Search found 58 matches

by StillTired
Sun Apr 08, 2018 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Re: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

Thank you so much MoneyMarathon, Jalbert and TwstdSista for the great advice. Off to do some more research!
by StillTired
Sat Apr 07, 2018 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Re: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

Put everything except MSFT stock in target year 2040 funds: current 401K, HSA, and roll the NWPS into current 401K or to an IRA at Vanguard. There generally is no significant advantage to an in-kind rollover of mutual funds in a 401K because it is neither a taxable event nor commissioned transaction to liquidate them and reinvest at the new provider. A 15% stake in an individual stock is not recommended. The risks unique to the given company and sector risk are diversifiable. The market will value MSFT the same whether or not you diversify away these risks, so it offers you no additional compensation for taking these risks. You probably want to devise a strategy for liquidating this while managing the taxes. My concern with the Target 2040...
by StillTired
Sat Apr 07, 2018 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Re: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

Thank you so much Money Marathon. You gave me a lot to think about and some good things to work towards. I really appreciate your time and your willingness to teach :)
by StillTired
Sat Apr 07, 2018 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Re: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

Sorry to split these questions into another post, Money Marathon, you just gave me so much to think about!

When you mentioned I-bonds going into tax deferred--- I wasn't aware that was an option. My only tax deferred space is in a 401(k). How would I do that?

I feel really ignorant asking this, but you recommended a couple ETFs above. What is the advantage of ETFs over Premium/ Admiral class shares?
by StillTired
Sat Apr 07, 2018 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Re: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

mortfree wrote: Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:37 pm https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax-eff ... _placement

I have BRKB in my taxable account and my Roth. I am not a pure boglehead though.

Good job all around
Thanks for the response mortfree. That's a great resource.
by StillTired
Sat Apr 07, 2018 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Re: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

Wow Money Marthon, thank you so much for your input. A few further questions: The Fidelity 401(k) is actually only 5% Roth conversion. 94% tax deferred and 1% after tax (that will be converted within the quarter). Does that change your recommendations. I was considering Berkshire Hathaway for two reasons: 1) it's so big it doesn't seem as much like a single stock 2) lack of dividends. It doesn't matter *now* but I'd like to leave the option of early-ish (55-57) on the table. At that point I'd be wanting to a Roth conversion ladder (if still allowed) meaning that I don't want a lot of dividends thrown off. In addition, I think we will have lower income in the future so I'd rather avoid paying for dividends now (in exchange for more capital g...
by StillTired
Sat Apr 07, 2018 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!
Replies: 16
Views: 2551

Paralyzed by Indecision--- please help with my portfolio!

First, thank you for your time in reading my post. I firmly believe in the Boglehead philosophy but seem paralyzed to actually move things around. In much the same vein, I've allowed our stock holding in one company to become completely outsized. I don't want to sell that all at once, but do want to move it to something less volatile. I apologize in advance for any mistakes or omissions. Emergency Funds: Yes Debt: None (mortgage free home; car replacement needed within 5 years) Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate: 22% Federal, 0% state Age: 41 (spouse 42) Desired Asset Allocation: 88% stocks, 12% bonds Desired International Allocation: 33% of stocks Size of Portfolio: Hovering close to $1M Current retirement assets Taxable 14...
by StillTired
Wed May 22, 2013 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: Refinance to 15 year mortgage or keep 30 year?
Replies: 10
Views: 2170

Re: Poll: Refinance to 15 year mortgage or keep 30 year?

Personally, since you've decided to do no 529 until after you are debt free (including mortgage, I assume) I would change to the 15 year mortgage with the plan on paying it off before your oldest goes to college and then using that current payment to finance college. That is what we did (actually paid it off early--- our oldest is in 9th grade) and it's definitely reassuring to know that money will be there in a few years when she needs it.
by StillTired
Thu Mar 21, 2013 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for mother considering bankruptcy
Replies: 100
Views: 7828

Re: Advice for mother considering bankruptcy

Before I'd have her consider bankruptcy, I would look at her credit card debt seriously. Is this increasing debt--- is she adding more purchases every month? Or is this left over debt from divorce or medical issue? If she is still adding to the debt (to fund lifestyle) bankruptcy will do no good--- she'll be back in the same place in a number of years. If it is an overwhelming debt from a bad life circmstance that she won't face again, that is another matter.

Without the $400 credit card payment, she would be fine with her current budget--- even increasing her rent to $750 (one bedroom versus $650 for shared two bedroom) would still leave her with $250 a month to build up an emergency fund with.
by StillTired
Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity
Replies: 8
Views: 2598

Re: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity

livesoft wrote:
StillTired wrote:I guess these percentages are out of different numbers?
It seems you got your info directly from Fidelity: https://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutua ... /316146141
They really need to understand the difference between "United States" and "North America" and "Latin America". That's too bad how erroneous the info displayed actually is. Might be a reason to ditch using Fidelity for research.

Here is a link with different info: http://portfolios.morningstar.com/fund/summary?t=FSGDX
Thanks!
by StillTired
Tue Feb 26, 2013 4:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity
Replies: 8
Views: 2598

Re: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity

[quote="hoppy08520]FSIIX tracks the MSCI EAFE index of large-cap developed markets. FSGDX goes beyond just developed markets to include emerging markets, Canada and possibly other nations. Neither fund, however, owing to their target benchmarks, includes small caps.[/quote]

Thank you!
by StillTired
Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity
Replies: 8
Views: 2598

Re: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity

livesoft wrote:FSGDX does not have 12% in the US. It probably has 12% in North America ex-US aka __________. (Fill in the blank yourself).

OTOH, FSIIX has no __________ (fill in the blank) located in North America and no emerging markets as well.
Thank you for pointing that out. That makes sense.

It's odd because it says:
Regional Diversification2
AS OF 12/31/2012
Europe41.42%
Emerging Markets21.07%
United States12.80%
Japan12.65%
Asia Pacific ex Japan10.46%
Canada7.74%
Other-6.14
but then immediately follows that with:
Country Diversification
AS OF 12/31/2012
United Kingdom14.23%
Japan12.65%
Canada7.74%
USA6.63%
I guess these percentages are out of different numbers?
by StillTired
Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity
Replies: 8
Views: 2598

Three Fund Portfolio at Fidelity

I have been looking at this information:

http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fu ... allocation

To replicate the 3 fund portfolio at Fidelity, it recommends using:
Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index Fund (FSTMX)
Fidelity Spartan Global ex U.S. Index Fund (FSGDX)
Fidelity Spartan U. S. Bond Index Fund (FBIDX)
I just wondered why the recommendation is for the Global ex U.S. Index Fund versus, say, the International Index Fund (FSIIX). FSGDX has something like 12% in U.S. while FSIIX has closer to 1%. What am I overlooking?

TIA
by StillTired
Fri Feb 15, 2013 12:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Pre-K better returns than equities?
Replies: 10
Views: 1368

Re: Pre-K better returns than equities?

He found that the annualized rate of return was somewhere between 7 percent and 10 percent. For comparison, historically the stock market has grown an average of 5.8 percent each year. Bonds have grown less. By this calculus, early childhood education is a better investment than either. Is this historical return for the stock market (5.8% correct)? Secondly, the comparison is not really valid. The studies did not look at individuals who had either the opportunity to 1) invest in preschool education for their children or 2) invest in the stock market. Rather, it was disadvantaged children being sent to preschool or...? That said, it's not a compelling argument for universal pre-K: "That’s not to say these conclusions aren’t subject to ...
by StillTired
Wed Feb 13, 2013 1:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What % of your income are you saving for retirement?
Replies: 228
Views: 35350

Re: What % of your income are you saving for retirement?

Depending on if you consider employer matching (and the subsequent increase in salary) we save from 20-24% for retirement. We're in our mid 30s and fully paid off our home this year. The "extra" percentages had been going towards that (paid off in 11 years). Now, for the next few years we're saving for some home remodelling (around 9% of income). In 3.5 years our first child will enter college and that 9% of income will be redirected towards college expenses for her. Four years after that our second child will be ready for college and that money will then go to him (hopefully she'll be done). THEN we'll have several years to beef up retirement savings until it's time for number 3 (not yet born) to go to college! We've been saving ...
by StillTired
Sun Feb 10, 2013 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poor couple looking for retirement IRA advice
Replies: 42
Views: 9243

Re: Poor couple looking for retirement IRA advice

Congrats on coming so far financially. Vanguard is an excellent place to open an IRA, from what I have heard. We, personally, use Fidelity for convenience (location of DP's primary 401(k) account). If you haven't already filled out your 2012 taxes, you might want to consider making the contribution into a 2012 IRA. That way you would be eligible for the saver's credit and get the $500-1000 back with this years taxes (which could then be put aside to invest in a 2013 account). You *would* have to use your emergency fund to fund the IRA for the few weeks you were waiting for your tax return. Either way, make sure your husband is getting the savers credit based on his contributions to the account he has through Wal-Mart: http://finance.yahoo.c...
by StillTired
Sat Feb 09, 2013 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening an investment account for my girlfriend's parents
Replies: 8
Views: 2945

Re: Opening an investment account for my girlfriend's parent

There should be no problem with the parents having money in a designated retirment account (IRA, 401(k) or the like) and applying for financial aid. Those contributions will not be taken into account by the FAFSA: http://www.ehow.com/info_7934519_do-include-retirement-savings-fafsa.html Generally, you do not need to declare assets within retirement accounts as countable assets on the FAFSA. This means assets in specified retirement accounts, such as IRAs, 401k plans and the like. However, if you have long-term savings outside these retirement accounts -- in annuities, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit or mutual funds -- you must declare them. As long as they have over $3K of earned income this year (or 2012 since it's st...
by StillTired
Fri Jan 18, 2013 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much money do you keep in your regular checking/savings?
Replies: 104
Views: 23151

Re: How much money do you keep in your regular checking/savi

One month of exenses plus a $500 buffer so if I need to get cash out at an ATM.

Our bill pay is through this account (why one month of expenses). It's then linked to an online savings account and we transfer money between them as needed.
by StillTired
Thu Jan 17, 2013 11:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My final review of 2012's sure things
Replies: 5
Views: 1309

Re: My final review of 2012's sure things

Thanks so much for sharing. I'm passing that on!
by StillTired
Tue Jan 15, 2013 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Waiting for Social Security after employment has ended
Replies: 14
Views: 2100

Re: Waiting for Social Security after employment has ended

The Social Security Website actually has an estimator:

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator/

After the original time you estimate your benefits, you can click the button to "Add an Estimate" which will allow you to change the age you stop working. It, unfortunately, makes the assumption that you will then start taking benefits at 62.
by StillTired
Tue Jan 15, 2013 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Percentage of money in tax-advantaged accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 2461

Re: Percentage of money in tax-advantaged accounts

I feel that I'm tax-advantaged heavy. The only scenario where I can see this hurt me would be in an emergency case (lost job or something like that) where I would need to tap the money from the tax-advantaged accounts. I'm curious if anyone can think of negatives of being in this situation? We have around 20% of our tax advantaged accounts in Roth IRAs. That means in a true emergency we could remove all the original contributions penalty free. I'd rather have it in that tax advantaged space until that hypothetical emergency occurs then pass up the tax savings. It sounds like you've thought about that as an option as well. If you're uncomfortable with that as your backup plan, then you should increase the amount you have outside of those ta...
by StillTired
Tue Jan 15, 2013 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New IRA and AA
Replies: 3
Views: 407

Re: New IRA and AA

First, the maximum for IRA contributions for 2013 is actually $5.5K, so you can contribute $11K in 2013

When you say "this year" do you mean 2012 or 2013? You have until April to contribute for 2012, so if you have the funds you could put up to $21K at any time. At that point (in fact, if you contribute $12K or more) you could do:

IRA A
$3K Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX)
$3K Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VGTSX)

IRA B

$3K Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX)
$3K Vanguard Total Bond Market Fund (VBMFX)
by StillTired
Sat Jan 05, 2013 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: minivan thing
Replies: 84
Views: 8454

Re: minivan thing

"Third row? Laughable. The Odyssey has nearly as much cargo space behind its third-row seats as the Pilot offers passengers in the back—38 cubes for stuff in the Odyssey versus 39 for people in the Pilot. Meanwhile, third-class passengers in the minivan are treated to 52 cubic feet of luxurious space. No knee eating going on here. For packaging efficiency and intelligence, the Pilot can't match the Odyssey, nor can any crossover touch a minivan." This was the major factor for us. We don't generally need space for 7-8 passengers but when we do, we generallly need space for cargo at all. With the Pilot you really get one or the other--- the third row seating is *in* the cargo area. With the Odyssey, even with all 8 spaces taken you...
by StillTired
Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k match question
Replies: 19
Views: 1566

Re: 401k match question

This makes it appear, as others have said, that the employer will contribute 8% of what *you* personally invest. So, as you said before, if you contributed $100 the employer would contribution $8 and if $10000 the employer would contribute $800. Is this correct or did you mean that independent of the amount you contribute the employer will contribute 8% of your salary? My understanding is that the company will match 8% of whatever dollar amount you contribute to the 401k. I will call next week to get more details, hopefully in writing. Then to get the full employer contribution (if that is your goal) you should prioritize putting in the maximum allowed. Do you know if your employer allows non-deductible contributions and will they match th...
by StillTired
Sat Jan 05, 2013 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k match question
Replies: 19
Views: 1566

Re: 401k match question

My question is this - company will match 8% on quarterly basis of whatever amount employee contributes to 401k. This can vary from yr to yr, the past 2 years have been 8%, unsure of what the match will be this year. Reading here it seems you should always contribute as much to obtain the company match , however in this case the company will match regardless of whether you contribute 1% or the max. This makes it appear, as others have said, that the employer will contribute 8% of what *you* personally invest. So, as you said before, if you contributed $100 the employer would contribution $8 and if $10000 the employer would contribute $800. Is this correct or did you mean that independent of the amount you contribute the employer will contri...
by StillTired
Fri Dec 21, 2012 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski Masks
Replies: 38
Views: 3710

Re: Ski Masks

I misread your first post--- was thinking your morning run was your morning ski run. Anyway, I would definately go with something like the previous post. My kids have gloves from REI that are supposedly windproof but don't heat you up a lot. You do *not* want something like a turtle fur that will have synthetic "fur" right over your mouth!
by StillTired
Fri Dec 21, 2012 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski Masks
Replies: 38
Views: 3710

Re: Ski Masks

Since you mentioned a price from $10-200, I figured REI would be no problem: you should be able to get a good quality item that you can try on and make sure is comfortable for you for under $30. If you want to get it cheaper, try it at REI and buy it from Amazon or Sierra.
by StillTired
Thu Dec 20, 2012 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ski Masks
Replies: 38
Views: 3710

Re: Ski Masks

If you have an REI near you, I'd try there. We've been happy with our ski masks there *and* they have an excellent return policy. One brand my son really likes a turtle fur and you can get the baklava style with a thinner top part to fit under your helmet, a full face one, or just the lower face.

Good luck!
by StillTired
Tue Dec 04, 2012 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ring Purchase & Sizing
Replies: 10
Views: 1203

Re: Ring Purchase & Sizing

Ask specifically at the jewler about the ring you are buying. My ring, for example, can be easily resized (within reason), but it's just a gold band. My husband's ring, which is platinum & gold together cannot be resized because of the "design" (it's just bands).
by StillTired
Thu Nov 15, 2012 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Advice Would You Give Your 30yo Self?
Replies: 70
Views: 9107

Re: What Advice Would You Give Your 30yo Self?

I recall a book I read years ago called "Replay" where a guy has a heart-attack, dies, and finds himself back in his 18-year old body with all his memories intact. He does search out his wife (also 18 - they met at 27 or something in his first life), but totally freaks her out by knowing too much about her... I'm not sure I want to recommend the book... I read it a long time ago and it was pretty rough in some parts, but I remember thinking it was very interesting idea; how prior knowledge can be a curse as well as a blessing. He's quite depressed after screwing things up with her... realizing his children will never be born devastates him... "Is it just a parellel universe, or did I really just erase my children from all ex...
by StillTired
Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Advice Would You Give Your 30yo Self?
Replies: 70
Views: 9107

Re: What Advice Would You Give Your 30yo Self?

I recall a book I read years ago called "Replay" where a guy has a heart-attack, dies, and finds himself back in his 18-year old body with all his memories intact. He does search out his wife (also 18 - they met at 27 or something in his first life), but totally freaks her out by knowing too much about her... I'm not sure I want to recommend the book... I read it a long time ago and it was pretty rough in some parts, but I remember thinking it was very interesting idea; how prior knowledge can be a curse as well as a blessing. He's quite depressed after screwing things up with her... realizing his children will never be born devastates him... "Is it just a parellel universe, or did I really just erase my children from all ex...
by StillTired
Thu Nov 15, 2012 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wells Fargo Research on Retirement
Replies: 2
Views: 702

Re: Wells Fargo Research on Retirement

Interesting article: http://www.4-traders.com/WELLS-FARGO-COMPANY-14861/news/Wells-Fargo-Company-What-s-the-Price-of-Retirement-Confidence-Americans-Who-Have-$250-000-or-Mo-15512794/ Two comments: 1. I'd be curious to see the age break out of the responses 2. I'm not sure how many of the sampled population are 25-30 yrs old but I wouldn't expect someone that old to have $250k saved for retirement already. How they reported the numbers made it almost meaningless to me. The age range (25-75) is broad enough to confer no information (as you mentioned, a 25 year old with $250K of investable assets is completely different than a 65 year old with the same amount). Additionally, further breakdowns would have been interesting (once again, a 65 yea...
by StillTired
Fri Oct 26, 2012 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 8: Are you upgrading?
Replies: 67
Views: 7247

Re: Windows 8: Are you upgrading?

DP plans on getting a Surface in the new year. I assume we'll reevaluate after then for the rest of our machines. He actually has one machine that has a pre-realease copy of Windows 8 already installed but he hasn't been using it. He does say that there is not the performance concern about upgrading this time (your performance will not go down on an older computer) so that's something.
by StillTired
Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sock questions
Replies: 55
Views: 6016

Re: Sock questions

We often stock up on socks on Black Friday. Fred Meyer (in the PWN, owned by Kroger) has 50% off socks that day.
by StillTired
Mon Oct 22, 2012 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401K limits increased to $17,500
Replies: 41
Views: 9710

Re: 401K limits increased to $17,500

555 wrote:A percentage?! That's downright crazy! It's so obvious all the problems that would cause that it's unbelievable that anyone would even think of setting it up that way. A percentage! :oops:
My husband's current employer and his former employer both did it that way. With his former employer if you maxed out early, they would still keep putting in their match for the rest of the year. Not so with his current employer and it is a huge PITA since he has gotten two bonuses this year (meaning the % has needed to change).
by StillTired
Fri Oct 12, 2012 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a secondary timeshare in Utah
Replies: 17
Views: 2819

Re: Buying a secondary timeshare in Utah

I have known people that timeshares worked out for. One is a couple who are both VERY type A personalities. They have three kids, both work (the wife just finished her PhD while working a job full time) and found they were never taking the family vacations they wanted to. They were *always* busy so they just got pushed off. They bought a timeshare so they would be "forced" to take that yearly week long vacation. They plan ahead and don't put it off because that is when they go. The second is an older, retired couple. The belong to the type of timeshare that is not a specific week or location, but a nubmer of points (worldmark). I don't think the timeshare itself is a great idea, but one of the benefits is that if a location is not...
by StillTired
Thu Sep 27, 2012 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re: Cell phones breaking budgets!
Replies: 106
Views: 13978

Re: Cell phones breaking budgets!

Wow, I can't believe we're the high spenders on this thread.

We spend in the $170/month range on our cell phones. That includes two smart phones with data (one of them has that feature that it can be used for wi-fi for you computer). Then three more lines that are phone/unlimited text only. DP is reimbursed for work for his part of the bill, so we actually pay under $50/month for the 4 uncovered phones.

DSL is $70/month. There are not a lot of options for DSL in our neighborhood :(
by StillTired
Wed Sep 12, 2012 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card for bad credit?
Replies: 16
Views: 1740

Re: Credit card for bad credit?

Have you already asked the two cards you currently have for increased limits?
by StillTired
Sun Sep 09, 2012 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blender Recommendation
Replies: 37
Views: 5064

Re: Blender Recommendation

We also have a Vitamix. My husband researched it and determinded it was the best choice. It's worked well for us so far. We mostly make smoothies with it but also make soup & bread doughs.
by StillTired
Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Higher salary or better benefits?
Replies: 37
Views: 3183

Re: Higher salary or better benefits?

Because of where we live, we actually have known several people in this exact position. There is a local (huge) employer who has excellent benefits. They also have contracted employees who do not recieve those benefits but are paid additional to make up for them (no 401(k), no health care, only Federal Holidays paid off, etc...). The general consensus is for a healthy, single person the contracted position is financially "better." For those with a family, who want full medical and dental, sick leave to take care of the kids, back-up child care access and the like... the lesser salary (and percieved increased safety) is worth it. As for medical insurance. We had *excellent* insurance for years (the only thing we paid for was about ...
by StillTired
Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Trust for minor children...any advice or critique?
Replies: 40
Views: 4724

Re: Trust for minor children...any advice or critique?

Just off the top of my head: I assume you think that it is your responsiblity to prepare your child for adulthood. If you divide the trust the way you are suggesting now (when your oldest child reaches 18) you are basically requiring your two younger children to pay for their childhood expenses with their inheritance (in that the oldest will have had that time period paid for out of the joint money, but they will not). I would consider something like splitting the trust in half. 1/2 of the money is kept for use by the guardians as your children grow. The other half is divided into threes when your oldest hits 18 (or 21, or 25 or whatever age you consider your children to be responsible for their own financial decisions) and is dispersed on ...
by StillTired
Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how do you select a refrigerator?
Replies: 47
Views: 7547

Re: how do you select a refrigerator?

First, I would determine what you prefer in a fridge unit. Some people need more freezer space than others, for example.
serbeer wrote:check consumer reports ratings
This is what we do. We generally go with whatever they rate as the "best buy" and basically always just pick one of their recommendations. We do this for both big and small (toaster, blender) items.
by StillTired
Wed Aug 15, 2012 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [How much do you pay in] Property Taxes
Replies: 61
Views: 8027

Re: Property Taxes

tludwig23 wrote:About 1.2%. I live in WA where property taxes are thought to be on the high side since we have no state income tax.
Same. When we were considering moving, though, I was surprised how much higher the taxes were in the Austin area (of course, for less money there we would be looking at an upper end house compared to our lower than "average" home here).
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

I would definitely rollover the 401K from the former employer. To Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index Fund since you prefer Fidelity. However, Fidelity doesn't have a Spartan total bond market index fund which is a cornerstone of the Simple 3-fund portfolio. I would target 30-35% for bonds. I am more conservative. For his current 401K, I don't see the need for 3 funds. Choose 2040 or 2030 and be done with it. Besides asset allocation, remember about tax-efficient placement http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Principles_of_Tax-Efficient_Fund_Placement The 2030 was actually an accident and we've changed it to the Index fund only (going forward). You'd consider the 2040 a good choice even with the 1.01%? Does Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index in...
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

Bob's not my name wrote:Yes, the working spouse's earned income qualifies the non-working spouse. In the Child Tax Credit phaseout I would say definitely go with pre-tax savings to avoid the 30% tax.

Here are a few threads that may be useful to you:

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=69833

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... 10&t=98625

http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... =2&t=87683
Thanks so much! I'm off to read those now.
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

Income: low 100K Tax Rate: 25% Federal Are you sure? I don't know what "low 100k" really means, but here's an example: $120,000 gross income - $17,000 401k contribution - $2,700 pre-tax health, dental, and disability insurance premiums - $2,500 FSA contributions -------------------------------- $97,800 AGI - $15,200 personal exemptions for four - $11,900 standard deduction ----------- $70,700 taxable income --> in the 15% bracket, right at the 25% bracket threshold I'm pretty sure. We are just north of that, so right into the 25% bracket. Of course, last year included a new job bonus, so this year (2012) we may dip under the line again. As you mentioned, right on the threshold. You might prefer to contribute to a deductible TIRA ...
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

WiscSooner wrote:
linuxuser wrote:However, Fidelity doesn't have a Spartan total bond market index fund which is a cornerstone of the Simple 3-fund portfolio.
Fidelity recently released the "Spartan U.S. Bond Index Fund" (FBIDX). I have to use FBIDX in my 401k since VBMFX is not an option.

See the Wiki for Fidelity equivalent funds vs. Vanguard funds: http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Fidelity

Link to FBIDX info: http://fundresearch.fidelity.com/mutual ... /315911107

Hope this helps,
WS
Helps a lot! Thanks.
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

Johm221122 wrote:Try a 3 fund portfolio
http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Three-fund_portfolio
As far as moving old 401, Fidelity Spartan funds are good or move to vanguard
Good luck
John
Thanks!

I'm so nervous to move that amount of money at once, but I think it should be done.
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

I would definitely rollover the 401K from the former employer. To Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index Fund since you prefer Fidelity. However, Fidelity doesn't have a Spartan total bond market index fund which is a cornerstone of the Simple 3-fund portfolio. I would target 30-35% for bonds. I am more conservative. For his current 401K, I don't see the need for 3 funds. Choose 2040 or 2030 and be done with it. Besides asset allocation, remember about tax-efficient placement http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Principles_of_Tax-Efficient_Fund_Placement The 2030 was actually an accident and we've changed it to the Index fund only (going forward). You'd consider the 2040 a good choice even with the 1.01%? Does Fidelity Spartan Total Market Index in...
by StillTired
Mon Aug 13, 2012 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"
Replies: 16
Views: 1810

Re: Portfolio Advice: 12 years of investing with no "plan"

Bob's not my name wrote:
StillTired wrote:Income: low 100K
Tax Rate: 25% Federal
Are you sure? I don't know what "low 100k" really means, but here's an example:

$120,000 gross income
- $17,000 401k contribution
- $2,700 pre-tax health, dental, and disability insurance premiums
- $2,500 FSA contributions
--------------------------------
$97,800 AGI
- $15,200 personal exemptions for four
- $11,900 standard deduction
-----------
$70,700 taxable income --> in the 15% bracket, right at the 25% bracket threshold
I'm pretty sure. We are just north of that, so right into the 25% bracket. Of course, last year included a new job bonus, so this year (2012) we may dip under the line again. As you mentioned, right on the threshold.