Search found 60 matches

by Tracyfaa
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: We need to talk about Vanguard Wellesley ( VWIAX )
Replies: 135
Views: 31207

Re: We need to talk about Vanguard Wellesley ( VWIAX )

I see a lot of emotion. In many of these blog entries. Never get emotional with your investments. The Wellesley income fund has been terrible for the last several years. The only reason to hold onto it is that you’re hoping it will recover. Hope does not make the market go up or down. The market is going to do what it’s going to do.
by Tracyfaa
Tue Feb 05, 2019 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tsp [Thrift Savings Plan]
Replies: 55
Views: 5025

Re: Tsp [Thrift Savings Plan]

Tanksyr03 wrote: Sun Feb 03, 2019 8:45 am Im 41 and still have 100 percent of my money going into stocks(tsp). 50 c fund, 30s fund, 20 international,. If I plan to retire around 58 or 59 am I ok to not be in bonds and when should I start moving into them if so?
You still haven’t given any idea of what your federal retirement pension estimate is. Can you give a ballpark figure? It’s important. Are you maximizing your TSP contributions?
by Tracyfaa
Mon Feb 04, 2019 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tsp [Thrift Savings Plan]
Replies: 55
Views: 5025

Re: Tsp [Thrift Savings Plan]

OMG. I just posted a long reply that completely disappeared. I’ll try again. I just recently retired from 32 years government service. My pension covers about 85% of what my family’s needs are. The TSP covers the gap. You need to include your expected pension income (equates to money from a guaranteed income investment) when deciding your TSP allocation. For example, if a million dollars in an income fund would cover your needs, then add a million to your investments, all of which would be part of your bonds investments. Theoretically your 100% I, S, and C fund allocation would convert to something much less after adding in your equivalent pension investments. I’m retired, and never plan to use the L income fund. I use the 2030 fund, with a...
by Tracyfaa
Sun Feb 18, 2018 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired with backdoor roth quesiton
Replies: 5
Views: 615

Re: Retired with backdoor roth quesiton

If the money is already in an IRA, converting to a Roth is simply a Roth conversion, not a back door Roth. You will pay income tax on the amount you convert each year, so it may be worth converting over several years in case it bumps up your tax bracket. Or do it at once and get it over with. A back door Roth, which you might consider doing once you have depleted/converted all existing IRAs, is to make a non deductible (post tax) IRA contributions of up to $6500 each, and than convert them to Roths. No extra taxes due since they were already non deductible. (Taxes could be due if they go up in value before the conversion) Yes moving to Roths and using the back door sounds good to me, for you. lafder Thanks for the clarification. Oops, one ...
by Tracyfaa
Sun Feb 18, 2018 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired with backdoor roth quesiton
Replies: 5
Views: 615

Retired with backdoor roth quesiton

My question concerns nothing more than just how, and if feasible. If there is a thread that already covers the topic, please post for me. Wife and I both retired. All...meaning ALL...finances are handled by me. We are 56 and 53. While employed I was earning 200k+ for the last several years. Pension is now 90k and more than covers all expenses. Only debt is house, and we pay 2k per month which includes $300 extra toward principal. Remaining balance is 221,700 at 3.375%. I have a 900k TSP balance(let's set that aside for now) 75k Vanguard 529 (he's 14 and we contribute $400 per month) Small outside Roth balance in my name 25k. Wife has small Roth balance of around 100k, two different accounts from two different jobs over the years. Other taxa...
by Tracyfaa
Fri Feb 16, 2018 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Did you learn anything from the market correction?
Replies: 160
Views: 17824

Re: Did you learn anything from the market correction?

What? There was a correction? When!
by Tracyfaa
Fri Feb 16, 2018 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why paying off loans would be better than fully funding 401k?
Replies: 97
Views: 10408

Re: Why paying off loans would be better than fully funding 401k?

ChinchillaWhiplash wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2018 10:49 am Forgot to mention that we do have 529 plans for both kids. Not a ton in there and no new contributions going in. Have to get our finances in order before funding 529. He might have to delay college a year or 2. he can work and save if he really wants to go.
Are you insane?? Not really trying to be overly critical, but cut out the frivolous spending and fund the 529. Even small contributions go a long way in 17 years. You've got to drop the crossfit and the other unnecessary spending now. The $250 split between the two 529s could get you nearly $100,000 in each come college time. Yes, that is probably at the upper end of the scale, but try telling the children what you just stated when they are old enough to understand it.
by Tracyfaa
Thu Feb 15, 2018 5:10 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!
Replies: 334
Views: 91835

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!

I don't believe I posted this. Officially retired as of september 30, 2017! Very happy now, less stress, more time with family, especially more time to ensure finances are in order (they are)!

:sharebeer to all retirees!
by Tracyfaa
Thu Feb 15, 2018 5:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buy or Rent under new Tax Law
Replies: 20
Views: 2763

Re: Buy or Rent under new Tax Law

Having been there/done that I have to say that you've set your budget way too high given your down payment, and 9 month old and wanting to have another, (kids are EXPENSIVE!!!) and especially the statement about your job stability. It would also be irresponsible for a lender to approve a loan that high given that info. Have you set up the 529 account yet? You need to have enough for each child. Ask yourselves how much of your income is stable before taking the plunge. Renting may be cheaper, but you will NEVER recoup a single dime of that money. Rent while you get your finances in order, then decide, based on your expected stable income, how much mortgage you can truly afford. Force yourself to stick with it. Don't let a lender lead you dow...
by Tracyfaa
Thu Feb 15, 2018 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why paying off loans would be better than fully funding 401k?
Replies: 97
Views: 10408

Re: Why paying off loans would be better than fully funding 401k?

Jusy my $.02. I read every single post. Some helpful. Some were a little harsh, but it seems a little “tough love” really could be what’s in order here. Why the CPA? You’re unemployed dude! Take the time to really get to know your own finances! Is this the person who has gotten you mixed up in all of these confusing scenarios to creatively pay down your debt? (While not actually doing it) It seems you yourself, without outside help besides this forum, have been able to quantify your debt, and categorize each item from high interest all the way down to zero interest. What’s costing you is the CPA’s inability to truly provide you with a service. YOU need to take control of YOUR money. You’re throwing away $4000 a year. Start by eliminating yo...
by Tracyfaa
Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Friend trades in cars every 2 years, but hates leasing
Replies: 17
Views: 2718

Re: Friend trades in cars every 2 years, but hates leasing

sunny_socal wrote:Let's be happy the world has people like that, it ends up providing a source of barely used vehicles for a good price! :beer

It's his money...
++1
by Tracyfaa
Thu Jun 29, 2017 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Friend trades in cars every 2 years, but hates leasing
Replies: 17
Views: 2718

Re: Friend trades in cars every 2 years, but hates leasing

I would've thought that bogleheads didn't lease or trade in cars every two years. Buy and hold baby!
by Tracyfaa
Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financing Engagement Ring/ Credit Score Potential Consequences
Replies: 39
Views: 4751

Re: Financing Engagement Ring/ Credit Score Potential Consequences

Ask what the cash price would be. Then what everyone else has said!! And congrats on engagement! :sharebeer
by Tracyfaa
Tue Jun 27, 2017 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Looking into selling a structured settlement and need some advice
Replies: 66
Views: 7712

Re: Looking into selling a structured settlement and need some advice

Here is what I would do. I would keep the structured settlement and live off of it. That's my GUARANTEED cash flow that I can use to eat for the rest of my life. Next, I would work hard in my day job and save money. I don't need that salary to eat, so I can invest all that "extra" money to buy real estate. Even if the real estate flops, I'll be just fine. I have guaranteed monthly cash flow. I think you're feeling itchy to sell because you're not getting monthly payments yet. It's very hard to wait for that big pile of money, but once that money starts rolling in, you'll never dream of selling ever again. Let me put it another way. If you DO NOT sell, you will never regret it. Your 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85 year-old self will be ext...
by Tracyfaa
Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Federal Retirement Readiness Review...FREE
Replies: 3
Views: 1062

Re: Federal Retirement Readiness Review...FREE

I'm a soon to be retired fed. Went through the process with Livingston Federal up until I was presented with the fee schedule and nearly choked. I admit though, I did learn a few things that I hadn't thought of during the presentation. Should you decide to at least see/hear some of their ideas, ask right up front what the fee schedule is so you'll know first hand what we are all talking about when we say "RUN AWAY FAST!!" If they try to deflect your question, there you go. Federal retirees are easy targets for companies that use the word "federal" or a form of it in their name. And there are thousands of targets for them to go after. Seems to me if their success rate is even 5% of those they are marketing to, that equate...
by Tracyfaa
Sat Jun 24, 2017 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: emerald ash borer disaster
Replies: 35
Views: 3705

Re: emerald ash borer disaster

We had the same here in Illinois. Our big beautiful ash tree in front of the house had to go. But all was not lost. We planted three different maple varieties. A beautiful color palette in the fall.

Bartlett pears WILL eventually split in a strong wind. They are beautiful when in bloom, but the blossoms also smell HORRIBLE.

I gotta say that after living in many different areas across the country, I must caution against any sort of hybrid ornamental tree that's designed to grow fast. Tress that naturally grow fast are one thing, but when cross polenated with other small flowering species the result does have drawbacks.
by Tracyfaa
Fri Jun 23, 2017 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Boglehead Challenge -- Help me "win the game".
Replies: 25
Views: 3729

Re: Boglehead Challenge -- Help me "win the game".

Need some FERS retirees to check in.
by Tracyfaa
Fri Jun 23, 2017 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Costco vs. Amazon - Thoughts of Prime Members?
Replies: 80
Views: 15214

Re: Costco vs. Amazon - Thoughts of Prime Members?

IMHO the short term market reaction is a knee jerk. Give it a few months to see what Amazon's real plan is. My wife and I won't be changing our Amazon buying or our trips to Costco. Or Sams Club for that matter!
by Tracyfaa
Fri Jun 23, 2017 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New cars w/ no CD player -- what can I do with my CDs?
Replies: 54
Views: 53368

Re: New cars w/ no CD player -- what can I do with my CDs?

An old, no longer usable phone makes a great portable music storage device for a vehicle with no CD player. Even if the Bluetooth won't work, most head units have an aux input you could use. Ripped at 128 kbps, your music in the car will be virtually indistinguishable from the CDs themselves unless you go for a high end audio package. In that case 256 kbps will do the trick. I've been doing it this way for years. I use iTunes plus, AAC 256 kbps encoding, but my head unit has a hard drive that will automatically store up to 3000 tracks at 128 kbps, which rips directly from the car's CD player. There's virtually do difference in quality between all of the different sources while driving on the highway and mixing with all the road and wind noi...
by Tracyfaa
Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: is luxury car a smarter purchase?
Replies: 102
Views: 14864

Re: is luxury car a smarter purchase?

Today, buying any car other than a self-driving car(Tesla?) is not a smart purchase. There is a revolution coming in the automobile world. Few more years, and all current car ownerships and insurance models will be history. We are living in the last years of manual driving. So, just wait for fully automated mobility services with different levels of ETA and comfort; and pay a monthly fixed or variable service fees just like any other utility. And the best part is – you don’t have to drive. And yes, if you love driving, just buy a performance car now without giving any thoughts to money. In few years, all manual driving would be banned and the only resort for car lovers would be to shell out money at specialized private tracks to manually d...
by Tracyfaa
Fri Jun 23, 2017 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Baby - Wife stay at home for 1 year?
Replies: 48
Views: 7812

Re: New Baby - Wife stay at home for 1 year?

:thumbsup
camillus wrote:I just want to reflect that the OP didn't ask a question in the body of his post. He merely described that his wife would like to stay home and they are in good shape to do so.

Go for it, man.

Life isn't about an optimized spreadsheet. Life is about optimizing relationships. Your baby is a very important person. I'd also like to thank your wife for her service with children with special needs. Really, I think the decision has less to do with money and more to do with your wife and children's quality of life. Some parents would not like to stay home full time.
:thumbsup
by Tracyfaa
Fri Jun 16, 2017 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP options
Replies: 16
Views: 3905

Re: Federal Employee First Alliance - Annuities ?

Federal employee myself. Been to one of those so-called "retirement seminars", and even had been in contact with the representative about signing up. He had some very good ideas about how to move my money around, different "buckets", AA, life insurance, survivor benefits, etc. Livingston Federal was the company name. Once I discovered how much he/they wanted from me to help "manage" my money (and line their pockets) well over 1%, I immediately cut off the correspondence. Not interested. IMO, these companies that are conducting seminars for federal employees are after one thing. A piece of our pension. They aren't affiliated with the government at all. They've discovered that we are well taken care of in our pos...
by Tracyfaa
Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:44 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!
Replies: 334
Views: 91835

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!

Ahhh. I think I've got it!
The quoted part will be in beige and your direct reply will be in blue.
Thanks!

And congrats to all retirees!

D
by Tracyfaa
Tue Jun 13, 2017 5:03 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!
Replies: 334
Views: 91835

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!

Retiring September 30, 2017 56 - mandatory retirement due to job CAMI rules, etc. Will have 32 years 9 months as an ATC specialist at 9 facilities across the country, much of my time in So. California. It's been an awesome journey, and I feel lucky to have seen so many changes and improvements in our system of air traffic control and air travel. Seems a bit surreal now. Still not sure what the future will bring, but I'm sure that less stress will be high up on the list! I feel fortunate to have stumbled across the boglehead community here. I Wish I had this knowledge base a few years ago. Going forward though, I know I can rest assured that our family's finances will be well taken care of. Wow! Nigh on 33 years as an ATC specialist - that'...
by Tracyfaa
Mon Jun 12, 2017 4:53 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!
Replies: 334
Views: 91835

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!

:sharebeer
Retiring September 30, 2017
56 - mandatory retirement due to job CAMI rules, etc.
Will have 32 years 9 months as an ATC specialist at 9 facilities across the country, much of my time in So. California. It's been an awesome journey, and I feel lucky to have seen so many changes and improvements in our system of air traffic control and air travel. Seems a bit surreal now. Still not sure what the future will bring, but I'm sure that less stress will be high up on the list!

I feel fortunate to have stumbled across the boglehead community here. I Wish I had this knowledge base a few years ago. Going forward though, I know I can rest assured that our family's finances will be well taken care of.

D
by Tracyfaa
Mon Jun 05, 2017 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Liquidate or transfer of assets
Replies: 1
Views: 411

Liquidate or transfer of assets

Hi all,

I'm trying to transfer Roth IRA assets from CGM to Vanguard. Any info on the best way? Vanguard's info stated an MSG would be necessary, but CGM tells me not true. Is it easier to just liquidate, then deposit money to my Vanguard Roth IRA? (Within the 60 day requirement)

D
by Tracyfaa
Wed May 31, 2017 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Life insurance is not completely tax free although you are right it is not included as taxable income to the beneficiary. However, if the OP is planning for his family, he needs to know that it is included in the estate of the deceased (in most situations-unless the deceased has set it up in a certain way that it is out of his/her estate). As part of your estate, it will be taxed under both Federal and state law should it drive the total value of your estate over the exemption amounts. Federal tax does not kick in until it goes over around $5.4 million (so probably not an issue here), but state tax can kick in at much lower amounts. For example, the state of NJ will tax estates worth over $675,000. https://taxfoundation.org/does-your-state...
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Bfwolf wrote:You may want to do the math of what the combination of a 20 year and 30 year policy would cost. These numbers may not be right, but what if you got a $1MM 20 year policy and a $1MM 35 year policy? This helps account for the fact that you need more money to cover for your pension loss if you die early than die later.

In the end, I guess I'd be surprised if the equivalent insurance policies didn't cost more than just getting the survivor benefit, but I could surely be wrong.

I think a starting point is to figure out what your wife needs from an annual spending perspective if you pass away. It will be less than you guys need when you're both alive. But how much less?
Good point.
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

hale2 wrote:Just stick with 25% and a term policy. 25% allows her to keep FEHB. And remember, your pension is taxable while life insurance is income tax free, so you'll need less insurance than you probably think. You have enough money that she'll be just fine with the reduced pension and life insurance. And if you outlive your life insurance policy, her needs will be less since she has 20 years less life expectancy than she has now.
Yes, I personally did what I just recommended. I crunched the numbers and showed my wife the results. Her only comment was she wished it could be less than 25% since the cost for the survivor benefit was so high.
Who/where did you purchase your term policy?
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Well, I am sure she would much prefer the full benefit, even if it costs a little more from my pension. We discussed it today before I left for work. Of utmost importance is peace of mind for her and our son. And me.

D
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Definitely worth thinking about. Thanks. Are you signficantly younger than your spouse? It doesn't sound good for the spouse to have - 25% survivor pension even with a small (why Small?) insurance policy. If spouse is older, then maybe ok. Are you sure there isn't a 100% benefit forthe spouse with cost money f receiving a reduced bnefit now? Size is a relative term in this instance. But she is younger than I by three years. The decision is a tough one to make though. By my research, it'll probably be $2500/yr for a $500,000 term policy, but also at the end of 20 years it is gone. (Assuming I live that long...I certainly expect to.) And that's equal to $25,000 X 20 years, and $25k is also the difference between the two survivor benefits cho...
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Definitely worth thinking about.

Thanks.
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

As someone with a pension when I retire, I will just share my thoughts and personal philosophies and hope it helps. I consider myself moderate risk tolerant and that informs my personal choices. With a sizable pension coming, I figure I can afford to be not conservative in my asset allocation. At the time I came to that decision, I put all future investments into stocks and stopped contributing to bonds. The bonds I held then now comprise 10% of my portfolio. I think this allows me to be as aggressive as possible which we are fortunate to be able to do with a pension. I would not feel comfortable with an unpaid mortgage at retirement so I have been intense on paying off my mortgages. I actually achieved this about 6 months ago and then sta...
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 9:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

It can be changed back to 50% before officially retiring, but at what cost? The 25% costs 5% of my pension. The 50% (maximum) costs 10% of pension. That works out to an additional cost of approximately $5,000/year. The federal retirement experts I've spoken with so far have shown figures that the extra 25% in survivor annuity can be better covered with MUCH less expensive life insurance, which I do have, and will continue for the foreseeable future through FEGLI. Am I more valuable dead than alive??? :shock: Along with a 1.3 mil nest egg, I currently have salary with the 5X option (probably more than we've need the last couple of years) and will be backing it down to a more appropriate level as we age. I don't recall the technical details, ...
by Tracyfaa
Tue May 30, 2017 12:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

A good approach is to treat everything as one big portfolio. I took your latest numbers and put them in a quick spreadsheet. What comes out immediately is that the TSP is a whopping 66.89% of your total portfolio. The next largest is your wife's Traditional IRA at 12.50%. I'm using the "Code" tags because posting this without it would lose the column alignments. Wife IRA Wife Traditional IRA 0.34% $4,323.00 FDRXX 2.51% $31,728.00 FCNTX 1.89% $23,839.00 FBALX 2.18% $27,546.00 FLVCX 1.66% $20,912.00 FSPCX 1.85% $23,365.00 FEXPX 2.07% $26,184.00 FDVLX 12.50% Total IRA $157,897.00 Wife Roth IRA 1.19% $15,052.00 FSLCX 5.94% $75,096.00 VIGAX 7.14% Total Roth IRA $90,148.00 Husband Roth IRA 1.82% $23,000.00 $23,000.00 CGMRX Husband TSP ...
by Tracyfaa
Mon May 29, 2017 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which is better? [Adjust AA yearly or every 6 months]
Replies: 13
Views: 2375

Re: Which is better?

ruralavalon wrote:
blueblock wrote:I re-balance annually, unless my AA is out of whack by 5%, then I re-balance at that trigger point.
Me too.
I like the idea of yearly, and any set trigger points as well.
by Tracyfaa
Sun May 28, 2017 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which is better? [Adjust AA yearly or every 6 months]
Replies: 13
Views: 2375

Re: Which is better?

blueblock wrote:I re-balance annually, unless my AA is out of whack by 5%, then I re-balance at that trigger point.
:thumbsup
by Tracyfaa
Sun May 28, 2017 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which is better? [Adjust AA yearly or every 6 months]
Replies: 13
Views: 2375

Which is better? [Adjust AA yearly or every 6 months]

Hope everyone is having a safe holiday weekend, and let's always remember what Memorial Day commemorates. :sharebeer

This isn't a poll. I'll be starting this soon.

If given the option and you have the time, is it better or even advisable to adjust AA in the three fund portfolio once a year or every six months?
by Tracyfaa
Sun May 28, 2017 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Tracyfaa wrote:
fundseeker wrote:Just curious, but under FERS at 32.5 years, wouldn't you be at approximately 46.5% (1.7% x 20 = 34%) + (1% x 12.5 years = 12.5%) of your high three? And if so, your pension will be more than $100k? ATCs must get paid very well.
Only at the busiest and most conplex facilities.
Also under the new Vision 100 ATC plan it's 1.7 for all years as an ATC with requirements met. I'll be at 55.25%

D
by Tracyfaa
Sun May 28, 2017 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Roger.

Please see updated info near the top of the thread now. I've not posted expense ratios/fees as I am not yet concerned with that part of our nest egg. My/our goal will be to simplify all moneys, over time, into a more manageable three to five fund portfolio, with Vanguard, unless alternate recommendations are suggested.

Thanks in advance,
D

P. S. And please, if I have not mentioned anything, don't hesitate to ask, but don't bite my head off either. :oops:
by Tracyfaa
Sat May 27, 2017 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE and I Bonds
Replies: 44
Views: 7025

Re: EE and I Bonds

Mel Lindauer wrote:Here's a Forbes column I did on using EE Bonds to build your own retirement annuity. Laddering $10k for you and $10k for your wife annually would guarantee you a retirement income of $40K per year.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/theboglehe ... 61aacb7ba3
Excellent article Mel. Makes me wish I had kept up my auto purchases years ago.
by Tracyfaa
Sat May 27, 2017 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE and I Bonds
Replies: 44
Views: 7025

Re: EE and I Bonds

Treasury direct guarantees that EE bonds will either be worth face value in 20 years if paper or double in value in 20 years if electronic. That's roughly 3.5% compounded annually, as long as you go the full 20.

https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/re ... r.htm#full

D
by Tracyfaa
Sat May 27, 2017 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

fundseeker wrote:Just curious, but under FERS at 32.5 years, wouldn't you be at approximately 46.5% (1.7% x 20 = 34%) + (1% x 12.5 years = 12.5%) of your high three? And if so, your pension will be more than $100k? ATCs must get paid very well.
Only at the busiest and most conplex facilities.
by Tracyfaa
Sat May 27, 2017 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Sorry to be pedantic, but you're still not posting in the preferred format and editing the first post of your thread to keep it all in one place. This extra work on your part, to get ALL the information together in one post (the first post) allows members to easily see your entire financial picture. If you keep putting information into this thread in dribs and drabs, forum members have to re-read the entire thread to understand your situation each time they respond and you are unlikely to get as much benefit here as you could. If you read a few other posts by people that have done the hard work to gather and post in the preferred format, you will see they get very complete responses that take into account the full financial situation. I re...
by Tracyfaa
Sat May 27, 2017 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Hi all, here's an update:

Mortgage: 3.125 APR, 238,000 remains, pmt is 1690/mo but we pay 1800. Can pay more.

Wife IRAs:
Traditional
FDRXX $4323
FCNTX $31728
FBALX $23839
FLVCX $27546
FSPCX $20912
FEXPX $23365
FDVLX $26184

Roth

FSLCX $15052
VIGAX $75096

non-retirement

NYVTX $90697
VGHCX $47512
VFINX $9045

I have a small amount in a roth IRA:
CGMRX $23000

And of course TSP: 845k.

Too many different $$ piles. I/we want to consolidate but it all seems somewhat overwhelming. Tax implications, etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Dan
by Tracyfaa
Wed May 24, 2017 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to the forum and retiring this fall
Replies: 55
Views: 8984

Re: New to the forum and retiring this fall

Raymond wrote:Welcome to Bogleheads!

About the mortgage with the 3.125% APR - what is the remaining balance, and would it be possible to pay off a large chunk of it, or even the entire amount?

Any specific college funds such as a 529 plan for your soon-to-be-eighth-grade son, or do you plan to cash-flow his education?

As delamer mentioned earlier, using the format in "Asking Portfolio Questions" organizes your information and makes it easier for us to make suggestions.
I'll try and post the particulars of our mortgage later today and see if any of you have thoughts to share.