Search found 104 matches

by marshall
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8117

Re: How do you live healthy?

About a year before retiring from corporate life, I switched to the Mediterranean Diet. This is actually a way of eating and not a diet in the conventional sense. This means that I eat as much as I want but normally do not eat processed foods / oils, sugar, refined grains, alcohol (red wine is acceptable in moderation), and red meat. I make exceptions for special occasions like holidays, etc.

I also go to the gym regularly (weight training and cardio) and recently started playing pickleball.
by marshall
Sun Dec 10, 2023 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Tactical action steps before retiring you suggest?
Replies: 33
Views: 2838

Re: What Tactical action steps before retiring you suggest?

On the ACA, it's a two step process. The first step is to qualify for the coverage. There are a series of qualifying questions. There is also a section where you estimate your income for the plan year. This is where any potential subsidies are calculated. Please pay close attention to what is considered income and what is not. There are some who have a a very high net worth but still qualify for subsidies because they utilize taxable investments to fund the retirement income. Please keep in mind you will reconcile the subsidies received vs. finalized subsidies when you file taxes for the plan year. If your actual income for the tax year is higher or lower than what you entered on the ACA website, this is reconciled on your tax return. So, t...
by marshall
Sun Oct 01, 2023 11:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?
Replies: 141
Views: 19856

Re: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?

A few thoughts from a Model 3 long range owner ... Check with your electric utility company to see if they offer a EV rate plan. This may include a reduced rate for certain time periods (example 11:00pm to 6:00am) for charging. This can make a big difference. In my case, it costs me $15-$20 per month on my utility bill per 1,000 miles of charging. There are times when utility companies may have rebates available for charging equipment installation. For example, I received a $250 rebate for the Tesla wall charger. If you are going to have the Tesla wall charger installed, shop around to obtain the best electrician rate. The charges can vary greatly so it helps to obtain a few estimates. It is typically going to be less expensive if you are a...
by marshall
Tue Aug 15, 2023 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fidelity Down? [Website]
Replies: 138
Views: 9563

Re: Fidelity Down?

Fidelity posted the following 5 minutes ago on Reddit ...

We are aware that customers are experiencing issues with Fidelity.com, Active Trader Pro (ATP), and our mobile apps. We are working urgently on resolving the issues. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your being a customer.
by marshall
Sat Jul 29, 2023 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: eBay Watchers Strategy
Replies: 18
Views: 1504

Re: eBay Watchers Strategy

A few thoughts to increase your sales conversion rate ...

(1) Make sure your description and photos are top notch (better than the competition)
(2) Utilize the eBay sales history to determine what previous items sold for. Then price your item competitively.
(3) The eBay promoted listings option will increase the eyeballs on your item. This can increase your odds of a sale (at a cost).
by marshall
Sat Jun 10, 2023 5:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Young mens' stylish shoe stores/resources?
Replies: 42
Views: 3176

Re: Young mens' stylish shoe stores/resources?

It was worth the wait for me. They also have very good sales. The customer reviews are very positive.

https://www.beckettsimonon.com/
by marshall
Wed May 10, 2023 1:14 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!
Replies: 314
Views: 86607

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!

Well, It's official. I have given notice at work and will be exiting in about 8 weeks. In a previous post, I communicated my goal at age 23 (as a recent college grad) was to retire at age 55. It looks like I will be retiring from the corporate world a year earlier than initially planned (at age 54). I have learned a lot over the years about personal finance. I am very thankful for this site. My favorite tools to logic check retirement preparedness are (1) Fidelity Retirement Planner and (2) cFIREsim. I appreciate that both incorporate future income streams (pension, social security, etc.) into SWR analysis. It's also helpful to have a historical view (cFIREsim) and Monte Carlo simulations (Fidelity). In retirement, I do plan to work a few h...
by marshall
Sat May 06, 2023 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In Hindsight, did you retire at the right time?
Replies: 109
Views: 12909

Re: In Hindsight, did you retire at the right time?

I am retiring in about 8 weeks @ age 54. I do plan to spend an hour or two a day on an income producing hobby in retirement. I am mentally ready to move away from full time corporate work. The numbers seem to check out with our CFP and the online calculators. At age 23 (recent college graduate), I planned for retirement at age 55. I believe finishing one year early feels about right.
by marshall
Sat Dec 10, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social Security Delay Modeling - Fidelity Retirement Score
Replies: 5
Views: 741

Re: Social Security Delay Modeling - Fidelity Retirement Score

Thanks for the responses. In reviewing the projections in the tool, I noticed the RMD's seemed low compared to the portfolio balance. I examined the Fidelity methodology document and it indicated the following ... "After RMD amounts are withdrawn from retirement accounts (excluding pension plans), the Tool assumes these savings are redeposited in a hypothetical taxable account and are available to meet retirement goal expenses. You should consult your tax or financial advisor for assistance with your specific circumstances. For plans recordkept at Fidelity, the Tool does not automatically consider any pre-1987 balances." This was helpful because it models what I may potentially do in a scenario where income is not needed from a po...
by marshall
Sat Dec 10, 2022 10:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social Security Delay Modeling - Fidelity Retirement Score
Replies: 5
Views: 741

Social Security Delay Modeling - Fidelity Retirement Score

I am about 18 months away from being 55. My current Fidelity Retirement Score is 115 if I choose to retire at 55. This assumes I take my pension, social security, and spousal social security at age 62. I utilized the Open Social Security site to model my optimal strategy. It reflects ... -Your spouse files for his/her retirement benefit to begin 3/2031, at age 62 and 1 months. -You file for your retirement benefit to begin 7/2039, at age 70 and 0 months. -Your spouse files for his/her spousal benefit to begin 7/2039, at age 70 and 5 months. I am assuming this means my spouse files for social security (based on her own limited work history) at age 62 and then files again at age 70 and 5 months for the spousal benefit. I'm not 100% sure how t...
by marshall
Tue Nov 01, 2022 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone buy a much bigger house than they need?
Replies: 133
Views: 14114

Re: Anyone buy a much bigger house than they need?

Yep. Happy Wife, Happy Life. It's more important to her than it is me. Moving in to newly built 3,600 square foot home next month. As others mentioned, the layout of the home is very important. This specific design has a very large combined living room / kitchen which is appealing.
by marshall
Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMFXX at 3.57% now as of 11/11/2022
Replies: 303
Views: 57563

Re: VMFXX at 2.58% now as of 9/26/2022

at ME you only need 1,000 min balance correct or is that only for the FISXX , I don't have an ME account but I remember one of the fidelity money market funds you can get cheaper at Merril edge than with fidelity.
I'm not sure about ME. As previously mentioned on this site, FZDXX minimum is $100k.
by marshall
Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMFXX at 3.57% now as of 11/11/2022
Replies: 303
Views: 57563

Re: VMFXX at 2.58% now as of 9/26/2022

Fidelity Premium Money Market (FZDXX) 7 Day Yield is 2.66% as of 9/26
by marshall
Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Understanding Bond fund yelds - VGSH for example
Replies: 21
Views: 2748

Re: Understanding Bond fund yelds - VGSH for example

I asked a similar question in a different thread. I ended up selling VGSH and buying one year Treasury Bonds with a 3.96% yield.
by marshall
Tue Sep 13, 2022 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VGSH Distribution Rate
Replies: 2
Views: 607

VGSH Distribution Rate

I'm trying to understand the monthly VGSH (Vanguard Short-Term Treasury Index Fund) distribution rate. The monthly distributions (annualized) are significantly lower than the current 2 year treasury rate. I recognize this is a ETF and in 2021 there were additional distributions at the end of the year. If I hold this ETF for the targeted duration, should I expect to receive an overall distribution rate that is similar to that of current individual treasuries with a similar duration?
by marshall
Sun Sep 04, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are there ETFs that screen out "zombie companies"?
Replies: 35
Views: 3883

Re: Are there ETFs that screen out "zombie companies"?

A couple ETF's come to mind. QUAL for the US and IQLT for international.
by marshall
Sat Aug 20, 2022 4:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retire? 53 / M / $1.75M with AA 10% / 0% / 90%
Replies: 34
Views: 8425

Re: Retire? 53 / M / $1.75M with AA 10% / 0% / 90%

I recognize you are very conservative with risk tolerance. It’s incredible that you have expenses that low while renting. I believe your initial withdrawal rate at $35k would be 2%. At age 62, it appears all of your expenses are covered by Social Security and the pension.

I’m the same age as you with a pension as well. I’m going to need to reevaluate my expenses 😀
by marshall
Fri Aug 19, 2022 12:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wade Pfau's Retirement (2.2% SWR, Annuities)
Replies: 644
Views: 44704

Re: Wade Pfau's Retirement (2.2% SWR, Annuities)

Could someone address the risk posed by higher inflation on the prospect of buying SPIAs? In an ongoing environment of 8%+ inflation, does buying a significant percentage of SPIAs to establish an income floor now constitute a bad idea?
I'm actually considering this question myself. I modeled the cost of a SPIA and compared it to a TIPS solution. The SPIA was significantly cheaper but does not offer the inflation protection.
by marshall
Tue Aug 16, 2022 10:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wade Pfau's Retirement (2.2% SWR, Annuities)
Replies: 644
Views: 44704

Re: Wade Pfau's Retirement (2.2% SWR, Annuities)

I view Wade as a transformational thought leader in the retirement planning field. I have read his Safety-First retirement planning book and also listened to his podcasts. He identifies two approaches to retirement planning... (1) Safety First or (2) Probability Based. This caused me to pause because historically my focus was always on probability based outcomes.

I believe Wade recognizes we are wired differently as human beings and may lean one way or the other (Safety vs. Probability).
by marshall
Sun May 22, 2022 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone subscribe to Apple News +?
Replies: 23
Views: 2218

Re: Anyone subscribe to Apple News +?

I have it as part of the Apple One Premier package and use it frequently based on the topics I am following. The interface is intuitive and well designed.

The Premier package is worth it to me as there are 4 in the family using the offerings in the package. Especially Apple Music, 2 TB iCloud Storage and Apple TV. The package is discounted compared to subscribing to the individual offerings.
by marshall
Sat May 14, 2022 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For retirees- what are the best equity ETFs?
Replies: 18
Views: 2805

Re: For retirees- what are the best equity ETFs?

Ideally would like equity ETF(s) which have less risk and possibly higher quality.
Most on this board will stay with VTI or VOO. However, for less risk, you may want to consider USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF). For higher quality, an option is QUAL (iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF).
by marshall
Mon Feb 07, 2022 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 72(T) sepp rules updated with convenience[upto 5% rate instead of 120% mid term]
Replies: 9
Views: 1054

Re: 72(T) sepp rules updated with convenience[upto 5% rate instead of 120% mid term]

Can you share why it's great news? I'm kind of in no man's land at 56 yo and mulling SEPP. don't know a lot about SEPP so curious about this revelation.
In the most simplest terms, it allows me to take a 72t withdrawal rate that is above 6% vs. previously being limited to approximately 4%. I am under 55 and have a pension and social security in the future. I needed to take a higher withdrawal rate until these kick in and then dial back the withdrawal rate to below 4%.
by marshall
Mon Feb 07, 2022 4:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 72(T) sepp rules updated with convenience[upto 5% rate instead of 120% mid term]
Replies: 9
Views: 1054

Re: 72(T) sepp rules updated with convenience[upto 5% rate instead of 120% mid term]

This is great news and could not have come at a better time for my situation. Thanks for sharing!
by marshall
Thu Jan 27, 2022 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When you win the game... quit playing
Replies: 92
Views: 16752

Re: When you win the game... quit playing

My interpretation ...

You are in a position financially to retire but continue to maintain a very aggressive asset allocation. After a significant stock market crash, you are no longer able to retire. The thought process is to consider this possibility on the front end and make good decisions.
by marshall
Mon Sep 06, 2021 11:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moved From a 60/40 VT/BND to 50/50 SCHD/SCHY
Replies: 66
Views: 14025

Re: Moved From a 60/40 VT/BND to 50/50 SCHD/SCHY

I would say a nightmare scenario is ... (1) you are in retirement, (2) value of SCHD/SCHY goes down 50-60% and (3) there is a 30% cut in dividend payments. If a 30% haircut in income puts you in a position where it does not meet your retirement spending needs and there are no bonds or cash, you then have to start selling stocks at fire-sale prices to meet income requirements.
by marshall
Mon May 31, 2021 8:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIPS vs. treasuries
Replies: 53
Views: 7595

Re: TIPS vs. treasuries

But isn't that because volatility is defined in nominal terms?
Think about it this way using an extreme example. In 2008, the Vanguard Total Stock Market Fund (VTSAX) was down -36.99%. The iShares TIP ETF was flat for the year (+.04%). However, the iShares 7-10 Year Treasury ETF (IEF) was up +17.9% in 2008.

The advantage of Treasuries in a down market is the flight to safety wihich reduces overall portfolio volatility. It really comes down to what you are attempting to accomplish. For me, reducing portfolio volatility is very important.
by marshall
Mon May 31, 2021 7:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIPS vs. treasuries
Replies: 53
Views: 7595

Re: TIPS vs. treasuries

Treasuries will typically lower portfolio beta better than TIPS. Just do some quick modeling on Portfolio Visualizer to see the difference.
by marshall
Mon May 24, 2021 11:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Values Rising Or Am I Losing My Mind ?
Replies: 26
Views: 4360

Re: Car Values Rising Or Am I Losing My Mind ?

If you are coming to the end of a lease, it's a good idea to check on the value before turning the vehicle back in. I have a family member who sold her car to one of the major car buying services instead of returning the car. This was a relatively common commuter car but she walked away with a $6,500 check. I was blown away.
by marshall
Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retire with Less Than $1 million?
Replies: 175
Views: 39650

Re: Retire with Less Than $1 million?

I look at it this way. What is the median household income for your state? If you take this number and divide it by your withdrawal rate, it provides the portfolio size needed to generate the median income. This required portfolio size is reduced further if you are receiving social security and/or pension payments. The median 2021 household income in Arizona is $58,945. If you divide this number by .04 (4% withdrawal rate), a $1,473,965 portfolio is required to provide the median household income assuming you are not receiving social security or pension payments. Keep in mind this is the median household income. There are many people who live on less - - especially retirees. Is it possible to retire on $1 million or less? I believe so espec...
by marshall
Sun Jan 24, 2021 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A lot of bubble talk lately...how would you invest?
Replies: 21
Views: 3741

Re: A lot of bubble talk lately...how would you invest?

Spend a significant amount of time back testing various asset allocations on Portfolio Visualizer to establish a target portfolio that is acceptable in good times and bad.
by marshall
Tue Jan 12, 2021 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Replace BND in my 3 fund portfolio?
Replies: 14
Views: 2525

Re: Replace BND in my 3 fund portfolio?

I lived through the Dotcom Crash and was around 30 years old when it happened. I remember loading up in a Janus fund that was highly concentrated in technology stocks at the time. Fortunately, I was very early in the accumulation phase. However, it was still very painful to go through that loss.

https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dotcom-bubble.asp
by marshall
Sun Nov 22, 2020 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Safe car for a teenager recommendation
Replies: 70
Views: 4854

Re: Safe car for a teenager recommendation

Honda Civic was the vehicle of choice for both of our teenagers. It's an easier car to drive, great gas mileage and good crash safety ratings.
by marshall
Thu Oct 15, 2020 10:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a Tesla
Replies: 84
Views: 9521

Re: Buying a Tesla

Tesla Model S long range price has reduced two times in the last week. You may not need to spend $80k.
by marshall
Sun Oct 11, 2020 12:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Apple Watch for Jogging & Podcasts
Replies: 26
Views: 2770

Re: Best Apple Watch for Jogging & Podcasts

I have the Apple Watch 5 cellular version. I leave the iPhone at home while jogging / walking or at the gym. No need to download Podcasts in advance. The Apple Watch cellular works very well with Apple Music. I also use the Apple AirPods with the watch while exercising.
by marshall
Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PayPal payment pending
Replies: 17
Views: 1872

Re: PayPal payment pending

Just log into your PayPal account, and click on the contact us link on the bottom left of the page. They will provide you with a one-time code for when you call in.
by marshall
Tue Sep 22, 2020 11:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PayPal payment pending
Replies: 17
Views: 1872

Re: PayPal payment pending

Your thought to call PayPal is the right path. I bet it's a 21 day hold. They should be able to give you direction on how to clear it out. I would not make any other type of payment. After this is settled, call eBay to see if the NPB strike can be removed from your account.
by marshall
Mon Sep 21, 2020 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is intermediate treasuries good as fixed income in retirement ?
Replies: 35
Views: 3383

Re: Is intermediate treasuries good as fixed income in retirement ?

I use intermediate-term treasuries as the fixed income segment of my retirement portfolio. I do this primarily for two reasons ...

(1) I choose to take risk with the stock and real estate allocations in my portfolio (no corporate bond risk)
(2) I appreciate the flight to safety that occurs with treasuries when stocks decline (helps smooth out portfolio volatility)
by marshall
Mon Jul 27, 2020 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3: Leasing the way to go?
Replies: 30
Views: 4036

Re: Tesla Model 3: Leasing the way to go?

There are fewer moving parts on an electric vehicle which typically means very good reliability/durability. You don’t see lease incentives with Tesla like there are with ICE vehicles. However, the Model 3 has been holding its value very well. You definitely need to run the numbers on lease vs. buy. At times, you may be able to get a discounted price at the end of a quarter by purchasing/leasing vehicles that are utilized for test drives. The Model Y is also a very interesting offering to consider.

https://electrek.co/2020/02/18/tesla-mo ... retention/
by marshall
Wed May 13, 2020 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peloton Treadmill: Anyone here own one..,,
Replies: 59
Views: 7301

Re: Peloton Treadmill: Anyone here own one..,,

I'm curious about which bike you chose, marshall, if you don't mind sharing.
After conducting extensive research, we bought the Sole SB900. It’s a light commercial grade bike with a 48 pound chrome plated flywheel. It’s built like a tank and very smooth. It’s very high quality and does not require bike shoes. We are very happy with the purchase.

https://www.soletreadmills.com/bikes/sb900-sole-bike
by marshall
Wed May 13, 2020 12:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peloton Treadmill: Anyone here own one..,,
Replies: 59
Views: 7301

Re: Peloton Treadmill: Anyone here own one..,,

I don't know how the Peloton system works exactly, but for the ProForm treadmill one slight advantage of using the integrated iFit system is that the settings (incline, speed) adjust automatically during the workout. If you just watch classes on TV/iPad it doesn't do that. I would assume for the Peloton treadmill it would be the same. Of course, the question is whether it's worth the extra cost. Edit: also I think there are some game elements to it that people like (leaderboards, etc), though not 100% sure If you are highly competitive, the integrated Peloton system works the best (versus the app). This makes it easier for the game elements you referenced. This was not the case for our family. Just looking to burn some calories and stay he...
by marshall
Wed May 13, 2020 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Peloton Treadmill: Anyone here own one..,,
Replies: 59
Views: 7301

Re: Peloton Treadmill: Anyone here own one..,,

We chose to purchase a really nice bike (higher quality than Peloton bike) for $1,000 and subscribed to the Peloton App. The first 90 days of the app is free and it costs about $13.00 a month after that. The app is great and I would encourage you to research it before shelling out the $4,200. We use Apple TV to project the Peloton App videos onto our big screen TV. There are other times we just watch TV shows while riding the bike.
by marshall
Tue May 05, 2020 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265425

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

I’m closing on a streamlined VA refinance this week. 2.75% 30 year mortgage rate with $9,000 in lender credits.
by marshall
Sat May 02, 2020 8:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If you believing in Timing the market, Would you reduce equity allocation now?
Replies: 110
Views: 9752

Re: If you believing in Timing the market, Would you reduce equity allocation now?

I did market time in March 2009 by going 100% stocks. I also did well on Christmas Eve 2018 by increasing my stock allocation. However, I have been wrong so many times by thinking the market was overvalued and it kept going up many more years.

I have decided to focus my efforts on portfolio construction instead. Specifically, a portfolio that holds assets that zig when other assets zag. I use twice a year rebalancing to buy low and sell high. I also attempt to keep enough safe assets in the portfolio to take me to when social security and a pension become available.
by marshall
Tue Apr 28, 2020 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Carrying a big long mortgage
Replies: 96
Views: 8760

Re: Carrying a big long mortgage

If I decide to retire in my mid-50’s, I would not want to keep my existing mortgage because other income sources are not available at the time (pension, social security, etc.). I would sell the house and use the equity to pay cash for a more economical home. If I wait until age 62 to retire, there is not an issue keeping the house with a mortgage because of the significant improvement in retirement income. I would not mind keeping a mortgage in retirement if my income is high enough to support it with enough left over to easily fund travel and other expenses. I appreciate the prior post on job losses. My house is currently very affordable for my income level. However, I was walking through a hypothetical job loss scenario today where a suit...