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Re: New T Rowe Price target date retirement funds

Do the T Rowe Price target retirement funds contain any index funds or are they entirely actively managed?
by ofcmetz
Fri May 24, 2013 8:35 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New T Rowe Price target date retirement funds
Replies: 18
Views: 1043

Re: Why is Total Int'l Lagging So Much?

I guess the simplest answer is that the stocks it owns didn't go up as much as the stocks owned by the other two funds. We are only talking about a 3 year period which is an extremely short amount of time to infer anything from. :oops: Active management and tilt made more during that amount of time....
by ofcmetz
Thu May 23, 2013 9:33 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Why is Total Int'l Lagging So Much?
Replies: 10
Views: 1698

Re: Three Simple Index Fund Portfolios

Thanks for the post Rick. This goes in my bookmarks section for sure. Well said.
by ofcmetz
Thu May 23, 2013 4:51 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Three Simple Index Fund Portfolios
Replies: 5
Views: 1278

Re: Bad day for REITs

VNQ is down about 3% today. :shock: I guess this makes it a RBD? I would just stick to your investment policy statement and rebalance according to your plan. I think a 3% movement in REITS during an individual day is really no bid deal. Now if it was my Intermediate Bond Index Fund, then yes that w...
by ofcmetz
Thu May 23, 2013 4:42 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Bad day for REITs
Replies: 15
Views: 2231

Re: New Retirement Plan

Just saw this thread after posting on your other one. I think your emergency fund is very reasonable for your level of income and would seek to maintain it around that amount. You are square the 25% tax bracket. I would prioritize investing in the tax deferred plans over the ROTH right now. I think ...
by ofcmetz
Thu May 23, 2013 2:55 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: New Retirement Plan
Replies: 7
Views: 558

Re: 403b Funds - Principal vs. TIAA-CREF

Funny you should ask because my 403B is with TIAA-CREF and my wife's 401K is also through The Principle. TIAA is way more reasonable on fees. I would recommend that you do like we do, which is to invest enough in her 401K to get the match and then invest the rest into the 403B. If one day you find y...
by ofcmetz
Thu May 23, 2013 2:40 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: 403b Funds - Principal vs. TIAA-CREF
Replies: 5
Views: 209

Re: how to max 401(k) mechanics question

I would estimate my pay for the year. Then I would figure out what percentage of that estimate that $17,500 is. I would then defer this percentage and evaluate each quarter while making any necessary adjustments. Then you can simply transfer an equal portion of what you defer each paycheck to your c...
by ofcmetz
Thu May 23, 2013 2:34 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: how to max 401(k) mechanics question
Replies: 9
Views: 810

Re: Gold

Very interesting thread. I understand those who own gold in specific amounts and rebalance back to their targeted asset percentage. I'll never understand owning 70% of of one's portfolio in a single commodity. This is just like betting most of your money on one stock or one piece of real estate I su...
by ofcmetz
Fri May 17, 2013 9:40 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Gold
Replies: 78
Views: 3005

Re: Vanguard Cafe Coffee

I really liked this. What a great way to illustrate their fee structure. $0.26 for a cup of coffee is not too bad either. Thanks for sending the link.

I do have to ask, do cops get to drink coffee for free at that shop? :D
by ofcmetz
Tue May 14, 2013 10:54 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cafe Coffee
Replies: 12
Views: 2009

Re: 401K no index funds?

Man, those are HIGH FEES!!! HIGH FEES??? Not even close. The OP should max out this 401k. Agreed^ I actually find those fees to be very reasonable for actively managed funds. American Funds are decent as well. I personally am 100% indexed, but I would make do if this is what I had. I would definite...
by ofcmetz
Mon May 13, 2013 1:09 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: 401K no index funds?
Replies: 27
Views: 1504

Re: 401K no index funds?

Man, those are HIGH FEES!!! HIGH FEES??? Not even close. The OP should max out this 401k. Agreed^ I actually find those fees to be very reasonable for actively managed funds. American Funds are decent as well. I personally am 100% indexed, but I would make do if this is what I had. I would definite...
by ofcmetz
Mon May 13, 2013 12:02 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: 401K no index funds?
Replies: 27
Views: 1504

Re: Thanks, Bogleheads, from Bogle

First, thanks for the scores of birthday greetings from you as I entered my 85th year on May 8. Never expected to hang around this long, but, with a new lease on life, why not! Jack A belated Happy Birthday Sir! We expect you to hang around for a long time yet. Thank You for all you have done and c...
by ofcmetz
Mon May 13, 2013 11:53 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: THANKS, BOGLEHEADS, FROM JACK BOGLE
Replies: 39
Views: 4847

Re: 2 fund portfolio

Total World is slightly more expensive than owning Total US and Total International separately. For this reason, I opted for the latter. I also like being able to control my international allocation. 30% seems to be what most experts agree on. ^ this is how I would go as well. But the answer to you...
by ofcmetz
Sun May 12, 2013 8:46 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: 2 fund portfolio
Replies: 23
Views: 2450

Re: Portfolio Review

I would only use the large cap and mid cap stock index funds in the 401K. They are the only decent choices in my opinion. I would then hold my bonds in my ROTH and my taxable. You really have too many funds and the ER's are way to high.
by ofcmetz
Sun May 12, 2013 8:42 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review
Replies: 12
Views: 954

Re: My soon-to-be worst investment ever

Not sure if this helps, but I try to remind folks when buying their house NOT to look at the possible sales price, but the actual cost, which at MINIMUM is the sales price+ all the interest you will be paying over the years. Then, of course, you have property tax and maintenance costs over the year...
by ofcmetz
Sat May 11, 2013 11:35 pm
 
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My soon-to-be worst investment ever
Replies: 56
Views: 17614

Re: Keep All Bonds in Advantaged or Take Advantage of Value?

I like the idea of purchasing I bonds and then a muni fund for the rest. Leaves you free for the value tilt in tax advantaged.
by ofcmetz
Sat May 11, 2013 11:06 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Keep All Bonds in Advantaged or Take Advantage of Value?
Replies: 5
Views: 719

Re: Fixed Account vs Bond Fund

I have a friend who has happily had a lot of his money in his fixed account because "it pays 6%!" Yeah, it probably did pay 6% when he first bought it way back when. It's now about 2% and he didn't know it had dropped. He thought "fixed" meant the interest rate was fixed. Don't ...
by ofcmetz
Sat May 11, 2013 10:58 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Fixed Account vs Bond Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1023

Re: Deciding How Much to put in International

OP, I have 30% of my equity in international, and I have all of that invested in the Vanguard Total International Index. I understand those who argue for more and those who argue for less. I agree with those who say it probably should be somewhere between 20% and 50% of equity.
by ofcmetz
Sat May 11, 2013 10:56 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Deciding How Much to put in International
Replies: 56
Views: 4069

Re: Funding a 457

I really hope you have other 457B options. If there is a governmental 457B comparable to the 403B then I would fund the 457B first. With the 457B there is no 10% early withdrawal penalty.
by ofcmetz
Sat May 11, 2013 4:47 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Funding a 457
Replies: 3
Views: 215

Re: Fixed Account vs Bond Fund

I think keeping a large portion of your fixed income in a stable value type fund that yield 3% is very reasonable. Just make sure you understand any liquidity restrictions that are place on that particular account.

I currently keep over half of my fixed income in such accounts.
by ofcmetz
Sat May 11, 2013 4:40 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Fixed Account vs Bond Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1023

Re: Told myself I'd invest tomorrow...

Serious question: why do you care if the market is up or down in a day? If you are in for the long run, and are a Boglehead, isn't investing sooner than later always the better option? Unless you have a time machine... ^ well said. I'll add this. You should find an asset allocation that you can sle...
by ofcmetz
Fri May 10, 2013 10:16 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Told myself I'd invest tomorrow...
Replies: 35
Views: 3276

Re: "Reducing bonds? Proceed with caution."

I agree with everything you said. Rather than "straw man" I should say "incomplete." Yes I would like them to acknowledge the existence of bank savings accounts, CDs and series I savings bonds. Don't forget the G Fund! There would be no reason for them to mention the "G Fun...
by ofcmetz
Wed May 08, 2013 4:21 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Reducing bonds? Proceed with caution."
Replies: 50
Views: 3968

Re: "Reducing bonds? Proceed with caution."

Thanks for the link. I enjoyed the charts and article. For an accumulator like me it makes sense to save a little more and accept lower expected returns. I agree that the bonds fill the roll in ones portfolio that bonds are called to fill. IMO, many out there are looking for something better in an a...
by ofcmetz
Wed May 08, 2013 12:46 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Reducing bonds? Proceed with caution."
Replies: 50
Views: 3968

Re: Why don't people use the Permanent Portfolio?

I don't use it because I'm not interested in owning gold as an investment. I'm not convinced that the permanent portfolio is a wiser way to invest than my current allocation.
by ofcmetz
Wed May 08, 2013 12:29 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why don't people use the Permanent Portfolio?
Replies: 151
Views: 8259

Re: WSJ Article - A New Era for DIY Investors

Thanks for the link. Good to see Bogleheads quoted in the article. I'll add that a portfolio review on the investing help section is free and is pretty darn good as well.
by ofcmetz
Mon May 06, 2013 8:24 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: WSJ Article - A New Era for DIY Investors
Replies: 9
Views: 1772

Re: most of gains come from small number of stocks

Thanks for the article Larry. Crazy that such a small number of stocks drive those returns. Indexing is the way to go.
by ofcmetz
Sat May 04, 2013 12:22 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: most of gains come from small number of stocks
Replies: 11
Views: 1355

Re: Questions on Bonds

Hi, newbie here. I am doing my research before transferring over my traditional and roth IRAs over to Vanguard. A few questions came up when reading up on bonds. I am 48 and am looking at the Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund (VTTHX). It has only 14.5% in bonds. Question #1: If Bogle recommends ...
by ofcmetz
Fri May 03, 2013 3:42 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Questions on Bonds
Replies: 18
Views: 977

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

Always amuses me when someone takes the time to sign up and then makes one post asking such a simple question with no back ground information. OP, no one can give you an decent answer with the little information that you provided. I will leave it at this: If you need to invest in large cap US equity...
by ofcmetz
Fri May 03, 2013 3:27 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Is it a good time to invest in S&P 500
Replies: 23
Views: 2372

Re: My Plan and Questions

Welcome to the Bogleheads and congrats on being in such a great financial situation. Question #1: What do you think of what I have set up? I think you are doing a great job by getting rid of your debt. Your financial plan seems to be sound and it is great that you are building wealth even in retirem...
by ofcmetz
Fri May 03, 2013 3:19 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: My Plan and Questions
Replies: 4
Views: 383

Re: "All About Asset Allocation"

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm about to get on amazon and look for the kindle edition now.

Edit: Done. Purchased through the amazon link here. :)
by ofcmetz
Wed May 01, 2013 7:56 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "All About Asset Allocation"
Replies: 14
Views: 1628

Re: Reduction in TIAA Traditional rates in IRAs

Interesting. In this low interest rate environment the 3% I get with my GRSA contract seems to be a better deal every day.

Oh, and I'll take every ER reduction that TIAA Real Estate throws my way.
by ofcmetz
Wed May 01, 2013 4:41 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reduction in TIAA Traditional rates in IRAs
Replies: 23
Views: 1112

Re: Buy a Little More in May?

Save and invest what you can when you can. I really don't think in the long run you will end up any better by doing it your way unless you get lucky.

That being said, a market correction or crash always has me looking for extra cash to invest.
by ofcmetz
Wed May 01, 2013 4:36 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy a Little More in May?
Replies: 12
Views: 1854

Re: Christine Benz picks the time for pickers

Peter Peeker picked the best pick of all the picked funds that were picked by the fund pickers.
by ofcmetz
Wed May 01, 2013 4:28 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Christine Benz picks the time for pickers
Replies: 14
Views: 2025

Re: Can You Ace FINRA's Financial Literacy Quiz?

Fun test, thanks for the link. I got a 100%. Not bad for a cop.
by ofcmetz
Wed May 01, 2013 4:22 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can You Ace FINRA's Financial Literacy Quiz?
Replies: 111
Views: 4646

Re: 401k Plan Administrative expenses??

Here is what we pay so you can compare. His 403B - just pay the fund expense ratio His 457B - pay on a sliding scale based on the balance. About 0.2% Her 403B - $15 per quarter regardless of account size. Her 401K - 0.79% on top of the fund expense ratio I think your fee is reasonable. It could be a...
by ofcmetz
Fri Apr 26, 2013 4:46 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Plan Administrative expenses??
Replies: 13
Views: 851

Re: First investments - rebalancing, bonds, house down payme

OP, I also direct my new contributions towards the asset class that has become lower than my desired allocation. This works when your portfolio is smaller in size or when classes have similar returns. Later on you my have to do the once a year rebalance. As the other poster said, yes your tax advant...
by ofcmetz
Fri Apr 26, 2013 4:38 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: First investments - rebalancing, bonds, house down payment
Replies: 3
Views: 372

Re: Vanguard Short Term Bond Fund for Emergency Fund

I would just hold your nose and accept the low yields. Intermediate term bond funds are only yielding 1.7% or so right now. And with those you are accepting significant more risk. If you don't mind seeing your emergency fund drop by 5% or 10% just before you need the money then maybe the intermediat...
by ofcmetz
Thu Apr 25, 2013 8:46 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Short Term Bond Fund for Emergency Fund
Replies: 10
Views: 1246

Re: Help with best use of retirement "buckets" please

My question is whether it makes sense to complicate things by mixing stock and bond holdings in appropriate retirement accounts in order to more efficiently rebalance. If bonds tank and stocks soar (or vice versa) its not always possible to add funds to retirement accounts to rebalance. I think it ...
by ofcmetz
Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:26 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Help with best use of retirement "buckets" please
Replies: 3
Views: 697

Re: Roll out initial investments over how long time?

Since you are not used to having the money invested, I like the idea of averaging the money into your desired asset allocation over a period of time. I think it's easier to gradually turn up the heat. Jumping right in or averaging in is OK. I would not advise taking more than 12 months to get to you...
by ofcmetz
Thu Apr 25, 2013 7:20 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Roll out initial investments over how long time?
Replies: 20
Views: 864

Re: My Take on Gold

Thanks for the article Rick. What you wrote really seems to make sense to me.

I often wonder how much of the gold run up has been due to all the Gold will reach a gazillion dollars commercials that are all over the AM radio as well as day time news TV.
by ofcmetz
Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:42 am
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My Take on Gold
Replies: 137
Views: 7609

Re: Inherited Morgan Stanley stock portfolio

Since you presumably got a stepped-up basis, there will never be a better time to liquidate and diversify with no tax consequences. I'd follow your son's advice. +1 +2 +3 +4 .... There is harm in keeping the account: The fees will slowly go up and you will not be able to sell in the future because ...
by ofcmetz
Tue Apr 23, 2013 9:02 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited Morgan Stanley stock portfolio
Replies: 21
Views: 1458

Re: Help Me Help Others

I'm not sure how the fidelity guy fits in with all this? I'd just teach the boglehead philosophy with an emphasis on saving and living below ones means. I like to point newbs towards good investing books like those written by Ferri, Swedroe, and Bernstein. I'd straight push the three fund portfolio ...
by ofcmetz
Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:44 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Help Me Help Others
Replies: 16
Views: 964

Re: VBTLX vs VBILX

I use the Intermediate Bond Index simply because I like the 50/50 mix of corporates and treasuries. I also like the fact that it doesn't own mortgage backed securities. Total Bond has a slightly shorter duration and lower SEC yield. I think you are good with either one.
by ofcmetz
Tue Apr 23, 2013 8:30 am
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: VBTLX vs VBILX
Replies: 8
Views: 731

Re: Is My Federal Pension a Substitute for a Bond Fund?

I've always thought of my pension as an income stream which lessens my need to pull money from my other retirement assets, but it doesn't affect my AA either way. Right now it covers more than 100% of my expenses, but I still have almost 40% of my retirement portfolio in bonds. Whatever works for y...
by ofcmetz
Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:47 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Is My Federal Pension a Substitute for a Bond Fund?
Replies: 24
Views: 1329

Re: I realize we're not supposed to market time

Taylor just laid the quote smack down on this thread. Booyaaaa!!! :D

"I suck at this timing thing so ill just Boglehead it." - ofcmetz
by ofcmetz
Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:31 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I realize we're not supposed to market time
Replies: 17
Views: 1930

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

I'd at least put half of my fixed income in such a fund.
by ofcmetz
Sat Apr 20, 2013 7:26 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Total Bond Market or Stable Value (3.25%)
Replies: 23
Views: 2541

Re: Portfolio Review

I really like the suggestions Duckie gave you OP. I'll agree with everyone else who says that it is too risky an imprudent to tilt so much towards health care.
by ofcmetz
Fri Apr 19, 2013 11:51 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review
Replies: 21
Views: 1772

Re: What accounts to include in my target AA?

OP, I consider the following accounts in my asset allocation. I keep a spreadsheet to keep track of the allocation. I don't keep my cash reserves from my checking account in the allocation because this fluctuates a ton as money comes in and bills get paid out. Although it wouldn't hurt to consider t...
by ofcmetz
Wed Apr 17, 2013 5:53 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: What accounts to include in my target AA?
Replies: 6
Views: 281

Re: What accounts to include in my target AA?

littleken wrote:The simple answer is everthing should be considered in your AA, even your human capital, and the kind of company your employer is (cap size, value or growth....).


^ How is including your human capital in your asset allocation simple?
by ofcmetz
Wed Apr 17, 2013 5:47 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: What accounts to include in my target AA?
Replies: 6
Views: 281

Re: Maxed out simplei IRA,Roth IRA, taxable?

If gold is part of your asset allocation then having it in that set percentage would be part of staying the course. A lot of bogleheads own gold in one form or another. The main question is why do you want to include it and what percentage of your allocation would you have. After that would you own ...
by ofcmetz
Wed Apr 17, 2013 5:45 pm
 
Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
Topic: Maxed out simple IRA,Roth IRA, taxable?
Replies: 6
Views: 514
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