Search found 24 matches

by Dino1
Wed Oct 01, 2014 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long Term Care Insurance???
Replies: 3
Views: 747

Long Term Care Insurance???

My wife (age 57) is thinking about buying long term care insurance. Can anyone suggest a good insurance carrier?
by Dino1
Mon Nov 04, 2013 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Basic question about TIPS
Replies: 5
Views: 919

Basic question about TIPS

Hello,

I know that an individual can purchase TIPS online once they open an account. My question is: once the bond comes due, is the principal and interest automatcally deposited into the account you initially provided? Or is there more to the process? Any clarification would be appreciated. Thank you.
by Dino1
Thu Oct 03, 2013 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Re: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

Erhan wrote:Is it possible to move into a cheaper apartment? And/or reduce commuting costs (public trans)?
Yes, that is exactly what I plan to do.
by Dino1
Thu Oct 03, 2013 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Re: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

But if I can’t land a job, I guess I will have to dip into my 401k to make ends meet till social security at age 62. If getting another job proves fruitless and I was still relatively healthy, then in that situation then I would probably go live abroad in a cheap country with a healthy elderly expat scene and quality affordable healthcare. Then delay social security and return back to the USA once Medicare kicked in. For most unemployed Americans, it's probably hard to get a better deal outside the country on health care than what is available in the US with the Affordable Care Act. US can be quite inexpensive outside of a few large cities. I don't think my wife would go for that. My cousin is moving to Thailand, however. But he is not mar...
by Dino1
Tue Oct 01, 2013 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Re: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

BolderBoy wrote:
ieee488 wrote:If you are absolutely certain that you will get a severance package that is will give you another year of income, I would stick with the current job.

If you get another job, and then you get laid off, you'd be without a job and without a severance package.
+1 No question in my mind this is good advice.
Yes, I am certain I will get a severance package of nearly one year salary. That is one reason why I feel I should stay until the end (also, there is always the chance I will duck the bullet and not get laid off)
by Dino1
Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Re: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

My heart goes out to you - but you seem to have a rational plan. Here are some thoughts: 1. Look at how retiring to your condo in Fla will affect your situation. e.g. How much will SS pay, what are the expected living expenses if you are in Fla? What is the gap or shortfall? You won't be able to get this to a fine point but just to get a good idea of the income you might need. 2. Have a plan for good medical coverage at least till you are eligible for Medicare. Being in good health often makes people think that they can take a chance on low or no health coverage. They Affordable Health Care Act aka Obamacare should provide some options and possible help with premiums depending on your current income or post employment income. Look at rates...
by Dino1
Tue Oct 01, 2013 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Re: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

Thank you all for taking the time to help me. Some very sound advice indeed. My wife and read each and every one of your posts carefully and we devised a plan. As of now, our plan is to wait until the pink slip comes (perhaps it won't, but odds are about 5-1 it will). Once it comes, I file for unemployment here in NYC and relocate to FL where I will look for a job (any job!). I only did two things right in my life: have been married for 34 years (did not screw that up) and I have zero debt (except for a mortagage of about $42,000). I will do everything possible not touch my 401k and will work as long as have to/can. Again, I appreciate your sharing your wisdom.
by Dino1
Mon Sep 30, 2013 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Re: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

I] I don't think it wise to start my job search now, as I won't get my separation package (which in this case is nearly one year salary) unless I stay till the end.
2]I rent in NYC (high rent)
3]No children
4] No, no other assets
by Dino1
Mon Sep 30, 2013 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff
Replies: 35
Views: 6399

Planned Badly and Facing a Layoff

I screwed my retirement planning up big time and now I have to face the music. Am 58 years old, in perfect health, married, and reside in NYC. Only have $205,000 in my 401(k) and about $20,000 in a savings account. Had planned on working till I was 70 or so to make up for my stupidity, but there is a very good chance I will be laid off next year. If this happens, I plan to relocate to Florida where I own a condo (rent it out now, have a very small mortgage) . If can land a decent job there, all well and good, I will continue to work/save till I am 70. I currently put more than 20% of my salary into my 401k. But if I can’t land a job, I guess I will have to dip into my 401k to make ends meet till social security at age 62. I can't think of a...
by Dino1
Sun Jul 22, 2012 3:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424519

Re: The Three Fund Portfolio

Ben Stein recommends 50% total stock market and 50% total bond market funds

OR: Total US bond market index, total US stock market, inflation indexed bonds, EAFE international stock.
This is the gist of his book YES, YOU CAN STILL RETIRE COMFORTABLY
by Dino1
Sun Jul 22, 2012 1:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424519

This portfolio in retirement?

Do you think this would be a good portfolio for someone who is retired as well? I know that Ben Stein recommends a two fund portfolio for retirees.
by Dino1
Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Stable Value Funds?
Replies: 12
Views: 2016

Stable Value Funds?

Ray Lucia wrote that it is hard to find Stable Value funds being offered outside of a 401k. I googled them and found a few. Is he wrong on this or am I missing or missreading something? I am offered those funds in my 401k but am concerned about the fees so I don't think it wise to keep money parked there once I retire. Any advice, comments, etc.? As far as I can see, Vangard does not offer them. Thanks so much.
by Dino1
Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lucia's Bucket #2
Replies: 3
Views: 1443

Lucia's Bucket #2

Read BUCKETS OF MONEY. Understand Buckets one and three. Can anyone give me some mutual fund suggestions for Bucket Number 2? Lucia suggests stable asset funds, but they can usually only be found in 401k offerings. I can leave mine there, but the fees are probably high so I guess it best to move them. Right? Thanks much for sharing your expertise.
by Dino1
Tue Sep 27, 2011 1:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Opinions on Harry S. Dent, Jr. and his predictions?
Replies: 9
Views: 2482

Opinions on Harry S. Dent, Jr. and his predictions?

I understand he has a new book and has dire predictions for 2012 or so. Anyone have any opinions about his predictions or book?
by Dino1
Sun May 08, 2011 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buckets of Money Question
Replies: 7
Views: 1954

Question About Bucket #1

But if Bucket #1 is supposed be spent, do you just make withdrawals from your 401(k) when you need money for living expenses? I thought Bucket 1 was supposed to be very liquid and spend down for inbetween 5-7 years? How can it say in a 401Kk)?
by Dino1
Sat May 07, 2011 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buckets of Money Question
Replies: 7
Views: 1954

Buckets of Money Question

I read both of Lucia's books and like the way he thinks. But, I do have one question that perhaps someone here can answer: Virtually all of my retirement savings is in my 401(k). Does this mean that in order for me to set up my three buckets I must cash out my entire 401(k) at once in order to fill the buckets? Wouldn't I take a tremendous tax hit if I did that? I am not quite certain how to get my money out of the 401(k) and into the 3 buckets upon retiring. Or, is someone in my position simply not a good candidate for the buckets philosophy? Thanks very much for sharing your expertise.
by Dino1
Thu Nov 04, 2010 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Won $5000 in polka game/need advice
Replies: 30
Views: 4211

Won $5000 in polka game/need advice

Last week I won $5 grand in a polka game and I want to put it into a mutual fund for a seven year period and forget about it until that time period is up. My risk tolerance is high. Does anyone have any reommendations regarding funds knowing that investment period and risk tolerance? Any advice would be appreciated.
by Dino1
Mon Oct 04, 2010 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: S&P 500 Fund???
Replies: 2
Views: 1082

S&P 500 Fund???

Am thinking of putting some non-essential cash in an S&P 500 mutual fund for a 9 year window. Does anyone have any opinion on this as an investment? Do not have to touch the money for a while and can stand to loose if worse comes to worse. But natch, I don't want to lose. Advice appreciated.
by Dino1
Wed Apr 07, 2010 6:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement investing and spending?
Replies: 7
Views: 2219

Retirement investing and spending?

I have read quite a bit about how not to run out of money during retirement. Spending 4% of your assets per year is a popular figure that lots of people seem to agree on. But my question is where should those assets be parked? Plain and simple, what is the best advice for those not wishing to go broke before they die? What is a good amount to spend per year and where should their money be kept? Any advice would be welcome and appreciated.
by Dino1
Sun Apr 04, 2010 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Basic 401(k) distribution question
Replies: 1
Views: 673

Basic 401(k) distribution question

After age 62 is there any tax benefit for me to take my 401k money out in annual increments rather than just closing the account out all at once and investing it in some other way -- other than the fact that my taxes on that total amount will be spread out over a number of years rather than one big hit? Won't I clear the same amount anyway once the taxes have been paid either all at once or annually?
by Dino1
Sat Apr 03, 2010 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) distribution and buckets of money strategy
Replies: 6
Views: 1774

401(k) distribution and buckets of money strategy

I ready Ray Lucia's excellent BUCKETS OF MONEY book and I was confused about his thoghts on what to do with your 401(k) once you retire. In the chapter on The Second Bucket he states that Stable Value Funds (usually only offered in 401(k) plans) are an excellent component of bucket #2. Does that mean that upon retiring I should transfer all my 401(k) funds into the Stable Value fund offered by my plan and 7-10 years later cash out my entire 401(k) all at once to refill bucket #1? But later in the book (page 254) he wrote that "most investors should use their 401K as a bucket 3 asset".
Can anyone clarify this for me. Where exacltly is he recommending 401(k) money go. Which bucket? Any advice much appreciated. Thanks for reading.
by Dino1
Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) advise for a 54 year old requested
Replies: 2
Views: 1192

401(k) advise for a 54 year old requested

I was one of those people who was dumb enough not to start saving in my 401(k) until a few years ag. I am 54 years old and only have about $100,000 in my account which I realize is not very much for a man my age. Given my age, the econimic climate, and the fact that I am not risk adverse what type of funds would you suggest I put my money/future investment in. I realize I cannot make up for lost time or the power of compounding but by the same tokin I can't do nothing now that I have finally woken up. Any advice welcome and appreciated. Like I said, I have a high tolerance for risk if need be.
by Dino1
Wed Mar 31, 2010 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you redeem TIPS?
Replies: 2
Views: 867

Thanks for the info!

Much appreciated.
by Dino1
Wed Mar 31, 2010 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you redeem TIPS?
Replies: 2
Views: 867

How do you redeem TIPS?

Can someone explain how this is done? Thanks in advance for any help. I am new to this financial stuff and trying to learn.