Search found 244 matches

by apex84
Fri Jan 26, 2024 5:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69588

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

I didn't see how to setup an automatic transaction from our regular Vanguard brokerage account into the Cash Plus account. Is this possible?
by apex84
Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 511
Views: 69588

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

I'll be giving this a try. We used to use the Vanguard Advantage account for most things. When that went away, I started using our checking account for bill pay. I will use the Cash Plus for most/all bill pay and reduce the slight income drag of transferring money to the checking account and maintaining a buffer there. We rarely use checks or ATM cards, but will keep our checking account for those.
by apex84
Tue Jan 09, 2024 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: $1.5 M T Bills Expiring Soon
Replies: 24
Views: 4280

Re: $1.5 M T Bills Expiring Soon

I'd make an overall investment plan with an eye towards simplification and tax efficiency. Various things you can do: Implement in tax deferred assets immediately Implement with dividends/income as you get it (like your T bills) Implement when the market is down and gains are reduced (have to balance this vs having your desired allocation) Sell assets and implement your allocation. You can do this over time to choose your tax bracket and pay capital gains taxes. Collecting different investments isn't something I'd do. The answer to your question of what to do with the T bill proceeds would ideally be addressed by an overall plan that doesn't change substantially over time. why because I started buying some stuff on my own 20 years when read...
by apex84
Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Increasing tire size
Replies: 28
Views: 2414

Re: Increasing tire size

Unless you want to get into the summer/winter wheel & tire swap, these look like a fine choice. You can really change the nature of the car with tire selection.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... mpare1=yes
mikejuss wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 1:09 pm Many thanks.

It sounds like I should stick with the same size wheel as I currently have (for better or worse). I have my eyes on the Bridgestone WeatherPeak.
by apex84
Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Increasing tire size
Replies: 28
Views: 2414

Re: Increasing tire size

There are plenty of all-season tires with a severe snow rating available in your stock size. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?zip-code=60661&width=195/&ratio=65&diameter=15&rearWidth=255/&rearRatio=40&rearDiameter=17&performance=ALL If you are ok with having two sets of wheels for the car, you can get summer tires and snow tires, which would be even better. This is what car enthusiasts do, but it depends on your driving preferences. In this case, I would get 15" winter tires for your current wheels and get a set of 15" or 16" wheels with summer tires. They would make your car handle much better (at the expensive of treadwear and fuel economy) over all-season tires. What tires ar...
by apex84
Fri Jan 05, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ethernet cable and Ethernet to wireless bridge
Replies: 40
Views: 4949

Re: Ethernet cable and Ethernet to wireless bridge

Aside from the cable modem, what is the rest of your internet system (service, modem, router, WiFi access point, etc.). If you have a separate network, you should be able to connect that to the septic system via Ethernet with the appropriate gear. Wire connections are preferred over wireless, so I wouldn't try to make the septic system wireless.
by apex84
Mon Oct 09, 2023 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Induction cooktop for indian cooking
Replies: 24
Views: 3799

Re: Induction cooktop for indian cooking

We use a Staub crepe pan for things like rotli/chapati. They puff up fine, but it's different than the traditional method when you swap from the black steel pan to the open flame. We also use a variety of regular cast iron cookware. The enameled one is easier to clean for daily use. https://www.zwilling.com/us/staub-cast-iron---fry-pans%2F-skillets-crepe-pan-with-spreader-and-spatula-black-matte-1212823/40509-525-0.html For most other cooking, we use Demeyere Atlantis. It's expensive, but very nice to use and can be found at a Zwilling outlet store and goes on sale there. This is what we use for general Indian cooking. https://www.zwilling.com/us/demeyere-atlantis-3.5-qt-conic-sauté-pan%2Fsaucier-with-lid-18%2F10-stainless-steel--25924-4152...
by apex84
Fri Sep 29, 2023 6:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Swedroe (9/27/23 Morningstar): “It’s Too Soon to Say the Value Premium Is Dead”
Replies: 88
Views: 9328

Swedroe (9/27/23 Morningstar): “It’s Too Soon to Say the Value Premium Is Dead”

No new information, but might be of general interest.
Investors face a choice: the comfortable path or the diversified one.
https://www.morningstar.com/portfolios/ ... um-is-dead
by apex84
Wed Apr 26, 2023 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plumbing issue. Who to call?
Replies: 18
Views: 2755

Re: Plumbing issue. Who to call?

Sometimes I've found plumbing stuff cheaper at local supply houses compared to the big box stores or online retailers. Might be worth calling around in your area.
EnjoyIt wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 3:47 pm
windaar wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 3:29 pm
EnjoyIt wrote: Wed Apr 26, 2023 3:25 pmWhat is it
It's a backflow preventer. I've had both sprinkler people and plumber repair mine; if it needs to be replaced get quotes first because it can be expensive.
Thanks. I found the part for sale at HomeDepot $475.00. Ouch!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zurn-1-in-3 ... /306301407

If you take a look at the left there is a nice crack in the brass. I can't imagine it not needing replacement.
by apex84
Sun Apr 23, 2023 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Quality" LED bulbs
Replies: 114
Views: 14017

Re: "Quality" LED bulbs

But I definitely do like high CRI, and on certain occasions when looking at objects closely, I have noticed even high CRI blue-pump LED's don't render purple colors as well as they could. I agree with your post. I am most interested in light quality while the market is focused on the cheapest products. I just want people and food to look normal. Standard LEDs were a huge improvement from CFL, but now I choose the very high CRI LEDs that are available. Incidentally, I still have a number of the original Philips L-prize bulbs in use from when they were on clearance after being discontinued. We use a lot of Soraa since they make a wide range of bulbs. For a much lower price, the GE Sunfilled soft white are excellent. CRI 97 & 2700K. I lik...
by apex84
Thu Apr 20, 2023 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Quality" LED bulbs
Replies: 114
Views: 14017

Re: "Quality" LED bulbs

I prioritize light quality. This means CRI > 95 & good R9 value. Depending on the application, I use bulbs from different brands. Most are from Soraa for 3000K in MR16, PAR30, PAR38, or BR30. I use Philips Expertcolor for less expensive PAR30 at 2700K. GE Sun Filled is a great bulb in the soft white 2700K for standard A19 & BR30 bulbs (also available in a daylight model). We also have Yuji PAR30L bulbs, but have had too many failure to keep using them. All of these produce slightly better color rendering than the usual CRI 90 bulbs with accurate reds & browns. Some of them use a violet pump instead of a blue pump, making for less blue in the color spectrum. I go to Bulbs.com or 1000bulbs for most of these, although Amazon now se...
by apex84
Fri Mar 17, 2023 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who's taking profits right now?
Replies: 23
Views: 2381

Re: Who's taking profits right now?

Yep, monitoring portfolio and rebalancing as needed (looks like now would be from bonds to stocks, so that could be taking profits in bonds in tax deferred accounts).
by apex84
Mon Mar 06, 2023 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
Replies: 64
Views: 5198

Re: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC

The last time we went to DC, we stayed at Canopy by Hilton @ The Wharf. There was a quick shuttle bus from the hotel to the tourist areas while allowing us to stay in a quiet area.
by apex84
Mon Feb 13, 2023 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: All Clad (Gift for Home Chef)?
Replies: 71
Views: 7914

Re: All Clad (Gift for Home Chef)?

We prefer Demeyere Atlantis. The handles are nicer than All Clad and it seems to clean up easier. We recently moved and have an induction cooktop now. These are great, but will work fine on gas too (we had some before we moved). The flat bottom pots have an enclosed copper disk while the curved ones are a laminate like All Clad, but with a thicker aluminum core.

For those with gas, getting some nicer copper for the commonly used pieces is great. We still have some Falk & Mauviel, but can't use them anymore.

https://www.zwilling.com/us/demeyere-at ... e_atlantis
by apex84
Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: (new) Vanguard Cash Plus Account ? Or just stay with VUSXX ?
Replies: 22
Views: 18698

Re: (new) Vanguard Cash Plus Account ? Or just stay with VUSXX ?

I suspect that this will transition to a replacement for the old Vanguard Advantage account. Eventually it will probably offer bill pay, check writing, and other similar features. I am looking forward to being able to maintain more cash at Vanguard and keeping our bank checking account at a minimum.
by apex84
Fri Nov 25, 2022 12:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's your International play and why?
Replies: 77
Views: 7244

Re: What's your International play and why?

We split equities 60/40 US/international. For both, we do 80% total market funds & 20% SCV. The Vanguard paper on deciding on a percentage mentions 35-55% international. I think it used to be 20-40%.

https://corporate.vanguard.com/content/ ... Online.pdf
by apex84
Tue Nov 22, 2022 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ingenious Internet Marketing of Condo
Replies: 29
Views: 3205

Re: Ingenious Internet Marketing of Condo

1) Declutter unit. Eventually, people will come to see the unit in person. 2) Take more pictures. People shop on their phones and computers. Pictures and videos matter. You can virtually stage the unit with different decor and furniture in the digital pictures. Also, make sure there is a floor plan. Agents should pay someone to take measurements and make a floor plan. 3) Change decor to market preference or reduce price (some of those personalizations will reduce the value). Don't just cut the price, mention it in the text as a budget for remodeling to the new owner's tastes or something like that. Find an agent that knows how to approach this. What are the reasons the condo is not being sold? Have there been showings but no offers, or no s...
by apex84
Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot
Replies: 462
Views: 100287

Re: Vanguard is offering a 3.5% APY FDIC Insured Cash Plus Account

Good to see this coming. At the Bogleheads conference, Joel Dickson mentioned that they would have a replacement for Vanguard Advantage.
by apex84
Thu Nov 10, 2022 3:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chai tea bags
Replies: 63
Views: 5928

Re: Chai tea bags

For an easy loose leaf tea, we like a 50:50 blend of Rishi masala chai & Stash English breakfast. We buy the 1 lb bags of each from Amazon. On it's own, the Rishi is good, but has too much spice relative to the tea. We make this boiled on the stove with milk. If using as a tea bag for steeping in a cup, the Rishi might be fine.
by apex84
Tue Oct 11, 2022 3:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!
Replies: 172
Views: 29629

Re: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!

Silly question, but what do people usually wear? It’s our first time.
by apex84
Tue Aug 16, 2022 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cheap 12V drill - good enough?
Replies: 71
Views: 5764

Re: Cheap 12V drill - good enough?

Is it important to get it now? If possible, try waiting for black friday/Christmas deals. My choice of homeowner setup is the Dewalt Atomic. Light and powerful enough for most tasks. Bosch also has a nice compact one. Get brushless if possible. If she's handy, having nicer tools is always a plus. Both are available on Amazon.
by apex84
Fri Aug 12, 2022 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best watch for $5,000+
Replies: 166
Views: 22892

Re: Best watch for $5,000+

corn18 wrote: Fri Aug 12, 2022 11:02 am A good replica/fake has a 1:1 reproduction of the movement. The only way to tell it is fake is to pull out a 10x loop and look at the finish on the flat bits. It won't be quite as polished as a real one. Once they figure that out, it will be very difficult to tell the difference.
Usually the fake movements have non-functional jewels without pivots. The underlying architecture of the movement doesn't change, but extra jewels are added and the shape of the bridges is changed to make the movement more closely resemble the real thing. This is mostly for watches with display backs (like Omega since we're talking mostly about the Rolex price range here).
by apex84
Thu Jun 23, 2022 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need car: liquidate taxable holdings or finance?
Replies: 2
Views: 311

Re: Need car: liquidate taxable holdings or finance?

Why do 60 months for $17k? What rates can you get for a shorter term?
by apex84
Thu May 05, 2022 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buyer's Remorse: Omega watch
Replies: 83
Views: 11868

Re: Buyer's Remorse: Omega watch

The Seamaster on a rubber strap is nice. Most prefer the bracelet, but not all. Glad you found something you liked more.

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-o ... -to-myself
by apex84
Fri Apr 08, 2022 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received an insane K-1!
Replies: 43
Views: 6396

Re: Received an insane K-1!

I have no idea about that tax stuff, but I would file for an extension and make a payment for your best estimate of what you owe by the tax deadline. This buys you time to figure it out while decreasing potential penalties.
by apex84
Wed Feb 16, 2022 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Hit by a bus" 1-sheet for "you handle the finances please" spouse?
Replies: 77
Views: 10014

Re: "Hit by a bus" 1-sheet for "you handle the finances please" spouse?

On the FAMILY LEGACY Knowledge center page at Vanguard, you can download a PDF that can help you get started. It's called Personal Financial Inventory under the Financial Planning heading.

https://investor.vanguard.com/wealth-m ... dge-center

http://www.vanguard.com/pdf/PASPRI_052019.pdf
by apex84
Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for handheld mini-vacuum?
Replies: 34
Views: 3009

Re: Recommendations for handheld mini-vacuum?

We use the LG Cord Zero (from Costco) as our normal vacuum. It has a powered brush and a separate floor attachment along with the usual tools. The canister is small, but it seems as effective as a normal vacuum. The brush is narrower than a normal vacuum. It comes with two batteries and you will need both.
by apex84
Wed Dec 22, 2021 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite scotch/alcoholic drink?
Replies: 66
Views: 6718

Re: What is your favorite scotch/alcoholic drink?

I find that there's more variability amongst scotch flavors than other brown liquors like bourbon. For a non-peaty single malt, you might want to try Hazelburn. http://www.springbank.scot/whisky/hazelburn/ https://scotchwhisky.com/whiskypedia/2043/hazelburn/ It's always preferable to actually enjoy what you're drinking, so maybe scotch isn't your thing. I happen to really like the Lagavulin 16 a lot, and I make sure I never run out. It's sipping creamy peaty wonderfulness. I don't know if you're overpaying for that Dewars or getting a heck of a deal on the Lagavulin. Where I live the Dewars 12 is about $22 a bottle, the Lagavulin 16 is $110. Yeah, I don't think it's my thing. Maybe I could build up an acquired taste but figure I'll just sti...
by apex84
Wed Dec 15, 2021 9:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why did Extended Market drop 10% in the last month?
Replies: 30
Views: 3471

Re: Why did Extended Market drop 10% in the last month?

20-40% drops are within the expected volatility of equity investing.
by apex84
Mon Oct 25, 2021 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best All-In-One Laser Printer (wireless) for home office?
Replies: 24
Views: 2623

Re: Best All-In-One Laser Printer (wireless) for home office?

We're happy with our HP Color LaserJet Pro Multifunction M479fdw. We bought it for $400, looks like it's $650 now. :(
by apex84
Wed Oct 20, 2021 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV: Size vs. quality?
Replies: 108
Views: 11682

Re: TV: Size vs. quality?

In 2012, we bought a 65" Panasonic plasma. I didn't want to spend more on an OLED at the time knowing that 4K was coming. Having a nice picture with good black levels was always important to me.

A couple of years ago we bought a 77" LG OLED (C9?) to move to a 4K set. It's amazing. The other day, I saw a 77" LG C1 at Costco for $3k. That's what I would get if price/space permit.

If you watch mostly sports in a bright room, then maximum brightness might be more important to you. We mostly watch movies and shows in the evening, so lower black levels make for a nicer picture.
by apex84
Thu Oct 14, 2021 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco tires
Replies: 63
Views: 6595

Re: Costco tires

We've had a good experience. My current tires are the Michelin Pilot Super Sport (the predecessor to the Pilot Sport 4 S). I haven't had any problems with their installers. We also bought Bridgestone all seasons for another car and had to take advantage of their service when they patched a flat.

They are specific about only using OEM sizes, so if you're getting different sizes, they may not accommodate.
by apex84
Thu Oct 14, 2021 10:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can somebody convince me to feel comfortable investing in international funds?
Replies: 98
Views: 11479

Re: Can somebody convince me to feel comfortable invesing in international funds?

This is exactly what many believed. For many years, it was why not hold just the Nasdaq instead of the S&P 500 or a total market fund?

The same is the case now for US only vs international. This will not change. It's too easy to look at outperformance over the past 5-10 years and project that trend into the future.
Triple digit golfer wrote: Thu Oct 14, 2021 9:53 am The tech sector is a great market, why look elsewhere?

See how silly that sounds?

So why do it with countries?
by apex84
Tue Oct 05, 2021 9:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Candid Discussion with Ted Aronson about Vanguard's Push into Private Equity and Adding Active Funds to PAS Clients
Replies: 129
Views: 21235

Re: A Candid Discussion with Ted Aronson about Vanguard's Push into Private Equity and Adding Active Funds to PAS Client

This is a nice discussion. Personally, I'm a little less skeptical of Vanguard's offerings. We have yet to see what will happen with the Target Retirement series. AFAIK, Vanguard is only offering PE to qualified purchasers so far. If Vanguard can provide low cost access to various asset classes, then they are providing useful products for portfolio construction. As the world changes, being able to capture the relevant sources of risk, return, and diversification may prove beneficial. We will only know in retrospect how things turned out. It will be interesting to see what happens with the Target Retirement funds. For convenience, people might want the following links in one place. Vanguard PDF on private equity: https://institutional.vangua...
by apex84
Mon Sep 27, 2021 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Learning to play the guitar as an adult - possible?
Replies: 45
Views: 5299

Re: Learning to play the guitar as an adult - possible?

I've used Pianote for "learning" piano as a non-musical beginner (my wife has musical training in other instruments and we recently bought a piano). It's been fun and allowed me to learn some basics at my own pace.

I have no idea if it is good, but they make a similar program for guitar.

https://www.guitareo.com

If it's anything like Pianote, they will have free videos on YouTube you can check out.
by apex84
Thu Sep 16, 2021 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Does One Come to Terms on a Very Large Toy Purchase (140K Toy)?
Replies: 162
Views: 13698

Re: How Does One Come to Terms on a Very Large Toy Purchase (140K Toy)?

Can you explain why 0-60 under 2 seconds is "extreme overkill for public roads"? I don't ever want to be around anyone who uses modern launch control or even old-fashioned brake-torquing in any real-world driving situation. Of note, even the NHRA rule book (in which "street legal style" exempts cars newer than 2008 from roll cage requirements) has a cutoff of 9.99 sec 1/4 mile time and 135 mph. This is in a controlled setting. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2022-tesla-model-s-plaid-first-test-review/ https://nationaldragster.s3.amazonaws.com/Rulebooks/2021%20NHRA%20Rulebook_21_01_28.pdf In addition to the financial risks, the risk of injury to self and others is real. Modern performance cars, both ICE and EV, are st...
by apex84
Thu Sep 16, 2021 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Does One Come to Terms on a Very Large Toy Purchase (140K Toy)?
Replies: 162
Views: 13698

Re: How Does One Come to Terms on a Very Large Toy Purchase (140K Toy)?

As a car guy, if I wanted a fast electric sedan, I'd much rather have an Audi RS E-tron GT or a Porsche Taycan Turbo. Neither is as fast as the Tesla, but both are better cars (handling, braking, quality, etc.). As for the financials, discretionary purchases are fine if they matter to you. If you're a car guy and the car will matter to you for years to come, then it is worth considering. If so, then you have to have a sense of what matters to you and how to keep a lid on it. If it just seems like a cool thing to have or get, I doubt you'll find it was worth it. Personally, I know my interests and spend where it matters to me and I don't spend at the same level on other things as a matter of lifestyle. In your case, if you want the expensive...
by apex84
Fri Sep 03, 2021 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion
Replies: 139
Views: 18118

Re: Slim/minimalist wallet suggestion

I currently use wallet #4 from Tom Bihn.
https://www.tombihn.com/products/minima ... 3588688959

Allett is what I used to use. My wife has one too.
https://www.all-ett.com

Both are made in the US.
by apex84
Thu Aug 19, 2021 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your Honest Opinion On This SCV Portfolio
Replies: 27
Views: 3513

Re: Your Honest Opinion On This SCV Portfolio

Rebalancing a portfolio across multiple accounts isn't a lot of fun and adds the need to manage the portfolio. There is a lot to be said for a Target Retirement fund (which usually contains 4 funds).
by apex84
Tue Aug 17, 2021 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rye whiskey
Replies: 63
Views: 6911

Re: Rye whiskey

I like EH Taylor rye. Unlike most rye whiskey which has a lot of corn, this is only barley & rye in the mash bill. I figure that if I want rye, then I want something substantially different from bourbon.

https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/ ... t-rye.html
by apex84
Thu Aug 12, 2021 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Licensed service provider keeps cancelling appointments
Replies: 39
Views: 4820

Re: Licensed service provider keeps cancelling appointments

Can you complain to the insurance company about the inability to receive the covered services?
by apex84
Fri Jul 30, 2021 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Basic Watch
Replies: 66
Views: 6751

Re: Best Basic Watch

https://smile.amazon.com/Citizen-AW1490 ... 011&sr=8-2

Citizen Eco-drive (solar)
Titanium case & bracelet
Sapphire crystal
Water resistant
by apex84
Mon Jul 19, 2021 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Toyota Sequoia?
Replies: 42
Views: 5467

Re: New Toyota Sequoia?

There is a new Tundra coming. It might be a few years, but there will probably be a new SUV on the same platform.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/g3694 ... ls-future/
by apex84
Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do I need bonds and so much international stock? (Target Retirement Fund)
Replies: 26
Views: 3529

Re: Do I need bonds and so much international stock? (Target Retirement Fund)

Just to be clear, there is research which suggests people who manage their own retirement portfolios tend to get much worse results on average due to a variety of behavioral risks. And I personally think these forums provide a lot of potential rationalizations for people to exhibit adverse behaviors in the name of optimizing their approach. This is critical. One can see the recency bias and chasing past outperformance as people constantly shift their portfolios. A solid long-term plan with broad diversification and implemented at low cost without errors is not just an excellent starting point but a great choice for one's investing career. Over the past 5-10 years, we've had 100% small cap value, 100% US, 100% equities, etc. For a while, co...
by apex84
Wed Jun 16, 2021 9:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I'll never regret not having international funds in my portfolio
Replies: 282
Views: 28000

Re: I'll never regret not having international funds in my portfolio

Interestingly, US GDP as a share of global GDP is likely shrinking.

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/u-s-sh ... over-time/

FWIW, I hold a global portfolio with some home country bias (60/40 US/ex-US). I see little reason to try to predict what the world will look like 10, 20, 30, 40 years from now.
by apex84
Tue Jun 15, 2021 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sold One Third 4/9/2020 in Virus Panic
Replies: 21
Views: 3694

Re: Sold One Third 4/9/2020 in Virus Panic

mak wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 3:19 am 1. cannot withstand this volatility (realize how many years of annual expenses this swing represents, could you lose 20 years of your annual living expenses in 30 days and not react?)
This is exactly what you must do! Not react to the news and pros and pundits. This is where a plan and advisor come in. An understanding of market history, behavioral finance, and the rationale for your plan are all useful to help stick to it.

It's ok if you don't or can't do these things, but then you are better served by not investing in stocks and having someone manage the portfolio to you.
by apex84
Mon Jun 07, 2021 1:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Single-stock storytelling: unimportant to indexers
Replies: 19
Views: 2618

Re: Single-stock storytelling: unimportant to indexers

Yeah, the best antidote to individual stocks that go bad, or even entire bad stock market events, is a working crystal ball. Absent that, you can also avoid them by not investing in stocks at all. The idea there is a helpful middle ground where you can get the returns without the risk is really just another form of assuming a working crystal ball. With an important caveat--diversification allows you to minimize idiosyncratic risk for which you should be expect to be compensated. But once you are sufficiently diversified, the idea of picking the stocks to dodge is essentially the same as the idea of picking the stocks to buy. And there is no actual reason to believe anyone can reliably do that in a way that doesn't give up expected returns....