having unlimited mobile to any mobile and friends and family to 10 #s, we have no need for the triple play. Instead, we've gotten antennas and get out HD OTA and just subscribe...
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 02, 2013 3:12 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Regrets on The Triple Play [TV, internet, phone]
Replies: 44
Views: 4578

Re: Wells Fargo Brokerage Fees??

I wonder if the Op is confusing a NTF Mutual Funds and No Load MFs (but trading fee) with its equivalent ETF? In that case, the ETF would be subject to an $8.95 trading fee after the free 100. NTF Mutual Funds shouldn't count towards that 100, but $35 trading fee No-LOAD do. And if you finished out ...
by BrandonBogle
Thu May 02, 2013 3:03 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo Brokerage Fees??
Replies: 11
Views: 817

Re: Medallion Signature Guarantee

I got one a few weeks ago when I saw my Vanguard account had my old name on it. Took it to my regular Wells Fargo by work and their only thing was a verbal requirement that the account be worth less than $2 million. Called three other locations by home and all three had "officers" that cou...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 27, 2013 12:01 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medallion Signature Guarantee
Replies: 18
Views: 1141

Re: Extra $32,500 in Roth IRA - too good to be true?

How did you do the rollover exactly? Did you have the check made out to Vanguard? My Roth isn't with Vanguard. But basically yes. My 401k required the name of the custodian and they mailed a check to my house made out to the Custodian FBO BrandonBogle. I then sent that check in with rollover paperw...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Apr 26, 2013 12:15 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Extra $32,500 in Roth IRA - too good to be true?
Replies: 141
Views: 27444

Re: Extra $32,500 in Roth IRA - too good to be true?

My previous employer's plan allowed this and I took advantage of it. Sadly, my current employer's plan does not. Hopefully some day that will change!
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 25, 2013 3:26 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Extra $32,500 in Roth IRA - too good to be true?
Replies: 141
Views: 27444

Re: IRA vs. 401k Contribution Limits. WHY so different?

Some of us are fortunate enough to work for employers that allow us to put over 50k in a 401k. I wish that was still true for me!
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 25, 2013 1:16 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IRA vs. 401k Contribution Limits. WHY so different?
Replies: 16
Views: 1446

Re: DEATH KNELL OF COFFEEHOUSE INVESTOR

Why is your topic subject headline screaming at us?

I'd suggest editing the first post to not be in all caps as in "Internet-speak", that constitutes yelling at the forum members/readers.
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 24, 2013 1:43 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Death knell of Coffeehouse Investor
Replies: 30
Views: 4967

Re: Total Bond Market or Stable Value (3.25%)

Split the difference 50/50. For now, SV will yield more. Going forward, it will either be comparable, or yield slightly more if rates shoot up and TBM takes a price depreciation hit. Either way, it's a safe haven at all times, so not a bad move for the long term in terms of risk. Personally, I'm spl...
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:07 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Total Bond Market or Stable Value (3.25%)
Replies: 23
Views: 2538

Re: VSIAX - Vng Small cap value ER drop

Oh, looks like David might be saying that there essentially was no artificial increase of the return when the BDC expense was line-item listed

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=114980&newpost=1672914#p1672914
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:26 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VSIAX - Vng Small cap value ER drop
Replies: 20
Views: 1022

Re: VSIAX - Vng Small cap value ER drop

But since CRSP doesn't track BDCs and Vanguard is how fully converted to this index, shouldn't this mean that the fund no longer holds any BDCs? If so, then overall isn't it a reduction still? With the previous SEC ruling, weren't they adding back in the BDC expenses to the return of the underlying ...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 18, 2013 7:22 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VSIAX - Vng Small cap value ER drop
Replies: 20
Views: 1022

Re: New I-Bond rate?

btenny wrote:Is there any way to buy I bonds or EE bonds in an IRA?


No, but you can think of it like a Traditional IRA if you decide to defer taxes on the earnings until you cash it out (or it matures in 30 years, whichever comes first).
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 17, 2013 7:25 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New I-Bond rate?
Replies: 32
Views: 4328

Re: Help with tax fraud

This is similar to the fraudulent returns that people file, impersonating others, to get a large refund. The victims eventually get these resolved, but it takes some effort. This is not fun. Going through it right now with mom. Got the false credit cards closed down and a fraud alert placed. Waitin...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 17, 2013 4:08 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with tax fraud
Replies: 15
Views: 1285

Re: Any Regrets on The Triple Play

When we had a telco landline, it was $39 or so a month. When we had cable landline, it was about $30 a month. So going to $10 to share our cell minutes or $20 for unlimited was a nice change. And the box has a high powered antenna that gets better reception than our phones, and has a battery backup....
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:43 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Regrets on The Triple Play [TV, internet, phone]
Replies: 44
Views: 4578

Re: Money & Relationships

I'm currently in something of an ant & grasshopper relationship where I am the ant and he is the grasshopper. We meet now, both divorced and an midlife - after two lifetimes of decisions, both good and bad, in retrospect. I am the ant - always saved, worked two jobs & grad school at night, ...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 17, 2013 1:29 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money & Relationships
Replies: 69
Views: 6191

Re: Money & Relationships

EternalOptimist wrote:It's all in the attitude.


Totally!

I would add that it's not so much a problem as long as either
    - both persons have similar budgeting, spending habits
    - either partner is ok with having the other focus on budgeting and steering spending habits
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 17, 2013 12:37 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Money & Relationships
Replies: 69
Views: 6191

Re: Any Regrets on The Triple Play

We use Verizon's Home Phone Connect for $9.99 (add'l line on our cell plan). Combine that with each of us having cells and having unlimited mobile to any mobile and friends and family to 10 #s, we have no need for the triple play. Instead, we've gotten antennas and get out HD OTA and just subscribe ...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 17, 2013 11:51 am
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Regrets on The Triple Play [TV, internet, phone]
Replies: 44
Views: 4578

Re: buying a home from family/SIRVA? 3pm deadline. Help

How did the inspection go? Did you find a better rate or fees than your local bank?
by BrandonBogle
Tue Apr 16, 2013 1:34 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: buying a home from family/SIRVA? 3pm deadline. Help
Replies: 26
Views: 1082

Re: Yikes! Took a Good Look at My WF Expenses. Portfolio He

Congrats! That's money back in your pocket now every year going forward!
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:21 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Yikes! Took a Good Look at My WF Expenses. Portfolio Help
Replies: 31
Views: 4001

Re: Had a flat car tire, changed it, what now?

All my current tires are from Discount Tire Co and have free unlimited balancing and rotation. If I needed a flat fixed, I would take it to them.

That said, they are a great company to go to for your future tire needs.
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 13, 2013 7:48 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Had a flat car tire, changed it, what now?
Replies: 49
Views: 2498

Re: How do Bogleheads exchange currency?

Every time I go to Toronto, I just swipe everything to a no-foreign fee card. Come to think of it, I mostly do that in the US. I've had US$19 in my wallet all year.
by BrandonBogle
Sat Apr 13, 2013 10:07 am
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do Bogleheads exchange currency?
Replies: 28
Views: 2640

Re: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?

xram wrote:They said they locked it in us today over the phone. Nothing signed yet. So if I find a lower rate tonight or tomorrow we should be able to get out without any loss of money, correct?


Correct
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:02 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 647

Re: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?

ok. great. i "locked in" the 2.5% 15 year, 1% origination fee but im still going to look around and cancel that one if i need to the lady pretty much admitted there was no legal recourse for them if i do cancel :happy thanks xram Yup. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that if the...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 5:37 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 647

Re: Converted IRA to Roth at Vanguard, confused about next s

Why would there be a 8606 for a conversion that was done in 2013? I thought you would generate that NEXT year and send it in with your 2013 taxes.
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 5:33 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Converted IRA to Roth at Vanguard, confused about next steps
Replies: 8
Views: 382

Re: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?

Gotcha. Bank # 1 is not bad. Look at online banks too. For instance, http://www.americaninterbanc.com/wp-content/uploads/Rate-Sheet-Template.pdf shows AIB doing 2.5% with 0% origination but $699 lender fee + third party. NOTE: I do NOT work for AIB, never used, have no relationship with them. I just...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 5:17 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 647

Re: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?

Xram, I might not be understanding what you said. Please correct my understanding if I misunderstood. You have three loans so far that you've looked at. All 3 are going to charge third-party fees, which should be about the same between them all. So what you are left with are rate, origination fee, d...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:56 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 647

Re: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?

i read that banks either do an origination fee or hide a "service fee" or "spread yield premium" or something like that in the loan and that ends up costing you more in the long run this bank does not hide any of those fees i am told thanks for the response I would say the 2.5% ...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:36 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 647

Re: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?

It's not bad, but I've personally never paid an origination fee on any of my loans. That said, my last one was 01/2011, so maybe the game has changed. My closing costs on that loan was $300 appraisal, $225 survey, prepaid interest. No lender fees, no credit report fee, no doc fee, no lawyer/closing ...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:27 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I think this is a good rate/deal on home loan. Is it?
Replies: 15
Views: 647

Re: TV recommendation

I've been very happy with http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN32EH4003-32-inch-720p-Black/dp/B0078LSTWU/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER $278 as I right this. Bought this on Black Friday for $225 and has an amazingly crisp display and very easy-to-use interface. But keep in mind it's...
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 11, 2013 3:39 pm
 
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV recommendation
Replies: 34
Views: 1456

Re: home appraisal question

Xram, first, congrats on the house and accepting before 3 pm. I agree with the previous inspectors. I will also add that these are under ideal circumstances and ultimately, this is a judgement call on the specific appraiser. In all likelihood, you will not get to choose your appraiser and the person...
by BrandonBogle
Wed Apr 10, 2013 6:22 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: home appraisal question
Replies: 17
Views: 824

Re: Wells Fargo Down Again

It even made the local news last night. The news being the news noted that no word as if anything has been breached, or something like that. Again more warm and fuzzy feelings :wink: Have you considered banking with a smaller target? I have but it one of those deals where I have been at Wells for 2...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Apr 05, 2013 11:04 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wells Fargo Down Again
Replies: 20
Views: 1702

Re: How do big banks attract depositors

About 10-12 years ago, Chase ran a promotion. When interest rates were in the 2-3% range, they were offering a 6 month CD (only for an IRA or similar) with a 5% yield. I put in a big chunk of my retirement. Within two weeks, I was getting calls about annuities after my CD matured. There were a few ...
by BrandonBogle
Fri Apr 05, 2013 11:01 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do big banks attract depositors
Replies: 42
Views: 2960

Re: Wells Fargo Down Again

Thankfully, I can get on from Florida. I could last week too.
by BrandonBogle
Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:47 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wells Fargo Down Again
Replies: 20
Views: 1702

Re: Do you account for future inheritance?

I'd rather see them spend it all enjoying their retirement. My "inheritance" is freedom from worry about having to support my aging parents financially, and them showing me the benefits of living below your means and saving toward your own financial security. +1 That's how I do/would view...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Apr 02, 2013 8:01 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you account for future inheritance?
Replies: 45
Views: 2216

Re: Payoff School Loan or Keep Investing?

Personally, with loans that low I would max out tax advantaged space before paying off the loan. If are aren't fully funding an IRA (and likely even a 401k), filling up that space could be worthwhile. But yes, you won't get a safe yield high enough to make up for the loan costs. For me, I did that w...
by BrandonBogle
Tue Apr 02, 2013 4:18 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Payoff School Loan or Keep Investing?
Replies: 12
Views: 968
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