Search found 509 matches

by Offshore
Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retiree's fixed income AA
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Re: Retiree's fixed income AA

jebmke,
I identify with your point of this being (close to) a wash in my tax bracket based upon current rates and TEY math. I do have a bias towards Treasuries in my taxable account simply for the improved diversification compared with the alternative bond portfolio, so I plan to go with that plan.
And, yes, joylesshusband I recognize the Wellesley Income fund includes 40% equities. Thanks for the clarity on that.
by Offshore
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retiree's fixed income AA
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Re: Retiree's fixed income AA

right now 24% fed and 4% state, but I am still working part time. Federal rate will go down in 2 years.
by Offshore
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retiree's fixed income AA
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Re: Retiree's fixed income AA

Shall I take the optimistic view that TEY is the deciding factor and there is only 1, indisputable correct answer? :wink:
by Offshore
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retiree's fixed income AA
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Retiree's fixed income AA

Context: my retirement savings are primarily in a taxable account. Christine Benz recycled an article on M* (https://www.morningstar.com/specials/our-best-investment-portfolio-examples-for-savers-and-retirees) that I prompts my question to the forum. I'd like to use the M* recommended bond holdings for a tax deferred account in my taxable account . Before you reply, please hear me out. If you don't want to open the link, below are the details from "Moderate Taxable Model Portfolios for Retirees". Remember, this is only the bond holdings (40% allocation to bonds): a) VG short-term Bond Index (VBIRX) 10% b) VG short-term TIPS (VTAPX) 10% c) VG TBM (VBTLX) 12% d) VG Wellesley Income (VWIAX) 8% For taxable accounts , M* recommendation...
by Offshore
Sun Dec 31, 2023 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How important are TIPS?
Replies: 27
Views: 3209

Re: How important are TIPS?

OP here. Thank you for all the replies. I am struck most by the reply from nisprius, so here it is. 1) Nothing in investing is sure enough to justify the word "critical." 2) You probably want inflation protection, so, logically, the lower your stock allocation, the more important it is to get more inflation protection on the bond side since you are getting less on the stock side. 3) I've been a big TIPS enthusiast since... let's say 1998, when I bought my first TIPS. If you are buying bonds to be low risk , I honestly don't understand why you would want nominal bonds instead of TIPS. It seems pretty clear. The bonds in Total Bond have inflation risk, interest rate risk, and credit risk Nominal Treasury securities have inflation ri...
by Offshore
Sun Dec 31, 2023 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How important are TIPS?
Replies: 27
Views: 3209

How important are TIPS?

May I lean on the forum for one more discussion?
I am doing a small AA reset as I ease into retirement, and am considering using TBM as the sole fixed income holding. This will reduce the total number of funds and simplify drawdown. Sample 3 and 4 fund portfolios in the Wiki on this site show only TBM so I am thinking TBM may reasonably serve as the sole exposure to fixed income. Would anybody argue it is critical to have a TIPS fund in the fixed income allocation? If you argue this point, please endeavor to make the case "critical flaw" versus "nice to have". As always, thank you for sharing your knowledge.
by Offshore
Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPA tells me not to rebalance
Replies: 26
Views: 2140

Re: CPA tells me not to rebalance

stan1 wrote: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:24 pm OP, I'd put it this way. You gave your CPA a little bit of a test and I'd say they passed it with flying colors. They gave you good advice which is comforting to know especially if they explained most of this.
Agree. He's always been expensive, but I do trust him.
by Offshore
Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPA tells me not to rebalance
Replies: 26
Views: 2140

Re: CPA tells me not to rebalance

Okay. The overall direction of wisdom is to follow the CPA's advice. I so appreciate you all sharing your thoughts. Thank you! :sharebeer
by Offshore
Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPA tells me not to rebalance
Replies: 26
Views: 2140

Re: CPA tells me not to rebalance

retiredjg, the overall stock:bond allocation is not far off. Yesterday it was 47:53 so you make a good point. It is the sub-allocations that are off. It makes sense to leave well enough alone and follow the CPA's advice, but I recall reading the line "If you don't periodically rebalance, the market will do it for you." Do you believe this to be true?
by Offshore
Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPA tells me not to rebalance
Replies: 26
Views: 2140

Re: CPA tells me not to rebalance

A lot of questions about tax advantaged accounts. We do have those but those accounts hold fixed income and REITS. Before there are comments on the conservative AA (see below), please understand we live simply and I have enough to fund our simple retirement without taking on more risk. I suppose that will happen, to a smaller extent, if we follow our CPA's advice. What is your overall AA and desired AA? 45% equities/55% fixed Have you turned off automatic reinvestment of distribution in taxable? Yes What would you be rebalancing towards, eg, buying more fixed income, international? Would rebalance into 2 different small cap index funds, 1 large cap value fund and an international fund. Recall, though, those are all within 5% of their targets.
by Offshore
Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CPA tells me not to rebalance
Replies: 26
Views: 2140

CPA tells me not to rebalance

The following real-life situation is taking place in a taxable retirement account . There has been no rebalancing for 3 years and now our S&P 500 Index fund is 28% above its target per our AA. All other asset classes are within 5% (under) their targets. I am 63 years old and have substantial capital loss carryover from TLH'ing. Our CPA suggested not eliminating the losses since I will be fully retired in 2 years and those losses will be helpful in the portfolio drawdown stage. Also, a full rebalance of the S&P 500 fund will generate cap gains that exceed the loss carryover and create a tax bill, but I have earned income set aside to cover that. I could forego a rebalance, as he suggests, and "let it ride", but I've always ...
by Offshore
Wed Oct 04, 2023 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to roll over a maturing T-Bill at Vanguard?
Replies: 13
Views: 1153

Re: How to roll over a maturing T-Bill at Vanguard?

I do not believe Vanguard has an automatic rollover option. There are various ways to do it manually (covered in previous replies). I find myself sitting on the sidelines when a T-bill matures, waiting for the next auction cycle in the maturity I want to buy.

VG must have a reason to not offer auto rollover. I do this at Fido and it's a wonderful convenience.
by Offshore
Sun Jun 11, 2023 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any wood finishers out there?
Replies: 9
Views: 980

Re: Any wood finishers out there?

jackrabbit14, ShaftoesSpreadsheet, Ithenderson, Alfonsia, Bighatnohorse, Bikes4life, jradisch;

Update:

I applied the 3:1 mixture of polyurethane:mineral spirits and, as this community assured me, it did not remove any oil based stain. I've laid down 3 coats and am planning for one more. I'm using a wipe on technique, which I like a lot because the coat is thin and it dries quickly. I sanded once with 400 grit and next with a brown paper bag. The finish feels smooth and looking very nice. One more (4th) coat and this project should be finished.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate you!
by Offshore
Fri Jun 09, 2023 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any wood finishers out there?
Replies: 9
Views: 980

Re: Any wood finishers out there?

Appreciate the replies. I’m mulling over your suggestions and thinking this through. Thanks folks-
by Offshore
Fri Jun 09, 2023 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any wood finishers out there?
Replies: 9
Views: 980

Any wood finishers out there?

Hi folks. Will applying 3:1 polyurethane:mineral spirits to recently stained wood (oil based stain), remove the stain? The YouTube videos I’ve watched promote cutting polyurethane to thin it out which lays down a more uniform coat. That was my plan until DW asks “Won’t the mineral spirits in your mix remove the stain”? Doh!!! I hadn’t thought of that and all the videos show the mix being used on unfinished wood. Does my question make sense? Let me know if I’m not being clear. TY
by Offshore
Mon May 15, 2023 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kohler 20 kW generator routine maintenance
Replies: 2
Views: 729

Kohler 20 kW generator routine maintenance

I am out of resources (searched YouTube and Google) so will bring my question here. It is time for my first routine maintenance on a 20 kW Kohler standby generator. Is it possible to replace the rear spark plug without removing the back composite cover? The other 3 sides come off easily. In the back, there is a large electrical conduit running through the cover and it appears like this will be a problem in any attempt to remove the back cover. I can feel how much force is required to remove the spark plug boot (front plug). Not sure this amount if this amount of force can be generated in the back without pulling along the axis of the plug, which is likely not possible without removing the rear cover because of very limited space. Am I wrong...
by Offshore
Wed Mar 15, 2023 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 529 expense?
Replies: 1
Views: 278

529 expense?

Our son (undergraduate student) will be doing a summer internship in NYC. He is allowed to live in a dorm on the campus of NYU (working at Langone Medical Center). The internship is directly related to his studies, but internships are not for college credit. It's unclear if he will be paid at all.

The question is, is this something we can fund with 529 savings? The summer rate is $6435. for a shared dorm room with the meal plan.
by Offshore
Sat Feb 11, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
Replies: 152
Views: 17962

Re: please help me get started with TV streaming

Some useful information in your replies. Thank you BH community.
Offshore
by Offshore
Sat Feb 11, 2023 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: please help me get started with TV streaming
Replies: 152
Views: 17962

please help me get started with TV streaming

My cable TV service has raised prices and reached my breaking point. I'd like to try streaming, alongside cable, for 1 month and if it works out cut the cord for good. My wife wants local news, PBS and HGTV. We watch sports. We DVR a lot.

What's the deal with live tv streaming services like Hulu, Sling, and YouTube TV? Why would I want or need that? Seriously, I need an education before I cut the cable cord.

I don't know the questions to ask so please offer any information a new streamer may find useful. Thank you.
by Offshore
Tue Jan 17, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using 529 savings for at-home living
Replies: 4
Views: 855

Re: Using 529 savings for at-home living

runner3081,
nice reference. thx.
by Offshore
Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using 529 savings for at-home living
Replies: 4
Views: 855

Using 529 savings for at-home living

Can we use 529 savings to reimburse ourselves for room and board while our son was living at home during the pandemic in 2021 when the school closed the dorms and sent students home? If this seems kosher, I was thinking I'd claim an amount equal to the cost of dorm living, at that time.

It is only for 1 semester and I think this passes the sniff test. What do you think?
by Offshore
Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is OEM lubricant necessary?
Replies: 19
Views: 2338

Re: Is OEM lubricant necessary?

enad and Cheez-It Guy...

you guys are my hero's today! enad, amazing reference. Cheez-It Guy, sourcing SDS's is brilliant. That never crossed my mind.

Conclusion: I'm heading to Home Depot for the Lucas Oil White Lithium grease. It's half the price and no wait/expense for shipping. Thanks guys!
by Offshore
Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is OEM lubricant necessary?
Replies: 19
Views: 2338

Re: Is OEM lubricant necessary?

Grease is for the metal gears inside the machine, not blades.
Cheez-It Guy: great idea but here's what the OEM stuff looks like. There is no way to know what's in the tube to find a substitute.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/332869959817?e ... R9DonpWFYQ
by Offshore
Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is OEM lubricant necessary?
Replies: 19
Views: 2338

Is OEM lubricant necessary?

Do I really need Stihl branded lubricant for my hedge trimmer? I opened it up to remove the blades for sharpening and will need to grease it. OEM Stihl grease is very expensive and my gut tells me it's not necessary. If found this that looks like a satisfactory substitute.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Lucas-Oil-8 ... /202535870
Appreciate your comments.
by Offshore
Fri Oct 28, 2022 10:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bond fund or individual bonds in retirement?
Replies: 157
Views: 12622

Re: Bond fund or individual bonds in retirement?

Disclaimer: I regard myself as an experienced investor, but only from the standpoint of DIY'ing for decades. There are many more qualified people on this forum with formal financial educations. Having said that, I will share my experiences of owning both bond funds and individual treasury bills as a semi-retired person. T-bills have given me comfort in knowing that when held to maturity there is no possibility of ending with less money what I started with. Could I have done better in a fund? Perhaps. My modus operandi has been buy very short term T-bills (1-2 months). This way, I lower my risk of losing potential $ when yields rise and vice versa. It's a bit more effort, but buying treasuries at auction is quick and easy on VG and Fido's si...
by Offshore
Wed Oct 26, 2022 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Re-attaching a single brick
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Re: Re-attaching a single brick

Not silicone.
Go to your favorite big box store and, as others have recommended, get a tube of adhesive that says it bonds stone and brick. You'll find several brands to choose from in the paint section of both Home Depot and Lowes. Easy project. Don't overthink it.
by Offshore
Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stopping BND bleed by temporary move to Tbills.
Replies: 114
Views: 15838

Re: Stopping BND bleed by temporary move to Tbills.

3 words; Don't do it.
I have made this mistake more than once and each instance that I market timed, justifying the move with with some b.s. rationale, I regretted it. I think I have finally learned my lesson.

Do what you will, but I suspect that if do as you are contemplating, you will teach yourself a lesson in the end.
by Offshore
Thu Sep 22, 2022 8:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [60 year old - anxiety over market downturn]
Replies: 181
Views: 21959

Re: 60 year old professional anxiety

I am 62, partially retired and feel exactly as you do! I have stayed the course rather easily through past market turmoil when there was a full paycheck coming in. Now? Not so much. As others have identified, it's the bond market that has gotten to me in this cycle. I don't see those losses coming back, even with higher monthly dividends. What I have done is move 25% of my fixed income into short term T-bills that I buy at auction. It has stemmed the losses and I am darn close to locking in more losses by cashing out of VBTLX and buying individual bonds. Haven't done that yet because I really want to "Stay the course" as much as I can. Can anyone give me a reason other than locking in losses to NOT move from mutual funds to indivi...
by Offshore
Sat Sep 10, 2022 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard website succumbs to "Fisher-Price" UI design
Replies: 843
Views: 112315

Re: Vanguard website succumbs to "Fisher-Price" UI design

I too am disappointed with the new UI. I have trouble navigating to where I want to be, or seeing confirmation of transactions. The end result? I phone Vanguard! I am pretty sure this is amongst the last things their burgeoning phone lines need. I wish there was a way to choose using the old UI. At this time, I may get either when I log on but I suspect the old version will be gone for good in the future.
by Offshore
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Endoscope camera for iPhone
Replies: 12
Views: 1160

Re: Endoscope camera for iPhone

great! Hey, on the link you provided I noticed the seller is running a 27% off sale on a camera/monitor hand held system. No phone needed! That may be the item for me. Thank you. :happy
by Offshore
Sat Sep 10, 2022 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Endoscope camera for iPhone
Replies: 12
Views: 1160

Re: Endoscope camera for iPhone

jebmke,
Appreciate the recommendation. I've heard the wireless ones sometimes have trouble connecting with the iPhone. Do you have an iPhone? I've not been able to find any wired devices, so am suspecting no such device exists. Anyway, thanks for the link. I'll research that one!
by Offshore
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Refrigerator - Samsung vs LG - need to decide in 2 days
Replies: 129
Views: 8364

Re: New Refrigerator - Samsung vs LG - need to decide in 2 days

We recently bought an LG very similar to the one you are considering. One important thing to consider...

The temperature indicators display the SET temperature and not the actual temperatures (both fridge and freezer). When your new device begins to fail, it will not cool well. You won't know it until your butter and ice cream are soft! We had to purchase stand alone thermometers to place in both the fridge and freezer to know the actual temperatures of both locations. I was both surprised and disappointed with the discovery. Otherwise, the LG product is meeting our expectations.
by Offshore
Sat Sep 10, 2022 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Endoscope camera for iPhone
Replies: 12
Views: 1160

Endoscope camera for iPhone

Hello friends,
Can anyone recommend a flexible endoscope type camera I can plug into my iPhone 11? I would like to see around corners when working on various projects (small engine repair, for example). Prefer wired over wireless.
Thanks!
by Offshore
Tue Aug 30, 2022 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hammer drills
Replies: 35
Views: 2399

Re: Hammer drills

Howdy folks,

Update:
Job is done and it went well. I want to mention a good deal that is happening right now. Milwaukee tools is offering their Fuel impact driver (12v), Fuel hammer drill (12 v), batteries for both, charger and canvas bag all for $149. I bought the bundle, used these tools and they were plenty powerful to do the job.

The deal is running to get rid of old product. Milwaukee has a new impact driver they call "surge". The "surge" is more powerful and quieter, but the impact driver is $199 by itself. The bundle I bought is the old model.

All prices are Home Depot pricing.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 24, 2022 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hammer drills
Replies: 35
Views: 2399

Re: Hammer drills

I've not investigated corded tools because the manufacturer's have put together these combo kits of 2 tools with batteries, charger and bag that makes it hard to ignore the price for 2 tools. Maybe I should investigate corded models. Tools have become vehicles to sell batteries. The tools themselves don't outperform their corded counterparts unless you don't have access to a plugin. I rarely find myself in those situations. As a result, my corded hammer drill is always charged. I carry an extension cord instead of batteries and a charger (which has to be plugged in anyway). Not a wrong answer. Get what suits you best! :happy Yes!! I've noticed buying the cordless tool alone is cheap, cheap, cheap! This is why I need to replace an old DeWal...
by Offshore
Wed Aug 24, 2022 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hammer drills
Replies: 35
Views: 2399

Re: Hammer drills

Ithenderson,
You make a lot of sense. I wouldn't use a hammer drill very often. What if I told you Milwaukee m12 fuel hammer drills have a switch that allows both hammer function and regular drill (non-hammer function).
You are correct on rental price. Home Depot rents hammer drills for about $20/day. Several reasonable options here.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hammer drills
Replies: 35
Views: 2399

Re: Hammer drills

masteraleph,
Yup, the m12 fuel is what's on sale.

KneeReplacementTutor,
Seems like I'd need to get Ryobi or similar house brands to price match on 2 tools. My gut is telling me to go with a higher quality tool for longevity.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hammer drills
Replies: 35
Views: 2399

Re: Hammer drills

Depth is 1.75 inches. And I'd get a carbide masonry bit. I've not investigated corded tools because the manufacturer's have put together these combo kits of 2 tools with batteries, charger and bag that makes it hard to ignore the price for 2 tools. Maybe I should investigate corded models.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 24, 2022 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hammer drills
Replies: 35
Views: 2399

Hammer drills

Howdy folks!

I need to drill into concrete to anchor some bolts. Got my eye on a Milwaukee hammer drill and impact driver combo set. The 12 volt is affordable and makes most sense for an infrequent user, but I will find uses on and off.

So, do you think a 12 volt cordless hammer drill will drill a 5/32 inch hole in concrete? And, will a 12 volt cordless impact driver secure a bolt into said hole? I'm thinking "no problem" if I get a carbide tip bit. What say you?
by Offshore
Thu Aug 18, 2022 4:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS in taxable... ever?
Replies: 19
Views: 4029

Re: TIPS in taxable... ever?

White Coat Investor wrote: Wed Aug 17, 2022 8:30 pm I'm now starting to move TIPS to taxable. I figure it's better than abandoning my desired asset allocation. My last three asset classes to move from tax protected to taxable are TIPS, REITS, and debt real estate. I'll probably move them in that order if I can.
White Coat Investor, I agree with your logic of sticking with an AA despite less than ideal tax planning. At its core, I find this plan easiest to adhere to, and I have been known to make an occasional deviation that, in retrospect, was dumb and I beat myself up over it. It's all in the name of trying to eliminate the self destructive financial moves and keep it boring.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 17, 2022 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS in taxable... ever?
Replies: 19
Views: 4029

Re: TIPS in taxable... ever?

statman wrote: Wed Aug 17, 2022 11:26 am Are you really in the 24% bracket, or in the 27.8% bracket (for taxable bond interest) due to the 3.8% additional investment tax? If so, munis are definitely preferred.
I don't believe I paid Net Investment Income Tax (CPA creates our return). According to this IRS site: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/net-inv ... income-tax
anyone who pays Net Investment Income Tax must file a form 8960. My CPA did not file this.

Times-three, use the link above to learn more about NIIT.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 17, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS in taxable... ever?
Replies: 19
Views: 4029

Re: TIPS in taxable... ever?

:thumbsup
thx.
by Offshore
Wed Aug 17, 2022 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS in taxable... ever?
Replies: 19
Views: 4029

Re: TIPS in taxable... ever?

dbr,
Are TIPS dividends from mutual funds also state tax exempt, or you talking about individual bonds?
by Offshore
Wed Aug 17, 2022 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS in taxable... ever?
Replies: 19
Views: 4029

TIPS in taxable... ever?

We are in the 24% tax bracket. We are in our 60's and I still work enough to cover expenses, but we no longer save.
Our AA is 45:55 stocks:bonds. That's where we are comfortable and plan to hold at this ratio for some years.
Fixed income is split between TBM and TIPS.

Here comes the issue...
All our tax exempt space is currently filled with bonds and REITS and at our AA, more space is needed. So, 1/3 of fixed income overflows into a taxable account.

Question:
What do you think of our AA of 50% TBM and 50% TIPS in a taxable account? I don't think tax exempt bonds are warranted in the 24% bracket (do you?). Not sure how big of an issue this is and appreciate comments.
by Offshore
Wed Jul 20, 2022 1:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax Equivalent Yield question
Replies: 2
Views: 364

Re: Tax Equivalent Yield question

thanks petulant. I appreciate your answer and the clear presentation.
by Offshore
Wed Jul 20, 2022 11:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax Equivalent Yield question
Replies: 2
Views: 364

Tax Equivalent Yield question

The equation I am using is: Tax Equiv. Yield = tax exempt yield/100%-tax bracket Vanguard's website reports a 30 day SEC yield for its bond funds, which I am using as the numerator. Currently, the intermediate term tax-exempt fund (VWIUX) shows a 30 day yield of 2.85% My tax bracket is 24%. Plugging numbers into the above equation look like: 2.85/1-0.24 or 2.85/0.76, which is 3.75% So a taxable bond fund would need to yield 3.75% to be equivalent to VWIUX. For sake of comparison, VG's TBM (VBTLX) shows a 30 day SEC yield of 3.37%. Can we say, at this moment in time, after federal taxes are paid on dividends the tax exempt bond fund earns 0.38% more (3.75% - 3.37%) than TBM? State tax would be owed with either holding. My goal is to better u...
by Offshore
Thu Jun 23, 2022 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Driving route from Midwest to Palm Springs, CA
Replies: 30
Views: 2349

Driving route from Midwest to Palm Springs, CA

Wife and I are driving from Michigan to Palm Springs, CA next winter. Mapquest recommends 2 different routes (roughly equiv. distances). The northern route is the I-80 route. The southern route is the I-40 route. My wife likes the southern route because she feels there will be less snowy weather in the dead of winter. I like the northern route because it is a bit busier with options for fuel, dining and roadside hotels.

Appreciate your experiences and recommendation (with supporting reasons). Thanks.
by Offshore
Sun Jun 05, 2022 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which bond fund for taxable account?
Replies: 14
Views: 2625

Re: Which bond fund for taxable account?

grabiner, to your point, I found two state specific municipal bond funds at Fidelity for my state of residence. One has an e.r. of 0.83% with a front end load of 4.2% and the other has an e.r. of 1.63% with no load. Both options fail to compare favorably with the Vanguard national muni fund + paying state tax. This path has a clear advantage. My original question, how to divide cash amongst bond funds in a taxable account, I believe, has a less-clear correct answer based upon the conversation in this string. I think dividing the cash into thirds with 1/3 into each: TBM, TIPS and a national muni bond fund is not a wrong way to go. As time goes by, the decision will be permanent because this is a taxable account and presumably there will be t...
by Offshore
Sat Jun 04, 2022 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which bond fund for taxable account?
Replies: 14
Views: 2625

Re: Which bond fund for taxable account?

retiredjg wrote: Sat Jun 04, 2022 9:33 am Is there any possibility of putting more bonds into tax-deferred so that you could put some stock funds in taxable? That is what I'd do first.
That would be ideal, but I've maxed out my available space for bonds in tax-deferred accounts (no stock funds currently in the tax deferred accounts, only bonds).
You seemed to be more concerned with TIPS in a taxable account than your concern with TBM in a taxable account. Am I reading into that?

Unfortunately, Vanguard has no state specific muni fund for my state of residence.
exodusNH, your idea of using funds that hold Treasuries to avoid state tax is appreciated. Thanks.