Search found 70 matches

by DanFrancis
Thu May 06, 2021 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: high yield savings account
Replies: 9
Views: 1765

high yield savings account

I've been thinking of adding a high yield savings account for emergency funds. Many of them seem similar, but I decided that Ally was the best fit for me. A few months ago, they were frequently mentioned on various websites, but I don't see them getting much attention anymore. Did something change over the past year? Or is Ally still a top choice?
by DanFrancis
Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio suggestions- simplifying and how to think of pension
Replies: 10
Views: 1443

Re: Portfolio suggestions- simplifying and how to think of pension

Is there a list of abbreviations someone. I have no idea what DW is? Divorced widow? Dead wife?
by DanFrancis
Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Deleted-Dividend Portfolio (SCHD) vs Stock-Bond (VTI-BND) Portfolio
Replies: 130
Views: 11759

Re: Dividend Portfolio (SCHD) vs Stock-Bond (VTI-BND) Portfolio

It depends which 10 year period you pick. Try 1928-1938 and let me know the results. Plus, dividends today are not like dividends in the 1950's and 60's. However, I think you have a basic misunderstanding of "Bogel philosophy." It's holding a broad index of stocks eg 500 or Total with a mix of broad index bonds that matches your age/goals.
by DanFrancis
Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Strange message from Ally Bank
Replies: 27
Views: 5870

Re: Strange message from Ally Bank

Still, the best answer said the check was from a Nigerian Prince. I needed the laugh.
by DanFrancis
Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Strange message from Ally Bank
Replies: 27
Views: 5870

Re: Strange message from Ally Bank

What kind of organization was the check from? What was the outcome?
by DanFrancis
Sat Mar 27, 2021 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New boglehead looking for a review
Replies: 10
Views: 976

Re: New boglehead looking for a review

Have you actually read anything by John Bogle? There is plenty to read at this site. But before you go further, spend some time to understand his investing philosophy.
by DanFrancis
Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I just bought individual stocks and a lot of them.
Replies: 218
Views: 20812

Re: I just bought individual stocks and a lot of them.

I don't think your choices are the most prudent approach, but I doubt you will lose more than 50%. And you will not starve with the 2 million you have left. And it's possible it could go up...
by DanFrancis
Fri Jan 01, 2021 5:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does Vanguard NOT include REIT index in these LONG term funds
Replies: 9
Views: 1352

Re: Why does Vanguard NOT include REIT index in these LONG term funds

Until about 10 years ago or so, REITs were not included in S&P 500/Total Stock Market, so I added REITs to my portfolio separately. Now REITs are included in the proportion as they are in the Index, so no need to add, unless you want to be overweighted in them.
by DanFrancis
Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gold in Portfolio
Replies: 3
Views: 428

Re: Gold in Portfolio

There is no need for gold or REIT in a Bogle portfolio. But I ended up getting a little of each...1% in gold and 3% in Vanguard REIT of my portfolio.
by DanFrancis
Fri Sep 04, 2020 4:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I accidentally went into cash yesterday. What to do now?
Replies: 34
Views: 5484

Re: I accidentally went into cash yesterday. What to do now?

I do not understand the context of what you are trying to do. I suggest you read some more on investing before you end up making a bigger mistake.
by DanFrancis
Mon Aug 31, 2020 12:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Monthly pension lump sum offer / what would you have done
Replies: 5
Views: 977

Re: Monthly pension lump sum offer / what would you have done

I would have done what you did. A bird in the hand, so to speak. I didn't have a choice at my company...had to go with pension. I have heard of too many cases where the pension is reduced or eliminated altogether eventually. You made a wise choice.
by DanFrancis
Fri Aug 28, 2020 3:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: outside boglehead style...
Replies: 1
Views: 516

outside boglehead style...

I sometimes have questions that are outside of the Boglehead arena. Do any of you know of other sites that are well run that deal with investing questions like stock picks etc, that really are not appropriate here?
by DanFrancis
Wed Aug 19, 2020 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My new hobby investing in luxury rugs.
Replies: 24
Views: 2767

Re: My new hobby investing in luxury rugs.

It's very normal in Middle East cultures to invest in rugs and hand them down in the family for generations. Have you traveled to Turkey. Worth it...just for the rug experiences.
by DanFrancis
Tue Jul 14, 2020 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advise on retirement income funds
Replies: 12
Views: 1565

Re: Advise on retirement income funds

For me, I would need to simplify the portfolio to fewer funds. I find the number of funds, etc that you have to be mind numbing. But not everyone wants to follow Bogle's advice and that's fine.
by DanFrancis
Tue Jul 14, 2020 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: All in with Wellesley
Replies: 67
Views: 12097

Re: All in with Wellesley

I put most of my parent's investments in Wellesley 30 years ago and it worked out well. Of course, that was a period where interest rates were dropping and therefore the large bond percentage paid off. While I still think Wellesley is fine--
for myself, I have opted to put most of my retirement in Target Funds. But my guess is that they will probably both fare in the same ballpark.
by DanFrancis
Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you ever feel you've missed out due to the 3-fund portfolio?
Replies: 125
Views: 11835

Re: Do you ever feel you've missed out due to the 3-fund portfolio?

Sounds like we have the same brother! LOL. I don't feel like I missed out. Instead, I worry about a market correction when he might sustain a much larger loss than me. He is in his 60's and is 100% stocks. We frequently share our investment ideas and goals, but each of us is happy with his own decisions. I'm sure he thinks I'm too conservative and vice versa.
by DanFrancis
Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "Core" Bond ETFs Seem Expensive
Replies: 4
Views: 635

Re: "Core" Bond ETFs Seem Expensive

You are facing the dilemma with bonds that so many of us are facing. I'm just older than you and I have a 70/30 AA. I'm moving toward a 60/40 AA. But I think you are in a good position and maybe just need to tweak it a bit. When do you plan to start using any of your investment? You could take from the stock portion first to help balance your portfolio.
by DanFrancis
Wed Jul 08, 2020 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First time investor- Index Funds, Roth IRA
Replies: 6
Views: 561

Re: First time investor- Index Funds, Roth IRA

You are on the right track. A slightly broader Index would be the Vanguard Total Market Index. You could put 10% or so outside an IRA to have money to spend before 59 1/2. Also, be sure to have money market/cash emergency money of 6 months. The job market is uncertain.
by DanFrancis
Tue Jul 07, 2020 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Splitting bonds
Replies: 17
Views: 1137

Re: Splitting bonds

It immediately sounds too complex for me. Why doesn't each person just invest their own money separately?
by DanFrancis
Tue Jul 07, 2020 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking advice for parents situation
Replies: 16
Views: 1909

Re: Seeking advice for parents situation

Your plan is certainly reasonable, but I'd keep a chunk in cash too. I did this for my parents about 30 years ago and at that time I put most of their investments in Vanguard Wellesley Fund which is basically 40/60, but bonds had a long way to come down in those days. The Wellington fund...since 1929 is 60/40, at least the last time I looked. You could put them in Vanguard Target Fund (income). I'd keep it simple. The two indices you are thinking of would be fine too.
by DanFrancis
Mon Jul 06, 2020 2:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond Alternatives in the time of Zero rates
Replies: 151
Views: 18208

Re: Bond Alternatives in the time of Zero rates

For Vanguard Total Bond, the chart below shows the yield, six year forward looking return, and rolldown return (return - yield) for the past 25 years. The rolldown return averages about 0.20%. Take Total Bond's current yield (1.37%) plus an estimate of the rolldown return (0.20%) and you have an estimate of the 6-year return (1.57%). https://i.ibb.co/9ZmYRfj/Vanguard-Total-Bond-Yield-vs-Return.jpg I have no idea what Horton is saying with the "rolldown" and "forward looking" returns etc. Are these guesses for the future? How do they help? The Vanguard Total Bond has averaged 3.66% a year over the past 10 years and averaged 5.93% a year since its inception in 1986. We do not know the future. Horton, are you saying that y...
by DanFrancis
Sun Jul 05, 2020 12:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Target Retirement Fund Vs. 3 fund portfolio
Replies: 44
Views: 5837

Re: Vanguard Target Retirement Fund Vs. 3 fund portfolio

I think you are on the right track. You could put it all in the target date fund, then you don't have to even think about rebalancing...even if it's easy. I understand the thought of putting more bonds (more taxable) in Roth and then more stock fund in taxable, but if this is going to cause you further confusion, I wouldn't worry about the tax consequence. Being simple and doing it is better than waiting and confusion. I debated the three fund vs target and I went with target...I'm happy with it.
by DanFrancis
Sun Jul 05, 2020 12:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice Please
Replies: 7
Views: 834

Re: Portfolio Advice Please

I think your future portfolio ideas are quite sound. Beyond that, I have nothing to offer. I went to college so long ago that I paid my way through by working summers!
by DanFrancis
Sun Jul 05, 2020 12:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Long term bonds over total bond market?
Replies: 22
Views: 2045

Re: Long term bonds over total bond market?

I feel like a broken record on here! There are basic investing principles honed by Jack Bogel with a few variations. But even with empirical evidence, we always hope that is a short cut to make more money. "This time is different." It may be or it may not be, but the same investing principles apply anyway. I know it can seem boring, but for thrills, go bungee jumping instead.
by DanFrancis
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone tried JEPI etf
Replies: 24
Views: 5998

Re: Anyone tried JEPI etf

I'm retired, so it's not something I would consider. How old are you? How much are you willing to lose? I have studied options...I don't fully understand them, but obviously some make money with them. Then again, some make money in commodities buying pork bellies...but that is beyond my expertise too. I think you will find people from this site use a conservative, slow and steady, tried and true model. But I know it is enticing to find something new and exciting.
by DanFrancis
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I crazy to do this? [Equity Allocation 50/50 TSM/NASDAQ]
Replies: 150
Views: 13197

Re: Am I crazy to do this?

I would not do it. You are getting those companies with owning the total stock market. But if you wanted to put 5% or so in Nasdaq...you could buy QQQ. I have owned it since its inception.
by DanFrancis
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 31, Portfolio Review, investing inheritance in taxable
Replies: 4
Views: 935

Re: 31, Portfolio Review, investing inheritance in taxable

I think your plan looks good and reasonable. Are you keeping enough to enjoy life today though? Dinners, vacations, etc?
by DanFrancis
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice Please
Replies: 24
Views: 1637

Re: Portfolio Advice Please

It tired me out just to read all of the funds of your portfolio! It sounds like you have some ideas of what you need to do. I'd start with consolidating. Then you can take your questions a step at a time.
by DanFrancis
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond Alternatives in the time of Zero rates
Replies: 151
Views: 18208

Re: Bond Alternatives in the time of Zero rates

You seem so certain that you would lose money in bonds over the next 6 years...I'm not sure you are correct. It's a guess...but nothing more than a guess. I'm trying to think of any 6 year period where bonds went down every year. I can't off the top of my head. Some CD's would be okay...but that is basically a form of a bond. I hate annuities...too expense for the product. I would have a balanced portfolio, not know what the future really holds.
by DanFrancis
Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retire or grind it out at another job after a layoff ?
Replies: 49
Views: 6124

Re: Retire or grind it out at another job after a layoff ?

I'd retire! It made me tired just hearing what you would have to do for less money for another two years of work...not worth it to me.
by DanFrancis
Wed Jul 01, 2020 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recent retired, Wellesley OK till after elections?
Replies: 17
Views: 2346

Re: Recent retired, Wellesley OK till after elections?

Why not put it in a Vanguard Target Date fund and be done with it.
by DanFrancis
Mon Jun 29, 2020 7:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 80/20 stocks/gold portfolio
Replies: 37
Views: 7027

Re: 80/20 stocks/gold portfolio

I understand your ethical concerns about some/all governments and bonds. Corporations also issue bonds. Whether stocks or bonds, you'll need to reconcile your ethics and capitalism. But gold is certainly not without major ethical concerns. The workers/miners for gold are often treated on the job with poor safety and inadequate compensation. So I suggest further research in the gold arena too.
by DanFrancis
Mon Jun 29, 2020 2:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why Morgan Stanley Says the 60/40 Portfolio Is Doomed
Replies: 107
Views: 13483

Re: Why Morgan Stanley Says the 60/40 Portfolio Is Doomed

That recommendation is similar to my portfolio. Retired/65 y/o. Own Vanguard 2020 Target Fund. So far so good!
by DanFrancis
Sun Jun 28, 2020 1:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My TDF should i keep it [Target Date Fund]
Replies: 7
Views: 1205

Re: My TDF should i keep it [Target Date Fund]

I would keep your target fund, but then, I'm in a Vanguard Target Fund and recently retired.
by DanFrancis
Tue Jun 09, 2020 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Target Date worth it?
Replies: 21
Views: 2939

Re: Target Date worth it?

I was not thrilled when Vanguard added international bonds to their target funds, but I decided to stay with it. You can't just look at yield. They have averaged over 4% a year over the past 7 years. I'm happy with that in the current climate.
by DanFrancis
Tue Jun 09, 2020 12:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Target Date worth it?
Replies: 21
Views: 2939

Re: Target Date worth it?

Thanks for the corrections. I use Fidelity and their Target Date Funds don't have International Bonds.
[/quote]

I use a Vanguard Target Fund, so I thought I'd compare to Fidelity. They seem to me to be very different animals. Vanguard uses Index Funds exclusively in their Target Date Funds. From what I could tell with Fidelity (I compared the 2020 Target date), they use numerous categories of mutual funds, that I assume have managers. While they may or may not end up with similar outcomes, a main component of John Bogle's philosophy is the use of Index Funds for several reasons. I actually don't think it is an apple to apple comparison.
by DanFrancis
Tue May 19, 2020 3:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is QQQ (Nasdaq100) better reflective of new economy
Replies: 60
Views: 6650

Re: Is QQQ (Nasdaq100) better reflective of new economy

Here is how I dealt with that issue. I was very excited with the development of ETF's in the 1990's and QQQ was my first buy in that area. I have used it as a "stock" holding with a buy and hold model, taking profits once or twice. Today, most of my investments are in the five holdings of the Target Funds, but for now I still have 2% of my portfolio in QQQ. I would not swap it for 500 or Total though.
by DanFrancis
Tue May 19, 2020 3:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bonds or precious metals?
Replies: 33
Views: 2630

Re: Bonds or precious metals?

I've been tempted to buy gold from time to time, but never have. If I did, it would be less then 10% of my portfolio and then in an ETF. I've been investing for decades and have learned so much along the way. I have settled for now on a Vanguard Target Fund plus 10% of my portfolio in about 10 stocks. As I age into retirement, I'll probably sell off the stocks and only have a Bogle-style portfolio. It seems too easy! But I've come to see how it makes the most sense for most people...including me. BTW, I haven't studied gold for years, but as I recall, taking into account inflation, gold has basically stayed the same for centuries. At least bonds have averaged 3% gain per year. And how well do you really need to understand bonds. I assume yo...
by DanFrancis
Tue May 19, 2020 2:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me correct my Dad's Retirement Portfolio
Replies: 14
Views: 1701

Re: Help me correct my Dad's Retirement Portfolio

That is a challenge. My dad was in similar situation...unfortunately, his company stock never made a comeback. Your idea of 50/50 is fine or the suggestion of Target Retirement. But it's true...to get a better analysis...how much pension, SS, savings etc. And what does he want to spend each year in retirement.
by DanFrancis
Sun May 10, 2020 11:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why no love for REITs?
Replies: 265
Views: 46312

Re: Why no love for REITs?

I bought a REIT index when I did not think it was included in the Total Stock Market Index. I know it is now and still not clear when it was added. It went from 6% of my portfolio to 3% when it became clear REITs were part of the Total Index. Took some profits. I'll eventually simplify further and go to 0%.
by DanFrancis
Fri May 08, 2020 11:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond Index vs Bond Managed Fund
Replies: 13
Views: 1479

Re: Bond Index vs Bond Managed Fund

I heard John Bogle give his support to index bond funds. Maybe he had different view earlier in his life?
by DanFrancis
Tue May 05, 2020 11:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Find myself with too much liquidity after *not* buying a house
Replies: 16
Views: 1675

Re: Find myself with too much liquidity after *not* buying a house

A year or two is very short. I would keep it in FDIC insured high yield savings account.
by DanFrancis
Thu Apr 30, 2020 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 25 Years Old Trying to Build a Lazy Portfolio
Replies: 31
Views: 2967

Re: 25 Years Old Trying to Build a Lazy Portfolio

Many good ideas were offered. No perfect answer, but knowing what I know now at retirement, at 25 y/o, I'd put 80% Total Stock (and I think this proportionally includes REITs so no need to add it) and 20% international.
by DanFrancis
Tue Apr 21, 2020 2:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AA and TIPS
Replies: 10
Views: 882

Re: AA and TIPS

Take a look at Vanguard's Target funds and when they add them to the portfolio and what portion. That will at least give you a starting point.
by DanFrancis
Wed Apr 15, 2020 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: high yield savings account
Replies: 7
Views: 1618

high yield savings account

Have any of you ever used an FDIC insured high yield savings account from one of the big banks like Citi or Barclays? Right now they are paying around 1.50 to 1.65%. I figured why not get a higher yield with my cash rather than the .18% I'm getting now. Thoughts? Experiences?
by DanFrancis
Wed Mar 18, 2020 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone buying oil/energy sector?!
Replies: 59
Views: 6703

Re: Anyone buying oil/energy sector?!

NO!!!!
by DanFrancis
Wed Mar 11, 2020 2:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalancing during a Market Downturn
Replies: 5
Views: 826

Re: Rebalancing during a Market Downturn

How often do you re-balance? I wouldn't get obsessive over it. I would probably do it more by calendar (yearly?) rather than current market moves. Of course, I let Vanguard decide all that for me in a Target Fund!
by DanFrancis
Wed Mar 11, 2020 1:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Living off dividends in retirement?
Replies: 106
Views: 10992

Re: Living off dividends in retirement?

Dividends are not the conservative, stable investment like they were in the 1950's and 60's. I don't understand the attraction to "live off dividends" vs taking 4-6% of portfolio a year depending on age/retirement. Then you can make basic simple investments in 3 to 6 index funds and be done with it.
by DanFrancis
Wed Mar 11, 2020 1:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First time considering buying a single stock. ugh
Replies: 21
Views: 2305

Re: First time considering buying a single stock. ugh

Individual stocks is a whole different world than Vanguard Indexing! However, who am I to judge, I have about 10% of my portfolio in individual stocks, albeit, what I would consider more blue chip and less risky than an amusement park...things like Apple, JNJ, PG, Visa. I did a little research on the company you are thinking about...it's second in size to Six Flags and they run several parks. (One person was killed by a roller coaster a few years back). Why not consider Disney...it is a park, plus, if you want a park. And while an investment should be investing, if you aren't afraid of losing (it has happened to me), go ahead. Let us know...
by DanFrancis
Wed Mar 11, 2020 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does this proposed Vanguard reallocation make sense?
Replies: 14
Views: 1484

Re: Does this proposed BuVanguard reallocation make sense?

Your proposed portfolio is okay. But I would probably simplify and add international: 75% Total Stock Market Index, 15% Total Bond Market Index and 10% International Stock Index.