Search found 3228 matches

by sambb
Sun Jul 02, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32857

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

it is interesting that savings rate is being spoken of, as a significant issue. I agree with that. In fact savings rate is so significant, that it is far more important than expense ratios, etc. in many portfolios. For a given savings rate, however, the OP brings up some wonderful information, that perhaps is most affected by behavior (ability to stay the course), and the effect of world events (covid, or other black swans - plague, war, fraud, massive population decline, japan stock situation from 1980s, etc.). it could also be affected by life instabilities (job loss, divorce, disability of oneself or loved ones, injury). All things being equal, including savings rate, it is truly enlightening to see a data based approach based on stock a...
by sambb
Sun Jul 02, 2023 4:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32857

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

This is a very nice thread, thanks to the OP, makes me reconsider the entire mantra that is here. The data is very interesting,
by sambb
Sat Jul 01, 2023 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VUSXX or High Yield Saviings (4.15%)
Replies: 6
Views: 1581

Re: VUSXX or High Yield Saviings (4.15%)

cost basis gain does not equal total return, and this is confusing to many
by sambb
Sat Jul 01, 2023 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: roth ira for kid with summer job
Replies: 9
Views: 969

Re: roth ira for kid with summer job

will they still file as them as a dependent? I assume that point is irrelevant - they can contribute themselves..
by sambb
Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: roth ira for kid with summer job
Replies: 9
Views: 969

roth ira for kid with summer job

HI, i have a 18 year old niece with a summer job. She is a college student, and appears on her parents return as a dependent. She has a summer job where she will earn about 5k. She would like to place in a roth. She has some witholoding of taxes from the paycheck. Can she put her gross amount or net amount in the roth. Parents are high income and dont qualify for roth. DOes this affect filing status of her?
by sambb
Wed Jun 28, 2023 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smart Key on new Toyota worries me
Replies: 146
Views: 12884

Re: Smart Key on new Toyota worries me

Love smart keys and even love the future of opening up with phone apps, etc. Limited-key functionality seems a little "last century" like newspapers, copy machines, checkbooks, etc. in the sense that it is yesterday's technology.
by sambb
Wed Jun 28, 2023 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VITAX curious [Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund]
Replies: 70
Views: 3961

Re: VITAX curious [Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund]

Seems to be doing very well overall. Nice fund
by sambb
Tue Jun 27, 2023 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tell me again, why dividends are not useful ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 91978

Re: Tell me again, why dividends are not useful ?

so, for the original poster, it seems like the question has been debated... i thought it was a straight forward question, but there are lots of opinions!
by sambb
Sun Jun 25, 2023 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving Vanguard to Fidelity - cost basis
Replies: 4
Views: 533

Moving Vanguard to Fidelity - cost basis

I have a variety of accounts with vanguard, that have various cost basis. Some of the accounts are quite old, >10-20 years. Will move to fidelity cause any issues with cost basis rendering or remembering. I have also used both spec ID and average cost. Lastly, I assume it is irrelevant for roths or traditional IRAs, but i also have old large taxable accts. Shoudl i convert to ETFs prior to transfer? (VTSAX, etc)
by sambb
Sun Jun 25, 2023 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What do Fidelity branch offices do anyway?
Replies: 38
Views: 4545

Re: What do Fidelity branch offices do anyway?

My local branch has been extremely helpful. Considering strongly moving V assets to F.
by sambb
Wed Jun 21, 2023 6:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vtsax dividend June 2023
Replies: 4
Views: 1604

Vtsax dividend June 2023

Any idea how much the dividend is per share? I am trying to calculate a payment I need reserves for, and need to try to coordinate today.
by sambb
Wed Jun 21, 2023 5:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I feel like I'm missing out on Tesla
Replies: 62
Views: 6335

Re: I feel like I'm missing out on Tesla

you did miss out on tesla. Indexing brings market returns at a risk that is spread out. Higher risk (one stock) = potentially higher returns or lower returns. Cannot change risk/reward ratio in a large market.
by sambb
Thu Jun 15, 2023 11:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard June 2023 est dividends
Replies: 7
Views: 1195

Vanguard June 2023 est dividends

Is there a document that has the estimates?
by sambb
Thu Jun 01, 2023 4:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Was Your Favorite PC Ever And Why?
Replies: 40
Views: 2229

Re: What Was Your Favorite PC Ever And Why?

Business: thinkpad t series. Best keyboards.

Home: PowerBook macs 12”

Early: Apple 2e

Best packaging: gateway 2000

Best modern: current iPhone is better than just about anything due to mobility and apps. Unbelievable device and has changed the world
by sambb
Thu Jun 01, 2023 3:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago
Replies: 60
Views: 5445

Re: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago

Amazing show for the largest entertainer on earth right now. She gives it all. Worth it.

I would look at stub hub.
by sambb
Tue May 30, 2023 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why isn't an AA of 75/25 with a SWR 3.75% the standard??
Replies: 95
Views: 17335

Re: Why isn't an AA of 75/25 with a SWR 3.75% the standard??

isnt SWR based on historical data, but past performance cant predict future results, so not sure how to interpret.
by sambb
Sat May 27, 2023 5:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Win rates" for U.S. vs. non-U.S stock markets
Replies: 20
Views: 1584

Re: "Win rates" for U.S. vs. non-U.S stock markets

Highly disappointed in international after being in it for the long term. Has cost a lot of money to be in it.
by sambb
Sat May 20, 2023 9:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: variability of s and p 500 or an allocation
Replies: 3
Views: 524

variability of s and p 500 or an allocation

Is there a website that can caluclate the average variability of a portfolio? Like the average daily or weekly fluctuation and standard deviations? Thanks
by sambb
Sun May 14, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Toyota Extended Warranty
Replies: 62
Views: 7389

Re: Toyota Extended Warranty

I think there is a difference in the headaches with a toyota OEM extended warranty vs a "third party". Also for the toyota ones, they sell them online for a bit over cost if you can find the right dealer. For a toyota probably not necessary, but if you did go that way, it would be best for toyota OEM. I know when you take the car in for service it states that the warranty is longer, based on experience of a colleague, and it is just like it had <36k miles.
by sambb
Tue May 09, 2023 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Porsche recommendation 1980 to 2000
Replies: 22
Views: 2285

Re: Porsche recommendation 1980 to 2000

modern boxster with top down at 40 mph is way better than 911 at 100mph on highway for driving enjoyment. Hard to explain unless you have owned both
by sambb
Tue May 09, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best wristwatch for the price
Replies: 196
Views: 23279

Re: best wristwatch for the price

smartphone or apple watch or g shock or omega/rolex or patek/lange/AP/VC - many choices...
by sambb
Sat May 06, 2023 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco Michelin - Cross Climate SUV
Replies: 21
Views: 3076

Re: Costco Michelin - Cross Climate SUV

Are these tires ok for summer also or only cold weather
by sambb
Wed Apr 26, 2023 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33445

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

Apple Watch or rarely lange sohne saxonia copper blue
by sambb
Sat Apr 22, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4 runner trd pro vs [Lexus] GX [vehicle comparison]
Replies: 22
Views: 2943

4 runner trd pro vs [Lexus] GX [vehicle comparison]

Any opinons on this, similar in price with dealer markup. I like the TRD pro, but i assume they both drive similar. Any idea on discounts?


[Title clarified by moderator ClaycordJCA.]
by sambb
Tue Apr 18, 2023 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 60/40 stocks/bonds vs 70/30 stocks/cash
Replies: 33
Views: 4894

Re: 60/40 stocks/bonds vs 70/30 stocks/cash

arent the differences very small between the options - whcih i find interesting!
by sambb
Sun Apr 02, 2023 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: passport renewal - leaving in 6 weeks
Replies: 15
Views: 2517

passport renewal - leaving in 6 weeks

Hi, i need suggestions on US passport renewal, it says 7-9 weeks, and im leaving in six weeks. Any advice on a rush service, there are so many and i dont kn0ow if they are legitimate
by sambb
Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AA and the G Fund
Replies: 24
Views: 2102

Re: AA and the G Fund

g fund seems amazing!
by sambb
Sun Mar 12, 2023 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: high tax bracket - intermed term tax exempt vs ST treasury
Replies: 3
Views: 369

high tax bracket - intermed term tax exempt vs ST treasury

I have a capital loss on my intermed term tax exempt bond fund. What are thoughts about moving to ST treasury index?
by sambb
Sat Mar 11, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying first real estate -- am I taking too much risk?
Replies: 31
Views: 3238

Re: Buying first real estate -- am I taking too much risk?

I wouldn’t buy. And maintenance can be as high as 2 percent a year. But consider buying if you can rent out some of the house to roommates
by sambb
Sat Mar 11, 2023 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying first real estate -- am I taking too much risk?
Replies: 31
Views: 3238

Re: Buying first real estate -- am I taking too much risk?

I wouldn’t buy. And maintenance can be as high as 2 percent a year. But consider buying if you can rent out some of the house to roommates
by sambb
Sun Feb 26, 2023 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: when is $ available in bank after transfer from V MM fund
Replies: 4
Views: 683

when is $ available in bank after transfer from V MM fund

I have to transfer a 6 digit amount from vanguard MM to my checking acct, so it can be used to pay taxes. Once i transfer the funds, when will it be available, and is it better to wire it instead of electronic transfer?
by sambb
Sun Feb 26, 2023 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?
Replies: 65
Views: 6654

Re: Tesla Model 3 Performance - worth it?

to bring the thread back to the OPs questions, people seem to like their teslas, but it is not a luxury car, and could be percieved by some as an economy car that has been modernized as an EV. There are plenty of videos on the acceleration and the autopilot. I would also watch videos on the quality, service, repairs etc. Like everything, it has its ups and downs. I think you will find that it has tradeoffs.
by sambb
Sat Feb 25, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6957

Re: 15 year old to europe - cash options

most credit cards in euope use a PIN. If they ask him for a pIN, does he just not enter it? Thats what i did in 2019 - just hit the green button with no pin.
by sambb
Sat Feb 25, 2023 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6957

Re: 15 year old to europe - cash options

how can i set up apple pay on a minor - is it possible and easy?>
by sambb
Sat Feb 25, 2023 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6957

15 year old to europe - cash options

Hi, my nephew is going to europe for 6 weeks, he is 15. I need options besides cash so he can pay for things in europe and take out money.
I havent been to europe since pandemic started. He would be going to austria, czech republic, germany, italy. I figure he needs the following options:
1. a debit card that will work in europe. Any ideas on that? What debit card will work there without a hassle?
2. an atm card so he can take out cash, converted automatically. do all european atms work for this with a large bank atm card? (chase, bank of america, etc)
3. I can set up apple pay on his phone
4. cash advance credit card - i was going to get an amex for this, but not sure about the pin for him to enter, etc.

Any ideas?
by sambb
Tue Feb 21, 2023 2:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The bear market is over
Replies: 261
Views: 90216

Re: The bear market is over

i think the recovey happened so all is good
by sambb
Thu Feb 16, 2023 5:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury car vs regular toyota management costs
Replies: 62
Views: 6035

Re: Luxury car vs regular toyota management costs

My experience is that luxury brands are 2x to 10x (exotics) for routine maintenance. I have owned all brands and Toyota products also.

Good points herein about independent mechanics.
by sambb
Mon Feb 13, 2023 2:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exotic cars
Replies: 164
Views: 10530

Re: Exotic cars

LeftCoastIV wrote: Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:31 pm
Apathizer wrote: Sun Feb 12, 2023 10:47 am Before anyone buys an expensive vehicle they should watch this video. Spoiler: They generally aren't worth it. Once the novelty wears off it's not much different than driving something more modest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbBVoe9Lr94
Good video. Thanks for posting.

Up to a certain point, a luxury car provides a nicer, quieter, enjoyable, and more performant experience.

But driving a sports car to the grocery is still a trip to the grocery store.
this link is really good ...
by sambb
Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exotic cars
Replies: 164
Views: 10530

Re: Exotic cars

the great thing about convertibles, is that the open air experience is better than the engine or the exotic nature of the car. the speed is less important. (so an exotic isnt necessary even) but i would just determine a budget and spend on what you want. Hardtop, the experience is different. You will likely enjoy it, and like most luxury purchases, live with the pros and cons of it, and then get some boredom with it. If you've only put 2000 miles on it in a year, then to some, it might not be worth it to you. On the other hand of you drive it 10k a year, different story. Daily driver/exotic are often not terms that are used together. BUt its also not an expensive 1 year experiment for a wealthy individual. On a 200k car, a one year experime...
by sambb
Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exotic cars
Replies: 164
Views: 10530

Re: Exotic cars

deleted
by sambb
Sun Feb 12, 2023 8:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Suggestions for Obtaining Cash in Europe
Replies: 75
Views: 5301

Re: Suggestions for Obtaining Cash in Europe

how does this thread change for a HS student going to europe with no credit card. Or is it time to get one for them. Is cash frowned upon, or just not taken?
by sambb
Sun Feb 05, 2023 4:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Safety - Small Car vs SUV
Replies: 97
Views: 7324

Re: Car Safety - Small Car vs SUV

larger car is safer in an accident with a small one.
by sambb
Sat Feb 04, 2023 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: cost basis when leaving vanguard to fidelity or schwab
Replies: 9
Views: 1126

Re: cost basis when leaving vanguard to fidelity or schwab

Can admiral shares come over to fidelity or Schwab in a Roth IRA?
by sambb
Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: cost basis when leaving vanguard to fidelity or schwab
Replies: 9
Views: 1126

cost basis when leaving vanguard to fidelity or schwab

When one leaves vanguard, does the cost basis transfer over to the other major brokerages, and any tips for this. Multiple accounts (mutual fund, roth, ira, sep, etc)
by sambb
Fri Feb 03, 2023 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where should I move to from Vanguard?
Replies: 75
Views: 9151

Re: Where should I move to from Vanguard?

How are the transfers with keeping cost basis etc up to date ? Should I worry about that? Considering the same move!!
by sambb
Sun Jan 29, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Big earner/big spender thoughts on FIRE?
Replies: 47
Views: 8698

Re: Big earner/big spender thoughts on FIRE?

You might have enough, but perhaps not if you want your kids to inherit quite a bit assets - with undercertainties of healthcare, college, changes in your life. Whatever you desire to hand down to kids, then subtract that from the calculations. Do you have enough then? I only mention inheritance since you mentioned that you might receive one. I might reassess in a year or two, and invest all you can.
by sambb
Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus
Replies: 137
Views: 14605

Re: Opinions on buying both a Tesla and a Lexus

tesla for 120k? not sure thats a luxury experience at all. spend 80-100k total on the two cars and spend 80k on the s and p,
by sambb
Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tesla: Growth or Value?
Replies: 204
Views: 17436

Re: Tesla: Growth or Value?

what is the cost of out-of-warranty tesla repairs, and will this affect longevity, or is the car viewed overall like a mobile phone - where you use it for a few years and dispose? And regardless, would that have any effect on the stock? I think the stock price is more concerned about the sales of new cars. Maybe the less than perfect quality, longevity, resale, are not really affecting the stock price. This is maybe different than toyota, where people buy the car for its reliability and view it as a long term vehicle to hold, and that buys brand loyalty. It is possible that tesla brand loyalty isnt based on reliability, but rather it is based on user experience, in which case all of the after-sales stuff may be far less important to the com...
by sambb
Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now
Replies: 108
Views: 14037

Re: Tesla price drop - is this a good deal to buy now

based on the autopilot sensor issues and phantom braking, i wouldnt buy until the new sensors are fitted, regardless of price.