Search found 40 matches
- Sun Dec 01, 2013 12:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Should I simplify my Vanguard Portfolio?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2452
Re: Should I simplify my Vanguard Portfolio?
Dear Bertilak & Dandy, Thank you for your very comprehensive answer. I really appreciate the time and thought that went into your reply. You are absolutely right that simplicity is a value of your overall plan. And I also agree that I am probably guilty of trying to tweak the portfolio a few points with multiple investments. This was one of the primary motivations behind my email as I am exploring simplifying my portfolio. My primary reason for using ML is that I work most of the year outside the US and I am not eligible for a 401K. ML had been extremely helpful when I use to have a mortgage with Bank of America and I use to send in extra payments to pay it off quickly. My particular broker charges us a fixed amount slightly under 1 per...
- Sat Nov 30, 2013 2:25 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Should I simplify my Vanguard Portfolio?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2452
Should I simplify my Vanguard Portfolio?
Emergency funds: 16 months Debt: None Tax Filing Status: MFJ Tax Rate: 28% Federal, 7% State State of Residence: DC Age: early 40s Portfolio Size: Low 7 figures Business & Real Estate Investments: Low 8 Figures I currently have 3 portfolios: (1) (Merrill Lynch where my financial advisor manages it--he uses a diversified ETF model that I am happy with and I realize with the fees is anti-Bogle), Etrade (Dividend Portfolio that I personally manage and I am also happy with) and finally Vanguard where I am putting more and more money. In my Vanguard Portfolio I have 5 funds which I am thinking of pairing down to 3. My question relates to the top 3 funds below the VHCOX, VDIGX, VEIPX--is it worth keep all 3 funds or consolidating them into 1 ...
- Sun Jun 30, 2013 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pay off my mortgage or invest more each month?
- Replies: 33
- Views: 4184
Re: Pay off my mortgage or invest more each month?
I would do both---I did that for the past 5 years. Paid off our mortgage in March and I don't care what anyone says having that new free cash and a paid off mortgage is very liberating. Remember when you invest there is no guarantee if it will go up or down but when you pay off a mortgage its certain you are paying off the mortgage.
- Sat Feb 23, 2013 10:18 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bond Diversification needed?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1206
Re: Bond Diversification needed?
I have the same concerns--If I were you given your age --I would only be in a very short term bonds or the Vanguard GNMA fund. Bonds have been on an upswing for 30 years---moreover interest rates can only go up which will crush bonds. Please define "crush bonds". How risky do you think bonds are relative to stocks? As you know the price of a bond is inversely related to the Interest Rate. So estimates are that a 1% increase in Interest Rates will decrease bond prices by about 2.5%. However this is related to time to maturity and the bond coupon rate. If you take a TBM fund with an average of 6 years to maturity--then a 1% increase would decrease bond prices by 4.4% and a 2% increase would lead to a 8.5% decrease. Bonds are defini...
- Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:44 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Tune-Up Please?
- Replies: 4
- Views: 678
Re: Portfolio Tune-Up Please?
I would not touch the TBM--the average duration of the bonds if 6+ years. Bonds are very risky right now so if you need bonds I would go with a shorter duration bond fund or TIPS I wanted to ask for some advice as I tune-up my portfolio: Her's my previous post: http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=103079&p=1495881 My 401k is: 1/3 SP500; 1/3 Russel 3k Small/Mid; 1/3 Int'l Hers is: 1/3 Wilshire5k; 1/3 Russel 3k Small/Mid; 1/3 Int'l Total 401ks represent approx 82% of port We each have a cash value pension account (12% of total port) Roths represent ~2% of port. Currently His half is Vanguard LS Aggressive. Her half is Vanguard TBM. ~4% is ING cash (about 1/2 to 1/3 of this is efund) + 2k in i-bonds I want to: a. Refine...
- Sat Feb 23, 2013 8:40 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bond Diversification needed?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1206
Re: Bond Diversification needed?
I have the same concerns--If I were you given your age --I would only be in a very short term bonds or the Vanguard GNMA fund. Bonds have been on an upswing for 30 years---moreover interest rates can only go up which will crush bonds.
- Sun Feb 10, 2013 8:57 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bond Version of Portfolio
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1899
Re: Bond Version of Portfolio
I currently have 40% of my Portfolio in the (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index I VBTIX) fund. I am worried about interest rates going up which will decrease the value of bonds. Therefore, I was thinking of purchasing the 2 bonds below and selling the total bond fund which I feel because of its holding is more susceptible to fluctuations. Thoughts?? Vanguard Interm-Term Bond Index Adm (VBILX) Vanguard GNMA Inv (VFIIX) I think with those funds that you will be right back where you started. Combined they are very similar to the Total Bond Fund. You should look at a funds duration to see how susceptible it is to changes to interest rates. The duration gives you the idea as to how much the share price might fall as a percentage for a sudden 1% r...
- Sun Feb 10, 2013 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bond Version of Portfolio
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1899
Re: Bond Version of Portfolio
I currently have 40% of my Portfolio in the (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index I VBTIX) fund. I am worried about interest rates going up which will decrease the value of bonds. Therefore, I was thinking of purchasing the 2 bonds below and selling the total bond fund which I feel because of its holding is more susceptible to fluctuations. Thoughts?? Vanguard Interm-Term Bond Index Adm (VBILX) Vanguard GNMA Inv (VFIIX) I was thinking of something similar but with Short Term Bond Index (VBIRX) and GNMA (VFIJX)... VBIRX has the same Treasury/Corporate mix as Total Bond without GNMA as they are still considered Intermediate Term Bonds. What you propose would still be susceptible to interest rate risk similar to Total Bond... Thank you--I will ta...
- Sun Feb 10, 2013 5:17 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bond Version of Portfolio
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1899
Bond Version of Portfolio
I currently have 40% of my Portfolio in the (Vanguard Total Bond Market Index I VBTIX) fund. I am worried about interest rates going up which will decrease the value of bonds. Therefore, I was thinking of purchasing the 2 bonds below and selling the total bond fund which I feel because of its holding is more susceptible to fluctuations. Thoughts??
Vanguard Interm-Term Bond Index Adm (VBILX)
Vanguard GNMA Inv (VFIIX)
Vanguard Interm-Term Bond Index Adm (VBILX)
Vanguard GNMA Inv (VFIIX)
- Sat Feb 09, 2013 3:01 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Basic bond question ...
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2239
Re: Basic bond question ...
I would be more cautious calling bonds low risk---bonds have undergone 3 decades of growth and Interest Rates are very low--once interest rates start to go up--and it is only a matter of time--bonds will go down in value--so I would characterize Bonds as more risky at the momentDay9 wrote:Both are quite low risk, low reward in the world of investing. But the TIPS is even lower risk, and lower reward. This isn't exactly true and another Boglehead will hopefully give you the nitty gritty details.
- Fri Feb 08, 2013 3:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do we need a Will/Trust if all assets at Vanguard ?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3116
Re: Do we need a Will/Trust if all assets at Vanguard ?
YES YES YES---I think you are missing the point of why you get a Will/Trust. It is much more comprehensive then just assets. A good lawyer will set up a health proxy, powers of attorney etc. You want to protect yourself so do it right. It will not cost that much--its a 1 time fee and will protect you and your wife down the line.Bustoff wrote:Do we need an estate plan such as a Will or Trust if all our assets are in Vanguard with up-to-date beneficiary designations ?
We are married and currently retired. We have no children.
Is it true that a Will is mostly for personal possessions like a vehicle, house and its contents ?
- Wed Feb 06, 2013 2:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Just Maxed Roth, What Now?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1295
Re: Just Maxed Roth, What Now?
From my experience when your account gets over 10K in 1 Fund you actually need to go into your account and convert it to Admiral Shares--its not automatic.nwffdiver wrote:Okta,
If you do buy in with $6000 in VTSMX when you carry a balance of over $10k Vanguard will change you to Admiral shares and the lower ER. One thing to think about is how much US equities is in your ISP. The 2050 fund will have a significant amount in it. That could make your overall amount higher than you want.
Somebody with more knowledge can jump in... Hopefully this will bump you up.
- Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:31 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Beginner - Scottrade funds
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1150
Re: Beginner - Scottrade funds
Totally agree--you need to understand why you are buying various funds, allocation etcDefault User BR wrote:The cart is way before the horse. Start with this:
http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtop ... f=1&t=6212
Brian
- Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Portfolio Review
- Replies: 11
- Views: 2118
Re: Portfolio Review
I might add a Vanguard Small Cap or REIT into your mix.
- Thu Jan 31, 2013 7:14 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Get out of Vanguard Bond Fund (VBILX)?
- Replies: 14
- Views: 3436
Re: Get out of Vanguard Bond Fund (VBILX)?
If you feel that a 2-3% drop in a bond fund is "tanking" you should probably keep your money in a CDalamander wrote:Hi All: this is my first post; I've read and enjoyed the forum entries over the past year or so. Here is my question: I have (what to me is) a good deal of money in the Vanguard intermediate bond fund VBILX. The NAV has been tanking lately, and I wonder if I should get out now (with about what I put in). However, my real interest is longer term -- I could leave it for 5 or so years without touching it. But there is so much talk of a "bond bubble" that I am (to be frank) getting nervous. My preference is for stable, secure investments. Perhaps I should go into a bond ladder (say Ibonds)? Thanks in advance! - Alamander
- Wed Jan 30, 2013 9:07 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: First time poster : feedback on my investment decisions?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1172
Re: First time poster : feedback on my investment decisions?
Buying 2 Condos does not make sense when you have 100K in a Home Equity Loan---if you want financial freedom pay off your debts--I do not get keep 220K in cash but having a 100K Home Equity and a 300+ mortgage. Have you taken into account HOA fees, property tax, repairs, etc etc etc. I think you misunderstand what he has. I read it as he has $100K equity in his home and has $300K mortgage remaining. He plans to use $197K of the $220K cash to buy the condos leaving him with just $33K in cash which he claims will last him 4 months. He is banking that he will be able to rent out the condos 10 months of every year and that the rent will pay for all expenses/taxes/repairs on the condos. Reminiscent of people before the crash who were highly lev...
- Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:24 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: First time poster : feedback on my investment decisions?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1172
Re: First time poster : feedback on my investment decisions?
Buying 2 Condos does not make sense when you have 100K in a Home Equity Loan---if you want financial freedom pay off your debts--I do not get keep 220K in cash but having a 100K Home Equity and a 300+ mortgage. Have you taken into account HOA fees, property tax, repairs, etc etc etc.
- Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:27 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Should we pay down our mortgage?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 2991
Re: Should we pay down our mortgage?
What I would do is refinance and get a 15 year fixed Mortgage--this will take 15 years off your mortgage--then pay some extra each month to the mortgage but keep on investing in all your taxable and non-taxable accounts.
- Sun Jan 20, 2013 3:24 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How many asset types do you use?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1238
Re: How many asset types do you use?
[quote="nedsaid"]Ditto Total Stock Index.
Ditto Small Value Index.
Ditto REIT Index.
Ditto Total Bond Index.
Ditto I Bonds.
in my opinion Total Bond, Total International, REIT, SMALL Cap, Large Cap if you are very conservative remove Small Cap
Ditto Small Value Index.
Ditto REIT Index.
Ditto Total Bond Index.
Ditto I Bonds.
in my opinion Total Bond, Total International, REIT, SMALL Cap, Large Cap if you are very conservative remove Small Cap
- Wed Jan 16, 2013 2:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Using REITs in a lazy portfolio
- Replies: 24
- Views: 4723
Re: Using REITs in a lazy portfolio
Very interesting your take on REITs--I had the same question and was interested in adding a REIT--thank you After months of research including ~ 20 books and countless studies, articles, and history lessons my portfolio is modeled on Swensen's portfolio and is: 30% S&P 500 25% REIT 15% International Equities 15% Normal Bond Fund 15% TIP Bonds Numerous studies have shown that having ~ 20% REIT decreases overall volality while increasing profit, this is what I've seen since I've adopted this portfolio. REITs are absolutely a different asset class than either bonds or stock. At the time of this post my domestic stock is down .29%, foreign stock is down .52%, TIPS are up .02%, bonds are up . 06% and REITs are only down .19%. There have been...
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 2:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Roth 401K
- Replies: 2
- Views: 793
Re: Vanguard Roth 401K
Thank you so much for that explanation. I think you are right the 401K is best option for me. Really appreciate your comment.
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:44 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Roth 401K
- Replies: 2
- Views: 793
Vanguard Roth 401K
I am interested in learning more about Roth 401K vs. SEP IRA options. Vanguard is very unique in having a Roth 401K. I have a small business just me and my business partner--no employees and less than $250K in profit. I have maxed out my Roth IRA with $5500 but wanted to be able to save more in a non-taxable account.
Question 1: For a small business (S Corp) with 2 partners only--is a SEP IRA or Roth 401K better?
Question 2: Does the SEP or Roth 401K need to be funded only with Business Funds?
Question 1: For a small business (S Corp) with 2 partners only--is a SEP IRA or Roth 401K better?
Question 2: Does the SEP or Roth 401K need to be funded only with Business Funds?
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:24 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rebalancing Question
- Replies: 6
- Views: 677
Re: Rebalancing Question
Dear Bertilak,
Thank you those are great points. I have really noticed the efficiency of my Vanguard accounts and I am trying to move my other accounts into Vanguard because of low fees, diversification and simplicity. I had my accounts managed at Merrill. My manager is retiring so I am now taking over managing my money. Probably something I should have done a long time ago.
Thanks for your input,
VLT
Thank you those are great points. I have really noticed the efficiency of my Vanguard accounts and I am trying to move my other accounts into Vanguard because of low fees, diversification and simplicity. I had my accounts managed at Merrill. My manager is retiring so I am now taking over managing my money. Probably something I should have done a long time ago.
Thanks for your input,
VLT
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 9:10 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rebalancing Question
- Replies: 6
- Views: 677
Re: Rebalancing Question
John,
Thanks--I have updated my post
VLT
Thanks--I have updated my post
VLT
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 6:06 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rebalancing Question
- Replies: 6
- Views: 677
Re: Rebalancing Question
Dear Bertilak,
Thank you--those are great questions that I need to reflect on. I also did not realize that a total stock fund has a REIT included even at 3%. It seems my portfolio has developed a Small Cap Tilt thru appreciation in prices. I do not think I want more bonds than the Total Bond Fund.
Thank you your input--
VLT
Thank you--those are great questions that I need to reflect on. I also did not realize that a total stock fund has a REIT included even at 3%. It seems my portfolio has developed a Small Cap Tilt thru appreciation in prices. I do not think I want more bonds than the Total Bond Fund.
Thank you your input--
VLT
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 5:55 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pay off mortgage sooner or invest in taxable funds?
- Replies: 28
- Views: 4184
Re: Pay off mortgage sooner or invest in taxable funds?
I would try to do both depending on your mortgage something like $200-300 for mortgage and the remaining for investment--if you can make 1 additional principal payment on your mortgage per year (26 Payment Plan) it will reduce your mortgage by about 7.5 years. You will need to see if your mortgage company allows this but most do.
- Thu Jan 10, 2013 4:56 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Rebalancing Question
- Replies: 6
- Views: 677
Rebalancing Question
Emergency funds: 1 Year + Debt: 140K left on Mortgage 15 Year Fixed will be paid off in 5 Years Tax Filing Status: Married Filling Jointly Tax Rate : 0 Live Overseas and I am tax exempt on first 92K State of Residence: 0 Age : 40 Desired Asset allocation : 75% stocks / 25% bonds Desired International allocation: around 25% Contributions New annual Contributions $5500 his IRA/Roth IRA $5500 her IRA/Roth IRA $50K taxable (for retirement, not short term goals) **Prefer Only Vanguard Funds I have been thinking of rebalancing my taxable portfolio- -the portfolio began with 4 Vanguard Funds each allocated 25%. Through dividends, changes in share prices and monthly contributions the balances have changed. I am also wondering whether I should add ...
- Fri Mar 11, 2011 3:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Online Bill Payment and Security
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3748
- Wed Mar 09, 2011 1:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: "Vanguard. What Makes Them Unique"
- Replies: 33
- Views: 7954
- Fri Mar 04, 2011 12:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Moving to Singapore... how should I invest?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1497
Foreign income exclusion
Do not forget that you will not pay taxes on the first 92k of income as long as you meet the bona Fide residence test
- Thu Mar 03, 2011 3:26 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Newsletters, magazines, advice - Individual stocks
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2911
- Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:53 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Introducing myself and in need of opinions.
- Replies: 104
- Views: 8461
I don't plan to work off the books indefinitely but right now I have no choice. When I can find a better opportunity I will take it. I went from being excited to feeling very down about this now. This isn't the first investment book I've read btw and actually a few years ago took and passed the series 7 and 63 exams and went to work in what I soon realized was a boiler room and quit after 2 days. I don't know what to do and feel hopeless right now. I'm sorry if it appeared as if I was expecting others to do the work for me. That was not my intentions by coming here. I also hope it didn't sound as though I have a bad attitude. My life is so chaotic and stressful that adding this all to it is overwhelming. I can see now why people avoid inve...
- Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: which funds to generate income
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2597
Re: Vanguard
All investments have risk--if you want income you need to expose yourself to some risk--the point is to give ideas and the individual should evaluate the risk of the investment given their own circumstances and tolerance for risk.
GRT2BOUTDOORS wrote:Relatively safe - without knowing the full extent of the OP's finances how would it be reasonable to make such a recommendation above? In the suggestions above you expose the OP to equity risk and interest rate risk amongst others.vtanzi wrote:How about Vanguard Dividend Growth or Vanguard Total Bind
- Tue Mar 01, 2011 12:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: which funds to generate income
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2597
Vanguard
How about Vanguard Dividend Growth or Vanguard Total Bind
- Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:51 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Want to invest in my first mutual fund!
- Replies: 13
- Views: 2039
Vanguard Suggestions
I personally like the following index funds
Vanguard Total Market
Vanguard Total Bond
Vanguard Total International
Vanguard Total Small Cap
It is a simple portfolio that covers everything. Too many people end up suggesting in this forum 10-15 mutual funds in. I just think keeping simple works and easy to manage. Just my 2 Cents
Good luck
Vanguard Total Market
Vanguard Total Bond
Vanguard Total International
Vanguard Total Small Cap
It is a simple portfolio that covers everything. Too many people end up suggesting in this forum 10-15 mutual funds in. I just think keeping simple works and easy to manage. Just my 2 Cents
Good luck
- Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: New Merrill Edge/My Merrill iPad app
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1443
Thanks
I am not sure why Vanguard and Morningstar do not have an iPad app
- Sun Feb 27, 2011 4:41 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Current Vanguard Portfolio
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1028
Current Vanguard Portfolio
Emergency funds = 12 months
Debt: Mortgage 300K left (Home Value 1.1 million)
Other Real Estate: 1.7 Million
Etrade Account (Dividend Stocks Only): 150K
Merrill Lynch Account: 300K
Vanguard: 70K
Tax Filing Status: Married filing Jointly
Age: 40
Vanguard Total Bond Mkt Index Inv 18.5%
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund 31.2%
Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Adm 26.5%
Vanguard Tot Intl Stock Ix Admiral 23.8%
I started my Vanguard account in March 2009. Got really lucky with the timing. Any thoughts on my portfolio allocation for my Vanguard Portfolio?
Debt: Mortgage 300K left (Home Value 1.1 million)
Other Real Estate: 1.7 Million
Etrade Account (Dividend Stocks Only): 150K
Merrill Lynch Account: 300K
Vanguard: 70K
Tax Filing Status: Married filing Jointly
Age: 40
Vanguard Total Bond Mkt Index Inv 18.5%
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund 31.2%
Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Adm 26.5%
Vanguard Tot Intl Stock Ix Admiral 23.8%
I started my Vanguard account in March 2009. Got really lucky with the timing. Any thoughts on my portfolio allocation for my Vanguard Portfolio?
- Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Please help simplify. Thank you in advance.
- Replies: 22
- Views: 4038
Simple Portfolio
Vanguard Total Bond
Vanguard total Small Cap
Vanguard Total International
Vanguard Dividend Growth
Vanguard total Small Cap
Vanguard Total International
Vanguard Dividend Growth
- Tue Feb 08, 2011 10:40 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Total Bond vs. Wellesly Income
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2845
Thank you
Really want to thank everyone for the replies. I really appreciate it
- Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:40 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard Total Bond vs. Wellesly Income
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2845
Vanguard Total Bond vs. Wellesly Income
I currently have the Vanguard Total Bond in my Vanguard Portfolio--I was thinking of switching it to the Wellesly income because the yield is slightly higher with more potential for appreciation in price. Thoughts?