Search found 218 matches

by jwa
Tue Apr 02, 2013 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment advice for a retired athlete w/ long time horizon
Replies: 40
Views: 4913

Re: Investment advice for a retired athlete w/ long time hor

I'm not a retired athlete, but I've spent the past year dealing with making the most of a large lump sum windfall. My advice is take your time! Read the books. I found William Bernstein's The Four Pillars of Investing the most comprehensive and useful after reading all the others. Don't feel like you have to rush to do anything. The money I inherited was invested in extremely high fee vehicles thanks to a very high fee advisor. Over time I unwound that position putting most of it into cash as I figured out what would be a better use of it. There is a lot of good advice on this board, but also a lot of people quoting boilerplate accepted wisdom, not all of which holds up in the current environment. Be very careful about bonds, for example. ...
by jwa
Fri Mar 29, 2013 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement Questions/Medicare Questions
Replies: 5
Views: 731

Re: Retirement Questions/Medicare Questions

As for the financial planning aspects of retirement the suggestion on the "Bogleheads Guide To Retirement Planning" previously mientioned is an excellent recommendation. I also like the writings of Steve Vernon who is a retired pension actuary. Google Steve Vernon or go to Amazon and search for him. As for medicare, Part A is for hospital bills and it is free. Part B is for the doctors and will cost most likely a little over a $100 a month. Part D is for prescription drugs and I have no idea what it costs. Medicare doesn't quite pick up everything so most people buy a medicare supplement from a private insuror. There are Plans A to F with F being the most comprensive and the most expensive. Recently a high deductible Plan F was in...
by jwa
Sat Mar 16, 2013 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opportunity Costs
Replies: 2
Views: 537

Re: Opportunity Costs

I think this can be an interesting topic to discuss and I look forward to the dialog that will ensue. However, for me, I recognized opportunity costs in some of my short term decisions in the past and acted accordingly. I must say, though, most of the time I didn't and even more so when the time horizon went out into the distance. To do so I would have to analyze various scenrarios, come up with estimates and then guess on the optimal outcome. Too much analysis which often led to paralysis. I just tried to pay my bills, raise my kids, get out of debt and dollar cost average the S & P 500 over the years with Vanguard. Now that I am older, one of my heroes in life, Taylor Larimore, has convinced me here at the forum of the wisdom of the 3...
by jwa
Fri Mar 08, 2013 2:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's your number? Why?
Replies: 258
Views: 37757

Re: What's your number? Why?

This question is to Rick Ferri. Rick I note your comment about (1) determining ones expenses in retirement (2) subtracting expected social security from the expenses and then multipling times 20. I thought "The Rule" was 30 times expenses. Why do you suggest the number of only 20 times. Has it been your experience from your clients that they only need 20 times expenses in addition to social security? Thanks. I'm not Rick and I'm not as smart as him but I'll take a stab at it. Dr. Bernstein in his recent ebook stated 20 to 25 times expenses after deducting pension, social security and I believe he included annuity income as well. This ties in with what Rick is saying. Also, I believe Dr. Bernstein is speaking to a 30 year type of ...
by jwa
Fri Mar 08, 2013 1:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's your number? Why?
Replies: 258
Views: 37757

Re: What's your number? Why?

Rick Ferri says I need 2 million???? Good Lord, I'll never make it. With that said, my number is $500,000 which is a little less than what I currently have and significantly less than what most here say they need. I'm getting close to pulling the plug but then only part way as I will still work part time for a few years. I live in a low cost area, my house is paid for, college bills are in the past, I happily drive old cars and otherwise live a quiet life style which I am very content with. Also. as was pointed out earlier, I don't need to save $20,000 or more for my retirement each year. I have a small pension coming in the near future and I will hold off on SS until age 70 as will my wife. The combination of those two at age 70 will essen...
by jwa
Wed Mar 06, 2013 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Vanguard employees view Vanguard
Replies: 23
Views: 4010

Re: How Vanguard employees view Vanguard

Sounds like a couple large corporations I worked for.
by jwa
Thu Feb 21, 2013 6:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Predictions From Market Experts for 2013
Replies: 13
Views: 2159

Re: Predictions From Market Experts for 2013

I predict something is going to happen. I just don't know what though. Best that I stay the course.
by jwa
Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: One of Jim Cramer's Cardinal Rules of investing
Replies: 5
Views: 1103

Re: One of Jim Cramer's Cardinal Rules of investing

why is it that whenever I hear Jim Cramer's name my thoughts go immediatly to the Daily Show?
by jwa
Wed Feb 20, 2013 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: is window 8 good ??
Replies: 49
Views: 4948

Re: is window 8 good ??

looking, this is the investing forum. You might have better luck getting an answer to your question in the consumers forum.
by jwa
Mon Feb 18, 2013 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Asset Protection as] Volunteers - Charitable Organizations
Replies: 3
Views: 365

[Asset Protection as] Volunteers - Charitable Organizations

Somehow I have it in my head that pensions, 401Ks, IRA's, Roths and the like are protected in lawsuits and bankruptcies. If I volunteer as a board member on a charitable organization, are these assets protected in the event I am sued as a volunteer because of a wrongful act.
by jwa
Sun Feb 10, 2013 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard CEO's comment
Replies: 18
Views: 3889

Re: Vanguard CEO's comment

Mel Lindauer wrote:
Offshore wrote:Paul,
Excellent point. I will look for that white paper on their website. Don't know why Mr. McNabb would say 30%, when he could have said 20-40%. It came out so assuredly, causing me pause (big time)!
Probably because 30% is right smack dab in the middle of 20-40%.
Now I know why you are such a legend in the Boglehead world, a writer in business periodicals and a well known author! You're pretty smart. :sharebeer
by jwa
Sun Feb 10, 2013 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 'Won the Game' but is this portfolio too conservative?
Replies: 30
Views: 5981

Re: 'Won the Game' but is this portfolio too conservative?

As for an annuity, everything I've read suggests waiting until you are at least in your 60's before purchasing one. I don't want to speak authoritatively on this as I'm no expert but it's not until this age or older that survivorship credits make it worthwhile - or so I've read. In fact, I sort of think waiting until one is in their 70's is the best strategy.

In your shoes, I'd wait a few more years to buy an annuity, if that is what you choose to do. Not only the increased survivorship credits but interest rates might even be higher then making the annuity cheaper.
by jwa
Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: vanguard immediate fixed annuities
Replies: 25
Views: 2962

Re: vanguard immediate fixed annuities

1210sda wrote:If a SPIA is purchased with IRA funds by someone over age 70 1/2:

What happens if the annuity amount is greater than the RMD. ?

Will you be taxed on the full annuity amount ?

Can you just keep the excess over the RMD in your IRA ?

121
Someone more astute than me will tell us for sure but I don't think so. I don't think the RMD comes into play because the annuity in it's entirety was purchased with before tax dollars. Uncle Sam wants his share that he didn't tax initially.
by jwa
Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: vanguard immediate fixed annuities
Replies: 25
Views: 2962

Re: vanguard immediate fixed annuities

Do you need to pay tax on this income? This is only income. Thanks Good question and I don't see this aspect of SPIAs discussed a lot. The answer is it depends. If one purchases a SPIA with before tax dollars, IRA/401k, then my understanding is it is 100% taxable. This makes sense in that if I pull $20,000 directly from my IRA I will have to include that $20,000 in my taxes as income. On the other hand, if one purchases a SPIA with after tax dollars like from a savings account, then only a portion of it is taxed as some of the payout is considered a return of premium. Only the survivor credits and investment income is taxable and the insurance company lets you know what this is. Over time the return of premium portion decreases and a large...
by jwa
Mon Feb 04, 2013 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security - Why Delay ?
Replies: 145
Views: 9526

Re: Social Security - Why Delay ?

You might not die on your 86th birthday. True, but I'm guessing the money will be enjoyed more in years 62-69 then it would be in years 87+. The other thing to keep in mind is how much of the OP's portfolio can be left alone to continue growing by taking SS at 62 instead of 70. Ah yes so true. On the other hand, if I spend some of my stash now and delay taking SS until 70 there most likely are tax benefits. By doing so my RMD will be lower since some of the stash is gone but I'm not so worried about that now that I have a higher SS income. Half of my SS benefit gets thrown out and then there are brackets at $32,000 to $44,000 where half of the SS benefit still left in that bracket gets taxed and above $44,000 85% of half the benefit in tha...
by jwa
Mon Feb 04, 2013 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Annuities-
Replies: 19
Views: 1517

Re: Annuities-

I believe the OP was contemplating an SPIA. Most Bogleheads agree that a Single Premium Immediate Annuity is appropriate for some investors depending on their need and time horizon. SPIA's are commodities, competitively priced and basically a "fair game". Variable Annuities are a different matter. They are often "sold" with complex terms and convoluted terminolgy, but there are reasonable options out there for those in certain situations. Investors have to do their own due diligence. I don't want to hijack this thread, but I could not let pass a statement such as: Variable annuities are garbage products and are a terrible product. To repeat: Some Variable Annuities are appropriate for some investors some of the time. Da...
by jwa
Mon Feb 04, 2013 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Annuities-
Replies: 19
Views: 1517

Re: Annuities-

I believe the OP was contemplating an SPIA. Most Bogleheads agree that a Single Premium Immediate Annuity is appropriate for some investors depending on their need and time horizon. SPIA's are commodities, competitively priced and basically a "fair game". Variable Annuities are a different matter. They are often "sold" with complex terms and convoluted terminolgy, but there are reasonable options out there for those in certain situations. Investors have to do their own due diligence. I don't want to hijack this thread, but I could not let pass a statement such as: Variable annuities are garbage products and are a terrible product. To repeat: Some Variable Annuities are appropriate for some investors some of the time. Da...
by jwa
Fri Feb 01, 2013 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When market drops....shifting funds?
Replies: 12
Views: 1893

Re: When market drops....shifting funds?

When is the market going to drop? I need to know. :oops:
by jwa
Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best umbrella insurance?
Replies: 6
Views: 1335

Re: Best umbrella insurance?

Chubb is excellent for both commercial umbrellas and personal umbrellas. On personal umbrellas, Chubbs marketing plan is for the more affluent and they are good at it. If like me, you are middle class then Chubb most likely won't be for you as their pricing reflects what segment of the market they want. Not to worry, choose a Best's rated A-, A, or A+ rated insurance company and you will be OK. As a further guide, if you trust a given insurance company with your car and homeowners insurance, they will be good on the umbrella as well.
by jwa
Mon Jan 21, 2013 5:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 4% withdrawal rate during retirement?
Replies: 80
Views: 7338

Re: 4% withdrawal rate during retirement?

Keith,

It's frightening :) but our thoughts are virtually mirror images of each other. I have decided to wait until 70 for social security. My wife is 5 months older than me and her social security benefit is about $100 less monthly than the spousal benefit she would receive if I suspend at 66. We might do that and both collect at 70 and use part time work and Roth/IRA funds until then.

Jerry
by jwa
Mon Jan 21, 2013 4:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 4% withdrawal rate during retirement?
Replies: 80
Views: 7338

Re: 4% withdrawal rate during retirement?

"The last I looked, an SPIA for a single 65-year old male was 7%. For a joint annuity it was a touch under 6%, and for an inflation protected annuity, a touch under 4% . (Dang! 4%! Who would have guessed it?)" And this whole 4% income stream come from an underlying investment in bonds . In other words 4% (inflation adjusted) is easy . At first blush, it would seem that getting an annuity from Vanguard/Income Solutions might be a really good outcome for annuity buyers. Dr Pfau, as I recall or read here someplace, came up with a 5.84% for a joint annuity for a 65 year old couple. I just looked at http://www.immediateannuities.com and their rate is 5.58%. I am a couple years or more away from pulling the plug on work life and I am d...
by jwa
Wed Jan 16, 2013 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using REITs in a lazy portfolio
Replies: 24
Views: 4748

Re: Using REITs in a lazy portfolio

marc515 wrote:
InvestorNewb wrote:Thanks - it's unfortunate though because some Bogleheads don't appear to be as friendly or welcoming to new investors. I realize that I have been indecisive and gone in different directions at times, but it's part of the learning process. It's the people that don't ask questions that end up making poor investment decisions.
It appears some folks have forgotten what it's like to be a NewBee not knowing exactly what questions to ask. Ignore their intolerance and ask away; it's the only way to learn.

As you become more knowledgeable, your questions will become more focused.

I agree with this 100%. I'm stunned Lady Geek was so harsh. :confused
by jwa
Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Achieving a Higher Safe Withdrawal Rate
Replies: 109
Views: 10707

Re: Achieving a Higher Safe Withdrawal Rate

.... The issue is: 1) what is the most comfortable system for adjusting withdrawals? 2) If you're going to make flexible adjustments, what's the evidence that any set of numerical rules is going to work any better than Taylor Larimore's system : "We simply withdrew what we needed and kept an eye on our portfolio balance. Most years our balance went up and we spent the money on vacations, luxuries and charity. When our balance went down we tightened our belt and economized. This is what most people do and it works." Can you point me to any non-anecdotal evidence that that retirees as a group simply withdrawing whatever they feel they need while keeping an eye on their portfolio balance, etc is safer than "any set of numerical...
by jwa
Wed Dec 12, 2012 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: other driver's insurance not accepting liability
Replies: 32
Views: 11773

Re: other driver's insurance not accepting liability

When involved in a situation like this, inform your insurance company immediately. Yes it was the other parties fault but why deal directlly with them and their claims dept as they will have the upper hand on the untrained. Turn it over to your insurance company and let your insurance companies claims dept battle it out with the other insurance company. This is very advantageous as was posted the other parties insurance company wants to renege. The worst situation you will have when you turn it in to your insurance company is you get paid on your physical damage coverage less the deductible. Your insurance company is going to want their money back so they will do the negotiating on your behalf and theirs with the other company and insured a...
by jwa
Mon Dec 10, 2012 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RANT - 2013 Florida Home Insurance Rate Increase
Replies: 40
Views: 8559

Re: RANT - 2013 Florida Home Insurance Rate Increase

It doesn't matter what your house would sell for now or in the future. Property tax assessments likewise are irrelevent. What matters is a hurricane that tears up huge portions of Florida property. What would it cost to rebuild in that scenario with limited and expensive building materials as well as profit motivated contractors doing the work? That is what you are insuring.

It's too bad about the increases you mention and if in your shoes I would feel the same way. However, you have chosen to live in a part of the USA where the wind does a lot of damage. Thus, most insurance companies don't want to insure property there. You have a very limited number of insurance companies to choose from compared to us in non-coastal areas.
by jwa
Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switching to short term VIP-maybe?
Replies: 5
Views: 744

Re: Switching to short term VIP-maybe?

I recently transferred a portion of the Total Bond Fund to the short term corporated since sooner or later interest rates will go up. Was I timing the market or playing defense? My motive was the latter.
by jwa
Mon Dec 03, 2012 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance - boglehead way
Replies: 26
Views: 3287

Re: Umbrella insurance - boglehead way

Serbeer, if anyone is negligent and the amount of settlement is 7 million, the insurance company pays their limit of coverage and walks away. If one has a total liabilty limit of $1,500,000 of underlying coverage (auto or homeowners) and umbrella then the policyholder would be liable for 5.5 million and they are on their own. I doubt that would ever happen in a personal situation for that large of a claim but for a larger business or medical professional that could be the case. As an example, I've seen franchisors require their franchisees carry a ten million umbrella in excess of high underlying limits and in some cases I've seen a umbrella limit of 15 million required. I'm sure others here have seen similar situations. FNK, virtually all ...
by jwa
Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re: Comparing Cost of Living Expenses - Part 1
Replies: 47
Views: 3804

Re: Comparing Cost of Living Expenses - Part 1

Victoria, instead of sitting if front of a TV getting fat I could be out in the countryside burning calories on a road bike. I could be cross country skiing in the winter. I could play a round or two of golf every week at a fraction of the cost of what golf costs in the land of fancy restaurants and professional sports.
by jwa
Mon Dec 03, 2012 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re: Comparing Cost of Living Expenses - Part 1
Replies: 47
Views: 3804

Re: Comparing Cost of Living Expenses - Part 1

Is all of this to say that where I live and how much it cost's might have an impact on how many millions I need to have saved for retirement when that day comes?

I live in a small town not too far from a mid-size city. Being in the midwest I go to the Chicago area frequently. There is a big big difference in what things cost there and here. No I don't have the ballet or Broadway shows or fancy restaurants but those things don't appeal to me anyway. I guess you can call me a backwards small town noob but I'm content.

As for professional sports, I see the Bears twice every year. Then again one could argue the Bears aren't professional sports and I could not offer much of a defense after yesterday.
by jwa
Mon Dec 03, 2012 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance - boglehead way
Replies: 26
Views: 3287

Re: Umbrella insurance - boglehead way

The policyholder has no control on the handling or settlement of a claim. Through discovery the plaintiff and the plaintiff's attorney most likely will know what assets are available. If there is an underlying auto policy limit of $500,000 and an umbrella with a policy limit of $1,000,000 they may decide to make a case that falls at or within those limits and ignore one's personal assets. Then again they may want more than the insurance limits but that would depend upon the gravity of the injury. Also, if I have $1.500,000 of liability insurance available and the plaintiff decides they want all or a portion of it, that doesn't mean they will get it. The final settlement will still come down to negotiation between the plaintiff and the insur...
by jwa
Mon Dec 03, 2012 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella insurance - boglehead way
Replies: 26
Views: 3287

Re: Umbrella insurance - boglehead way

If having more coverage just means that you will be sued for more money, I'm not sure how that is useful. Likewise, I'm not sure how one arrives at a coverage amount based on net worth, if the plaintiff's lawyers will just set the amount of damages sought to your coverage + net worth + some additional amount. It does seem that you want to keep the existence of any applicable insurance an absolute secret if possible. You can be sued for any amount, but having an umbrella which is more than your net worth makes it more likely that the plaintiff will settle. If you have $500K of assets subject to judgement and $1M in insurance, and you are sued for a huge amount, you can offer to settle for $1M. The plaintiff can take a sure $1M now, or go ah...
by jwa
Thu Nov 29, 2012 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car are you driving?
Replies: 368
Views: 46039

Re: What kind of car are you driving?

thomasbayarea wrote:
jwa wrote:I drive a big old Mercury Grand Marquis.

Wife drives me nuts.
I think a used Grand Marquis is going to be my next car. I love the old school Detroit comfort-mobile.
It's a great car. I inherited it from my Dad and at first wanted to sell it because... it's big and sort of an old man's car. However, I'm not that young anymore so I guess I qualify. I have since fallen in love with it as the car is incredibly comfortable. A large independent service garage I frequent services a taxi company that uses Mercs and the garage owner says it's not uncommon for them to still be on the road at 350,000 miles and he also stated that the taxi cab business owner does not take care of them.
by jwa
Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car are you driving?
Replies: 368
Views: 46039

Re: What kind of car are you driving?

I drive a big old Mercury Grand Marquis.

Wife drives me nuts.
by jwa
Wed Nov 28, 2012 9:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogleheads are Highly Skilled Investors
Replies: 54
Views: 9827

Re: Bogleheads are Highly Skilled Investors

JustAsking wrote:And now back to our regularly scheduled programming ...

magellan, thanks, but I'm not going to buy an annuity.

kenner, I can't predict the "indefinite future"--even the smart money couldn't do that in 2008. All I can do is work with the current situation, but from what I've seen, it's certainly possible, in a variety of ways.
OK
by jwa
Sun Nov 25, 2012 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 5025

Re: Retirement

$150,000 a year??? If you can find a way to cut your expenses then you don't need as much put back and you have more than enough to retire not only now but could have a couple years back or more. Maybe even a decade ago.
by jwa
Mon Nov 12, 2012 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Delay SS or low SWR? [Soc. Security or Safe Withdrawal Rate]
Replies: 23
Views: 2452

Re: Delay SS or low SWR? [Soc. Security or Safe Withdrawal R

Thanks for the post Epsilon. This is how I understood it and as I interpret what SSCritic advised on another thread as well.
by jwa
Mon Nov 12, 2012 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Delay SS or low SWR? [Soc. Security or Safe Withdrawal Rate]
Replies: 23
Views: 2452

Re: Delay SS or low SWR? [Soc. Security or Safe Withdrawal R

Humm....

Maybe someone said this earlier and I missed it.

Since both are the same age, why not have both wait until both are 66? At that time, he could file and suspend. She could then file for the spousal benefit which means she hasn't claimed on hers. Then when both turn 70 they both claim their respective benefit. At age 70, SS would then come close to supplying funds for their entire budget. Then it would make sense to spend down assets now so both could claim their respective higher benefit at age 70.

Maybe I am missing something but I am under the impression that this can be done.
by jwa
Mon Oct 29, 2012 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mr. Bogle's non-ambiguous bond recommendation
Replies: 10
Views: 1610

Re: Mr. Bogle's non-ambiguous bond recommendation

I don't see a pure corporate bond fund at Vanguard other than the closed high yield. Am I missing something?
by jwa
Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MINT
Replies: 43
Views: 7181

Re: MINT

OK, after reading all of the posts, I think I might be even more confused. It seems that MINT works well for those who use it but that some still have security concerns as do I. I guess you can call me an old fogey. On the other hand, am I intrepreting what I am reading about Quicken correctly? That with proper measures in place that accessing your information is more secure with Quicken? Where I am coming from is I hate sitting at the computer and logging checks into my old 2002 version of Quicken. Yes, I am indeed behind the times with 2002 but I am also cheap. I like what I read about MINT and the automation of keeping your records with a minimal amount of tedious check entry. Exploring 2013 Quicken via Google I find the same thing can b...
by jwa
Sun Oct 28, 2012 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MINT
Replies: 43
Views: 7181

Re: MINT

cbeck wrote:
jwa wrote:Does anyone use MINT cloud software? Seems like a much easier way to do things than Quicken. However, I am somewhat old fashioned and have security concerns.
No one on this board has or ever will have the information and expertise to evaluate the security of your financial logins and passwords when stored on mint.com. Opinions in the absence of actual knowledge are just hallucinations.
I suppose you are right. However, that doesn't entirely negate testimonials and other anecdotal evidence.
by jwa
Sat Oct 27, 2012 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 8: Are you upgrading?
Replies: 67
Views: 7247

Re: Windows 8: Are you upgrading?

I am so backwards. I have an old box computer with XP that works splendily. I have an old clamshell cell phone that costs a total of $10 a month. For my other mobile device I have a Palm TX. I watch my TV through an antenna. Call me old fashion but it is so cheap living on the lagging edge. :D
by jwa
Sat Oct 27, 2012 11:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MINT
Replies: 43
Views: 7181

MINT

Does anyone use MINT cloud software? Seems like a much easier way to do things than Quicken. However, I am somewhat old fashioned and have security concerns.
by jwa
Thu Oct 25, 2012 9:15 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Anniversary! [From Vanguard to Clients]
Replies: 44
Views: 5681

Re: Happy Anniversary! [From Vanguard to Clients]

Why are they sending out those cards? Keep the operating costs low Vanguard and pass the savings on to your investors.
by jwa
Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How does a plan for early retirement affect where you invest
Replies: 31
Views: 4367

Re: How does a plan for early retirement affect where you in

I too read Money Mustache and find many of his topics very interesting and food for thought. He does an excellent job of revealing our materialism for what it is truly worth. On the other hand, I do wonder at times if his plan will still be a doable one 25 years out from now. Mr Money Mustache only has a son and has yet to reach those teenage years where everyone is getting into your blllfold but you. I wish you luck in your quest for early retirement and I truly hope you succeed. There is nothing wrong with having a dream and working to achieve it. It is one of those ways that gives purpose for getting up everyday and working for something. However, don't knock what texasdiver is telling you but use it as something to beware of. I've read ...
by jwa
Sat Oct 20, 2012 4:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3898
Views: 2434907

Re: The Three Fund Portfolio

The Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund has been recommended as one of the 3 funds to use in the 3 fund portfolio. The VTBM has average risk and slightly below average return (1 year=5%, 3 year=6%) based on Morningstar. Some similar funds that are also compared against the Barclays US Bond benchmark with a bit more risk such as say Pimco Total Return have done quite a bit better than VTBM. Is the feeling that VTBM carries the "optimum" amount of risk and that at some point funds like Pimco Total Return that have historically done well will eventually underperform VTBM? Are there other index bond funds that may have a bit more risk, but should outperform the VTBM that might be appropriate for a 3 fund portfolio? I'm not sure I c...
by jwa
Thu Oct 18, 2012 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond Outlook Not so Good?
Replies: 10
Views: 2067

Re: Bond Outlook Not so Good?

Good question. I am closer to retirement than you as I hope to do so within the next 2 to 3 years :D and then go into semi-retirement which will generate a modest income. I'm close to 60% equities and really should be only about 50% equities or less with my 60ish age but I have concerns with the bond mkt being over bought. Is it 2008 except this time bonds instead of stocks? Thus, I can't get over the hurdle to allocate more to bonds at this time.
by jwa
Sat Oct 06, 2012 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard changing benchmark indexes -- any concerns?
Replies: 3
Views: 771

Re: Vanguard changing benchmark indexes -- any concerns?

I just saw that myself. Like all changes, we will have to see where it goes but my first impression after reading it is I am not concerned about the downside. In fact, I thought to myself this is something John Bogle would do to lower costs.
by jwa
Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Place to Retire
Replies: 89
Views: 9444

Re: Best Place to Retire

rustymutt, are you a Shockers fan by chance?
by jwa
Fri Oct 05, 2012 9:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Kitces article on safe withdraw rates
Replies: 20
Views: 2841

Re: Kitces article on safe withdraw rates

3% or 3.5% or 4.0% or 4.5% - I'm so confused by all of this I am afraid to retire.