Search found 191 matches

by Shireman28
Tue Feb 28, 2023 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Managed vs. Index funds
Replies: 15
Views: 1946

Re: Tax Managed vs. Index funds

I'm in Indiana, I don't know of any Indiana specific funds at the moment but I'll research it.
by Shireman28
Tue Feb 28, 2023 5:16 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Searching for Lost Contributors
Replies: 537
Views: 138175

Whatever happened to Market Timer?

Been gone from the forum for 10+ years.

Curious as to what eventually happened to Market Timer. The fall in 2008 from leverage was pretty spectacular.

He's probably bounced back and is the head of a hedge fund by now, right?


[New topic and the reply below have been merged into the existing thread -moderator ClaycordJCA.]
by Shireman28
Tue Feb 28, 2023 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Managed vs. Index funds
Replies: 15
Views: 1946

Tax Managed vs. Index funds

US investor going to invest a lump sum small windfall from a property sale. I'm probably at the 37% tax rate.

When looking to invest in taxable accounts for a long-term hold, is there any advantage of using Tax-managed funds such as Tax-managed International vs. just regular indexes like the Total International index fund?

How about using Total Bond Market vs. just going muni bonds funds in taxable account?

What the best way for tax efficiency and long term returns?

Thanks in advance.
by Shireman28
Wed Jan 29, 2014 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Small business health insurance post-Obamacare
Replies: 10
Views: 1380

Small business health insurance post-Obamacare

This is a question to small business owners: I am a partner in a small family business with less than 20 employees. For years we have paid 50% of employee's health care premiums through our health insurance. What is everyone doing with their plans that are all being adjusted to the new standards? Our cost increase isn't much, but it's a good time to re-think our overhead and benefits structure. Since we are less than 50 employees and may not get there in my lifetime, I suppose we could drop coverage with no penalty, then give everyone a raise to make up for it. Since preexisting conditions don't count individual workers could theoretically get insurance pretty easily. Or we could stay as is, or any other plan. What do your business do about...
by Shireman28
Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 115
Views: 16106

Re: Only after a 150% stock market rally in 4 years...

A. Unless you are buying actual bonds, why do you think you are locked into a 2% return now? If you buy a bond fund, you are reinvesting the income at higher rates if rates go up. And the bond fund buys new bonds at new rates as old ones mature B. If you can believe you can time the bond market, why not do the same for the stock market? Just remember that the bond market is much larger, much more sophisticated and much more mature than the stock market. And hence much more efficient too. All your concerns about the future may be valid, but they have been priced in. In response to your very good points: A: Total bond market yields 1.59% for 5.3 year duration. If I increase total bond market today or put new money into the fund, it would be ...
by Shireman28
Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 115
Views: 16106

Re: Only after a 150% stock market rally in 4 years...

That's my issue. Right there. It isn't that I think a 90% stock portfolio is particularly wise. It's that I say to myself, "Self, what's the point of investing in something with a negative real return for the long term?" Might as well spend the "bond portion" of the portfolio now. :) Thanks for the response Doc. I feel like I'm crazy some days. Reminds me of Buffet's Mr. Market example. I'd don't want those 2% bonds Mr. Market, you crazy fool, get away from my door. Yeah I'm 90/10 as well (bonds are just for the rebalancing bonus), instead of the 70/30 I'd like to be if interest rates were less stupid. I use target retirement funds in my tax advantaged space and was able to hold during the 2008 crash, takes the emotion ...
by Shireman28
Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 115
Views: 16106

Re: Only after a 150% stock market rally in 4 years...

Perhaps we young investors know that US Treasuries at 2% aren't going to get us to retirement in real dollars in a country with a major aging demographic problem and long term debt issues.

I'll pass on loaning Uncle Sam money at 2%, thanks.
by Shireman28
Sun Feb 24, 2013 8:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Long term stock market risk
Replies: 51
Views: 6541

Re: Long term stock market risk

cbeck wrote:All of these examples seem to be for static portfolios, without ongoing contributions or withdrawals. If we consider a retirement period from which withdrawals must be made to cover living expenses then there is much more risk since market losses to that extent must be realized.

Although most posters here know this already, it is useful to keep in mind that the mere mathematical statement of the probability does not fully match the risk in some real world situations.
So then as a young investor making steady contributions the opposite would be true, i.e. much less risk.
by Shireman28
Sat Feb 16, 2013 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: *fired my advisor* need help with investments
Replies: 27
Views: 5175

Re: *fired my advisor* need help with investments

I get what Clivus is saying, but borrowing adjustable rate money to invest a big chunk in bonds paying less than your "low cost of capital" and having interest rate risk on top of it seems really dumb.

At a minimum, I'd rather call the giant mortgage your bond-like portion and invest that bond portion into paying down debt.

But it's your life and maybe your business will always be great and you and your wife will always make the income your are currently making.

The value of de-risking your life is worth more than a few percentage points you might make over top of a mortgage in stocks and a $8k tax break.
by Shireman28
Thu Feb 14, 2013 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: *fired my advisor* need help with investments
Replies: 27
Views: 5175

Re: *fired my advisor* need help with investments

You have $725,000 adjustable rate mortgage. This is a 10K a month payment right now, could double if interest rates get back to median historical levels. You want to use this adjustable rate debt as leverage to invest for retirement, during a period when the stock market is at an all time high and bonds and money markets pay less than your adjustable interest rate. So if interest rates go up your bonds lose value and your payments increase. Why not pay this off (or down aggressively) and virtually dollar cost average the 10K a month payment into the market for the next 10 years? This seems like a lot less risky plan than what you are doing. Personally I would need tenured jobs and guaranteed perfect health to do this plan you are asking peo...
by Shireman28
Tue Feb 12, 2013 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do things look to you young investors these days?
Replies: 87
Views: 11082

Re: How do things look to you young investors these days?

Well, I'm concerned about the demographics of the country - i.e. shrinking birth rates among my generation and the huge debt and bills coming due with the baby boomer retirements.

[Political comments removed by admin LadyGeek] I'm less concerned about social issues.

I get concerned that the use of technology is hampering personal relationship skills among younger people. I'm 34 and can't have a conversation with people younger than me because they are constantly texting and checking phones.

Still, the USA is the greatest country on earth and I'm blessed to be among the most fortunate humans on the planet and I'll do my part to keep it that way for my children.
by Shireman28
Sat Feb 09, 2013 4:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you find Mrs. Boglehead?
Replies: 142
Views: 19392

Re: How do you find Mrs. Boglehead?

The poker room. She was a shark!
by Shireman28
Fri Feb 08, 2013 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Whole Life Surrender & Pay Down Debt?
Replies: 57
Views: 5912

Re: Whole Life Surrender & Pay Down Debt?

OP,

I would surrender the whole life and pay down the debt.

If you don't like that, what is in your portfolio you mention? Is it tax advantaged or taxable?

Personally if it is all in taxable investments, subject to capital gains and dividend taxes, I would sell it too and pay down the mortgage.

No need to be leveraged. Get the mortgage paid off while maxing out retirement accounts and 529s, etc., and then start taxable investing down the road.
by Shireman28
Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bondphopic's Challege
Replies: 41
Views: 3256

Re: Bondphopic's Challege

Also, the bond crash should be brutal as the Fed quits buying all those US Treasuries.
by Shireman28
Tue Jan 22, 2013 9:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bondphopic's Challege
Replies: 41
Views: 3256

Re: Bondphopic's Challege

Ok give me:

50% a 1-YR CD AT 1%
50% Vanguard total world stock fund

I think bonds will fall, so this should be good enough.

--Jeff
by Shireman28
Tue Sep 11, 2012 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: GM Volt
Replies: 208
Views: 20702

Re: GM Volt

What I personally would like to see is a true "disruptive technology' that doesn't try to serve the same function as a traditional car. I'd like to see cheap all-electric cars that are intended to meet only local driving needs. For retirees who don't commute to work. Much better weather protection, comfort, and cargo capacity than a bicycle. Something an 80-year-old can drive to the supermarket in the rain and bring back a week's groceries. Maybe, on occasion, cartop a sheet of plywood from Home Depot. And speedy enough for safe coexistence on 65-mph highways (urban circumferential interstates) for short distances. Plus, perhaps, some adaptation of local roads to allow for golf carts and Segways and other 15-30 mph vehicles. Rent a Zi...
by Shireman28
Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hardiboard vs. Composite Siding
Replies: 22
Views: 16776

Re: Hardiboard vs. Composite Siding

Hardiboard doesn't work well in soffits, either. Would recommend aluminum.
by Shireman28
Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hardiboard vs. Composite Siding
Replies: 22
Views: 16776

Re: Hardiboard vs. Composite Siding

Prefinished hardiboard didn't work well for me.

The house has major concrete sprawling issues 5 years after installation.

My lumber yard is now pushing Louisiana Pacific siding as a better option with a 30-year warranty.

--Jeff
by Shireman28
Wed Aug 08, 2012 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inheriting $200k.... what to do?
Replies: 19
Views: 3199

Re: Inheriting $200k.... what to do?

Take the money, pay off credit cards and student loans and make a monster principal payment on the house.

Also, spend $3k on a nice vacation and think well of Grandma while sipping a fruity drink at the swim-up bar in some all inclusive resort.
by Shireman28
Mon Jul 30, 2012 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My first portfolio was a disaster! Is this one better?
Replies: 17
Views: 2428

Re: My first portfolio was a disaster! Is this one better?

You'll have to break my sword over your knee and drum me out of the organization, you grammar nits!
by Shireman28
Mon Jul 30, 2012 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My first portfolio was a disaster! Is this one better?
Replies: 17
Views: 2428

Re: My first portfolio was a disaster! Is this one better?

I would invest in FDIC CDs then in taxable instead of bonds, no risk of loss of principle and when interest rates go back up and you can buy cheaper bonds later.
by Shireman28
Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Louisville KY area
Replies: 5
Views: 997

Re: Visiting Louisville KY area

A lot of great caves in the area, Mammoth Cave and Marengo Cave come to mind.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is cool.

Lots of Museums in downtown Louisville on Main St.

Churchill Downs is a must see if they are racing.
by Shireman28
Mon Jul 30, 2012 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My first portfolio was a disaster! Is this one better?
Replies: 17
Views: 2428

Re: My first portfolio was a disaster! Is this one better?

It's your money, but 34% bonds at age 30 is too conservative for me, especially held in taxable.
by Shireman28
Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions about my home energy audit
Replies: 131
Views: 14294

Re: Questions about my home energy audit

Speaking as a commerical contractor with an energy star-rated home:

If you're only going to be in the house another decade, I think the only thing that will pay for itself is to add more insulation to the attic. I would recommend blowing-in more fiberglass or cellulose in the attic. Usually this can just be blown in on top of your existing insulation.

Air sealing and re-caulking around windows, doors, sill plates, etc. may also be beneficial.

As for carbon monoxide, some homes in my area have installed a small blower that runs on a timer for 30 seconds or so after the garage door opens or closes. I haven't done that yet but I'm sure an electrician could price it for you.
by Shireman28
Sun Jul 22, 2012 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help: Girlfriend's Dad Believes She Should Time the Market
Replies: 70
Views: 7565

Re: Help: Girlfriend's Dad Believes She Should Time the Mark

Get engaged before starting to dispense financial advise, would be my recommendation. Give her a investing book if she's a reader.

You're not losing much in the meantime.

Don't ever talk to the father about finances.

Life is short, keep the drama small.
by Shireman28
Fri Jul 06, 2012 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should 81 Yr Old Cancel Life Insurance?
Replies: 29
Views: 3986

Re: Should 81 Yr Old Cancel Life Insurance?

If you have 400K in retirement accounts other than your pension and SS, why not withdraw 100K and pay off the house and get rid of that expense.

Surely the mortgage interest rate is higher than what bonds are paying you?

I'd keep the insurance at this point but I'm no expert.

I imagine mortality tables could tell you the chance of a average random 81 year old male dying in the next three years, which I imagine is a higher percent chance than the 4800 in premiums vs. 100K payoff. By canceling, you're saying that it's less than a 1 in 20 chance, surely it's higher than that?

Sorry if any of that sounded insensitive.
by Shireman28
Mon Jul 02, 2012 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Late 80s EE savings bonds
Replies: 5
Views: 1487

Re: Late 80s EE savings bonds

Thanks everyone for the help!
by Shireman28
Mon Jul 02, 2012 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Late 80s EE savings bonds
Replies: 5
Views: 1487

Late 80s EE savings bonds

I have 4 old $50 EE savings bonds from 87-90, birthday presents from my late Grandpa.

I looked them up on the net, they're worth about $75 each.

But Interestingly to me, it appeared they were earning 4% each according to the website.

How does the interest work, and should I just keep them compared to the CD rate I could get for now?

Thanks.
by Shireman28
Thu May 03, 2012 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Golf Simulators
Replies: 5
Views: 714

Re: Golf Simulators

See some on ebay at your price range.
by Shireman28
Thu May 03, 2012 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Indecisive Newbie: Rent or Buy a home?
Replies: 39
Views: 4145

Re: Indecisive Newbie: Rent or Buy a home?

Unless you're stealing a foreclosure for 60% of market price, I'd wait on buying the house.

It's better to rent a nice place and stay flexible until your life partner comes along. I did the opposite, and regret it.
by Shireman28
Sat Feb 25, 2012 9:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: OK, I gotta ask... [why market up so much]
Replies: 49
Views: 5919

Re: OK, I gotta ask... [why market up so much]

Supply and demand. More people want to invest money in the market than withdraw it it right now.
by Shireman28
Fri Feb 10, 2012 7:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has Buffett changed anyones mind
Replies: 65
Views: 6059

Re: Has Buffett changed anyones mind

I don't think Bonds are a good idea going forward at such low interest rates, seems like a small loser vs. inflation. Last fall we shifted our retirement accounts from Target 2020 31% Bonds to Target 2040 and 10% Bonds.

The 10% should be enough for the re-balancing bonus and we have a 30 year investing horizon. If we needed immediate income, or were close to retirement we'd be much more conservative.
by Shireman28
Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Music Walk in Ft. Meyers, FL?
Replies: 4
Views: 837

Re: Music Walk in Ft. Meyers, FL?

Go to the Manatee Park, it's warm water coming off a power plant so there are dozens of manatees hanging out in the winter. Pretty cool. I think it's free other than a couple bucks parking.
by Shireman28
Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Grandson of BCS
Replies: 487
Views: 46163

BCS champ Alabama
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Notre Dame
West Virgnia
by Shireman28
Sun Jul 24, 2011 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Challenge: Portfolio for Today and Tomorrow
Replies: 61
Views: 5762

Why not pay off the house with taxable? It would be better than some bond funds.

(Because she'd just spend the mortgage payment, perhaps.)
by Shireman28
Tue Jun 28, 2011 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 28 y/o Needs Plan
Replies: 21
Views: 2973

We got married on the beach in a combo honeymoon/wedding. It cost $5,000.

Her ring cost $6500. Shop around, and check out some reputable licensed pawn shops as well. More diamond for your buck.

If you can do something similar, you'd have $25,000 left for your down payment.

Maybe she'd like a house better than a Jersey wedding.
by Shireman28
Fri May 13, 2011 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we stupid for paying extra on house?
Replies: 73
Views: 8644

I personally max out tax-advantaged Roths and my simple ira and then use the remaining money to pay down the mortgage.

My wife and I can always withdraw the Roth money in an emergency, plus we have an emergency fund for liquidity, but I see no reason to let the government get a free ride on my dividends and capital gains in a taxable account when I could be paying down the mortgage and getting my overall life risk/stress reduced.

I also don't see a magic 4-5% guaranteed return out there vs. it paying it down. Stocks have really rebounded fast off the lows and I'm not sure about what kind of return I'll get off them or my bond funds which are netting even less than the mortgage interest rate anyway.
by Shireman28
Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax-exempt money market a losing place for emergency fund?
Replies: 5
Views: 1120

Tax-exempt money market a losing place for emergency fund?

I just logged into my account for the first time in a while, and checked the yield on Vanguard's Tax Exempt money market fund, where I stash my emergency cash.

It is 0.12%

The expense ratio is 0.17%.

I suppose this means I am paying Vanguard now to hold my money?

(I was making something like 4% during the financial meltdown, and expected at least .75% or something)

Where are the rest of you holding your emergency cash at this point? CDs? Short-term bond funds? Super interest bearing checking accounts?

Thanks for any help/ideas.
by Shireman28
Thu Feb 03, 2011 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "I need my mortgage for a tax deduction"
Replies: 44
Views: 7066

Indiana has a property tax credit for homes with mortgages, similar to the homestead credit, so if you had an expensive home I guess this credit might make it worth holding a tiny mortgage.
by Shireman28
Mon Jan 17, 2011 11:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best way to sell a gold coin?
Replies: 23
Views: 4332

Go to a couple local coin shops.
by Shireman28
Wed Jan 12, 2011 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I sell my condo?
Replies: 20
Views: 2478

If you made 3% on your 900K you have in your vacation condo, you'd have $27,000.

You could stay at the greatest luxury resorts anywhere in the world for that kind of money for a couple weeks. Plus no property taxes and insurance.

Seems like a no-brainer to sell it.
by Shireman28
Wed Jan 05, 2011 10:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2011 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 374
Views: 43987

1228
by Shireman28
Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Warren Buffett on Index Funds
Replies: 32
Views: 7584

How is Buffett's bet of Index Funds against the Hedge Fund guys going?

(It would be hilarious if the Hedgies had a Madoff fund in their basket of Hedge Funds)
by Shireman28
Fri Nov 19, 2010 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 25yr. Old With A Somewhat Unique Goal
Replies: 43
Views: 7396

My advice would be to take the taxable investments and pay down 37K on the mortgage on the house or farm, as long as you have an emergency fund of 6 months of expenses outside of this account. Bonds are so cheap so that risk-free 3-4% post tax credit or whatever seems good to me. Then: Roth (25K): Vanguard Extended Market (SP Completion Index): 8K Vanguard Total International: 15K 401K (70K): SP500: 32K International Fund: 25K Bond Index: 15K Going forward: In the 401K, you'd buy mostly SP500, with some International and Bond Index and rebalance to your desired asset allocation. In the Roth, each year you'd buy enough completion index to keep the Ratio of roughly 4:1 SP500 to completion index to make the equivalent of the entire US stock ma...
by Shireman28
Fri Oct 22, 2010 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTWSX is roughly 38.9% US?
Replies: 10
Views: 3038

Because of the new and forthcoming admiral shares I'd go to Total Stock Market and Total International to save a .3 % in fees.
by Shireman28
Wed Oct 20, 2010 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay car off early?
Replies: 12
Views: 2507

Re: Pay car off early?

Chushingura wrote:Since my father was bent on getting the car in my name only we had the sales guy run the credit check just on me. When all was said and done I wound up with a 6-year 5.9% loan (horrible, I know).

This was the only way I could afford the monthly payments in addition to my upcoming rent payments as I moved from Connecticut to Maryland shortly after the purchase.
This is not the only way. You could have gotten a less expensive car and paid cash and saved up for your next car without using debt.

You need to pay this off and get out of the "lease" and "loan" thought process. Save and pay cash for the next one.
by Shireman28
Mon Oct 18, 2010 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Early Retirement: Am I Losing My Mind?
Replies: 43
Views: 7786

Take up small stakes Poker
by Shireman28
Mon Oct 18, 2010 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Benefit to paying property taxes in 1 installment?
Replies: 10
Views: 2774

I pay them at the same time so I don't lose/forget about the Feb. slip and wake up one day to a sheriff's sale on my lawn.
by Shireman28
Mon Oct 18, 2010 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Brother just got a disability check for 450,000...what to do
Replies: 23
Views: 4512

OP says his brother is blind, but the advice so far implies that he is mentally disabled. All we're told is that he's not good with money. If we're talking about a 40 year old of average intelligence and ability (minus sight) he should just need some advice and education, regarding the investment angle. Why is he living with your parents, with no job? Maybe he should use some of the money to get some education and find employment and become more independent. Parents don't live forever. There is nothing in this day and age that absolutely prevents the disabled from being independent and productive. Yes there are obstacles, but $450,000 should break down some walls. Love this answer. Send him to blind school and help him get back to a produc...
by Shireman28
Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: what are you shooting for in your retirement plan?
Replies: 66
Views: 8919

jeffyscott wrote:
Shireman28 wrote:At age 31, I don't count on social security as I hope to have enough in retirement assets to be disqualified by some government flunky since previous generations have saddled me with government debt.
Previous generations, eh? Seems to me that a lot of that debt was built up in just the last 10 years and they are projecting to add $1 trillion+ per year for many years to come now.

Ah yes...just over 1/2 of the debt was added since 2000:

http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/repo ... histo5.htm
Good point Jeffy, now point out all of the < 30 year old Washington politicians that voted for this from my age bracket.