Search found 204 matches

by lucky3
Wed Sep 04, 2013 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Immediate Annuity
Replies: 8
Views: 1215

Immediate Annuity

Just read an article by Ben Stein where he says an immediate annuity is the best to inure income in your retirement years. I also thought that due to high commissions, annuities were problematic.

Your opinions? What's really the downside besides loosing control of your money?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Aug 01, 2013 1:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Sad news - Pat Larimore]
Replies: 225
Views: 26834

Re: [Sad news - Pat Larimore]

Taylor:

Sorry to hear of your loss....the pain of loss is the price we pay for being human...the video was a touching tribute, may she rest in peace.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Email more efficient than phone calls?
Replies: 42
Views: 3731

Re: Email more efficient than phone calls?

It actually tends to be a generational thing....under 40 emails, over 40 tends to be phones...at least that's my working experience

Lucky3

PS Those people that perfer not to respond "on their feet" tend to like email better because it gives them time to organize their thoughts.
by lucky3
Tue Jun 18, 2013 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Venting a Cape?
Replies: 6
Views: 1343

Venting a Cape?

Been living in a Cape Cod house for many years and while I have individual ac units upstairs in the bedroom, I dislike a/c air and use it only when I have too. Would much prefer on non-humid days to vent the air outside.....I was told this can't happen in a Cape (no attic space)...true? Anyone else in a Cape solve this problem?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Jun 13, 2013 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold and Silver Coins in IRA?
Replies: 26
Views: 2099

Gold and Silver Coins in IRA?

Age 66, fairly well diversified in my AA...but no hard metals. What do the Bogleheads think about directing my 2013 IRA to Gold coins (APMEX account)?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Jun 13, 2013 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS options
Replies: 8
Views: 1101

Re: SS options

My experience with SS....similar age difference as you and your wife.

When I reached FRA at 66 I did a "file and suspend" which caused my wife's SS to go up because taking her spousal benefit was greater than her own SS based on her work history. When I turn 70 I'll start collecting...plan to work full time until then.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Mon Jun 03, 2013 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Boglehead Car -- What is It?
Replies: 150
Views: 17497

Re: The Boglehead Car -- What is It?

Subaru Legacy....2006 up to 118,000 miles and still going strong...all wheel drive, good on mileage...what else could a Boglehead ask for?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue May 14, 2013 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Cellphone] Data Packages
Replies: 7
Views: 917

[Cellphone] Data Packages

Finally thought the wife and I would make the jump from a dumbphone to a smartphone. We're on Verizon currently on a share plan of 500 minutes and pay roughly $60 to $70 monthly for both phones monthly. Verizon tells me I would have to add $30 per phone for a data package to add to my plan....so, I'd be doubling my monthly cost to upgrade to a smartphone. Doubt I'd benefit by doubling my costs since I won't take advantage of the data package...maybe my going to a smartphone is not so smart afterall?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu May 09, 2013 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young, Engaged Couple Looking for Advice
Replies: 18
Views: 1873

Re: Young, Engaged Couple Looking for Advice

After you establish an emergency fund, begin investing small amounts in your core holdings based on your asset allocation. Educate yourself by reading the wiki and websites of Vanguard & Fidelity. Sometimes being "terribly afraid" and not investing at all may, in fact, be the worst thing you can do for the long term. Smile, you have a long time horizon....the market may flucuate many times before you reach retirement age...don't worry...if your a conservative investor you'll be able to sleep at night.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri May 03, 2013 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Not invested. Help!
Replies: 11
Views: 1259

Re: Not invested. Help!

Start slowly and start dollar cost averaging into a solid, core index fund (after you prepare your asset allocation). Yes the market's high but with a long time horizon you still should be in equities.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue Apr 30, 2013 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Town of Bath, England (UK)
Replies: 16
Views: 2242

Re: Town of Bath, England (UK)

Yes, it's worth a day trip.....you'll see a different side of the UK besides London.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue Apr 23, 2013 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If you had a chance to remodel bath......
Replies: 27
Views: 4306

If you had a chance to remodel bath......

Completely gutting and redoing upstairs bathroom in the Summer...anyone who did this in the past, was there anything you would change or do differently if you had to do it again?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Regrets on The Triple Play [TV, internet, phone]
Replies: 44
Views: 7153

Any Regrets on The Triple Play [TV, internet, phone]

To any Bogleheads who dropped "the phone company" land line in favor of cable's Triple Play (internet, tv and phone)....any regrets? Seems to be a big savings.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Wed Apr 03, 2013 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone else having trouble deciding?
Replies: 2
Views: 745

Anyone else having trouble deciding?

It's Non-deductable IRA time for my and my's wife's 2013 contribution.....but, having a hard time deciding where to place it.

Equities would be buying at the high (unless I use my Star Fund).....

Bonds, although might not be a bubble, is surely at a low point for the near future (and maybe not so near).

I'm 66 so not a long time horizon.


Lucky3
by lucky3
Mon Mar 18, 2013 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost wallet
Replies: 11
Views: 1322

Re: Lost wallet

1. Notify all the credit card companies to issue new cards.
2. Notify the three credit bureaus and request a fraud alert be put on the account for 90 days...this can be done with a call to one of the bureaus.
3. Everthing else can be replaced....library card, auto license. etc.

If any keys were in the wallet, replace the door locks....that's about it.

Lucky 3
by lucky3
Tue Mar 12, 2013 9:24 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Why not add a "like" button to Boglehead posts?
Replies: 371
Views: 72584

Re: What the forum is missing...

......is 1. An easy way to refer someone to a previous thread if the same question is asked.

...... 2. Meaningless questions like the one from The Munchkin Man asking about what type of wallet you prefer. Why is this question of importance or of interest to anyone? The board administrator should be a bit more discriminating and omit posts that simply wastes people time.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Sat Mar 09, 2013 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 25 isn't too late to start......right? [Military]
Replies: 17
Views: 2762

Re: 25 isn't too late to start......right? [Military]

Most definately NOT too late....I have suits in my closet older then you!

Become a consistant reader of this forum....a wise group of people that tend to be on the financial conservative side. Have an emergency fund, then slowly plan your "core funds" using index funds...read the wiki...and thank you for your service.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri Mar 08, 2013 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I'm 23 and moving out, should I get a credit card?
Replies: 46
Views: 3719

Re: I'm 23 and moving out, should I get a credit card?

The world revolves around credit...yes, get a credit card, but only if you intend to pay off your compete balance in the month you get your bill...that's how you increase your score...do not be late with payments.

Luckys
by lucky3
Thu Mar 07, 2013 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental Insurance
Replies: 16
Views: 1604

Re: Dental Insurance

I believe most dental insurance will pay only 50% for that dental service...so the dentist does have a right to bill you for the difference...I recently had a bone graft and implant done too...the price is more painful than the procedure.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Mar 07, 2013 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Nuveen Munis paying 4 1/2%
Replies: 4
Views: 721

Nuveen Munis paying 4 1/2%

Anyone have any good or bad things to say about this fund?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Mon Mar 04, 2013 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Converting Wife's IRA into Roth IRA?
Replies: 2
Views: 303

Converting Wife's IRA into Roth IRA?

Over the years, I've contributed to my wife's IRA (she'll be 70 in the Fall, I'm 66 and working full time). In about a year or so, even though we won't need the income, she will have to start withdrawing from her IRA for the RMD and of course we'll have to pay the tax on the withdrawal. I'm told it would be a good idea convert her IRA to a Roth IRA now and pay the taxes now from a seperate account.
Her conventional IRA is a six figures so paying the tax now would probably involve a big piece of change. Worth it?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE Bonds as part of a retirement strategy?
Replies: 38
Views: 4686

Re: EE Bonds as part of a retirement strategy?

Mel:

Read your Forbes article...but if I'm 66 and buy EE's and wait 20 years, oy, I may not be here to collect the "annuity".


Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri Mar 01, 2013 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tracking credit card spending
Replies: 32
Views: 2569

Re: Tracking credit card spending

Of course you can always know "after the fact"...most credit card companies offer you an end of year summary detailing all your credit card spending. It's the end of year because they don't want you to use the card LESS, but MORE.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Feb 28, 2013 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turning 62 soon, researching Social Security, WEP
Replies: 8
Views: 1461

Re: Turning 62 soon, researching Social Security, WEP

If you're healthy and employed in a full time job you should delay taking SS until your full retirement age....makes a big difference!.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue Feb 26, 2013 2:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Oblivious Investor: "Preparing Your Spouse to Manage . . ."
Replies: 15
Views: 3031

Re: Oblivious Investor: "Preparing Your Spouse to Manage . .

In case of a storm you go to your emergency kit which should contain flashlight, transitor radio etc.....

....in case of dealth my wife knows to go to "the 3 ring binder" which contains all financial accounts and contact info of accountant, lawyer, etc....along with a two page cover sheet outlining asset accounts.

I was never a Boy Scout but I believe in their motto, " Be Prepared"

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue Feb 19, 2013 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trips of a Lifetime
Replies: 60
Views: 8752

Re: Trips of a Lifetime

Wife and I have been to a number of great overseas vacations but one of the best was renting a car and going south on US 1 from San Fran down the Cali coast...beautiful, don't forget the good old USA!

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue Feb 19, 2013 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfortable soft riding car
Replies: 28
Views: 10847

Re: Comfortable soft riding car

I own a Lexus ES 350 (which my wife drives)....it's the smoothest ride I've ever felt!

Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri Feb 15, 2013 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What if Ally Gets Hacked?
Replies: 11
Views: 1813

What if Ally Gets Hacked?

I know Ally is FDIC insured...in the unlikely event it ever went under. But, what about if the online bank gets "hacked"? Can funds be withdrawn or taken out or messed with in any way? FDIC doesn't cover that, do they?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Sun Feb 10, 2013 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thought I was Moderate but Actually Conservative?
Replies: 7
Views: 2405

Thought I was Moderate but Actually Conservative?

Been watching the board for several months now and really enjoy the feedback. So today at 66 and fully employed, I reviewed my AA to find the following: 40% Stock 20% Bonds & Fixed 40% Cash/CD's If I should have my "age in bonds" than I'm way off the mark. To remedy that, I could transfer some of the cash to bonds...toTotal Bond Fund and/or Tips(of which I own none)....despite all the noise of a "bond bubble". I also own no international stock funds...ok, ok, don't yell at me, I know I'm violating one of the priciples it just that since I was burned by an activley managed international stock fund years ago I swore off going global. One more thing, I have large positions in Vanguard 500 Index Fund and their Star fund....
by lucky3
Fri Feb 08, 2013 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stopping Junk Mail
Replies: 51
Views: 7347

Re: Stopping Junk Mail

Bill99:

As you pointed out, direct mail can be expensive so no responsible direct marketer wants to mail to anyone who is not interested or will never respond to their offer.

Those people that want to limit their receipt of 3rd class mail can contact the DMA (Direct Marketing Association) and ask to be put on their Mail Preference Service. In a month or two the amount of third class mail they receive should be way down.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Choosing a fund
Replies: 7
Views: 734

Re: Choosing a fund

Like a brand new restaurant....I tend to wait a few weeks for the kinks to work themselves out.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Feb 07, 2013 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stopping Junk Mail
Replies: 51
Views: 7347

Re: Stopping Junk Mail

Alex:

Not sure what motivates you to cast off an entire industry with one broad defamation of an industry. Some may be annoyed by third class mail, many others actually like receiving mail.

Third class mail actually subsidizes the cost of first class mail. Not sure how old you are, but you sound like an "internet generation kid". As for my age, let's say unsoliticed advertising mail help put my three sons through college!

Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri Feb 01, 2013 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Stopping Junk Mail
Replies: 51
Views: 7347

Re: Stoping Junk Mail

Of all the things in this world to complain about I never understood people who get so upset about unsolicited mail. Do you get equally upset when a tv commerical comes on during one of your programs? Do you get upset when you see an advertisement in the newspaper or magazine you're reading? Direct mail is just another form of advertising (which,by the way,subsidizes first class mail in the post office).

All you have to do is write to the Direct Marketing Association in New York and add your name to their name removal program...this will eventually stop most, but not all, junk mail. Or, just recycle the mail in your "blue recycling bin"...big deal. Now go out and concern yourself with more important things.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Sat Jan 26, 2013 2:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do you measure risk?
Replies: 8
Views: 742

How do you measure risk?

This might be a basic question for most of you but how exactly do you measure the amount of risk in a fund?

My wife is transferring a 5 figure Magellan traditional IRA to either a Star IRA from Vanguard, which she already has OR a new Vanguard Total Stock Index fund.

Seems to me that STAR and the total stock index fund are pretty similar when risk is being measured...yes or no? She's almost 70.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Wed Jan 16, 2013 3:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: We the People - Petition to Bring back Paper Savings Bonds
Replies: 13
Views: 1578

Re: We the People - Petition to Bring back Paper Savings Bon

Why do you need paper savings bonds......it's inefficient for the government.

How about requesting to raise the $10,000 max on I-Bond purchases?

Or, delaying the RMD on IRA's until the age of 75 or more?.....some of us may be working and really don't "need" the distribution right now.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Fri Jan 04, 2013 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Magellan: Jump Ship or Stay The Course?
Replies: 8
Views: 878

Magellan: Jump Ship or Stay The Course?

One year return was 17.99%....three and five year return was not good....bought this years ago when Lynch was the star at Fidelity and my "buy and hold" mentality never let me sell it...probably a mistake....Bogleheads agree?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Mon Dec 31, 2012 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Too much in Fidelity Cash Reserves?
Replies: 1
Views: 420

Too much in Fidelity Cash Reserves?

Given Fidelity Cash Reserves (part of my IRA) is earning almost nothing it doesn't seem to make sense to keep over $100,000 in it.....how competitive are Fidelity's CD's or is it best to move it to Ally Bank?

Lucky 3
by lucky3
Thu Dec 27, 2012 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise ...Uncertain
Replies: 34
Views: 4928

Cruise ...Uncertain

I've always been tempted to take a cruise but never followed through thinking" paying all that money just to get sea sick?" Many friends I know say a Caribbean crusie is the best vacation.
One says I should explore a "river cruise" or a Mediterranean cruise.

I know there's no way to guarantee calm seas...I also know the Bogleheads like to "stay the course". But I can stay the course on a plane too. Any hesitant sailors out there?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Tue Dec 04, 2012 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CD Rates: What to do
Replies: 29
Views: 2507

Re: CD Rates: What to do

kenner wrote:Enjoy relatively docile inflation rates.

Okay, I reckon that's a little flippant. But without knowing more about your need, ability and willingness to take risk, pretty much impossible to render advice. What is your investment time horizon? Six months, 20 years?

Funds will not be used for over 10 years, cash portion of my allocation......Lucky 3
by lucky3
Tue Dec 04, 2012 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CD Rates: What to do
Replies: 29
Views: 2507

CD Rates: What to do

Got a six figure cd coming due....with the miniscule interest rates I find myself with few options on renewal...any great ideas besides waiting for interest rates to rise:)?

Lucky 3
by lucky3
Mon Nov 26, 2012 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation to Washington DC
Replies: 44
Views: 4554

Re: Vacation to Washington DC

Your kids are the right age to take a tour of Ford's theatre...it's often overlooked by visitors but it's one of the highlights of my visit to DC. Besides the museum in the basement of the threatre you can go across the street and see where Lincoln past away...take the tour, you and kids will love it....especially in light of the new movie Lincoln currently playing.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Generator or No Generator
Replies: 82
Views: 21853

Generator or No Generator

Now that Hurricane Sandy is behind us, at least behind us for most of us Northeasterners....what's the Boglehead's views on house generators?

Most people I've spoken too, who have portable or whole house generators, had them working for a day then most gave out and stopped working....anyone have any good experiences with them when the lights go out? I was thinking of buying one but after hearing all the horror stories maybe I should get some extra batteries for my flashlight instead!:)

Lucky3
by lucky3
Mon Nov 12, 2012 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volunteering Ideas
Replies: 87
Views: 9145

Re: Volunteering Ideas

To Taylor:

I usually always look for your words of wisdom and sanity in this crazy world of investing....you are already volunteering and doing a great service whether you realize it or not...keep up the good work!


Lucky3
by lucky3
Thu Nov 08, 2012 10:29 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Good luck to those hit by Hurricane Sandy...
Replies: 79
Views: 7207

Re: Good luck to those hit by Hurricane Sandy...

Thursday 11/8/12....

...as if Sandy wasn't enough we were hit last night by a Nor'easter which dumped 4 to 6 inches of snow and lots of wind. Lots of people still without power in Queens NY and New Jersey....I'm in Westchester County NY where for the first time in history the Hudson River overflowed her banks (due to the storm surge of Sandy).

One down day on Wall Street isn't a trend, just like one storm doesn't prove global warming but as for the weather....a trend may be forming! :(

Lucky 3
by lucky3
Tue Oct 23, 2012 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1564689

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Nelson DeMille's The Panther just came out and I bought it...one of the best suspense and crime authors.

Lucky 3
by lucky3
Mon Oct 22, 2012 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Las Vegas Trip
Replies: 56
Views: 7088

Re: Las Vegas Trip

Been there 3-4 times on business over the years.

Bellagio is good, so's Ceasars....for 28 year old's you might check out Excalibur and Stratisphere...young person's places and not too expensive.

If you can get a good rate I recently flew Virgin America from Kennedy last week...class operation.

Lucky3

PS Some advice on gambling...put aside "X" number of dollars per night so if you lose it you lose it....it's past of your entertainment. Don't bet over your head...that's how they can afford the luxury casinos...I know I sound like your dad! :)
by lucky3
Fri Oct 19, 2012 10:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone or Android for the Challenged?
Replies: 13
Views: 1420

Iphone or Android for the Challenged?

Wife and I are in our mid 60"s, still using old Razor cell phones....want to upgrade to a smartphone but all we need it for is making calls and checking emails...don't need all the advanced "bells and whistles".......suggestions?

IPhone?

Android?

Which is the best model for electronically challenged?

Lucky3
by lucky3
Wed Oct 10, 2012 9:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank in NYC? Experience w Chase or First Republic?
Replies: 17
Views: 4471

Re: Bank in NYC? Experience w Chase or First Republic?

Been with Chase for over 30 years, never had a problem....if you're looking for a brick and mortar bank Chase would be my vote.

Lucky3
by lucky3
Wed Oct 10, 2012 12:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Account for Long Term Care?
Replies: 8
Views: 917

Account for Long Term Care?

I think all would agree that Long Term Care poliies are expensive...the insurance companies themselves are either raising premiums or getting out of the business of writing policies altogether. The federal government was going to propose a long term care allowance/policy but decided they could never get it through so they dropped it. We have 401k's and IRA's ...why not an account for long term care so the individual can "self provide" for themselves if and when the need arises...kind of like a health account? Instead of forcing people to take a reguired minimum distribution from their IRA at age 70, why not give them the option of putting the distribution into their own "long term care" account? What do the Bogleheads th...
by lucky3
Wed Sep 26, 2012 9:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Master Limited Partnerships
Replies: 13
Views: 2019

Re: Master Limited Partnerships

Taylor:

Thanks for the info...then my first instinct to fund my Vanguard GNMA IRA was a correct one.

Lucky3