Search found 30 matches

by monicafaye
Sat Feb 17, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2 sets of 2023 tax forms for transitioned account?
Replies: 5
Views: 342

2 sets of 2023 tax forms for transitioned account?

I received a letter from Vanguard saying that I MAY receive two sets of tax forms for 2023 because I transitioned from the old investment platform last year. Does anyone know when the deadline for releasing the second tax form is? I don’t want to file my taxes too early and have to amend my return. I can’t find the release date on the website and it wasn’t included in the letter.
by monicafaye
Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is anyone else having problems with Vanguard App mobile check deposit feature?
Replies: 2
Views: 233

Is anyone else having problems with Vanguard App mobile check deposit feature?

This is my second day of failure in trying to perform a mobile check deposit via Vanguard’s app. I reported the problem yesterday and was told they were having issues. I was told not to mail the check to Vanguard due to a three week processing time and that if there were any questions about the check that they would return it by mail which could take another 3 weeks.
by monicafaye
Wed Mar 16, 2022 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What has happened to Vanguard Customer Service??!!
Replies: 16
Views: 2291

Re: What has happened to Vanguard Customer Service??!!

Why are you blaming ‘customer service’ when the problem was a technical issue with a relatively new app? And why are you depositing money from a check without going through your checking account first? Best practices have all your money passing through a central account (checking) so you can track it in the future. For example, if it was a check received as a birthday gift, in a year something could come up and you’ll wonder: what happened to that check that Uncle Bob gave me for my birthday in 2022? I think I lost it since there is no entry in my checking account history. Apparently, not many people deposit a check via the app like you attempted, else the problem would have been recognized earlier. If the money still hasn’t been deposited...
by monicafaye
Wed Mar 16, 2022 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What has happened to Vanguard Customer Service??!!
Replies: 16
Views: 2291

What has happened to Vanguard Customer Service??!!

I usually conduct all my business with Vanguard online, but yesterday I was having problems with their new app giving an error message when trying to use mobile check deposit. I called to report the issue and was passed around to 5 different people before being told that there were technical issues with the app. I literally spent 45 minutes trying to navigate their phone system. Not too many years ago Vanguard had great customer service. Sadly, I can't say that any longer. Is customer service at Fidelity or Schwab any better?
by monicafaye
Mon Dec 14, 2020 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard recommends a 90% stocks/10% bonds allocation for someone 29 years old?
Replies: 41
Views: 6003

Vanguard recommends a 90% stocks/10% bonds allocation for someone 29 years old?

My understanding is that asset allocation is the only way to control investment risk. Taking more risk doesn’t always lead to better returns. Vanguard recommends a 90% stock/10% bond allocation for my 29 year old son, which seems very aggressive. That works great during a bull market, but not so great during a prolonged bear market. I suppose that might be okay for the people who could stay-the-course during a sell-off like the one on March 23, 2020, but many investors don’t understand their risk tolerance and subsequent reaction until a major sell-off happens. Too often that leads to investors selling at the worst possible time and getting back in the market after stocks have had a big run-up. Am I seeing this clearly or is there something...
by monicafaye
Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No Vanguard Phone number?
Replies: 5
Views: 807

Re: No Vanguard Phone number?

Thanks for the replies. I was able to call using the number kindly provided above by Silk McCue. Apparently they have moved the rep’s name and phone number farther down the page. I just didn’t scroll down far enough to see it. :happy
by monicafaye
Wed Jun 03, 2020 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: No Vanguard Phone number?
Replies: 5
Views: 807

No Vanguard Phone number?

When attempting to contact my Vanguard Rep I notice that the information has disappeared from my online account page, nor is there a general Vanguard phone number listed on the website. There is a self-help menu available, but I need info from a live person. Is Vanguard still shut down because of the Coronavirus?
by monicafaye
Wed Jan 16, 2019 6:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81249

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

Thank you so much for your contribution to the individual investor. You have helped so many of us find a path through the investing maze while enabling us to keep more of our hard-earned investment dollars. You have my heartfelt thanks. Your gift to us has been invaluable and you will be sorely missed.
by monicafaye
Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with IRA invested in Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity
Replies: 3
Views: 417

Re: Help with IRA invested in Flexible Premium Deferred Annu

I suggest you contact the Vanguard annuity people to see what options they suggest. Perhaps you can cash it in and keep it within an IRA to invest rather than in any annuity. Also check immediateannuities.com to see what the cost of something similar would be. You are a bit young to be buying a SPIA yet and would definitely try to learn your options. After being sold that annuity, I personally wouldn't want to give them any more of my business. Try to get an "in-force illustration" from the annuity company so you can evaluate it and the costs to keep or get rid of it. I have been told the IRA is non-transferable and non-surrendable. Plus they refuse to pay me the lump sum value. The shortest period pay-out they offer is 15 years ...
by monicafaye
Mon Oct 06, 2014 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with IRA invested in Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity
Replies: 3
Views: 417

Help with IRA invested in Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity

I have just turned 59 ½ and have an IRA that is invested in a flexible premium deferred annuity which I knew nothing about when I was sold the product. I tried to transfer it to Vanguard but the policy is non-transferable. I am considering beginning withdrawals now, instead of waiting until 70 ½, and reinvesting the money in a taxable account using Vanguard Index Mutual funds. The money would be invested for the future benefit of my 24 year old son with special needs. The company that holds the IRA has given me a single premium immediate annuity quote. The option I am considering is Number of Years and Joint Life with guaranteed return of premium. I would designate my son as joint annuitant with 100% survivor benefits. I would receive a mon...
by monicafaye
Sat Sep 20, 2014 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA in a Personal Pension Annuity-Opinions please?
Replies: 6
Views: 961

Re: IRA in a Personal Pension Annuity-Opinions please?

Of those, only #1 would allow you to roll the distribution over, as the rest would be considered RMDs even if you annuitized now. And even for #1, you should keep the number of years to 10 or less if you want to roll the payments over to another IRA. In addition, if you do elect to do the number of years option so you can roll payments over, you will have to be aware of the new ruling for rollovers starting Jan 1. You will then only be allowed one 60 day rollover in a 12 month period. That means you would have to arrange for the payments to be directly transferred to another IRA account since direct transfers are not counted as rollovers. Another choice if the direct transfer could not be arranged would be to take each payment and convert ...
by monicafaye
Sat Sep 20, 2014 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA in a Personal Pension Annuity-Opinions please?
Replies: 6
Views: 961

Re: IRA in a Personal Pension Annuity-Opinions please?

Note that should you elect a life annuity from this IRA Annuity, the date you begin distributions will be considered your RMD required beginning date even though it is well before age 70. That means all the annuity payouts are treated as RMDs and therefore there is no rollover permitted to another retirement plan. The IRS Regs are not conclusive regarding distributions period of less than your life, your life expectancy, or joint life expectancy with a beneficiary. For example, you are probably OK to elect a 10 year period and roll over those payments when received because the period certain is less than your life expectancy and the IRA annuity will be paid out prior to reaching the year you will reach 70.5. However, electing a period cert...
by monicafaye
Sat Sep 20, 2014 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA in a Personal Pension Annuity-Opinions please?
Replies: 6
Views: 961

IRA in a Personal Pension Annuity-Opinions please?

Years ago I rolled over a traditional IRA into something called a Personal Pension Annuity (A Non-surrendable Flexible Premium Deferred Annuity). I was totally ignorant about the product at the time and when I tried to rollover the IRA to Vanguard a few years ago I found out that it was non transferable. I have just turned 59 ½ and am debating whether to begin taking monthly income from it now or wait until 70 ½ when I have to begin RMDs. The amount of the IRA is just under $70,000 and the current yield is 4.32%. The company that holds the IRA gave me a Single Premium Immediate Annuity quote of just under $300 monthly for life if taken now. I do not need the money to live on, but am wondering if it would it be better to start withdrawals no...
by monicafaye
Sun Dec 30, 2012 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Guidance in choosing an institutional Trustee
Replies: 15
Views: 2188

Re: Guidance in choosing an institutional Trustee

Calm Man wrote:OP, you mean your child is on Medicaid, not Medicare, right? If so, the trust needs to be a special needs trust or he will lose eligibility for Medicaid.
No, he is on Medicare. He draws Social Security Disability on his father's earning record. Therefore he qualifies for Medicare but not Medicaid.
by monicafaye
Sat Dec 29, 2012 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Guidance in choosing an institutional Trustee
Replies: 15
Views: 2188

Guidance in choosing an institutional Trustee

I have a 22 year old son with special needs who works part-time and receives Social Security Disability and Medicare. He is high-functioning and should, in the next few years, be able to live independently with support. My will leaves money to him in a trust after my death. The money is invested in Vanguard Index Funds. I had thought about selecting a local bank as the trustee, but their annual fees are 1.2% on the first $1 million and .8% on the second million. I find that Vanguard Trust only charges .70% on the first $1 million and .35% on the second million. Over three-plus decades this adds up to a substantial difference, but either choice will involve a long-term fee on the funds balance. Does anyone have experience with Vanguard Trust...
by monicafaye
Sat Jan 15, 2011 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much is too much?
Replies: 86
Views: 11319

There is a missed opportunity here, and it's the time value of money. Larry Swedroe gives a good example in his books. Save $5000 a year from age 25-35 and never save another dollar; or save $5000 a year from age 35-65. Earn 10% per year. Who has more money at age 65? You have no expenses and few needs. Save every dollar you can now. Relax later when family, work, and taxes take a bigger bite of your earnings. That is such an important fact. Save as much as you can while you are young and be very careful about divulging your financial info to family and friends. Do they really have the need or right to know? Also, be careful that you don't pair up with a personal partner that has the same financial philosophy as your family. They will quic...
by monicafaye
Sun Dec 19, 2010 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with Asset Allocation for Special Needs Adult
Replies: 2
Views: 531

Help with Asset Allocation for Special Needs Adult

Which AA would be best for an adult with intellectual disabilities who wants to learn about investing in order to become as independent as possible in the future? I believe he can master this with supervision.

70% VTWSX-Van. Total World Stock Index
30% VBMFX-Van. Total Bond Market Index

vs.

45% VTSMX-Van. Total Stock Market Index
25% VGTSX-Van. Total Intl Stock Index
30% VBMFX-Van. Total Bond Market Index

I know the first option would be simpler for him to manage and rebalance, but I don't know if Total World Stock Index is similar to the Total Stock Market Index and Total Intl Stock Index combined. Thanks for you opinions.
by monicafaye
Fri Oct 15, 2010 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taylor
Replies: 138
Views: 24988

I also have to voice my appreciation for your generosity in offering sage advice from the goodness in your heart to countless people. You are the calm voice amid the cacophony of investing noise. I rarely post, but frequently read and am eternally grateful for this forum and fine gentlemen like you who present helpful information in your courteous, straightforward manner. You're in my prayers.
by monicafaye
Fri Sep 24, 2010 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Becoming a Landlord
Replies: 78
Views: 11230

Becoming a landlord

My husband and I have owned single family rentals for 19 years and it is very hard on the marriage at times. You DO NOT want to bet your retirement income on the behavior of other individuals, namely tenants. If they don't pay their rent, or due to tenant damage your property is vacant for one to two months, you lose that "income" as well as having to pay the mortgage payments that you were counting on the renters to pay for you. You also need to be a tough manager and say "no" to many unreasonable tenant requests or expenses will nickle and dime you to death. Do you have the motivation and tenacity to make frequent site visits to check on the condition of your rental property or to go through the eviction process due to...
by monicafaye
Sat May 29, 2010 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?
Replies: 10
Views: 1265

Hi Monica; Were you using this backtest website? http://assetplay.net/financial-tools/backtest.html I tried running an allocation of 76% intermediate treasury bonds and 8% each small cap value, emerging markets and commodities and that engine came up with a 10.26% avg return with only two losing years (worst was '94 with a 3.52% loss) and the best year was +24.6%. Those results would probably be easier to live with because of less downside risk, but going forward it might not work out the way we anticipate. For example, I'm not really sure what "commodities" means to this allocation plan. I would prefer treasury bonds to total bond market because you get the occasional boost in price from flights to safety. Good luck! John Yes, t...
by monicafaye
Sat May 29, 2010 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?
Replies: 10
Views: 1265

Re: Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?

livesoft wrote:
monicafaye wrote:Unfortunately, I invested most of it before the market drop. But I will stay the course.
But you put 40% into BND, right? So that has had a positive return.

You have a chance to rebalance now.
Yes I did put 40% in BND. Should I rebalance now or at end-of-year?
by monicafaye
Sat May 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?
Replies: 10
Views: 1265

Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?

Unfortunately, I invested most of it before the market drop. But I will stay the course.
by monicafaye
Sat May 29, 2010 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?
Replies: 10
Views: 1265

Oops, left off the R in VBR. Thanks
by monicafaye
Sat May 29, 2010 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?
Replies: 10
Views: 1265

Simple Retirement AA. Opinions please?

33% VBR (Small Cap Value)
67% BND (Total Bond Market)


I did a backtest of this portfolio covering the 1972-2008 time period. The average Return was 10.29%, Standard Deviation was 8.93%, and the CAGR was 9.94%. The worst loss was -7.19% in 2008 and the best gain was 26.42% in 1982. Someone may want to recheck my calculations just to double check since I'm new at this.

This portfolio seems to have less downside risk, which is important for retirees. Yes I know past returns are no guarantee of future returns. I'm just curious about opinions from others. Thanks so much. Happy Memorial Day weekend!
by monicafaye
Sun Apr 25, 2010 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AA opinions for a 20 year old disabled adult
Replies: 8
Views: 1458

AA opinions for a 20 year old disabled adult

I have a 20 year old son disabled from birth with $9,000 from an inheritance to invest. He currently lives at home and has a part-time job. He understands the importance of saving. He also understands the concept of frugality, which as a disabled person with limited current and future earning power is important. I want to help him invest his money in Vanguard Funds and encourage him to continue to invest as he gets older. I would appreciate opinions on which funds to put him in. He already has a MMF at Vanguard. Thanks for you help.
by monicafaye
Sun Mar 28, 2010 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions
Replies: 20
Views: 3192

Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions

Thanks for your replies. My time horizon is 20 years and after I'm gone, I hope to leave most of it to my disabled son. So I hope my allocation is not too conservative.
by monicafaye
Sun Mar 28, 2010 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions
Replies: 20
Views: 3192

Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions

9% US Large- Vang Total Stock Market-VTI

9% US Large Value-Vang Large Cap-VV

9% US Sm Market-Vang Small Cap-VB

9% US Sm Cap Value-Vang Sm Cap Value-VBR

3% Commodities-Vang Energy-VDE

3% REIT-Vang REIT-VNQ

12% Foreign-Vang FTSE All-World ex-US-VEU

6% Emerging Markets-Vang Emerging Markets-VWO

40% Bonds-Vang Total Bond Market-BND

All of this will be in a taxable account. I don't have a tax deferred account for the BND.
by monicafaye
Sun Mar 28, 2010 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions
Replies: 20
Views: 3192

Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions

My AA is:

39% Domestic
3% REIT
12% Foreign
6% Emerging Markets
40% BND

What do you think?
by monicafaye
Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions
Replies: 20
Views: 3192

Invest lump sum now or wait for market pullback? Opinions

I have $100,000 to invest in Vanguard index ETFs. Since the market has really jumped since Feb, would I be wise to wait for a pullback before investing it? I would hate to invest such a large amount now and possibly have to suffer through a nasty correction. Maybe I could invest half now and half in 6 months? Thanks for any opinions.
by monicafaye
Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BND and dividend reinvestment question
Replies: 1
Views: 993

BND and dividend reinvestment question

I currently hold BND in a USAA brokerage account and they do not offer automatic dividend reinvestment. Dividends are deposited in my MMF. Would I be better off selling BND and purchasing VBMFX through my Vanguard account where I can choose automatic dividend reinvestment? Thanks