Search found 490 matches

by dewey
Fri Apr 28, 2023 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you tip contractors that do work on your property?
Replies: 97
Views: 8059

Re: Do you tip contractors that do work on your property?

We had some pavers installed adjacent to our patio. It was hot out. Each day we gave each of the three workers a $20.00 bill, plus protein bars and some other treats during the day. It was all physical work in the heat of summer. We did not tip the supervisor who gave the bid for the project and was only here a few minutes each day. One of the workers was the 'lead' guy on the job.
by dewey
Tue Apr 11, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long have you been in your current house?
Replies: 148
Views: 12394

Re: How long have you been in your current house?

8 years. Almost paid for...Built new.
by dewey
Wed Dec 28, 2022 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 81172

Re: What have you baked recently?

Made my Grandmother's Apple Tart for a Xmas feast at a friend's. Huge hit.
by dewey
Thu Dec 22, 2022 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Withdrawing RMD
Replies: 20
Views: 2344

Re: Withdrawing RMD

I normally take part of it early in the year so the organizations get the QCD right away. I keep the rest of that initial withdraw for my spending needs during the year. Then taking the rest in early December to give the $ a chance to grow a bit. I try to take from accounts that have been 'winners' the previous and current year. But since I have none of those this year--it will come from the Money Market. I keep enough cash in it to survive several years of down markets if that happens.
by dewey
Mon Nov 14, 2022 12:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best EV for around $50k, or RAV4 Prime???
Replies: 133
Views: 17557

Re: Best EV for around $50k?

Volvo XC40 is tops in its class by most reviewer sites. I didn’t have the EV XC40 but it was one amazing vehicle. Luxury. Great handling. Quiet cabin. Managed ride. Comfortable for driver and passengers. Just a fantastic auto.
by dewey
Thu Nov 10, 2022 1:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many of you are staying the course with bonds?
Replies: 190
Views: 25751

Re: How many of you are staying the course with bonds?

Staying the course. I'm retired and continue to re-invest dividends and capital gains in all my index funds. The climb in bond yields has been painful but it was necessary. Eat your spinach.
by dewey
Tue Oct 25, 2022 12:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many of you are over-rebalancing?
Replies: 62
Views: 5478

Re: How many of you are over-rebalancing?

Because both equities and bonds have fallen in value this whole year, my AA has remained essentially intact. So I haven’t done any rebalancing. I stand at the ready when things change. Fingers crossed.
by dewey
Tue May 10, 2022 4:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What changes in asset allocation you're considering?
Replies: 60
Views: 4127

Re: What changes in asset allocation you're considering?

No allocation change for me. I did move some bond $ in to cash a while back in anticipation of equities and bonds dropping simultaneously. That way I have the cash to pay my RMDs instead of from other funds that have been losing value. I try to avoid selling when things are down.
by dewey
Mon Mar 28, 2022 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?
Replies: 177
Views: 17311

Re: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?

My take on the food/cooking matter is, if you take average ingredients but put them in the hands of an excellent cook, the result will be worth having. If you take high end ingredients but put them in the hands of an about average cook you won't experience all that was possible. Or if you put high-end ingredients in the hands of someone who just doesn't care (food is nothing more than a source of fuel to me - nutrition/cost ratio is pretty much all I care about), it's pointless. Due to having cooked all my own food since a very early age, I'm actually a halfway decent cook, but it's not something I care a whole lot about. I've used enough high-end ingredients, cookware, and gadgets to realize I can't tell the difference 99.9% of the time (...
by dewey
Mon Mar 28, 2022 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?
Replies: 177
Views: 17311

Re: Bogleheads approach to cooking? What's worth paying up for and where can you skimp?

My take on the food/cooking matter is, if you take average ingredients but put them in the hands of an excellent cook, the result will be worth having. If you take high end ingredients but put them in the hands of an about average cook you won't experience all that was possible.
by dewey
Wed Mar 16, 2022 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: do I need a money manager after $1 million?
Replies: 157
Views: 18086

Re: do I need a money manager after $1 million?

FelixTheCat wrote: Sat Mar 05, 2022 5:56 pm No. Do it yourself
+1
by dewey
Wed Mar 16, 2022 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What has happened to Vanguard Customer Service??!!
Replies: 16
Views: 2291

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

I called Vanguard twice recently about a cost basis question and a taxable fund exchange. I voice verified, waited a minute or two max. On one call the person needed to transfer me to someone who knew tax stuff and was very knowledgeable and helpful, on the other call I was on a few minutes with the person who was also very helpful. That's been my general experience with Vanguard over many years. I don't need to call much but when I do things go well in general. By comparison I called another major investment house yesterday trying to figure some things out for my daughter who cares not about this investment stuff, and discovered they show no investment options/funds at all on their site. They require you to speak with an 'advisor' to get a...
by dewey
Tue Mar 01, 2022 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Popcorn Mastery
Replies: 155
Views: 15506

Re: Popcorn Mastery

I use Avocado oil— which I haven’t seen mentioned on this thread. Higher smoke point than EVOO plus it has its own buttery effect. Stove top method. I’ve made it enough over the decades I don’t need to measure. When popped I toss with the Himalayan pink salt. Never fails. Wife loves it— as do I.
by dewey
Wed Feb 02, 2022 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Printer recommendation for seldom used printing
Replies: 53
Views: 3480

Re: Printer recommendation for seldom used printing

hoofaman wrote: Wed Feb 02, 2022 3:31 pm Cheap laser printer with scanner bed and network connectivity
+1
by dewey
Sat Jan 08, 2022 6:58 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?
Replies: 230
Views: 24941

Re: Why do you spend all your time on the Bogleheads forum?

I've learned a great deal about many things--not merely investing. So much is on this site. And lots of very informed and smart people--I'm always hoping a bit of that stuff will rub off. I pop in almost daily, sometimes twice a day. Just to see if there's something that catches my eye. I was surprised the past week in talking with two Vanguard reps centered in Vally Forge that they didn't know about this site, nor about the Bogleheads. They do now.
by dewey
Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads rejoice, there is a new Corolla!
Replies: 61
Views: 9774

Re: Bogleheads rejoice, there is a new Corolla!

bostondan wrote: Sun Dec 26, 2021 8:23 pm
StevieG72 wrote: Sun Dec 26, 2021 8:21 pm I stand corrected! Lock away, it will be my last for the year.
I appreciate knowing these types of things and find your post to be perfectly actionable. Thank you for the contribution.
+1
by dewey
Wed Dec 08, 2021 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Older Bogleheads: What was the most expensive decade of your life?
Replies: 99
Views: 14054

Re: Older Bogleheads: What was the most expensive decade of your life?

David Jay wrote: Tue Dec 07, 2021 1:29 pm The college years. I funded much of my children’s college expenses.
+1
by dewey
Wed Nov 10, 2021 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bearding for the boglehead
Replies: 36
Views: 3915

Re: Bearding for the boglehead

livesoft wrote: Wed Nov 10, 2021 2:03 pm I do nothing for my beard except look at it, take showers with it, and trim it once a while. I find that it needs zero "products."
+1
by dewey
Fri Nov 05, 2021 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Steak Knives
Replies: 11
Views: 1505

Steak Knives

I'd like to purchase a set of 6 steak knives. I don't want the most expensive. Nor the cheapest. Any recommendations for a really good quality set but not at elite pricing? And would you favor knives that need sharpening or other types? Thanks in advance.
by dewey
Mon Oct 18, 2021 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard 401k account disappeared
Replies: 30
Views: 3530

Re: Vanguard 401k account disappeared

pasadena wrote: Sat Oct 16, 2021 12:10 pm On your home page, there should be a link "Customize your account view". Click on that and see if her missing accounts are in the list and unchecked.
+1
by dewey
Mon Oct 11, 2021 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Bluetooth Speaker Are You Using?
Replies: 41
Views: 3684

Re: What Bluetooth Speaker Are You Using?

I have a JBL Xtreme 2. There's a newer version now. The 2 is very powerful though not as refined as some others I'd say. But outdoors it's fine.
by dewey
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Coffee Maker Out There Right Now (Parent Edition)?
Replies: 47
Views: 5432

Re: Best Coffee Maker Out There Right Now (Parent Edition)?

Several years ago on a similar Bogleheads thread a number of people enthusiastically recommended Bonavita. We bought one and love it. Makes great coffee. Has the thermal carafe. It's a very simple machine and easy to clean. Best coffee maker we've ever had. A bit more than $100.00 but as others have noted, this may be a case where you get what you pay for. YMMV.
by dewey
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?
Replies: 313
Views: 42933

Re: What Are Your Simple Pleasures?

Biking
Walking (when I'm physically able--just starting short walks again after 6 month hiatus)
Sitting on our back patio with my wife
Watching Hummingbirds--they're here all the time because my wife has lots of plants that are favorites of Hummers
Enjoying our pre-dinner drink on the patio
Enjoying our morning coffee on the patio
Listening to music--modern rock and Indie rock, classical, occasional country...
Sitting in my recliner, watching Netflix movies or series, HBO, and lots of sports.
Doing all the above whenever I (we) choose. Owning time and what to do with it is the best part of retirement as I see it.
As Bertrand Russell said, "Time enjoyed doing nothing is never time wasted..."
by dewey
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Gift Money these days?
Replies: 29
Views: 2877

Re: How to Gift Money these days?

We normally give our adult children some money for their birthdays and Christmas along with gifts. We gift money to our nephews and nieces and other extended family members for school graduations, weddings, newborns, etc. We give a card with cash if they are local and write a check if they are out of state and/or we are mailing it. Sometimes we have to give a few reminders to cash the checks we send because they will go uncashed for months and we are reminded at times that we are old school giving cash when the world is moving cashless. I would prefer to move away from handling cash and writing checks but sending gift money via Venmo or other online methods just seems too impersonal. Have you changed with the times gifting money? We do ess...
by dewey
Tue Aug 31, 2021 10:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bonds, what are they good for?
Replies: 69
Views: 8284

Re: Bonds, what are they good for?

Just had a chat with my B-in- Law today about his complaints about Bonds. How much more he'd make if he didn't have bonds. I coaxed him to Vanguard a number of years back but the only thing he grasped was low cost. I tried to give him Boglehead tutorials but it was too much for him. He didn't read any of the stuff I sent him. The irony is when the market dropped previously he wanted to get out! But now he's positive that won't happen again. He's just lamenting how much he'd make had he been in only stocks during this bull market. I told him it's not too late to liquidate his bonds but in truth he wants it both ways. I'm only sharing because it's still fresh but it also serves as an object lesson of the importance of the AA and what role bon...
by dewey
Wed Aug 25, 2021 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Vermouth Thread
Replies: 54
Views: 6315

Re: The Vermouth Thread

I use to be a pure gin martini man--no vermouth. [Warning: Pedantry ahead!] If there's no vermouth in it, it's not a martini of any sort. It's a glass of chilled gin. That's sort of like making a plain corned beef sandwich without sauerkraut or dressing and calling it a "pure Reuben". Or calling a dish of ice cream a "pure milkshake". :D [Pedantry alert canceled. You are now safe to move about the thread.] Actually--stirred or shaken with ice is not the same as merely 'chilled." A bottle of beer is chilled, I say to the pedant. I've tended bar at a number of excellent restaurants, etc., and served more martini drinkers than I could ever count. A very large portion drink their martinis sin vermouth. Never did any of...
by dewey
Mon Aug 23, 2021 10:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Retirees to Vancouver, WA or near OR/WA Border?
Replies: 64
Views: 6356

Re: Any Retirees to Vancouver, WA or near OR/WA Border?

As a 21 year Vancouver resident and retiree (occupation transplant--not a tax avoider), I think Vancouver has much to talk about. The downtown has many lovely residential neighborhoods. Its weekend Farmer's market is quite good. The Waterfront gets better by the day--restaurants, wine tasting rooms, high rise condos and apartments. Washington State University has a campus in Salmon Creek. Access to the things many others have noted--Columbia River Gorge (both sides), ocean coast a couple hours away, wonderful wine region in Oregon an hour or so away, skiing nearby in winter. Vancouver public schools are very good. And Portland. Portland has suffered a set back. But--many portions are either still fine or recovering quickly. We continue to g...
by dewey
Sat Aug 21, 2021 1:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Vermouth Thread
Replies: 54
Views: 6315

Re: The Vermouth Thread

Vodka is not tasteless. But it's obviously not a bold taste. I'm told a vodka martini was Reagan's preferred cocktail. A bit of vodka in a gin martini--or some version of a vesper--has a softening effect on the gin, to my taste, without removing the gin flavor. I use to be a pure gin martini man--no vermouth. But I've taken to enjoying a splash of vodka in it these days. Still no vermouth.
by dewey
Tue Aug 17, 2021 11:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri and Larry Swedroe sparring on Twitter.
Replies: 249
Views: 26969

Re: Rick Ferri and Larry Swedroe sparring on Twitter.

mikejuss wrote: Tue Aug 17, 2021 9:42 am This is hardly a major argument. These guys are entitled to disagree.
+1
by dewey
Tue Aug 17, 2021 11:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rick Ferri and Larry Swedroe sparring on Twitter.
Replies: 249
Views: 26969

Re: Rick Ferri and Larry Swedroe sparring on Twitter.

UpperNwGuy wrote: Tue Aug 17, 2021 9:43 am Quite frankly, I enjoy watching the two of them spar. They're both professionals and know a lot, so it's educational for me to watch the debate.
+1
by dewey
Thu Jul 29, 2021 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Seattle -- where to stay and do we need a car?
Replies: 40
Views: 4494

Re: Visiting Seattle -- where to stay and do we need a car?

Just came back from a visit there yesterday. We go to Seattle a couple times a year on average. Sometimes we take the train there other times we drive. But--either way the car stays in the parking garage and we walk everywhere we want to go as others have mentioned. We stayed at Hotel Vintage (a Kimpton Hotel) just up the street from the Fairmont previously cited. Between walking and the occasional Uber--no need for a car in Seattle.
by dewey
Sun Jul 04, 2021 11:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best financial decision ever made
Replies: 81
Views: 10826

Re: Best financial decision ever made

RyeBourbon wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 7:52 pm Divorcing my first wife.
+1
by dewey
Wed Jun 09, 2021 9:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 150762

Re: What is your asset allocation and age, are you retired?

Both retired, 72 and 69. Small pensions plus SS. 50/50 AA. 30% of equities in international.
by dewey
Sun Jun 06, 2021 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How is Volvo comparing German car brands?
Replies: 33
Views: 4595

Re: How is Volvo comparing German car brands?

My 2021 Volvo XC60 Inscription is a better car than my previous Audi Q5 and A3 in my experience--both had build quality issues and had me to the dealer much too often under warranty. So far the Volvo is everything I expected. Great comfort. Good performance. Lots of creature comfort features. And everything has worked perfectly to date. Mine was built in Sweden.
by dewey
Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 189
Views: 29396

Re: Dark chocolate addicts: how much do you eat?

Almost daily I have a couple/3 pieces. We always have a variety on hand so my mood varies almost daily. Ranges from Lindt dark truffle (balls) to Dove dark pieces (including peanut butter filed) to Sees dark covered nuts to Trader Joe's dark peanut butter cups and dark almond butter cups. And just bought dark covered pistachio nuts at Costco. The list goes on.
by dewey
Sat Jun 05, 2021 10:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did Bogleheads do investment wise during the pandemic?
Replies: 110
Views: 8657

Re: How did Bogleheads do investment wise during the pandemic?

We did well. Sat tight. Did some re-balancing. We're retired so no new contributions and our portfolios stand at all time highs--despite RMD's, etc.
by dewey
Sun May 30, 2021 2:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899822

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

2 yrs. of my annual withdraw amount.
by dewey
Thu May 27, 2021 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: starting a quiet lawn care company
Replies: 78
Views: 5707

Re: starting a quiet lawn care company

Consensus seems to be your idea won't be practical for one reason or another. I for one like your idea in terms of reducing noise pollution as well as air pollution. That's separate from whether your concept can actually take flight. But best of luck if you decide to try it.
by dewey
Fri May 07, 2021 5:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is it time to rethink automatic reinvestment of dividends in a taxable account?
Replies: 43
Views: 6481

Re: Is it time to rethink automatic reinvestment of dividends in a taxable account?

JD2775 wrote: Fri May 07, 2021 5:40 pm I am going the opposite way. I have had automatic reinvestment turned on the entire time I have had my taxable account (3 years), with 90% VTSAX and 10% VBTLX. VBTLX especially throws off lots of very small dividend lots.

I just recently turned off automatic reinvestment on both funds, and am going to wait until my money market account builds up a decent amount and then invest it all at once. I wish I had done it sooner, it seems like it will be easier to manage in the long run.
+1
by dewey
Sun May 02, 2021 11:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Shifting Towards Bonds - but in 401k
Replies: 9
Views: 1023

Re: Shifting Towards Bonds - but in 401k

I wouldn’t fill the Roth with bonds but my IRA is where all my bond funds are with the exception of the Intermediate Tax Exempt fund in my taxable account. I see this as working in my favor since I’m at the RMD phase and the bonds will not grow much for a while which means my RMDs will be affected accordingly. Others may see flaws in my thinking and I hope they’ll weigh in.
by dewey
Thu Apr 29, 2021 12:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2021 JD Power study: Vanguard ranks highest in customer satisfaction
Replies: 58
Views: 4904

Re: 2021 JD Power study: Vanguard ranks highest in customer satisfaction

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 7:03 pm
Kenkat wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 5:39 pm Vanguard. Came for the low fees, stayed for the good enough for me service. And the low fees. Always the low fees.
Yep. Every day it's a new sob story for some on here. Don't make everyone else miserable. If you're dissatisfied, just do your research, make a decision, and leave. Simple.
+1
by dewey
Wed Apr 28, 2021 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wish I could quit Vanguard for poor customer service
Replies: 187
Views: 23492

Re: Wish I could quit Vanguard for poor customer service

relativeratio wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 12:00 am
Monsterflockster wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 11:06 pm Does anyone have good customer service now days?
My experience with Vanguard customer service has always been outstanding. They have consistently gone "above and beyond" over the years. You should talk to a manager if your dealing with a less then helpful representative.
+1
by dewey
Tue Apr 13, 2021 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Did you move for better weather? Did you regret it?
Replies: 246
Views: 32650

Re: Did you move for better weather? Did you regret it?

We moved from MN to Vancouver, WA 21 years ago for work reasons, not the weather. BUT--we love the weather of the PNW and we retired here. Summers are the best ever (I grew up in PA which can get a lot of humid summer weather on the east side). MN summers can be nice at times but also can have lots of high humidity, nasty storms, and bugs galore (most people think the winters are the big negative...I didn't mind winter as much as summer. If you play in the snow, skiing and snow shoeing, etc. winter is fine).

We get winter rain of course but we never slip and fall on it nor do we shovel it. Natives seem to grumble about the rain more than the transplants.
by dewey
Sun Apr 11, 2021 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The primary factor for picking a College/University is out of pocket cost
Replies: 422
Views: 35041

Re: The primary factor for picking a College/University is out of pocket cost

Institutions that admit only the very best students have built in the likelihood of high success and graduation rates. Those students' past performance is predictive of future performance. Elite institutions likely get a bit too much credit for what those same students would likely have done at almost any college. The vast majority come from backgrounds with above average cultural capital, etc. The public regional universities, and to a lesser extent flagships, admit lots of students who are first in their families to attend college, and/or come from backgrounds of modest means, etc. When they earn a degree, it would seem there has been more 'value added' by the institution for that student's future than for those very likely destined to su...
by dewey
Wed Mar 31, 2021 4:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone increasing international allocation?
Replies: 121
Views: 10776

Re: Anyone increasing international allocation?

I have 70% U.S. equities 30% International. Vanguard says to have at least 30% International so I have at least 30% International. They know more than I do (actually a lot of people do) but Vanguard knows A LOT more than I do. That's my basis for the 30%.
by dewey
Sat Mar 13, 2021 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Third stimulus payment - mega-thread]
Replies: 387
Views: 40271

Re: Received 3rd stimulus check 3/12/21

Noticed ours this morning too...not sure when it actually landed but that is shockingly fast.
by dewey
Sat Mar 13, 2021 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your travel plans in 2021 and beyond?
Replies: 350
Views: 36370

Re: What are your travel plans in 2021 and beyond?

We receive our second dose of Moderna in three days. Walla Walla wine country over Easter weekend with my wife. End of May wine trip with an old friend to CA. Hoping for a June road trip to MN to see our daughters and granddaughter for the first time in a year. Tentative trip to New England with our friends for the fall. Then 2022--Italy and Denmark for sure. Life is short and also for sure...the clock ticks.
by dewey
Sat Mar 06, 2021 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For those with bond heavy AAs...how you feeling?
Replies: 99
Views: 14962

Re: For those with bond heavy AAs...how you feeling?

Seasonal wrote: Fri Mar 05, 2021 10:40 am I'm feeling fine. If rates stay the same (or go down), I'll have maintained a good store of value (in nominal terms for nominal bonds). If rates go up, I'll have more yield which will eventually make up for the decline in principal after a while.
+1