Search found 60 matches

by dLdV
Fri Sep 23, 2011 12:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Oh look - what happened to gold?
Replies: 102
Views: 13286

ladders11 wrote:Inflation expectations have probably declined as recession probabilities have increased.
Considering that interest is almost nothing on a THIRTY YEAR BOND...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685071

I had a feeling this thread would be bumped up again. Not much has changed in the past few weeks, except that the Fed through operation Twist has shown that it is willing to reach into its tool box in an attempt to stimulate the economy aqain. There are alot of smart people at the Fed who apparently do not understand that the level of rates is not what is holding back the economy and investors. The issues are demand and confidence. Could not agree more. My wife runs a small retail, and her customers are largely blue collar. Odds say they do not own much, if any, investment. Every time the averages take a dive, their wallets snap shut. This is not irrational on their part, because they have come to associate declines with layoffs and downwa...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: European credit markets freezing?
Replies: 3
Views: 919

I wonder what the chances are that Greek default risk has been divided and spread between banks and investors similar to the way mortgage backed securities and credit default swap instruments were for our banking distress?

As I understand it, that was at the heart of our credit lockup. I wonder if Greek default would have a similar effect?
by dLdV
Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Percent has your Portfoilo lost over the last 2 weeks.?
Replies: 94
Views: 12886

grayfox wrote:I am at an all-time record high. Up + 9.37% YTD. 8-) Yesterday blasted through my optimistic goal for 2011. Actually, it's double what I expected for 2011.

So I am wondering if I should quit while I am ahead, sell everything today, go to cash and and not go back in until 2012. That way I can lock in a gain for 2011, and start with a clean slate for 2012. The only problem is I will have no interest and dividend income.
Hedging strategy?
by dLdV
Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Oh look - what happened to gold?
Replies: 102
Views: 13286

I wonder if some of the advances at the peak were leveraged, and if perhaps that lever has broken off at some fraction of it's length? Just idle speculation on my part. :happy
by dLdV
Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685071

Sidney wrote:
dLdV wrote:I reallocated last week to lighten up on equities. I contemplated dumping all of them, just on a hunch. I know, hunches are bad, very bad. Nonetheless, today I am kicking myself in the crotchal area for not having heaved them all overboard.
Sounds to me like you don't belong in equities at all if a few days of decline cause this reaction.
You may be correct. In any case, I'm stuck with them for now. Selling would violate the supreme rule of "Thou shallt not buy high and sell low."
by dLdV
Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite song line?
Replies: 153
Views: 15701

Re: Favorite song line?

Kashi wrote:
Jacobden wrote:Here is my favorite song line

"I'm a person just like you (Straight Edge )


What's urs........?
It's posts like this that remind me of a news segment on NPR, which introduced me to the notion of bots and blogs. I believe this is one such bot and the song line was chosen for irony.
You know you're right

- Nirvana
by dLdV
Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685071

I reallocated last week to lighten up on equities. I contemplated dumping all of them, just on a hunch. I know, hunches are bad, very bad. Nonetheless, today I am kicking myself in the crotchal area for not having heaved them all overboard.
by dLdV
Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite song line?
Replies: 153
Views: 15701

The Greatest of Teachers won't hesitate,
To leave you there, by yourself,
Chained to Fate
- Live
by dLdV
Wed Sep 21, 2011 9:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

By sheer coincdence I am now in Seoul. When I look out of the window my hotel, I see the Tomato Bank tower. (One of ??). Nice big Tomato on top. 7 savings banks have been closed down by regulators. I was a bit worried about my daughter (lives here), but she says her money is not in one of those banks. There is from the article I've read a KDIC, with a 50 million won (about 50k US) insurance limit. Not sure of the cause of the problems, but it sounds like real estate is terribly expensive here, and we've heard the "bubble" has burst, a bit. Enjoy your stay! I would be interested to hear any developments if you happen to pick up any additional news tidbits. Based on an editorial in the English language newspaper today, the blame fo...
by dLdV
Tue Sep 20, 2011 12:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

graveday wrote:Ladders is good for the laffers. Those looking for the bread are loafing.
Well, you've go to admit, it's rarely easy to find the missing bread, no matter how badly you want to eat sandwiches.
by dLdV
Tue Sep 20, 2011 11:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

ladders11 wrote: I heard that the "developers" stopped bringing bread to the table. So you had a situation where everyone's cheddar was in Tomato, and yet there were basically no more sandwiches. How can this happen?
Yes, seems to be the problem. No more sandwiches until somebody finds the bread.
by dLdV
Tue Sep 20, 2011 9:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

TrustNoOne wrote:By sheer coincdence I am now in Seoul. When I look out of the window my hotel, I see the Tomato Bank tower. (One of ??). Nice big Tomato on top. 7 savings banks have been closed down by regulators. I was a bit worried about my daughter (lives here), but she says her money is not in one of those banks. There is from the article I've read a KDIC, with a 50 million won (about 50k US) insurance limit. Not sure of the cause of the problems, but it sounds like real estate is terribly expensive here, and we've heard the "bubble" has burst, a bit.
Enjoy your stay! I would be interested to hear any developments if you happen to pick up any additional news tidbits.
by dLdV
Mon Sep 19, 2011 11:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

ecross wrote:Hmmm...I lent some money (CD) to a FDIC insured bank located in a Korea Town.

The interest rate is very high and the term extremely long. I wonder if they're going to be able to pay out.
I don't know. I probably went overboard in the title with the word 'crisis'. The more I look into this, the more it seems to be of a relatively small scale. I will change the thread title to "problems" instead.

I have heard that Korean banks in the US pay higher rates on deposits.
by dLdV
Mon Sep 19, 2011 10:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

thechoson wrote:Wow. Seems like it could be a "USA 2008 lite", as this seems to be caused by the bursting of a property bubble.

I also think Korea models a lot of their laws / regulatory system on the USA (seems like their version of the FDIC is called the KDIC), so I guess it's a "if it can happen here it can definitely happen there" type scenario.
I think I caught something about where "developers" bought land, then got loans for improvements, and then didn't do the improvements. :moneybag
by dLdV
Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

Random Musings wrote:A recent article in GMO discusses risk with respect to Chinese real estate - although you have to sign up in order to read the article.

RM
Thanks. Reuters online UK edition has a new story about this Korean situation. Korean banks have been having some problems this year, but from what I just saw there are some new developments here within the last several days.
by dLdV
Mon Sep 19, 2011 8:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress
Replies: 17
Views: 2930

Heads Up! South Korean Banking Problems In Progress

I was just watching a Korean News Broadcast. They are in the the first week of an outbreak of bank closings. My Korean isn't that good, but so far it seems like a run on banks, some bank closings, under capitalization, and a lot of depositors lost their savings, or at least can't withdraw them.

Seems to have something to do with construction loans.

I think there are 17 banks in question so far. Just a heads up.
by dLdV
Sun Sep 18, 2011 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

[1] Regarding the refi, check into the no cost options from an outfit like amerisave. I've found taking the negative points to cover the refi cost to be a very good deal. You are ahead on day one, and can do it again if rates drift any lower with no contribution of your own capital. [2] PMI is simple. If you have less than 80/20 loan to value ratio, you need PMI; if you have more equity than that, you don't. Having 80/20 or better will also help you get the best rate. Mortgage: 145/209K @ 5 5/8%, 23 years left to pay [3]Not sure what you mean by 145/209K? If you owe 145K on a house that's worth 209K you are well above 80/20 in equity and should not be required to pay it any more. Ask to have it removed immediately. If you're not 80/20 yet,...
by dLdV
Sat Sep 17, 2011 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Outer Marker wrote:A few observations -

2. You could refi your mortgage to a 15 year, saving at least two points in interest taking 8 years off the loan.
2. Good suggestion, on closer inspection. Even tacking on 2k or so to account for refi fees, the payment stays about the same and the loan ends earlier, assuming the same rate of prepayment and a rate of 3.5%. I will be approaching retirement then, so it will be a relief to be done a little earlier.
by dLdV
Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

BigFoot48 wrote:Just causally read an ad in the paper and say "Oh look! We could have bought a new microwave this month for less than we paid in interest on the credit card!"

You might be able to get away with that a few times before you're shut down, but it will make the point. Good luck! :wink:
Thanks, I'll need it. Plus a helmet. Huh.... we could use a new microwave.
by dLdV
Sat Sep 17, 2011 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Re: choices

I was also about to say you should try and pay off that huge credit card balance as soon as possible and make a clear agreement with your wife about how much, maximum, can be charged each month. That amount should be how much you would be able to pay off the month's bill in total. Of course you should try and get below that over time. I understand 'family' can get in the way of saving what you want, as there may be multiple events such as parties, trips to visit elders, children's gifts, etc. you 'have' to contribute to in one way or another. Here, too, you and your wife together might be able to look into how this sum might be diminished each year. I'll tell her to read your post. :wink: You know, with even just a little discipline it cou...
by dLdV
Sat Sep 17, 2011 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

A few observations - 1. Your $15K millitary pension is a wonderful thing. Like being able to draw on an additional $500,000 in retirement savings that can never be depleted. 2. You could refi your mortgage to a 15 year, saving at least two points in interest taking 8 years off the loan. 3. Paying 8% on a credit card is an emergency in my book. Consider dipping into your very ample 1 year cash reserves to pay that off immediately. 4. With the pension income, you have a stable platform to build from, and are not necessarily behind. Consider Vanguard founder Jack Bogle's "age in bonds" rule of thumb as a good starting point. The bond option in your 401K is pretty awful at more than 1% expense ratio -- so for now you could substitute...
by dLdV
Sat Sep 17, 2011 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Ok, if your AGI is <90k you can contribute to a deductible IRA. If somewhat above 90k you can still contribute, but the deductible will begin to phase out. The IRAs could tax-shelter 12k additional/year. Use the 401k up to the match (S&P500) and fund the IRAs. If your wife makes more than 5k I believe she could open some kind of employer tax deferred account as another option. Paul Thanks for educating me on these points, they are important to know at this point. The AGI limit aside, I will need to read up on how the Roth IRA works, my present understanding is pretty vague. Anyone who is familiar with the employer deferred account, I would be interested to learn anything further. It would be great to get her thinking about this kind of...
by dLdV
Sat Sep 17, 2011 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refi at Higher Monthly Payment or Contribute 401k
Replies: 11
Views: 1872

There is another important consideration. Some original mortgages are what they call "no recourse". This means if there is a default, the bank has no claim on the defaulters other assets. I am not sure, either sometimes or always, a refinance will be to a recourse loan, meaning the lender can sue to claim the defaulters other assets. Something to inquire about and verify on any contract.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

dLdV, a couple of more questions just to make sure we understand everything. 1. Do your total listed assets include all your wife's assets as well? 2. Does your wife work? 3. Do you get a company match on the 401k? 90k AGI is the limit for full IRA deduction, so if you're in the 28% bracket you can't deduct contributions. You may qualify for Roth contributions though. You could add 6k/year for you and your wife (if she's also 50). Aside from the S&P500 fund in your 401k, the Roth would be a much better choice. Note - expenses ratios are deducted before returns are posted. Your total assets appear to be low for your age. Is there any way to can significantly increase savings? I suggest your read one of the start-up books, it would help ...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refi at Higher Monthly Payment or Contribute 401k
Replies: 11
Views: 1872

Thanks all. You've definitely brought up some additional things I need to consider. I actually do have a bit of an emergency fund -- maybe 8-12 mos. So while I don't think I'd be walking right on the edge of a cliff if I raise my monthly payment, maybe it is a bit too close for comfort. Mortgage Professor is a good resource I had not seen yet, thanks for that. Will also look into establishing my own 15 year payoff plan. I like this idea as this would leave me some flexibility in case of an emergency; I also wouldn't feel as much regret about starting interest payments all over again from month 1 -- which would basically be admitting all the front-end interest I've paid the last 2 yrs has been wasted. I should have looked before I started t...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Munir wrote:
dLdV wrote:
Munir wrote:I am confused. Why is the Boglehead forum asked to pass judgment on a list of non-Vanguard funds? How many funds on this list are passive low-cost index funds? Furthermore, how many Bogleheads are familiar enough with these funds to pass judgemnt on them?
I understand your point. Let's say I am in the process of becoming Bogleheaded, I think. Thanks for the reminder, I'll be more mindful of the intent as I go along. Apologies.
I appreciate your kind and courteous reply, and apologize if I sounded rude. It wasn't my intent.
No offense taken. We're square. I am kind of over enthusiastic, probably. Finally, something useful to do on the internet besides using "Bill Pay"! :happy
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

retiredjg wrote:I like the 500 index and the stable value fund.

About posting your information - if you want answers specific to your situation, you need to post your entire situation. Partial info results in inaccurate answers. If you decide to try again on that, put it all in one place so people don't have to search around for info they need to help you.

Welcome to the forum!
Yeap, things did get kind of fragmented. Thanks for the tip!
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

From the standpoint that most Bogleheads think of good mutual funds as those that don't cost an arm and a leg (index funds usually fit this criteria) and bad mutual funds as those with loads or higher expense ratios than necessary to achieve the purposes (active mutual funds usually fit this bill). That being said, I for one often submit strong opinions based solely in ER, and should perhaps more often admit ignorance of basically anything else about the fund...except what it sounds like if you pronounce it like a word. It's kind of funny. About a decade ago I started to get my feet wet, and I went to a broker and bought a few different stocks with a few hundred dollars in each stock.. They did fabulous, except for the one he picked. Anywa...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

SVariance1 wrote:I like NFJ Small Cap Value as a long term investment. It is a relatively low risk approach to scv investing.
I have done OK with it, holding it since opening the account.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

[1] I read the first link, but it's a little over my head at this point, though I comprehended some of it. Concerning the S & P, to be frank, I'm a little put off by the chart. It's down for 1, 3, 5 year and year to date. [2] I don't know, I suppose that might just as well argue it's a great time to get in as a bad time. ??? [1] You must be looking at a chart for the index, not the index fund. The index does not pay dividends, but stocks in the index pay dividends and an index fund pays you those dividends and therefore you can get a net return even if the index is down -- see this *see original for link*. In a 401k you would be getting the before taxes return. Also, 1, 3 or 5 years is not the long term view. [2] Yes buying low is much...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

My problem is in the few years I've been paying attention, the markets seem like it's been one disaster after another. At the same time, this or that segment will hold up better during the general downturn. For the most part the urge to trade on a whim is suppressed, even if the temptation to pick winners and time the market is strong. If you haven't already, you should read the Boglehead Philosophy explained here: *see original for link*, and specifically the parts dealing with investing in the financial markets. Yes, recent years have been in turmoil but the long-term trends of our capitalistic society show growth, and the rising value of a diversified portfolio. What the future will bring is anyone's guess, but the stock and bond market...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Munir wrote:I am confused. Why is the Boglehead forum asked to pass judgment on a list of non-Vanguard funds? How many funds on this list are passive low-cost index funds? Furthermore, how many Bogleheads are familiar enough with these funds to pass judgemnt on them?
I understand your point. Let's say I am in the process of becoming Bogleheaded, I think. Thanks for the reminder, I'll be more mindful of the intent as I go along. Apologies.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Concerning the S & P, to be frank, I'm a little put off by the chart. It's down for 1, 3, 5 year and year to date. I don't know, I suppose that might just as well argue it's a great time to get in as a bad time. ??? The problem with looking at past results on charts for making investment decisions about specific actively managed funds is that they are past results. You will always be able to look back and find a fund that beat the market. You will also be able to find many funds that didn't beat the market . Going forward, there is really no way to tell which fund will do well and which will do worse relative to the market average, no matter how much CNBC, active managers, etc. will try to convince you otherwise. Yesterday's winners ar...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

ObliviousInvestor wrote:
dLdV wrote:On the significance of ER's, I'm in the dark as to the mechanics of it. At what point does it subtract from the value of the holding?
My understanding is that it happens, in very small increments, every day--with the end result being that after holding a fund for one year, you've paid a percentage approximately equal to the quoted expense ratio.
Heh, that must be the case. I've never really paid attention to it. I'll have to look the next time I do a fund transfer and see if anything is missing from the product or factors of shares X price.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

The S&P index seems very popular. Outside of the low ER, sell me on the importance of indexing the S & P? The Roth? S&P 500 Index is my major stock holding as it replicates the broad stock market result very well, and as an index you don't have to worry if the decisions of a manager or team are good or bad, or if said manager still works there this week. I'd avoid the rest of your 401(k) choices as they are managed funds, as best I can tell, and have high expense ratios, except for the Wells Fargo which might be a good bond fund choice for that part of your allocation. I'd split my money between those two and forget about the rest! Started looking up some stats and info on S&P 500. As you say, the sectors represent a broad ...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

What is the main difference, pretax vs post tax? Yes, that's one of the big differences between a 401(k) and a Roth IRA. The other big difference is that with an IRA you get to pick your investments rather than having to choose from those offered to you. In your particular case, this is a big deal in that, aside from the one S&P fund, all of your 401(k) choices are on the expensive side.* As to avoiding front end loads, yes, assuming you open your Roth at a low-cost brokerage firm or fund company (Vanguard is the most popular around here), you can avoid paying sales loads. *We keep harping on expenses because they're useful as a predictor. Within a given category (US large-cap stocks, for instance), the lower-cost funds tend to outperf...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Blackrock S&P500 Index I / 0.31 / MASRX , for your domestic equity allocation, because it is broadly diversified and by far the lowest cost choice offered. Broad diversification and low costs are very important. *link removed* With low cost index funds you get market returns less costs, and so beat the returns of most actively managed funds which have much higher costs. Broad diversification is important because no one knows how to consistently predict which company or market segment will perform best in the future. Please do start by thinking about an over-all asset allocation, Wiki article link: *link removed*Asset Allocation, before skipping ahead to fund selection. Do make sure you invest enough each year in the 401k to get the ful...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Blackrock S&P500 Index I / 0.31 / MASRX. It's the only choice I actually like because it's a) the only index fund in the bunch and b) it's the only low-cost fund in the bunch. (There are those that might argue for American Growth Fund of America as an alternative, if you are convinced that the active management of that fund actually adds value. 0.68% ER isn't cheap, but it's not too bad). Decide how much you can afford to invest, decide how much of the your portfolio should be stocks, and decide how much of your stocks should be the S&P 500. Use your 401(k) for the S&P 500 part of your stock allocation, and open a Roth IRA for everything else. If you can afford and want to invest more than that, after you've maxed out your Roth...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Re: Which of These Funds Do You Like?

Here is what the 401 is now. Sold TEMFX yesterday, split it between the bond fund and stable value fund. So far I'm down 1.04% for the year, yesterday's close.

Allianz NJF SM-CAP 8.48%
Blackrock Global Allocation 8.37%
Federated Total Return Bond Fund 39.66%
Invesco Van Kampen Mid Cap A 7.96 %
Wells Fargo Stable Value 35.53 %

I have new money come into the stable value fund and try to buy the dips in equities.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Re: Which of These Funds Do You Like?

Care to share? *had to wipe link as new member* Somewhat abbreviated, some parts don't apply. Emergency: 12 mo.s, standard savings account Filing Status: Married, Joint Debt: Mortgage: 145/209K @ 5 5/8%, 23 years left to pay; Credit Card, ~ 3K @ 8%. Tax rate: Fed 25%, State 2.42%, Property ~ 5% of income. Age: 50 Desired Allocation: 1/3 Stable Value, 1/3 Bonds, 1/3 Equity/Stock International Allocation: Trying to avoid Europe, for the moment Growth vs Value: No bias Current Portfolio: About 60K, all 401(k) Contributions: About 10K / year, currently 8% payroll deduction, company match 50% up to 6% of pay. Other: 1. Military Pension, 15k 2. Wiped out a Whole Life/IRA account accumulated during mil service to pay for college, and never made a...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Blackrock S&P500 Index I / 0.31 / MASRX :) I would put my entire equity allocation in this fund, and put my entire fixed income allocation in the Stable Value fund. More importantly, I would initially only invest in the 401k plan up to the company match. Then I would fund an IRA. The IRA will give you flexibility to supplement those choices with international stocks, small caps stocks, regular bonds and inflation protected bonds. As your portfolio gets larger, you can further diversify as necessary. If you have additional funds to invest after a) gettting the 401k match, and b) opening an IRA, I would consider investing additional funds in the 401k. Best wishes. MASRX seems to be favored. Might anyone expand on the positive features or...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Re: Which of These Funds Do You Like?

Whichever fund respondent 'A' likes doesn't mean a hell of beans because: 1. You should design a well diversified and cost effective portfolio in the 401K (your only account today). 2. The portfolio should be designed to meet your goals and objectives. What are those goals and objectives and is there a plan? Basically, I am doing something very similar to the plan at the link. I like to ask other people what they think, it helps me learn. 1. That is what I'm after. I am pretty well diversified with the account, but at the moment I'm cash and bond heavy, about 1/3 cash, 1/3 bond, and 1/3 stock funds. 2. My objective is just to see it grow over time. My view of investing may be colored by the fact that I've only been "in the game" ...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Quasimodo wrote:I think the Franklin bond fund is actually symbol FKUSX, which has a 4.25% front end load, according to Yahoo's finance site.

John
Thanks, that is correct. Edited. So far I haven't had to pay any front load fees on anything I bought here. That's one reason I like saving in the account above the matching limit.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refi at Higher Monthly Payment or Contribute 401k
Replies: 11
Views: 1872

bungalow10 wrote:If your money is so tight you don't think you can come up with the $300 unless you stop the 401k then I think your budget is too tight for a 15 year mortgage.

Keep a 30 year and focus on getting a solid emergency fund in place.
Agree. Additionally, if you can free up some funds now and then, you can effectively shorten the time term of your loan by prepaying as much and as often as you can, no change in contract required, no penalty incurred. This is much more effective in the early period of the loan than in the later stages.

This way, the decision to prepay or not is your option to control.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

OK. Anybody particularly like or dislike anything here?

Allianz NJF Small Cap Value / 1.23 / PCVAX
American EuroPacific GR R4 / 0.85 / REREX
American Growth Fund AMER R4 / 0.68 / RGAEX
Blackrock HL SC OPP A / 1.32 / SHSAX
Blackrock S&P500 Index I / 0.31 / MASRX
Eaton Vance LG Cap Value Fund A / 0.98 / EHSTX
Fidelity Advance SM Cap FD CL T / 1.63 / FSCTX
Invesco Van Campen MID Cap A / 1.29 / VGRAX
Templeton Foreign Fund / 1.19 / TEMFX
Victory Diversified Stock Fund / 1.06 / SRVEX
Victory Established / 1.10 / VETAX

Federated Total Return Bond Fund A / 1.02 / TLRAX
Franklin US Govt SEC Fund / ? / FKUSX

Blackrock Global Allocation Fund / 0.78 / MDLOX
MFS Total Return Fund / 1.17 / MSFRX

Wells Fargo Stable Return Fund / 0.45 / WFSOT
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

pkcrafter wrote:It would be a lot simpler and more direct to simply list your options along with expense ratios. You will probably get pretty consistent recommendations. Also, suggestion will depend on what else you already own in other accounts.

I don't think it would be a problem if you did want to run a poll, I just don't think it's going to be very useful.


Paul
OK, so just list the ticker/ER? Other than 401, all I have is a one year emergency fund in the bank.
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which of These Funds Do You Like?
Replies: 63
Views: 7128

Which of These Funds Do You Like?

Would it be within the forum etiquette to list all the investments available in my 401(k) as poll options and ask respondents to pick the ones they like the best? Edit: It was suggested later in the thread to list the fund names and expense ratio rather than a poll, so here they are - OK. Anybody particularly like or dislike anything here? Allianz NJF Small Cap Value / 1.23 / PCVAX American EuroPacific GR R4 / 0.85 / REREX American Growth Fund AMER R4 / 0.68 / RGAEX Blackrock HL SC OPP A / 1.32 / SHSAX Blackrock S&P500 Index I / 0.31 / MASRX Eaton Vance LG Cap Value Fund A / 0.98 / EHSTX Fidelity Advance SM Cap FD CL T / 1.63 / FSCTX Invesco Van Campen MID Cap A / 1.29 / VGRAX Templeton Foreign Fund / 1.19 / TEMFX Victory Diversified St...
by dLdV
Fri Sep 16, 2011 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to Get Tax Advice for New Micro Business?
Replies: 12
Views: 1668

Have you considered meeting with a CPA (with tax experience) or an Enrolled Agent? Either should be able to assist you with tax compliance and planning. Yes, I am trying to discern which is a better choice in our circumstance. We have a simple retail operation. I want to make sure I'm meeting all requirements, fed, state and local. Also, any advice on introductions and if fees can be negotiated beforehand, any type of practical advice or things I ought to know before picking up the telephone or visiting the office. I think it's impossible to determine which is better between the two based on the credentials alone. It really comes down to the professional and his/her experience. Some CPA's might have very little knowledge of tax (other than...
by dLdV
Thu Sep 15, 2011 12:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has the market priced-in a Greek default?
Replies: 40
Views: 4448

swyck wrote:
maxinout wrote:
Would it be dumb to sell the equities today and split between the other two?
I wouldn't react to these daily fluctuations. Most who do end up worse off than had they simply done nothing. Stick to your long term plan.
I didn't think we were talking about "daily fluctuations"
There's the thing. From my worm's eye view, I can't see if this is a speed bump or the rim of the canyon, it looks like it could be either. I believe in long term investing, but I'd like to make some attempt to spare my account the ravages of another banking catastrophe, if possible.