Search found 5735 matches

by Sheepdog
Fri Aug 28, 2020 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Removing a White Oak from Side Yard
Replies: 41
Views: 3167

Re: Removing a White Oak from Side Yard

tomd37 wrote: Fri Aug 28, 2020 8:18 pm Whenever engaging the services of a company I always ask them to provide me a copy of their insurance policy to ensure they have current, proper, and adequate insurance coverage for them and me. I don't take their word for it.
Agree fully. I obtain a copy and then contact the insurance company to verify that the policy is up to date on premium payment receipts. What are the liability limits? Does it cover personal and property liability......that IS a BIG tree after all.
by Sheepdog
Wed Aug 26, 2020 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how often do you check your net worth?
Replies: 203
Views: 18932

Re: how often do you check your net worth?

billthecat wrote: Wed Aug 26, 2020 11:30 am I only check when I'm overcome with feelings of despair over working, or about every 15 minutes or so.
Thanks for the laugh. Love it. :D
by Sheepdog
Wed Aug 26, 2020 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll of the retirees among us--spending in retirement
Replies: 76
Views: 7905

Re: Poll of the retirees among us--spending in retirement

MathWizard wrote: Wed Aug 26, 2020 11:10 am

Wow, you keep good records.

Thanks for the info!
And, thank you!
I keep this data because I enjoy doing it and it is easy to do with my Microsoft Money 2002 software on my computer, plus it helps keep my mind active as I have aged.
I guess this arithmetic data-keeping is left over from my occupation as engineer and factory manager where record keeping was required,. at least it was for me

Woof
by Sheepdog
Tue Aug 25, 2020 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll of the retirees among us--spending in retirement
Replies: 76
Views: 7905

Re: Poll of the retirees among us--spending in retirement

Are your numbers adjusted for inflation? No, of course not. Most of us keep track of current spending and not try to change that to some other period dollar value. I can say our standard of living hasn't changed much. My inflation has been much less than the CPI....much less. I don't buy new houses,I live in the same house and since I do all maintenance myself, the cost is not high per year.I don't buy the latest electronic gadgets so that does not come into account. I pay less taxes. I travel less. , We eat out more today though. We spend much less on taxes... much less. Example. in 2000 we spent $9,774 on vacation expenses. We spent nothing in 2019 Gasoline in 2000 we spent $1,261 and $1,056 last year. Income taxes in 2000 was $5.270, bu...
by Sheepdog
Tue Aug 25, 2020 12:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll of the retirees among us--spending in retirement
Replies: 76
Views: 7905

Re: Poll of the retirees among us--spending in retirement

Retired 10/1998 age 65 Spending averages after that in 4 year increment averages 1999-2002 56,285 2003-2006 57,806 2007-2010 60,879 2011-2014 68,923 2015-2019 70,977 (note this avg is the last 5 years) Well, so much for Kitces' article. It shows that you are who you are. We aren't the same. Where we spent more for vacations in the earlier years, we spend more on medical and dental these days, but other spending has been very similar (same house maintenance, food, auto purchases, restaurants, entertainment, and so forth.) On thinking about this, there is a change for us in that we gave away more the last 5 years than then. I include donations and gifts in my spending averages, so take that into account. (Example: We gave away $3,954 in 2000 ...
by Sheepdog
Mon Aug 24, 2020 12:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Market will be at all time high by year-end
Replies: 234
Views: 28974

Re: Market will be at all time high by year-end

I will have my usual Manhattan on 12/31 when we celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary. I hope to be at my all time high then and I won't be thinking about the Market.
Woof
by Sheepdog
Sun Aug 23, 2020 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental insurance for seniors
Replies: 29
Views: 3545

Re: Dental insurance for seniors

I have Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan within which I receive Dental, Vision and Hearing coverage for extra premiums. The dental, thru Liberty Dental, covers twice a year cleaning and examinations plus considerable discounts for major dental work. For me, this insurance has saved me much
by Sheepdog
Thu Aug 20, 2020 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how often do you check your net worth?
Replies: 203
Views: 18932

Re: how often do you check your net worth?

My Microsoft Money 2002 works great for all financial records. I keep it up almost daily with all fund prices, expenditures and receipts. So, my net worth is available on a moments notice just by a click of the mouse. But, when do I look at it? Whenever I feel like it or when my spouse says "How are we doing." I bark back the answer, but with a whimper when it is down.
Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Mon Aug 17, 2020 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: USPS shipping: Caveat Emptor
Replies: 79
Views: 6605

Re: USPS shipping: Caveat Emptor

This is from a fan (used to be) of the USPS. So far this year, I sent a package to Winter Park, Florida. As I traced it on line, it went from Indiana to Pittsburgh, then to Denver, then to Charlotte, then to Atlanta, then to Jacksonville which had a note that it would be delivered to Winter Park the next day. On tracing again, they said it was in Panama City, Fl on the pan handle. 3 days later it showed it was still in Panama City with no other note. This time I called the postmaster there (it was difficult to get connected) and asked why hasn't it been forwarded. He said that they don't hold anything. I said that on the USPS package site it showed it was there for 3 days. He agreed to look for it. The next day, the website said it had left...
by Sheepdog
Thu Aug 13, 2020 8:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Struggling with Spending
Replies: 79
Views: 9609

We were always responsibly frugal in my working years and into early retirement. (We've got to save for college for the kids. We've got to save for the future. ) etc. We did struggle to spend on wants, but not needs. There was the time when color television came out in the early 60s. I wanted that 25 inch console color TV which was on sale at whatever discount store that was. It cost $135 (expensive at that time.). I brought it home in my old Plymouth station wagon, came in to the house smiling saying "Look at what I got...a good deal.) . (We would be among the first in my neighborhood.) Here I was happy, but really caught hell. My wife screamed "You spent that much money without consulting with me. Do you know how much I try to s...
by Sheepdog
Wed Aug 12, 2020 2:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?
Replies: 175
Views: 18483

Re: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?

cheese_breath wrote: Wed Aug 12, 2020 2:46 pm You move into your adult daughter's basement and share it with her 38 YO son (your grandson) who's also living there.
:) :) :)
by Sheepdog
Mon Aug 10, 2020 12:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why I don't trust S&P 500 index funds (Brett Arends)
Replies: 21
Views: 2401

Re: Why I don't trust S&P 500 index funds (Brett Arends)

I didn't read the article, but wondering what exactly he means by "random". Random as in you bought shares in 30 randomly chosen large-cap(?) companies in 1964? Any 30 companies, so long as they were chosen randomly? What if your random selection of companies happened to include many that went on to under-perform the broader market? Or is he saying that, no matter what your random selection actually was, the end result after 55 years is that they would have (as a group) handily beaten their index? Sounds like utter rubbish to me. What he wrote, if I remember correctly (you should read it not listen to what I am thinking) that if you picked 30 random stocks one year, sell those and pick another 30 random stocks the next year and o...
by Sheepdog
Mon Aug 10, 2020 11:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why I don't trust S&P 500 index funds (Brett Arends)
Replies: 21
Views: 2401

Why I don't trust S&P 500 index funds (Brett Arends)

Brett Arends on MarketWatch posted this: "WHY I DON'T TRUST S&P 500 INDEX FUNDS" : https://www.marketwatch.com/story/eeek-why-i-dont-trust-sp-500-index-funds-especially-not-now-2020-08-10 He says: I don’t trust S&P 500 ‘index’ funds and I don’t care who knows it. I know this is heresy. I know everyone loves the idea of low-fee funds that simply own the S&P SPX, 0.02% index and then they can forget about it. I know the Bogleheads will come for my scalp. But, as I said, I don’t care. Among his comments What does that mean? Try this. If you’d invested $1,000 in 1964 in a traditional index fund tracking the largest 1,000 stocks, by 2012 you’d have $83,600. If you’d followed the strategy of 30 random stocks, equally weight...
by Sheepdog
Sat Aug 08, 2020 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tips for frozen food during power outage
Replies: 37
Views: 3294

Re: tips for frozen food during power outage

Check around your area to see if some company stocks dry ice and buy some of that to put into your freezer. Ask around now to know where to get some when your power fails. Search on the internet "dry ice (your town)" Here, we have 3 companies, one being a grocery/department store, Meijer.
by Sheepdog
Sat Aug 08, 2020 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Critique for a 91 year old woman
Replies: 27
Views: 3141

Re: Portfolio Critique for a 91 year old woman

Please take Taylor Larimore's advice. I fully agree with him, the person here with the best family supported financial wisdom. He has been there and he is close to your mother's age.

(In case some here did not know, Taylor is the main founder of the Diehard/Boglehead forums and the smartest in-retirement investment man I know. He is the main person who guided me when I retired. It has been successful because of him.)
.
by Sheepdog
Sat Aug 08, 2020 4:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard "sunsetting" CFP consultations
Replies: 141
Views: 15176

Re: Vanguard "sunsetting" CFP consultations

Advisory Service? Never had one anywhere. Why? Didn't need one. Only my dear spouse.
by Sheepdog
Thu Aug 06, 2020 7:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?
Replies: 175
Views: 18483

Re: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?

TravelforFun wrote: Wed Aug 05, 2020 11:22 pm
That's awesome to hear. I'm 68 and hope to be as healthy and witty as you are when I get to 86. Congratulations!

TravelforFun
Thanks for those nice words.

Let's see, you are 68 now, so in 17 years you will be 85. I am 86 and in 17 years I will be 103. Let's be here then talking about how good things are in money and health. OK?
by Sheepdog
Wed Aug 05, 2020 12:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?
Replies: 175
Views: 18483

Re: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?

at 85? I wouldn't care - that sounds like a long-lived life. Sorry, I'm 86 and I care and I haven't changed a heck of a lot on likes and dislikes and wants and needs. I bought a new car last December and a new AC and Furnace this summer and other stuff. I still eat and drink (plus eat in restaurants every week) and want them to be good, don't I? Wouldn't you? For this year I bought season tickets for the Indy Colts, a symphony, and a playhouse like every other year, although this virus may mean they won't actually occur. Anyway, I will plan for next year. I don't want to run out later, do I? Would you really? And there are a lot like me around here. I'll bet you will care when you get there. Add on: I see that someone else said on this pos...
by Sheepdog
Sun Jul 26, 2020 11:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset allocation in retirement
Replies: 26
Views: 4631

Re: Asset allocation in retirement

nedsaid, I see in your response to livesoft that you and I are are indeed thinking the same way on this issue. :D
by Sheepdog
Sun Jul 26, 2020 11:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset allocation in retirement
Replies: 26
Views: 4631

Re: Asset allocation in retirement

I could not in good conscience recommended a safe withdrawal rate for a portfolio of 6%. For me whether 6% could be recommended or not would depend on how long the portfolio was needed to "last." After all, if one is 85 years old, I am pretty sure a higher initial withdrawal rate of 6% would not be much of a problem. :twisted: Don't be too sure. Some retirees at 85 still control their withdrawals for other than self needs. Some, at this age, are investing for their heirs or organizations which they may wish to gift at their passing. In addition, at 85, withdrawals may still be very important for those without long term care insurance. They may wish to be able to go to a better senior caring facility than a pauper facility I can t...
by Sheepdog
Sat Jul 25, 2020 3:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906948

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Stock, bond, cash 27 - 69 - 4 (within Wellesley, Balanced Index, I Bonds (2000-01 issues)l and MM) +2.93% ytd
by Sheepdog
Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Forbes: The Fed Is Going To Buy Stocks
Replies: 11
Views: 1592

Re: Forbes: The Fed Is Going To Buy Stocks

junior wrote: Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:12 pm I think you shouldn't link to a random article on the internet unless you know anything about the authors track record.
Yes.......Anyway, not actionable..
by Sheepdog
Sat Jul 18, 2020 12:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees, share your epiphanies..
Replies: 126
Views: 17500

Re: Retirees, share your epiphanies..

flyingaway wrote: Sat Jul 18, 2020 10:05 am
.......but I would say that have two children and loving them is my most honorable achievement in my life.
Thank you for that comment. I agree. My two sons were special in our lives as they grew and flourished as adults
They did not have children for me to share in my senior years, though. I don't know why, but I wouldn't dare to ask.
Anyway, I get my child loving fix today by reading to Kindergartners and volunteering at the Children's Museum (Go away Covid-19 so I can get back to that.)
by Sheepdog
Sat Jul 18, 2020 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Caviar?
Replies: 8
Views: 816

Re: Caviar?

I have experienced the taste several times in my life, but not for the last 25 years or so. I was never a fan of the taste, however, too salty for my taste. The best I ever had was in the Soviet Union (yes, before it collapsed).
The REAL Caviar is from a Sturgeon, but there are other fish eggs packaged as Caviar.
I just looked at Amazon, and sure enough, you can buy there. From $5.32 per oz (Black Capelin) to $185 per oz (Sturgeon) Numerous different fish roe are packaged. I found that interesting.

I have been told that even when canned, it can deteriorate. Some are pasteurized, but some are not. Look at the expiration date on the container and consume soon. .
by Sheepdog
Fri Jul 17, 2020 12:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees, share your epiphanies..
Replies: 126
Views: 17500

Re: Retirees, share your epiphanies..

What would you approach differently not only in job/ career or finances, but in life in general now that you are retired and have opportunities to reflect. May I be philosophical? My personal thoughts may be different after having already lived happily for over two decades in retirement and into my late 80s.... Finances are important in retirement, of course, but your spirit is most important. Don't live alone. Alone at 70, 80, 90 would be awful for me and my health. Live with a person who shares your values and wishes, especially your time and space. Be prepared to lovingly assist each other as you age. Live together, travel together, share the things you each enjoy together. And, say "I love you" often to all you care about.......
by Sheepdog
Sun Jul 05, 2020 5:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 4% rule - confidence poll
Replies: 457
Views: 33087

Re: 4% rule - confidence poll

I withdrew an average of 4.59% each year during the last 22 years and went through some good size downturns. My investments still grew , so I am confident for the future. 4.59% of what? 4.59% real of the initial account value? 4.59% nominal growth of the initial account balance? 4.59% of account value at the start of the year? At a high level, 22 years ago was a good time to retire. Your accounts went up like 25% before the tough decade hit. It is important to remember that when people talk about the 4% rule failing, 90%+ of the people who retire over the next 30 years will be still fine and withdrawing a lot more than 4% safely. But there will be one group that has the bad luck to time it just right to get a failure case. Look at the past...
by Sheepdog
Sat Jul 04, 2020 4:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 4% rule - confidence poll
Replies: 457
Views: 33087

Re: 4% rule - confidence poll

I withdrew an average of 4.59% each year during the last 22 years and went through some good size downturns. My investments still grew , so I am confident for the future.
by Sheepdog
Mon Jun 29, 2020 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the best financial decision you ever made?
Replies: 212
Views: 21730

Re: What is the best financial decision you ever made?

FrugalInvestor wrote: Mon Jun 29, 2020 11:10 am I married a person with similar attitudes toward saving and spending which happen to be consistent with the Boglehead philosophy. I have been very fortunate in many ways.
I was just going to submit my good fortune....great fortune.....of finding my wife on a blind date 60 years ago, to whom I fell deeply in love with and who has kept me in line on finances and everything else. Then I found that you already beat me to it so I hope you don't mind that I tag along.
Weren't we fortunate?

(Now, I've got to think what am I going to do for her on our 60th next New Years Eve.)
by Sheepdog
Mon Jun 22, 2020 8:39 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday Mel Lindauer - 6/22/2020
Replies: 58
Views: 6082

Re: Happy Birthday Mel Lindauer - 6/22/2020

Mel, I wish you another Happy Birthday. You have meant so much to me since I first met you on line at the Diehards forum in 1998. You are special.
Semper Fi, Gyrene.

Sgt, Sheepdog
by Sheepdog
Sun Jun 21, 2020 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping Tree Trimming
Replies: 62
Views: 8345

Re: Tipping Tree Trimming

If you do tip, *(but never to the owner) tell the employees before they start saying something like "if you do everything right, clean up everything, cause no damage I will be pleased to give you personally $xx extra. OK?"" [Have I done that? Yes, for moving van persons and roofers, but nothing else.] And, yes they did do great......one cracked plate on a full house move, for example."
by Sheepdog
Wed Jun 17, 2020 11:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance rates increasing
Replies: 13
Views: 1314

Re: Insurance rates increasing

Hartford via AARP, Insurance increases in 2019 and 2020

Homeowners 2020 Up 4%.......2019 Up 19%

Automobile 2020 Up 30%.......2019 Up 9.7%
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Really hard to avoid "Keeping up with the Joneses"!
Replies: 313
Views: 37794

Re: Really hard to avoid "Keeping up with the Joneses"!

IMO wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2020 4:04 pm
There really isn't any distinction between material possessions and doing things when it comes to keeping up with the Jones'. That just becomes the tiresome argument, "do you value experiences over possessions."
Very very true. Thank you for editing my thoughts. I agree.

p.s. I just noted this thread was initiated in 2013. How did that happen? No answer needed. That is just a rhetorical question.
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Online summer coding course for HS student?
Replies: 12
Views: 1029

Re: Online summer coding course for HS student?

To Texasdiver , Just think there was a time when I needed to learn and understand all or the nuances of using a slide rule to help design power plants, chemical plants, generators, automobiles, rockets and so on. Can you imagine that I had to read a printed manual and take engineering classes to really get into it? I even had to read a book, not just a small manual? Remember that slide rules got astronauts to the moon and back, not computers See slide Rule Museum https://sliderulemuseum.com/SR_Course.htm Texasdiver , It is great that your daughter wants to learn a tough skill as coding. She is special. Tell her that in the 1950s at the University of Florida that of the two hundred engineering students there, only one was a female (in elect...
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Really hard to avoid "Keeping up with the Joneses"!
Replies: 313
Views: 37794

Re: Really hard to avoid "Keeping up with the Joneses"!

Sandtrap wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2020 12:09 pm [
+1
Outstanding!dd

There is a saying:
"Living well is the best revenge."

j :happy
Thank you, Sandtrap. '
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Really hard to avoid "Keeping up with the Joneses"!
Replies: 313
Views: 37794

Re: Really hard to avoid "Keeping up with the Joneses"!

Among my friends and senior family members WE are the Joneses. NOT money and things, but having a great retirement, eating out a lot, attending all kinds of plays, concerts, sporting events, smiling a lot, never complaining (maybe the corona virus stuff and politics), and having reasonably healthy bodies and minds.. THEY are the jealous ones. If they have more stuff, we don't care. We have never bought stuff to just buy stuff, although there was a time they were jealous of our weekend lake cottage...an inexpensive one, but beautiful and fun.
Golly, I miss that.
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tipping on curbside pickup?
Replies: 44
Views: 4857

Re: Tipping on curbside pickup?

Yes, I have. A tip is added on the charge when ordered, like when paid for at the restaurant. If someone brings it out to the car I will give him/her a small tip as an addition to the bill charge. If it is raining a little more.
(I feel that this is important as the employees are earning so much less than when the restaurant is fully operational.
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 1:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Frequency of Withdrawals in Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 5115

Re: Frequency of Withdrawals in Retirement

I take withdrawals as needed. I just wrote this in another thread which explains, I hope: I have been withdrawing from my savings for 22 years in retirement. Never have I had the same needs two years in a row, so how would I set a fixed amount? Why would I want to? I did, however, set an average withdrawal amount forecast to allow variable spending needs (new auto, nice vacation, home remodel, special monetary gift, etc.) If I have a large need or want year, I try to control spending to fit needs to keep close to the plan. What percentage is that? You figure that out for you. I decided on 4.5% withdrawal average which is close to 4% and offers a little more to cover inflation and spending variability needs.. Can you keep a record of your an...
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 13, 2020 1:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fixed percentage withdrawal rate
Replies: 17
Views: 1605

Re: Fixed percentage withdrawal rate

I have been withdrawing from my savings for 22 years in retirement. Never have I had the same needs two years in a row, so how would I set a fixed amount? Why would I want to? I did, however, set an average withdrawal amount forecast to allow variable spending needs (new auto, nice vacation, home remodel, special monetary gift, etc.) If I have a large need or want year, I try to control spending to fit future needs to keep close to the plan. What percentage is that? You figure that out for you. I decided on 4.5% withdrawal average which is close to 4% and offers a little more to cover inflation and spending variability needs.. Can you keep a record of your annual spending (and withdrawals}? In these approx. 22 years, I have withdrawn from 3...
by Sheepdog
Fri Jun 12, 2020 11:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Thinking of closing out my Vanguard Account
Replies: 55
Views: 7873

Re: Thinking of closing out my Vanguard Account

makingmistakes wrote: Thu Jun 11, 2020 6:06 pm

I probably won’t make it to 87, but if I do and if I’m half as sharp as you appear to be, I’ll consider myself blessed!
Thank you for the compliment, but I don't think I am so sharp, but I am blessed. Now, if I could get my spouse to agree with you.....Naw, that can't happen.

Woof. Woof.
by Sheepdog
Thu Jun 11, 2020 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thoughts on today's sell-off?
Replies: 194
Views: 19547

Re: Thoughts on today's sell-off?

Young person, in my lifetime (a fairly long one) there have been a hundred or more of these kind of days. A long time ago i finally realized that I don't know nuttin and no one else knowd nuttin either. I finally got the message, and you should try to do so, and that was that every down day has been followed by big up days, maybe not right away, but then again maybe it will be right away, but you will be rewarded in the long term. Please try to get that into your mind. Down days are easier when you have.
Woof Woof.
by Sheepdog
Thu Jun 11, 2020 12:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Thinking of closing out my Vanguard Account
Replies: 55
Views: 7873

Re: Thinking of closing out my Vanguard Account

Would you advise why you call Vanguard regularly? I am 87 and it has been well over 20 years since I felt the need to do so. I keep a money market account from which I can write checks (over $250) or I can transfer any other amount to my at home checking account. From my IRAs I can set up similar. I write checks ($250 minimum from my IRA when needed.) Every financial action I need can be done via my computer. It has been very easy and rewarding.

PM to me if you would like to discuss more.
by Sheepdog
Sat Jun 06, 2020 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirees: what is your AA?
Replies: 80
Views: 6135

Re: Retirees: what is your AA?

Retired at 65 (wife at 62) No pension, spending comes from investments and SS.
Now: my age is almost 88,
Present allocation: 27/70/3. Have been at 23 to 27% stock since 2008.
Average annual withdrawal has been 4.57% and my investment total is within 1% of my maximum over these years (nominal, of course).
by Sheepdog
Thu Jun 04, 2020 3:58 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Shout out to Sheepdog
Replies: 25
Views: 5285

Re: Shout out to Sheepdog

mega317 wrote: Thu Jun 04, 2020 12:27 am
Sheepdog wrote: Wed Jun 03, 2020 10:28 pm and frown at people who do not, but they don't care.
Of course they don’t, your frown is behind a mask.
But, they can still see my squinty eyes. :annoyed
by Sheepdog
Wed Jun 03, 2020 10:28 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Shout out to Sheepdog
Replies: 25
Views: 5285

Re: Shout out to Sheepdog

i am really okay as are my wife, our Sheepie and Miss Kitty . Thank you for thinking of me (us) A difficult thing that I have with this virus thing Is not touching people. I am a toucher. i have done it automatically all my life so I temporarily forget and then been very embarrassed especially to aging friends with health problems. I wear my mask when out, wash my hands often, and frown at people who do not, but they don't care. You know? Last Monday, I took my wife's car into the Ford dealers for service at the appointed time of 8:30 am. I pulled in, put my mask on, got out. Not one person at the dealer, maintenance garage or show room was wearing a mask. No sanitizer showing any where. There was not any separation of people. The persons i...
by Sheepdog
Thu May 28, 2020 7:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906948

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Our accounts YTD return went positive yesterday +0.14%. (Present Vanguard's calculated allocation: 28% stocks, 68% bonds, 4% short term reserves.) Probably temporary, but so what.
by Sheepdog
Mon May 25, 2020 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230343

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

/ In my experience, Northern Flickers (and other woodpeckers) love suet but they are large so sometimes have a problem hanging on to the smaller suet cages. I have seen larger ones for sale. You might also try moving the suet "station" to another area which sometimes will help. I can't speak to Cardinals since they don't come to my state, but in my experience Bluejays love peanuts the best. From Cornell: "Blue Jays prefer tray feeders or hopper feeders on a post rather than hanging feeders, and they prefer peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. Planting oak trees will make acorns available for jays of the future. Blue Jays often take drinks from birdbaths. Find out more about what this bird likes to eat and what feeder is best ...
by Sheepdog
Sat May 23, 2020 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230343

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

I mentioned the Coopers Hawk nest in my oak tree. I found I was wrong when I wrote that there were two babies in the nest. Well, on Thursday, I watched as they left the nest. The first one had moved out about ten feet on the limb while another one watched, stretching and flapping it's wings. I watched them for awhile. A short time later I saw the third one standing high on the nest opposite that one. The second one stood high on the nest south side for a couple of hours while watching the first one out on the limb. One of the parents came swooping by just above the tree, squawking out loud. That seemed to excite the two still on the nest as they soon moved out. The first one was still out there on the limb. I went away for about an hour and...
by Sheepdog
Fri May 22, 2020 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I freaked out…now what?
Replies: 60
Views: 7036

Re: I freaked out…now what?

I've been in your position in the past. There are two main issues, in my opinion. 1. When to get back in. This is why you shouldn't get out, because you will never feel comfortable about getting back in. Market is dropping? "I can't get back in now, the market is dropping." Market is rising? "Oh, no, I might be buying at the top, this is a bad time to get in." You see? You will be paralyzed. There is never going to be a "comfortable" time to get in. There will always be a zillion things going on in the world, and given the state of the world, market volatility probably isn't going away. And for market timers, the market is amazingly adept at making you zig when you should have zagged. 2. As others have said, y...
by Sheepdog
Fri May 15, 2020 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230343

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

The Hummingbirds arrived this morning from their long journey right on schedule....May 15. All 4 hummer feeders have been occupied this morning. It is amazing how they know the calendar.
by Sheepdog
Thu May 14, 2020 5:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2857
Views: 230343

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

Additional sightings from my post on March 30 https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=309961#p5147125 : The Pileated woodpecker has gone, off to the woods somewhere. He stayed around for about 3 weeks or so. Grosbeaks did arrive and are feeding now. They should disappear very soon, if not already . As I wrote earlier we have bluebirds with us for the first time in 47 years. Not only are they eating at my feeders, there are two pairs nesting in our birdhouses. Wonderful. At the Coopers Hawk oak tree nest mentioned back then, there are two babies in the nest. They are changing from white to brown and are standing on the nest. i imagine they will leave within two weeks. I hope they will go away and leave my other birds alone....