Search found 445 matches

by papito23
Fri Mar 22, 2024 10:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239866

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

Treasury Direct is no longer breaking out the fixed vs. variable percentages on my I-Bonds, just the total percent.

Am I missing something, or was this a change made in the last couple years? Weird that they would obscure that info.
by papito23
Wed Mar 20, 2024 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: just got laid off... what next?
Replies: 4
Views: 1085

just got laid off... what next?

First time getting laid off. Are there some non-obvious things I should be doing / wary of?

I have a separation agreement I need to read and sign. Looks like it is just pay out of PTO, bonus, non-defamation clause, etc. I'm in an at will state. Going to make a trip to the unemployment office and see what's next.

I was anticipating this, so fortunately I had lined up a permanent 1099 position that is starting in a couple months.

Thanks all.
by papito23
Sat Dec 23, 2023 7:35 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3617
Views: 568620

Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here

Just wanted to drop in with a note of thanks to the many long-time contributors, mods, and people who otherwise keep this community going.

Found this place way back in 2011 when my life was in a bit of turmoil. Got the ship in order, went back to school, started a family.

In that time, grew my net worth from $80K to now >$800K following simple investment principles found here. The financial freedom has allowed us to make strategic decisions for our own families well-being and able to assist in the community. 

Gracias!
by papito23
Tue Nov 30, 2021 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance Decision
Replies: 18
Views: 2404

Re: Term Life Insurance Decision

Don't forget that Social Security actually provides death benefits to surviving family members. When I found this out a few years ago, it changed how much life insurance I felt I needed.

My SSI income history is decidedly modest, and yet I found my spouse & kids would receive $3,441/mo (if I'm reading it correctly... $1,407 per person up to $3,441 max). In my region that easily covers basic housing, food, utilities, clothing, & transportation.

"For a young worker with average earnings, a spouse, and two children, that’s equivalent to a life insurance policy with a face value of over $725,000 in 2018, according to Social Security’s actuaries."
by papito23
Sat Nov 13, 2021 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: HELOC for solar?
Replies: 36
Views: 2856

Re: HELOC for solar?

I'm in a solar co-op in Indiana and we negotiated a group buy at $2.14/W for a 5kW system. That's before the tax credit. (That's plain Jane and prices additional for more complexity, batteries, etc). This involved co-op members selecting a reputable installer + reasonable equipment specs.

4 years ago I put rooftop solar on and it was just under $3.00/W.

Indiana is fortunate to have several independently owned & quality residential/small commercial vendors.
by papito23
Tue Nov 09, 2021 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lithium, lithium batteries etc.
Replies: 17
Views: 1900

Re: Lithium, lithium batteries etc.

Probably the connection between a known need and a rewarding investment in that need is dubious. The art in investing is to own the position before the demand becomes known. This is especially difficult as most forerunners will also be failures. This. Lots of amateur investors out there who are chasing 5G tech companies, pharmaceuticals, lithium, solar, etc. Those may well be the right picks but the market is well aware. The other thing about lithium and rarer minerals is that the Earth's reserves are not well explored yet. It's unclear how much we have, and the elephant in the room is the possibility of asteroid mining (for certain critical materials) upending terrestrial supply and demand in ten to fifty years. This*2. I invested in some...
by papito23
Mon Nov 01, 2021 3:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSLA: What Changed?
Replies: 1158
Views: 138243

Re: TSLA: What Changed?

4nursebee wrote: Mon Nov 01, 2021 2:44 am
anoop wrote: Sat Oct 30, 2021 10:21 pm A cool chart.
Image
Someone tweeted this was Pacman.
That's incredible. The valuation is simply... incredible. Unable to be believed. Fever pitched.

I'm a bull for the company & for electrification, but the stock... I took some profits a few minutes ago at $1,193. And now it just closed at $1,208.59.

No one has produced a non-luxury crossover EV yet. The VW ID.4 is basically the first in the U.S. Next year they are targeting a $35K version at the Chattanooga plant. Tesla Model Y still at $57K. Trust, me, I'd prefer the MY, and Tesla may be able to quickly drop the price by $6 by offering a base model, but $20K is a huge gap.
by papito23
Tue Oct 26, 2021 7:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Flight to quality"... to WHAT exactly?
Replies: 39
Views: 4222

Re: "Flight to quality"... to WHAT exactly?

If there's a relatively free lunch around (or at least crumbs), it's with 7% risk-free Series I Savings Bonds right now.

Call that flight to quality if you want, or flight to safety. Or grabbing any risk-free yield possible.
by papito23
Mon Oct 25, 2021 6:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Equity valuation and not caring
Replies: 55
Views: 5074

Re: Equity valuation and not caring

VTI was at $148.68 on the day this thread opened.

VTI closed at $235.80 today, a gain of 59%.

Another note to self not to be quick to make changes based on my ideas of valuation.
by papito23
Thu Oct 14, 2021 2:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6658
Views: 1239866

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

I already maxed out my $10K of purchases for the year, so seeing the nice new rate I just signed my wife up for an account. Using the same joint bank account I use for mine.

I was never prompted for any bank account verification, certain no medallion signature.

I went to go purchase a $1,000 I-bond and... it let me. Scheduled for tomorrow. I was expecting lots of paperwork/delay, and so was wondering if I could get purchases in before 11/1... looks like I might! (Yes, I'm aware that'd be 3.5% for the 1st 6 months and then the >7%).
by papito23
Wed Nov 25, 2020 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Outlets in preparation for electric cars?
Replies: 100
Views: 8721

Re: What Outlets in preparation for electric cars?

There are dual-headed EVSE's ("chargers") that can share a single circuit, such as this from Clipper Creek.

I can't think of an application in a household where a dual-headed option on a single circuit wouldn't be sufficient.
by papito23
Wed Jun 17, 2020 10:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is a mental accounting bias and should never be used [vs. lump sum]
Replies: 765
Views: 50380

Re: Why Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is a mental accounting bias and should never be used [vs. lump sum]

"mental accounting bias" ... It seem strange to watch all the angst that people have expecting humans to act like algorithms. Have you ever met a human?
by papito23
Thu Jun 11, 2020 2:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4683714

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

WARNING: stock market is plummeting down to levels not seen since *checks notes*.... 16 days ago.
by papito23
Wed May 13, 2020 10:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4683714

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Interesting to see a 1.3% gap in international vs. US indecies performance today. Recently they've been moving much more in lockstep.
by papito23
Wed May 13, 2020 9:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why no love for REITs?
Replies: 265
Views: 46465

Re: Why no love for REITs?

I first found Bogleheads ~2010, reconfigured my portfolio, and added a REIT tilt to a 3 fund portfolio (it comprises 15% of my US equities). Nowadays, I don't remember why exactly I did it. I would like to ditch it for simplicity's sake, but it's had a recent history of underperformance, so I wonder if my brain is simply playing tricks on me.

I'm leaning into the adage often useful in personal finance & personal medicine: "Don't just do something, stand here!" So here I stand.
by papito23
Fri May 08, 2020 9:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2139028

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

As someone in the accumulation stage, I get frustrated at seeing all of these days in the green!
by papito23
Sun May 03, 2020 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1276679

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

I started looking around in March. Currently have 5 years left at 3.50% on ~$38K balance, personal loan with my father. I wanted a cash-out refinance in order to purchase some land. I had been prepaying my mortgage which I guess know I slightly regret for the loss of liquidity. I got commercial quotes to show my dad where real world offers were coming in and gave him the option of redoing the mortgage if we wanted. LenderFi: submitted app on 3/8/20. They've been so busy that they never got back to me. Better.com: 3/6/20, 4.00% for 15 yr and $1,903 points, $40K cash-out Local credit union: 3/10/20, 2.375% plus $1,805 closing costs, 10 year loan. (APR of 2.869%). Other local banks rates were sub-3% for 10-15 yrs, APR around 2.9-3.2 Quicken Lo...
by papito23
Wed Apr 29, 2020 2:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri: "You have to stick with that plan for the rest of your life."
Replies: 61
Views: 10266

Re: Rick Ferri: "You have to stick with that plan for the rest of your life."

Concur. I think he hits on one of the main pitfalls, tinkering and performance chasing. It is a bigger deal than a lot of other things we worry about.

I added a REIT tilt when I first learned about bogleheads in 2010. For simplicity's sake, I've kind of like to get rid of it. But OTOH, I want to tinker as little as possible and have decided to just leave it.
by papito23
Wed Apr 29, 2020 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tracking Progress on my Market Timing
Replies: 36
Views: 2295

Re: Tracking Progress on my Market Timing

jjface wrote: Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:23 am okay...

not sure why you want to discuss this on bogleheads. Market timers seem to want to prove something that can't be proven. You may win but at the end of the day you are just gambling. Do you want a pat on the back if it works or something?
With his example, my own, and many others, we're building quite a corpus which is showing the futility of the average investor's ability to market time.

And since it is forever a siren song, we'll have plenty of posts...
by papito23
Wed Apr 29, 2020 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tracking Progress on my Market Timing
Replies: 36
Views: 2295

Re: Tracking Progress on my Market Timing

Good luck! When VXUS was approaching a 10% dive by late February, I had a (vague) plan to buy in chunks on the way down. I failed to execute it well, and instead relied on watching the market daily and seeing what my gut said. Importantly, I failed to put money in on 3/20 and 3/23, two of the lowest days. My last purchase was April 9. My average purchase price from he Feb. 20 peak through yesterday was $46.20. I tested this against 4 other scenarios (each with equal purchase amounts): 1) buy every 4 days (avg. $44.01/share) 2) buy every day ($44.12) 3) buy only on down days ($44.42) 4) buy only on >2% down days ($43.23) Each of these methods outperformed my fuzzy plan, and on average they bought 5% more shares than I (I will try to defend m...
by papito23
Wed Apr 29, 2020 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230147

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Just heard our first Baltimore Oriole today in Northern Indiana.

eBird is showing that first-sightings have exploded across the midwest just in the last 3 days.
by papito23
Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: WHAT TO DO for family of 5, tiny house, extra $: Mortage payoff vs. 529 vs. taxable retirement
Replies: 27
Views: 2425

Re: WHAT TO DO for family of 5, tiny house, extra $: Mortage payoff vs. 529 vs. taxable retirement

Tamarind wrote: Mon Apr 27, 2020 3:34 pm Do a little of each to avoid the regret of picking a less optimal choice when all of the choices are good.
I'm beginning to simple copy+paste this advice everywhere (and write it to myself). Another application of diversification.
by papito23
Tue Apr 28, 2020 10:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: “Why The Value Factor May Never Recover“
Replies: 19
Views: 1992

Re: “Why The Value Factor May Never Recover“

nisiprius wrote: Mon Apr 27, 2020 8:04 pm This article is garbage...
I stopped reading after this. That's all I need to know! ;)
by papito23
Tue Apr 28, 2020 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: accessing tax-advantaged accounts in early retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 738

Re: accessing tax-advantaged accounts in early retirement

FiveK wrote: Sun Apr 26, 2020 12:20 pm
papito23 wrote: Sun Apr 26, 2020 11:17 am So... comes back to prioritizing taxable vs Roth vs Trad. I'm increasingly skeptical of forecasting, so maybe this question is silly. But given where I am today... and the unpredictability of the future... which of the three routes should be prioritized?
One can find suggestions in Prioritizing investments and Investment Order. Those may not apply to every situation, but probably do apply to most.
Thank you for the great links!
by papito23
Sun Apr 26, 2020 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: accessing tax-advantaged accounts in early retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 738

Re: accessing tax-advantaged accounts in early retirement

nix4me wrote: Sun Apr 26, 2020 12:39 pm Rule of 55 says you can pull from 401k at 55.
IRS says you can pull IRA “contributions” anytime. Not growth.
The most flexible account is a taxable brokerage.

I recommend a balance across all 3. That way you pull from taxable first, then 401/iras next, then Roth last.
Thanks for the reply, nix4me.

My understanding is that you can't pull from 401k at 55 unless you are fired/quit after age 55 (https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-the- ... 55-2894280).

My understanding is that you can pull Roth IRA contributions anytime without penalty, but not Traditional.
by papito23
Sun Apr 26, 2020 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: accessing tax-advantaged accounts in early retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 738

accessing tax-advantaged accounts in early retirement

Been reading Bogleheads off and on 10 years. Looking to have a reasonable level of financial independence when my kids (8, 5) leave for college. I'm 35 now and am looking at where I can be at age 50. Thinking how I can access fund from there to age 59 1/2. My employment is short/mid-term stable, but long term prospects (>10 yrs) of the institution don't look strong. I may need to return to private sector at some point, and in my field, it is common for higher-paid private sector employees to get the boot in their 50's. Currently making $74K/yr, DW stays home with kids. She will likely return to her low-paying (but stable + pension) sector in ~6-8 years. Roth IRAs: $96,000 ($58,000 are contributions) Trad IRAs+403b: $133,000 529: $5,000 Taxa...
by papito23
Wed Apr 22, 2020 12:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Retail investors who believed they were investing in crude oil"
Replies: 51
Views: 5101

Re: "Retail investors who believed they were investing in crude oil"

I have a little play money and a few TSLA shares. You all might remember the crazy Dec-Feb rally. Via Twitter I found that one of the top Google searches on Feb. 4 had become "Should I buy Tesla stock" I texted a couple friends and asked them to type in "Should I..." into a search engine. They all replied "Says 'buy Tesla stock'. LOL did you hack my phone?" I took that as a pretty solid contrary indicator, that retail investors + some short-selling-covering-something-I-don't-understand was pushing things way beyond fundamentals. Indications of likely market manipulation somewhere in there. Sold a couple shares the next morning Feb. 5 for $798 (again, just fun money) that I had bought <$300. A month ago I wante...
by papito23
Wed Apr 22, 2020 6:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Retail investors who believed they were investing in crude oil"
Replies: 51
Views: 5101

Re: "Retail investors who believed they were investing in crude oil"

I have a little play money and a few TSLA shares. You all might remember the crazy Dec-Feb rally. Via Twitter I found that one of the top Google searches on Feb. 4 had become "Should I buy Tesla stock" I texted a couple friends and asked them to type in "Should I..." into a search engine. They all replied "Says 'buy Tesla stock'. LOL did you hack my phone?" I took that as a pretty solid contrary indicator, that retail investors + some short-selling-covering-something-I-don't-understand was pushing things way beyond fundamentals. Indications of likely market manipulation somewhere in there. Sold a couple shares the next morning Feb. 5 for $798 (again, just fun money) that I had bought <$300. A month ago I wanted...
by papito23
Tue Apr 21, 2020 9:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Now a baby is coming, do I need more life insurance?
Replies: 24
Views: 1572

Re: Now a baby is coming, do I need more life insurance?

Probably want to add a policy for your wife. But I see most BHs as over insured in this area. Be sure to look up exactly what would be provided by Social Security Survivors benefits in the event of either (or both) of your deaths. It is not an insignificant monthly payment! This should be factored into how much coverage you purchase. In my case, the payment for spouse and minor child was over $40k/year, if I remember correctly. Definitely no need for 10x income with that in mind! +1 I was shocked when I got my annual Social Security letter and found out life insurance was provide; I had no idea. I'm mid 30's and not a high earner. It says, "If you die this year, certain members of your family may qualify... your child: $1,407/mo; your...
by papito23
Tue Apr 21, 2020 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you had to buy one new car which of these three would you buy Corolla, Camry or Prius? You only have these three to
Replies: 131
Views: 9516

Re: If you had to buy one new car which of these three would you buy Corolla, Camry or Prius? You only have these three

Prius Prime Eligible for $4500 Federal Tax Credit, plus State and utility credits. If applicable. If driving enough miles/year, Prius for economy. If size/comfort prioritized, Camry. If needing help sleeping and the Camry doesn't cut it, Corolla. Test drive them and see what works. Sounds like you just want simple and reliable. Any will do. If the thought of up to 30 miles on electric only sounds cool, or the lowest NET price after rebates, check out the Prime. We were able to purchase a Prime for an incredible deal last Oct. If you search my posts here or on Priuschat you should be able to find the details. +1 If you have a Prius, might as well get a tax credit, a larger battery, and a plug. Still retain 100% flexibility. Have a 2011 Priu...
by papito23
Tue Apr 21, 2020 10:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. Stock Market: Too Concentrated at the Top?
Replies: 28
Views: 3505

Re: U.S. Stock Market: Too Concentrated at the Top?

Like so much on Bogleheads, an interesting academic point that I can find nothing actionable on :)
by papito23
Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Share your experience if you timed the market
Replies: 38
Views: 3143

Re: Share your experience if you timed the market

I posted this April 14 elsewhere: I had some 2019 Roth IRA contributions to make in March. As the market started falling I thought I would also try to accelerate my 529 payments for the year by dipping into some cash on hand. But... I didn't have a firm plan. I just thought, "I'll try to buy on the big dip days" and/or "Buy a little more each time it hits a new low". Thursday I made a retrospective Excel sheet with some backtesting. I plotted my purchased, which we erratic and uneven. I had been checking the market multiple times a day. Hmmm... is this the bottom? Is this bounce for real this time? I missed out! Oh wait... I'm still below the peak, should I buy? I wonder if some airline shares are "on sale" Etc...
by papito23
Mon Apr 20, 2020 12:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Oil futures price plummets, Bogleheads react]
Replies: 154
Views: 10420

Re: Just ordered 10'000 barrels of oil for 45k USD - anyone else?

I wonder where are the "Peak Oil" folks? I know of one, luckily he sold out his position about a month ago, lost a bunch of money but not down 90% or more. I fell for the Peak Oil explanation in college (~2006). I am also an environmentalist, so one often believes what one wants to hear if it involves the fall of their enemy. Well, I was wrong. As people tried to tell me... "The stone age didn't end for lack of stones." A little counter-intuitive since the gas station here says $1.14/gal, but perhaps we are at a key inflection point of peak demand (not supply). Worldwide peak internal combustion cars was probably achieved in 2017. EVs are taking off (currently stalling in U.S., but China+Europe together are far more con...
by papito23
Fri Apr 17, 2020 6:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P PE now at 19.47
Replies: 33
Views: 3046

Re: S&P PE now at 19.47

Good... maybe I didn't miss the dip after all! :oops: :beer :annoyed
by papito23
Fri Apr 17, 2020 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: employer 403B match worth more as Roth 403b?
Replies: 4
Views: 336

Re: employer 403B match worth more as Roth 403b?

Ok, I'm envisioning a scenario after employer separation that I convert Roth 403b to Roth IRA.

I'm assuming contributions basis for Roth 403b must be kept in order to determine what type of Roth IRA withdrawal it would be later... ? I like having the penalty-free option to pull out Roth IRA contributions in the case of emergency.
by papito23
Fri Apr 17, 2020 12:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: employer 403B match worth more as Roth 403b?
Replies: 4
Views: 336

Re: employer 403B match worth more as Roth 403b?

Ah-ha... so apparently the Rothiness is only for employee-contributed portions.

Foiled again! :)

Thanks Alan S.
by papito23
Fri Apr 17, 2020 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: employer 403B match worth more as Roth 403b?
Replies: 4
Views: 336

employer 403B match worth more as Roth 403b?

I have a 403B plan (non-profit sector). Employer matches 100% of first 6% of salary, so I always have at least 6% diverted to that pre-tax account, deferring taxes until I can pull them out down the road. To my knowledge, I don't pay taxes on the employer match portion. So, for every $100 the employer throws in there, I will get some fraction of that after taxes down the road (say, $80 after paying $20 in taxes; ignoring investment returns). It appears we also have a 403B Roth option. I would have to pay taxes on my contribution as it goes in, obviously. But if my employer just matches dollar for dollar with their portion, then would every $100 they put in be worth $100 on the way out? IF SO, than it appears the Roth option leads to a highe...
by papito23
Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Future 60/40 Portfolio has a 43% Chance of Failing with 4% Withdrawal Rate
Replies: 622
Views: 41249

Re: Future 60/40 Portfolio has a 43% Chance of Failing with 4% Withdrawal Rate

Seems like a good argument for the Variable Withdrawal Method.

I look forward to tracking the real-time progress here: viewtopic.php?t=284519
by papito23
Wed Apr 15, 2020 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stimulus Charity?
Replies: 28
Views: 2092

Re: Stimulus Charity?

In Indiana, there are 4 non-profits that came together and created a fund to directly assist our neighbors who are undocumented (therefore don't get stimulus checks and possibly more likely to be unemployed at the moment). I thought it was a creative solution and there are undoubtedly many more "mutual aid" initiatives nationwide.
by papito23
Wed Apr 15, 2020 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Stimulus Check return for deceased
Replies: 6
Views: 797

Re: Stimulus Check return for deceased

If you wish, it actually appears to be very easy to send the money back to the Fed gov't: https://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/rep ... t/gift.htm

If they come actively trying to reclaim this amount in particular, I don't know that this would "count"
by papito23
Wed Apr 15, 2020 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Government stimulus payments]
Replies: 361
Views: 36753

Re: [Government stimulus payments]

just got ours this AM

<$150K income, MFJ with 2 kids = $3400
by papito23
Wed Apr 15, 2020 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where Will Stimulus Check Go?
Replies: 37
Views: 3217

Re: Where Will Stimulus Check Go?

My payment was just deposited today, available immediately (went to the direct deposit acct IRS used in previous taxes)

2 adults, 2 kids = $3400
by papito23
Tue Apr 14, 2020 3:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I am feeling forced to buy into this market
Replies: 55
Views: 6838

Re: I am feeling forced to buy into this market

Also, remember that's lump sum vs. DCA is not binary.

Lump sum half, set the rest up for auto-invest over the next X months, then look away.
by papito23
Tue Apr 14, 2020 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many paid for kids' college?
Replies: 282
Views: 18800

Re: How many paid for kids' college?

Higher ed and the economy are changing so fast, I think overly specific plans for us don't make sense. Keeping ourselves in good physical and financial health seem to be the best bet.

Kid are 8 and 5. For now, I'm putting $ in 529 instead of IRA (12% marginal bracket) as the 20% state tax credit up front is just too good. If I'm able to do that for several years, I'll reassess at that point.
by papito23
Tue Apr 14, 2020 10:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2139028

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

I had some 2019 Roth IRA contributions to make in March. As the market started falling I thought I would also try to accelerate my 529 payments for the year by dipping into some cash on hand. But... I didn't have a firm plan. I just thought, "I'll try to buy on the big dip days" and/or "Buy a little more each time it hits a new low". Thursday I made a retrospective Excel sheet with some backtesting. I plotted my purchased, which we erratic and uneven. I had been checking the market multiple times a day. Hmmm... is this the bottom? Is this bounce for real this time? I missed out! Oh wait... I'm still below the peak, should I buy? I wonder if some airline shares are "on sale" Etc. I backtested several alternative...
by papito23
Mon Apr 13, 2020 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help Fix My Lawn!
Replies: 31
Views: 3409

Re: Help Fix My Lawn!

Ignore my advice & preaching if you want a PGA golf course or an English manor. I'm also in the Midwest (northern IN) probably near your latitude. Your subdivision maybe have had all the nice topsoil scraped off and you were left with subsoil after all the grading. If so, sorry, that sucks. The entirety of my lawn management consists involves the following: mow high, when it needs it (even better: with an electric mower sans all the carbon monoxide and noise). That's it. No supplemental watering, fertilizer, or herbicides here. This is my first home I've owned and I'm 5 years into the experiment, but my lawn looks quite normal. I noticed that plenty of lawns survived the once-in-a-generation drought of the summer 2012 without any supple...
by papito23
Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: quick TLH ? -- does an exchange = sell & buy?
Replies: 4
Views: 345

quick TLH ? -- does an exchange = sell & buy?

I'm ready to tax-loss harvest some shares of a mutual fund that I own.

If I simply put in an order to have them exchanged directly to a (substantially non-identical) mutual fund, will that be treated identical (for tax purposes) as if I had sold them for cash, then used cash for the new fund?

Thanks.
by papito23
Mon Apr 06, 2020 11:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anxiety About Stocks Rising
Replies: 14
Views: 1528

Re: Anxiety About Stocks Rising

Yup, I'm experiencing some serious FOMO right now as well! It's all part of the game.
by papito23
Fri Apr 03, 2020 1:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Black (White) Swan Portfolio Insurance ?
Replies: 33
Views: 2368

Re: Black (White) Swan Portfolio Insurance ?

I can't control investment returns, so my favorite play is to find ways to lives contentedly below my means.

If I can manage to save 2X as much, I can withstand a 50% drop and still be at par as a normal (X) savings rates with 100% safe investments.