Search found 2026 matches

by Bustoff
Sat Feb 13, 2016 8:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [NY Times article: 100% Stock Allocation in Retirement]
Replies: 131
Views: 21299

Re: Best Stock Allocation in Retirement? ► All of It! ◄

iceport wrote:
Dutchgirl wrote:I wonder what other Bogleheads think about the author's opinion.
The author has now published his companion article. I think his advice in this latest installment is not good.
DAVID A. LEVINE wrote:Indeed — except for known, near-term financial obligations like a large tax bill that you might owe on April 15 or a down payment on a house you’re buying in the next few months — the best asset allocation, nearly all the time, is 100 percent stocks.

You may wonder if I put my money where my mouth is. I do. As long ago as the late 1970s, I was investing 95 percent to 100 percent of my liquid assets in common stocks.
+1
100% stock? Sure, as long as one plans on working until 80. Good luck with that.
by Bustoff
Sat Feb 13, 2016 7:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [NY Times article: 100% Stock Allocation in Retirement]
Replies: 131
Views: 21299

Re: Stock Allocation in Retirement

My asset allocation is based mostly on what I need from the portfolio.
Image
Moving from left to right, the stock allocation relative to bonds increases in 10% increments. The length of the bars indicates the
range of annual returns for each allocation; the longer the bar, the larger the variability. The numbers inside the bar are the average
annual nominal and real returns for that allocation for the 87 years indicated.

Source: Vanguard
by Bustoff
Sat Feb 13, 2016 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your decline in Net Worth as of today?
Replies: 96
Views: 16187

Re: What is your decline in Net Worth as of today?

Sorry, I'm not a math guy.
All I know is that my pile is now bigger than it was before I retired -- which was 5 years ago.
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 12, 2016 10:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rebalancing bands, what is your CURRENT out-of-balance drift?
Replies: 47
Views: 5528

Re: Rebalancing bands, what is your CURRENT out-of-balance drift?

I try to maintain a rebalancing strategy consistent with Vanguards guidelines.

http://www.vanguard.com/pdf/ISGPORE.pdf
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 12, 2016 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Key West and everglades trip
Replies: 41
Views: 6578

Re: Key West and everglades trip

Try to get to Everglade City and have stone crab for lunch at Triad Seafood.

Also, while you're in Everglade City stop by the The Everglades Rod and Gun Club. Presidents Roosevelt, Truman, Hoover, Eisenhower, Nixon and Bush, Sr. visited there. So did great personalities, everyone from Ernest Hemingway, Al Capone and John Wayne to present-day celebrities Sean Connery and Mick Jagger.

In Key West, we like to start at Mallory Square then walk down Front Street and stroll along the walkway at docks where you can check out all the boats and restaurants. You won't believe all the tarpon you can see in the water right in front of the restaurants.
At the other end of the island is the Southernmost Point Buoy where a selfie is a must.
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 12, 2016 9:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: World stocks officially reach bear market territory
Replies: 27
Views: 5469

Re: World stocks officially reach bear market territory

Dirghatamas wrote:
Bustoff wrote:
Dirghatamas wrote: ... I have been doing the same investment strategy for 23 years...
As of 12/31/2015, Vanguard Total World Stock has 52.9% allocated to United States stocks. Just curious how much the U.S. allocation has drifted over the years.
Bustoff, the data and sources I have used over the years have changed. If you want just a picture illustrating how this % US has evolved, here is a decent one ...
Dirghatamas,

Thank you for the informative reply and links...awesome!

Best,

Bustoff
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 12, 2016 9:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: World stocks officially reach bear market territory
Replies: 27
Views: 5469

Re: World stocks officially reach bear market territory

inbox788 wrote:
Dirghatamas wrote:Actionable: Nothing.
From a BH perspective, is anything the market does truly actionable?
Yes! Of course it's actionable. There's plenty of money to be made in volatile markets. Why should Wall Street be the exclusive beneficiaries of all the volatility.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 11, 2016 8:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Today's Market Open supposed be Brutal...........
Replies: 44
Views: 5682

Re: Today's Market Open supposed be Brutal...........

Yep ...I'm lovin my asset allocation because it is based on my risk tolerance which is based on my need, willingness and ability to take risk.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opinion on Vanguard Personal Advisor Service
Replies: 31
Views: 6042

Re: Opinion on Vanguard Personal Advisor Service

Our main dilemma is coming up with a solid portfolio allocation strategy. Most importantly, I am not experienced with re-balancing of a portfolio and tax-loss harvesting. Rifampin, I have never used the fee based advisory service. Over the years however, I took advantage of Vanguard's advisory services when they were complimentary. The process involved an interview with a CFP professional from Vanguard who would then suggest an asset allocation along with a custom-tailored financial plan. I found the CFP results were always consistent with the results from Vanguards free online Vanguard mutual fund and exchange-traded fund recommendation tool . You might find helpful these Vanguard articles about portfolio allocation, re-balancing and tax-...
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 11, 2016 5:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: World stocks officially reach bear market territory
Replies: 27
Views: 5469

Re: World stocks officially reach bear market territory

Dirghatamas wrote: ... I have been doing the same investment strategy for 23 years...
As of 12/31/2015, Vanguard Total World Stock has 52.9% allocated to United States stocks. Just curious how much the U.S. allocation has drifted over the years.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 10, 2016 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet becoming "Small"
Replies: 23
Views: 4610

Re: Internet becoming "Small"

I saw a PBS documentary a while back that referenced Tor. I recall the show remarking that Tor was the Wild West of the Internet.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 10, 2016 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opinion on Vanguard Personal Advisor Service
Replies: 31
Views: 6042

Re: Opinion on Vanguard Personal Advisor Service

Maybe for a clueless widow or widower of a recently deceased spouse. Or perhaps retired folks with recent onset of cognitive impairment.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 10, 2016 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you pay for exercise?
Replies: 222
Views: 24806

Re: Do you pay for exercise?

"Mall walking" has become a new winter activity for me and I hate it. I have been a runner for decades but both my lower back and PCP are conspiring to bring the running to a halt. The doc claims 3 miles of walking is the perfect amount of exercise. Yeah right!
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 10, 2016 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Retirement Problem: What Will You Do With All That Time?
Replies: 67
Views: 9862

Re: The Retirement Problem: What Will You Do With All That Time?

Wish I had Victoria's retirement life but I am a terrible planner.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 10, 2016 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086152

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Rented The Martian from Redbox. Very entertaining. I liked it much more than Gravity
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 10, 2016 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vacation Homes
Replies: 78
Views: 14609

Re: Vacation Homes

tc101 wrote:I think that unless you are very wealthy, a vacation home is bad idea. Vacation homes involve a lot of extra expense and a lot of extra trouble. It is much easier and cheaper to just rent a house when you go on vacation than to own a vacation home. In most cases, when you sell the vacation home, the profit is less than what you would have made in a balanced index mutual fund.
Vacation homes or condos can be a great idea if they are bought at the right price. We considered buying a vacation property in Florida back in 2011. Single family homes that were selling for $200k to $250k in 2011 are now selling for $450k - $500k.
by Bustoff
Tue Feb 09, 2016 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) getting killed
Replies: 52
Views: 7736

Re: 401(k) getting killed

Perhaps something like this:
Vanguard Balanced Index Fund Investor Share
by Bustoff
Tue Feb 09, 2016 11:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why has Oil become such a dominant market influencer?
Replies: 66
Views: 6699

Re: Why has Oil become such a dominant market influencer?

rakornacki1 wrote:Can anyone explain why the price of a barrel of oil has recently become such an overriding, dominating influencer of the direction of the major stock markets? While it is certainly the dominant commodity world-wide (vs. gold, copper, aluminum, etc.), why does it's daily price now far overshadow the earnings, growth and forecasts of all major enterprises that make up the DJI, S&P 500, etc.?
I think the unpredictability of China is impacting the markets far more than oil.
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 05, 2016 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.
Replies: 31
Views: 5135

Re: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.

OK I lied ... money is really not the only objective. I miss the level of social interaction that employment provided.
Also one of my biggest fears in retirement is turning into a couch potato.
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 05, 2016 9:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Take the Verb Tense Pledge!
Replies: 69
Views: 8699

Re: Take the Verb Tense Pledge!

“What had happened was”

-- a 'Jeopardy' category in a recent SNL sketch.
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 05, 2016 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When should you purchase a SPIA?
Replies: 3
Views: 850

Re: When should you purchase a SPIA?

BahamaMan wrote: If you need $40K from your investments plus inflation adjustments, the rough planning number of 4% would say that you need $1 Million. However at your age you could probably be OK with less, maybe $750K...
And Vanguard examined the assumptions of the 4% spending rule of thumb in the current yield environment for retirees with a balanced portfolio here:
Revisiting the‘4% spending rule’
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 05, 2016 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Replies: 38
Views: 5631

Re: Where to Stay in San Francisco?

forevernaive wrote: The last time we VRBOd it, we ended up next to the muni line in the Castro and it was very loud. Interestingly, we just paid less per night than we did for the VRBO for a basic interior courtyard room at the Fairmont on Nob Hill. All the old hotel charm, smaller room, no view, but quiet and central. I haven't stayed there but have heard good things about the Scarlet Huntington on Nob Hill (larger rooms, wet bars).
We have also used VRBO in other locations in the past and it has generally worked out, but you never really know until you get there.
On shorter trips, a big advantage of the hotel is the option to leave after one night if it's not working out.

Thank you for all your suggestions!
by Bustoff
Fri Feb 05, 2016 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086152

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Finished Madoff last night. I thought the second half was much better. In one remarkable scene, the movie recounts how Madoff thought it was "game over" during a 2006 investigation when the SEC insisted Madoff provide them with his DTC account number... which he did.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086152

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Watched the first episode of the Bernie Madoff mini-series last night. Not great.

The People vs OJ Simpson was kind of cheesy.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.
Replies: 31
Views: 5135

Re: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.

drawpoker wrote: Not to mention the extra work of having a drunk throw up on the seat. Or a mother who brings along a baby with a leaky diaper.

Even If you a post a prominent "No Smoking" sign, are you prepared to deal with the numerous axholes who will defy you and light a cigarette anyway?

Gotta be easier ways to make a little extra $$$ in retirement than this.
Interesting points. Actually, more distressing than interesting. :shock:
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.
Replies: 31
Views: 5135

Re: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.

SouthernCPA wrote:Make sure your auto insurance won't deny coverage in the event of an accident.
My insurance company advised there is no coverage in effect when using my vehicle as an Uber driver.
However, Uber holds a commercial insurance policy with $1 million of coverage per incident. Drivers’ liability to third parties is covered from the moment a driver accepts a trip to its conclusion.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.
Replies: 31
Views: 5135

Re: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.

Eric and joebh - thank you for the info and links!
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uber driving for extra income in retirement.
Replies: 31
Views: 5135

Uber driving for extra income in retirement.

I'm retired and thinking about becoming an Uber driver in my spare time. On the other hand, I don't want to get beat up for a few extra bucks.
Would be interested in hearing from anyone who has tried this.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 10:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Make your retirement money last
Replies: 56
Views: 18912

Re: Make your retirement money last

Since we retired 5 years ago and began withdrawals our portfolio has increased by 8%.
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 10:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Maybe You Should Sell Some Stocks"
Replies: 16
Views: 4170

Re: "Maybe You Should Sell Some Stocks"

Thank you Taylor.
Maybe I'm becoming more skeptical with age, but investing in equities is seeming more like an exercise in blind faith. I'm not referring to any particular investment strategies or how to define risk, but rather the overall health of the stock market.
How do we gauge the general health of the stock market?
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Suggested AA for Retirees
Replies: 11
Views: 1428

Re: Suggested AA for Retirees

You probably already know this, but your withdrawal rate has more impact than asset allocation.
http://retirementresearcher.com/rise-no ... etirement/
by Bustoff
Thu Feb 04, 2016 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Coming Boglehead Zombie Apocalypse (LED bulbs)
Replies: 94
Views: 12381

Re: The Coming Boglehead Zombie Apocalypse (LED bulbs)

tadamsmar wrote:Being a Boglehead, I bought the cheapest LED light bulbs ... I now look like the walking dead.
I gotta have some of those...where did you get them?
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why didn't bond funds go down?
Replies: 27
Views: 4808

Re: Why didn't bond funds go down?

Some rates are going negative. (eg. BOJ, Germany)
Rates can't go negative unless someone is willing to buy them.
Other than someone betting rates will fall even farther, who would buy negative yield bonds?
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My portfolio
Replies: 9
Views: 912

Re: My portfolio

Hard to find any drawbacks to a 40/60 portfolio complimented with pensions and SS.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: patio enclosure - advise
Replies: 16
Views: 2511

Re: patio enclosure - advise

If you are making a down payment make sure it is no more than 10% of the contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/Hire_A ... Contracts/
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is alerting California consumers who are considering hiring a painter, landscaper – or any other type of construction contractor – that it is illegal to ask for or accept a down payment of more than 10 percent of the total home improvement contract price or $1,000, whichever is less.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to stop MS loading Windows 10?
Replies: 70
Views: 10332

Re: How to stop MS loading Windows 10?

CountryBoy wrote:I thought automatic updates provided me with antivirus info for my machine, among other things.
You can check for updates and choose whether to download and install them.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recent Vanguard Trouble
Replies: 65
Views: 14104

Re: Recent Vanguard Trouble

In my opinion mistakes are becoming more frequent everywhere. I get conflicting answers and bad information all the time. Whether it's cable companies or health insurance or retailers, I get different answers to the exact same question. You really need to make multiple calls in order to get correct information. Good luck getting them to confirm what they promise with an e-mail.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to stop MS loading Windows 10?
Replies: 70
Views: 10332

Re: How to stop MS loading Windows 10?

CountryBoy wrote: My understanding is that they are now forcing it on people.
Just turn off Automatic Updates.

There is still the ability to opt out of the installation even if the Windows 10 upgrade is accidentally completed because there is a 31 day grace period in which to revert to Windows 7 or 8.1.

I upgraded to Windows 10 a few months ago but did the "custom install" where you can tweak privacy settings.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What growth rate would you use?
Replies: 75
Views: 7238

Re: What growth rate would you use?

I would be cautious using anything higher than 2%.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11152
Views: 2086152

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Making a Murderer on Netflix.
Decided to check it out when I saw that IMDB gave it a rating of 9.1 out of 10.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What age did you retire
Replies: 84
Views: 11628

Re: What age did you retire

I retired at age 57.
by Bustoff
Wed Feb 03, 2016 5:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alternative to Briggs & Riley Luggage
Replies: 33
Views: 17904

Re: Alternative to Briggs & Riley Luggage

The Osprey carry-on is worth a look. It has 2 padded sleeves for both a 15 in. laptop and 10 in. tablet.
You can use it for business and pleasure.
http://www.rei.com/product/837018/ospre ... luggage-22
by Bustoff
Mon Feb 01, 2016 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Replies: 38
Views: 5631

Re: Where to Stay in San Francisco?

Thank you to those who have replied thus far. Really appreciate your thoughts suggestions.
by Bustoff
Mon Feb 01, 2016 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Replies: 38
Views: 5631

Re: Where to Stay in San Francisco?

Church Lady wrote: 2) Not to be alarmist, but some areas of the city are dangerous. Do not ignore personal safety when looking for places to stay, and do not ignore local advice about places to avoid. Stay out of the Mission and the Tenderloin at all times.

Some places are fine by day, and yet I would avoid them at night. Examples are the Financial and Wharf districts.
Thanks Church Lady. That's what I was primarily thinking when I asked about "good" areas to stay.
by Bustoff
Mon Feb 01, 2016 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Replies: 38
Views: 5631

Re: Where to Stay in San Francisco?

"Good" is always highly subjective so always clarify exactly what you mean when you use the word. What sorts of things are you interested? What do you need/want nearby? What are you intending to visit during your stay? What's your budget? Those are just some suggestions of things to consider but the more information you can provide the better the recommendations you can get. Thanks for asking. For me, "good" means, first and foremost, a good neighborhood as opposed to a bad neighborhood. To wit, an area that is safe for walking around at night. Also, based on the suggestions, we will be ditching the car rental so walking distance and access to public transportation and an abundance of nightlife would be a plus. Regardin...
by Bustoff
Mon Feb 01, 2016 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Replies: 38
Views: 5631

Re: Where to Stay in San Francisco?

yukonjack wrote:SF is a pretty small land area so it's hard to go too wrong no matter where you stay. I generally stay in the Union Square area. It is centrally located and there are many small and large hotels to pick from. I would strongly suggest not bringing a vehicle into the city. You will pay dearly for parking if you can find it. Pretty much everything is available via public transportation, bike or walking. Enjoy.
Thank you for the suggestions. I like the idea of not paying for a rental car. And walking around is great as long as the areas are safe.
Frisco Kid wrote:+1 on the parking. Can be $30 to $50 per day with NO in/out whether a public lot or hotel. Enjoy your visit!
Thanks! That covers the price of an Alcatraz tour.
by Bustoff
Mon Feb 01, 2016 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Replies: 38
Views: 5631

Where to Stay in San Francisco?

Hello Bogleheads,

We are planning a week long vacation in San Francisco this Spring. This is our first visit to San Francisco and would appreciate suggestions on good areas to stay. We will have a rental car are considering a VRBO or Airbnb type rental.

Thanks
Bustoff
by Bustoff
Fri Jan 29, 2016 8:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your favorite Financial Quote or Metaphor??
Replies: 179
Views: 21563

Re: What is your favorite Financial Quote or Metaphor??

"By periodically investing in an index fund, for example, the know-nothing investor can actually out-perform most investment professionals. Paradoxically, when "dumb" money acknowledges its limitations, it ceases to be dumb."
http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/1993.html
by Bustoff
Fri Jan 29, 2016 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which news source do you use?
Replies: 67
Views: 8859

Re: Which news source do you use?

I find the BBC news channel more pleasant. They are much less dramatic than their American counterparts, and they speak rather softly, which is nice.
by Bustoff
Wed Jan 27, 2016 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you pay for exercise?
Replies: 222
Views: 24806

Re: Do you pay for exercise?

A few years back I paid Club Fitness. I needed a treadmill during the winter months.
That was the only time I ever paid and would never do it again.