Search found 41 matches

by Fox
Thu Jan 31, 2019 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Baby Year One Medical Expenses? (HSA/High Ded Plan)
Replies: 26
Views: 1464

Re: Baby Year One Medical Expenses? (HSA/High Ded Plan)

Our first two children both had ear tube surgery at 9 and 10 months of age. We had numerous evening/weekend urgent care visits for fevers and ear infections. Ear tube surgery was very successful and cost was somewhere around $5k. We had already met the deductible so total cost was maybe $500? Our second child also caught a virus when she was 5 weeks old. Moderate-high fever without other symptoms. At that age you need to head to ER for workup to rule out life-threatening infections...She had to be seen on a Saturday and the next day as well. Each ER visit was billed for $1700. If we tried a home birth for our first child, he wouldn't have survived. He lost oxygen from the cord being pinched and his heart was struggling so we had an emergenc...
by Fox
Mon Oct 22, 2018 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy, Sell, or Hold - Car Dilemma
Replies: 7
Views: 749

Re: Buy, Sell, or Hold - Car Dilemma

Thanks for the thoughtful replies so far. Thoughts are divided, which is why I was feeling indecisive myself too.

I will definitely check about whether the Odyssey is due for maintenance repairs too.

A brother-in-law suggested that we swap the titles between one of our vehicles and the Odyssey, then have my mother-in-law trade in our old vehicle to the dealer. Then we would make up the difference in price. Is that necessary? Will it save some title costs or taxes? it has been a while since I bought or traded a vehicle.
by Fox
Mon Oct 22, 2018 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buy, Sell, or Hold - Car Dilemma
Replies: 7
Views: 749

Buy, Sell, or Hold - Car Dilemma

I have been pondering this for a few months and now need to make a decision (probably in the next week). My family: kids are 4, 2 and 3 months. Dog is 80lb yellow lab. Needs : 3 car seats in both vehicles. One vehicle for longer trips with room for dog. Wants : Aston Martin Rapide (only dreaming) Wife’s Car : 2008 Buick Lucerne 140k miles, bought from grandma for 5k in 2013. It fits everyone but the dog. Recently got new tires, battery and alternator. No major problems with it (might be able to sell for $3.5k-4k) My car : 2012 Ford Flex Ecoboost AWD, with 104k miles. Purchased used in 2014 with 43k miles.. Just over 5k/18 months left on loan (very low interest…$7 per month). Carries our family of five plus our 80lb lab. I like it a lot over...
by Fox
Mon Jun 04, 2018 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitting three young kids in the car...
Replies: 76
Views: 7975

Re: Fitting three young kids in the car...

In five weeks, our third child is arriving (3.5yo, 1.5yo currently). I have a Ford Flex which has been a great 3-row vehicle for us. The visibility and 2nd row legroom is better than any other 3-row SUV I checked out (about 3-4 years ago-can't comment on newer options).

My wife drives an older Buick Lucerne that we bought from her grandma. We will be able to fit 3 seats in the back of that. Someone above posted about the Diono Radian car seat. We have two in each vehicle and will have to buy a couple more once the new baby outgrows the bucket seat.

I think you should go with a minivan, but the Ford Flex Ecoboost is pretty enjoyable ride.
by Fox
Thu May 10, 2018 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's the view on dogs running free?
Replies: 110
Views: 9777

Re: What's the view on dogs running free?

When I take my yellow lab for a walk on our private road that has 9 other homes on it, we usually end up with 4 of the neighbors dogs back home with us by the end. Nobody uses a leash and no homes have fences. I love it.

Our dog is not highly trained, but she always stays in our own yard. We have even left her outside somtimes when we left home. A few other dogs will wander 1/4 mile away to come hang out. Everyone is fine with this arrangement since the dogs are friendly there have been no incidents.
by Fox
Fri Mar 30, 2018 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cryptos- "Bear" with me here
Replies: 31
Views: 3628

Re: Cryptos- "Bear" with me here

I bought some BTC in September 2017. Like many others, I continued to learn about the various other coins/token and ended up gradually buying a dozen cryptocurrencies from Sept-Nov 2017. My expectation was to buy, hold for 1-3 years, cash out to pay off student loan, then increase retirement savings.
Total initial investment of $15k when to $60k by early January. No idea what it is worth now though! Didn't sell anything since it wasn't my plan and I didn't want to pay taxes yet..

In my net worth and asset allocation spreadsheet, I don't count or pay attention to this money.
by Fox
Tue Feb 06, 2018 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washer/Dryer longevity ?
Replies: 69
Views: 10146

Re: Washer/Dryer longevity ?

Our natural gas dryer quiet drying clothes last year but I got it fixed for about $10 with a gas valve thing-a-majig that I ordered from amazon.

I also recently had a repairman out for a self inflicted repair of our washer. I asked him what his preferences are if he were to buy a new machine. His opinion was to avoid foreign manufacturers like LG or Samsung since parts are harder to get for repairs. His domestic choice was Whirlpool/Maytag. He also prefers the front loader style.
by Fox
Mon Feb 05, 2018 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Internet Speed 15Mbps okay ?
Replies: 27
Views: 6919

Re: Internet Speed 15Mbps okay ?

At our rural home, we can't get cable and refuse to use satellite for internet. We have a small, local internet that provides internet through a microwave signal with speed offerings from 2-25 mbps. We chose the 5 mbps speed to save on costs...

I can testify that we routinely stream two netflix devices at the same and it generally works fine. I have been patient enough to keep this speed for almost 2 years so far..
by Fox
Thu Nov 16, 2017 2:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy
Replies: 199
Views: 39480

Re: Buying and Spending Bitcoin

Depending on the time it took to confirm the transaction, the price of bitcoin itself could have changed several hundred dollars too!

If you want to acquire bitcoin without any fees, then you can register on Coinbase, wire transfer from a checking account for free (takes 7 days), then move USD to GDAX.com (Coinbase's trading site), buy bitcoin, then send to a wallet. There are youtube video's on this.
by Fox
Thu Nov 16, 2017 9:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy
Replies: 199
Views: 39480

Re: Buying and Spending Bitcoin

Before anyone starts buying bitcoin or cryptocurrency, you need to be prepared where to store it, since you essentially become your own bank. Most people will buy bitcoin, litecoin, etc from an online exchange rather than an ATM. Coinbase is a very popular US based exchange. You can store bitcoin on mobile wallets, desktop wallets, hardware wallets, paper wallets and on exchanges. Currently, bitcoin seems to be better used as a store of value rather than currency. There is work being done by the developers to scale the bitcoin network to increase transaction speed and reduce fees. If you keep any bitcoin or other cryptocurrency on your smartphone, make sure you store your private key or recovery phrase that the app prompts you to create so ...
by Fox
Thu Nov 16, 2017 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has used furniture dropped in value dramatically?
Replies: 119
Views: 17966

Re: Has used furniture dropped in value dramatically?

We bought our first home in 2013. It was built in 1910 and we filled it with mostly used furniture. We bought a dining set that was Drexel brand with 6 chairs for $395.

The guy we bought it from in 2013 said his mother bought it new in the 1940's for about $1300-1500. Who knows how accurate that is but it seems to fit your story.

Last year we moved to a newer home and sold the Drexel set for $400.
by Fox
Fri Nov 10, 2017 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying bitcoin / Cryptocurrency to market cap (.3%)
Replies: 42
Views: 6790

Re: Buying bitcoin / Cryptocurrency to market cap (.3%)

For reference, I'm 32, not in the tech field. My computer's GPU at home is mining away... I'm curious...from what I've read, it's only a good idea to mine Bitcoin in an area with low cost Kw/h energy. China, Iceland, etc. I think I did read an article about a guy in the pacific NW who was mining a fairly large setup...maybe Washington state. Are you actually making $ or is this just for fun? Even at retail electricity rates in Pacific NW or US SE I don't think you'd make money, even at current bitcoin prices. Not sure about other cryptocurrencies. Grow-ops in BC, growing mj under high efficiency LEDs (for export to our southern brethren ;-)), either steal the electricity unmetered, and/ or use solar panels. Mining bitcoin is almost pointle...
by Fox
Fri Nov 10, 2017 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buying bitcoin / Cryptocurrency to market cap (.3%)
Replies: 42
Views: 6790

Re: Buying bitcoin / Cryptocurrency to market cap (.3%)

Blockchain technology (Bitcoin, ethereum and other alt coins) is a fascinating subject to learn about and it is going to be integrated into a lot of industries. I'm far from an expect in the area, but things I've learned since dabbling over the last 3 months: 1. Huge volatility. I have not had significant money in the US stock market during a recession. Watching cryptocurrency holdings plummet and shoot up is giving me practice to not panic sell or buy in the event of a future recession or bear market. 2. There are ways to receive dividends or income from crypto coins or tokens. There are crypto tokens that, while still in development, will reward the token-holder for staking and helping to maintain the blockchain network. Quite a variety o...
by Fox
Tue Nov 07, 2017 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furnace Issues
Replies: 30
Views: 2910

Re: Furnace Issues

We recently had similar furnace troubles which ended up being an easy repair.

Our furnace is about 15 years old and was turning on and running, but no heat was being produced. It was giving an error code that listed a number of possible problems including blocked intake or exhaust, failing inducer motor, etc etc.

It turned out that there was a blockage in the water trap that drains condensation from the unit, which was causing a switch to not open and allow the gas to ignite. Repair cost was 30 minutes of labor plus the service call from a local, family owned HVAC company.

Good luck.
by Fox
Fri Jul 14, 2017 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Road vehicle, 4 adults, one car seat, must it be a minivan?
Replies: 43
Views: 5843

Re: Road vehicle, 4 adults, one car seat, must it be a minivan?

Like others have mentioned above, I drive a Ford Flex Ecoboost. It is far more powerful than it should be, can haul everything we need and is not quite a minivan, or a station wagon, etc.

But now I wish I just had a barebones minivan since the Flex Ecoboost doesn't get great gas mileage and our little kids and dog are not kind to the interior.

If I had known better a couple years ago, I would turn my eyes to the Ford Transit Connect passenger van...

We use the Diono Radian RXT car seat for both of our kids. Super high quality and are known to not take up as much space.
by Fox
Thu Jun 08, 2017 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If I open a new joint account at Vanguard, can both owners access it with their existing logins?
Replies: 12
Views: 13841

Re: If I open a new joint account at Vanguard, can both owners access it with their existing logins?

My wife and I have our own Vanguard accounts that contain our respective Roth/Trad IRA accounts. We have a joint brokerage that is visible under both accounts...so I believe the answer to your question is yes. You should both be able to see and I suspect contribute to the Joint account from either login. Can always call to verify before opening the acct.

I also asked a Vanguard rep once if I we could view both Roth's on one account. The rep said yes and named a form to fill out but I haven't done that yet since I seldom check the accounts.
by Fox
Fri May 19, 2017 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Opticians: is there any difference in quality of Costco glasses?
Replies: 76
Views: 200233

Re: Opticians: is there any difference in quality of Costco glasses?

Progressive lenses are like cars....there are many different brands and models of progressive lenses. Some people are happy with lower quality and some people need the higher end models. Generally, the more expensive progressives will perform better (less distortion, wide zones for intermediate/near add power, etc). You can easily spend a grand on the best digital progressives when you add some extra lens options too. If you compared a specific progressive lens brand and design from Costco/Walmart,etc to a private optical, the big store would still likely be cheaper because that is their model. Private opticals and practices basically need higher markup to stay in business. Vision insurance plans pay sooo poorly for a general eye exam, that...
by Fox
Fri May 19, 2017 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Life's big ticket items to save for
Replies: 37
Views: 5079

Re: Life's big ticket items to save for

We are 31 years old with a 2.5 year old and 10 month old. Daycare: 20K per year for both kids, will go down steadily but not completely due to summer child care and after school daycare, etc... Pregnancy and delivery via cesarean: only paid a couple thousand due to excellent insurance coverage Both kids had ear tube surgery after half a dozen ear infections...emergency room visits, urgent care visits, and tube surgery added several thousands of dollars per child. Don't forget to save for the unexpected...my wife had an endocrine cancer (should be cured with surgery a month ago) that we still haven't seen the bill for... Plan for what you can control (lifestyle, how much to save, etc), but be flexible for what you can't control (economy, hea...
by Fox
Tue May 16, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: High Earners - What's Your Profession?
Replies: 1217
Views: 222958

Re: High Earners - What's Your Profession?

Spouse and I are both Optometrists (31 yrs old) in a small-medium Midwest city. Annual income is ~200k with both of us working ~35 hours per week, without evenings, weekends, call shifts, or overtime...

No large annual bonuses and we could probably double income if we became practice owners, but the extra work and stress isn't worth it at this point!
by Fox
Tue May 16, 2017 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to stay on a budget?
Replies: 31
Views: 5774

Re: How to stay on a budget?

Our household spending seems way too high, but we also have a lot of mandatory expenses.

I constructed a spreadsheet of all expenses and will analyze what we spent over the last 6 months, and then try to see places to save.

You are already saving a lot, so don't worry about it too much!
by Fox
Mon May 15, 2017 9:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Disappointed with the Vanguard experience so far
Replies: 11
Views: 4979

Re: Disappointed with the Vanguard experience so far

I've had my accounts at Vanguard for about 3 months. Each time I have needed to call them, I had minimal wait times and the representative was very helpful.

It took a few weeks to get all of my bank accounts added and I'm still waiting to move some other brokerage accounts, but those required some paperwork due to change of ownership stuff.

I've been satisfied.
by Fox
Fri May 05, 2017 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I think I got it mostly right: portfolio review
Replies: 3
Views: 586

Re: I think I got it mostly right: portfolio review

I would favor tax-deductible contributions to the 401k and 403b in the 28% bracket. Use the tax savings to raise your contribution levels. Don't worry about having too much in tax-deferred. You can always change course in your 50s if you find you want to have more in taxable. You are very likely to have a window in retirement where you are in a very low tax bracket and can withdraw from tax-deferred without paying much in taxes. Or you can convert to a Roth at low cost. This makes good sense . You don't have to have every asset class in every account. You can simplify your portfolio and the effort it takes to rebalance by having only one fund in each of the smaller accounts and then a few funds in the largest account. The big account is wh...
by Fox
Fri May 05, 2017 1:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why save so much for when you're old?
Replies: 163
Views: 27990

Re: Why save so much for when you're old?

I don't want to be poor when I'm old and too tired to keep working.

I think the key is to not overwork yourself when you are young.
by Fox
Fri May 05, 2017 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I think I got it mostly right: portfolio review
Replies: 3
Views: 586

I think I got it mostly right: portfolio review

Hello all, I discovered the Bogleheads several months ago and I’m in the process of overhauling and consolidating our finances. I am in the middle of transferring some accounts (proposed allocation is below) and would appreciate any input or suggestions from you all. Emergency Funds: $35k-40k at credit union checking accounts, 3% yield Debt: My student loan: $102k @ 3% (9 out of 15 years left) Mortgage: $285K at 3.125% for 15 years ($85k equity) (moved last summer) Car Loan: $12k at 1.89%, 3 years left Credit Card debt: 0 Tax filing status: Married filing jointly Tax Rate: 28% Fed/Michigan 5% State: Michigan Ages: both 31, 2 kids (2.5 year old and <1 year old) Gross income: ~$200k, started careers 5 years ago Desired AA: 80-90% stocks/10-20...
by Fox
Thu May 04, 2017 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a luxury car (how dumb would it be to do this?)
Replies: 236
Views: 36559

Re: Buying a luxury car (how dumb would it be to do this?)

I would not enjoy the new luxury ride getting scuffed, scraped and stained by kids, their friends and sports equipment.

I'm waiting until my kids are in middle/high school (10 years from now) to get a nicer car!
by Fox
Mon May 01, 2017 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
Replies: 38
Views: 7849

Re: Best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?

We have a dog and cat.

We have a combination of linoleum, laminate and a couple rooms of carpet on the first floor.

Our Roomba 650 is one of our favorite household items. It REALLY cuts down on how much builds up, and we use it in bedrooms to collect all the hair and dust that builds up under beds.

For carpets, we use a Hoover bagless upright for Pets. It was about $90 and seems to work well. Removable upholstery attachment is helpful, but it really depends on the material.
by Fox
Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another moving out of Edward Jones story, advice needed
Replies: 6
Views: 1320

Re: Another moving out of Edward Jones story, advice needed

I'm a newbie here, but I'm in a similar situation and am in the process of moving our Roth IRAs and a small brokerage account out of EJ into Vanguard. 1. I agree with transfering cash vs in-kind transfer. FYI: I think there is a $95 fee to close each account at EJ 2. We are moving our brokerage account in-kind and will decide to sell or hold on a per fund/stock basis depending on what is advantageous at the time... 4. The more I read on this site and in recommend books, the more I am believing in simpler is better... 5. Many folks will recommend a small allocation of REITs. I'm using 5-10% in REIT. 6. We have a small bond allocation at this age, but any bonds I buy in our taxable are tax exempt and our Roths/403B holding total bond market (...
by Fox
Fri Apr 21, 2017 11:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to optimize savings for major purchases
Replies: 6
Views: 1193

Re: How to optimize savings for major purchases

Would you be able to utilize a high interest checking account through a credit union?

We have two checking accounts that have 3% interest on balances up to $15,000 if you meet the typical usage minimums, which vary per bank/credit union.
We use these accounts for small purchases and credit card for everything else...works well for us.
by Fox
Tue Apr 11, 2017 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda Pilot good 1st vehicle for teen?
Replies: 46
Views: 9791

Re: Honda Pilot good 1st vehicle for teen?

I also think less seats is better! They won't be asked to drive as often since there is less room, and there will be less people in the car for distractions.

I would probably look for a low-ish mileage ~2005 Buick Lesabre if any of my kids was in need today. Comfy ride, not fast, fairly good MPG, adequate inside space, not cool or fun in any way, etc...
by Fox
Thu Apr 06, 2017 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: We have a lot going on .... Input Requested.
Replies: 62
Views: 9699

Re: We have a lot going on .... Input Requested.

For your #1 question: We left our financial advisor earlier this year, since I discovered the BH way last year. Our advisor was in the middle of working with me to restructure what funds we were using in our Roth and 529 accounts. Because I'm a nice, respectful, small-town person, I sent him a polite email informing him of our decision to move our accounts.

I have not gotten any calls or emails to try to persuade me otherwise and I'm simply doing the transfers online through Vanguard and our state 529 plan. I can send you a copy of my email if you PM me.
by Fox
Tue Apr 04, 2017 12:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Early retirees - how did you inform your loved ones and friends?
Replies: 54
Views: 7773

Re: Early retirees - how did you inform your loved ones and friends?

My retirement is planned to be 34 years away, but, an extended, distant, exotic vacation sounds like the best way to kick off retirement to me. I could do without the attention of a work party...depending on the cake flavor...
by Fox
Tue Mar 28, 2017 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Boston apartment hunting advice/can I afford a studio?
Replies: 48
Views: 5776

Re: Boston apartment hunting advice/can I afford a studio?

I lived in Boston from 2011-2012. We had a one bedroom apt in Allston (near Boston University) that we rented for $1400/month. We found a parking spot 3 blocks away that we got for $150/month.

Our jobs required a car, but most days we took buses to work. We used the B line to get downtown and to Back Bay, which seemed to be one of the slower lines. The C line was much better in our opinion.

I would consider an apartment a little ways from downtown, use the commuter rails if you can for work, and hopefully get a place with street parking...
by Fox
Mon Mar 27, 2017 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Our technology is old...advice on upgrading...
Replies: 62
Views: 6849

Re: Our technology is old...advice on upgrading...

I like gadgets but I'm frugal... I often read reviews, learn about technology and dream about this or that, then keep going with my old stuff! My wife still uses her iPhone 4 but has mentioned wanting an upgrade to get a better camera. I use an LG G4 which I upgraded to 1.5 years ago since I managed to get it free with some trade in rebates. I'll keep with it until I can see a great deal, or my LG simply breaks. My dell PC from 2009 still works well and I can upgrade or change parts that need to be adjusted. Our iPad 2 was an xmas gift and is only used for streaming stuff and some browsing. It is slow, but no need to replace it....and I turned off the update notifications so the older OS is still working fine. You may want to consider home ...
by Fox
Tue Mar 21, 2017 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gross Yearly Income needed in Retirement (Speculation)
Replies: 194
Views: 28722

Re: Gross Yearly Income needed in Retirement (Speculation)

We are 30+ years from retirement, but I'd like to have a target income of at least $100k-$120k for retirement. That doesn't include any SS or inheritance (if any).

We want to be able to travel frequently, own a couple small properties, help support kids and grandkids, donate to charity/church, etc (maybe splurge on some hobbies)... Pretty standard retirement goals that will be highly satisfying for that stage of our lives.
by Fox
Thu Feb 16, 2017 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Add new bank to vanguard account
Replies: 23
Views: 26426

Re: Add new bank to vanguard account

I am happy to hear others have the same question. I opened my account a couple weeks ago and they are still verifying the bank information. I have two more checking accounts to add, so it will be a 6+ process. Fortunately, I am not in a hurry.
by Fox
Fri Jan 13, 2017 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dollar-Cost-Average over HOW MANY years?
Replies: 61
Views: 6333

Re: Dollar-Cost-Average over HOW MANY years?

What will you do with the cash if the Dow hits 21,000 this year? Keep waiting?
by Fox
Fri Jan 13, 2017 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Logistics and Account Transfer questions!
Replies: 1
Views: 280

Roth Logistics and Account Transfer questions!

Hi all, Since discovering this site a few months ago and feeling enlightened, I’m planning to move our Roth IRAs and 529s out of the current advised situation (Edward Jones) that I was married into about 5 years ago. I am wondering how Roth contributions and backdoor conversions are going to happen logistically when I have to do it myself. Our income has sometimes been above and sometimes below the Roth threshold in the last 4-5 years due fresh careers and the arrival of our two kids. 1. We usually wait until our CPA confirms our AGI before sending money to our advisor to contribute to the tIRA and convert to each Roth. Therefore, we are always “a year behind” and we contribute in one lump sum each year. I would really like to make monthly ...
by Fox
Tue Jan 10, 2017 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [403(b) Fidelity or TIAA Cref allocation, and do I want one?]
Replies: 137
Views: 8358

Re: EJ not [costing me as much as] others?

We have our Roth IRAs and two 529 accounts at EJ. We were given some money in a custodial Roth from my wife's parents when we got married, so we opened the 2nd Roth and stuck at EJ for the past 5 years. I discovered Bogleheads a few months ago and have been re-evaluating everything and preparing to take charge of my investments. I have more studying to do, but it is inevitable that I will leave EJ (likely within the year). Our Roths and 529s consist of American Funds, which he charges a 3.5% front load. Average ER is around 0.75. Our combined Roth accounts are about $125,000 and have had decent growth, but I can't imagine what it would be if we hadn't lost 4% right away. Going forward, because of the new account changes at EJ, our advisor w...
by Fox
Wed Dec 21, 2016 10:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Some novice questions
Replies: 6
Views: 1058

Re: Some novice questions

Thanks for the information, even without me giving any specific personal stuff (longer post in process).
by Fox
Tue Dec 20, 2016 8:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Some novice questions
Replies: 6
Views: 1058

Re: Some novice questions

since the smarter people havent responded, my humble opinions: Thanks for your input so far. 1. the mechanics of doing a roth conversion on vanguard's website are very easy. individual issues may complicate this, but you have not provided any individual information. i think putting money in a MM account and then funding the IRA later is not an unreasonable plan. i think funding the traditional ira bit by bit is not a big problem either. unless the market skyrockets (unlikely), you arent going to see a big issue with capital gains when you convert. I suppose it would make sense to keep funds in a traditional IRA to have a change at better growth/income during the year versus a MM fund. 2. i have a three fund portfolio in vanguard and dont p...
by Fox
Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Some novice questions
Replies: 6
Views: 1058

Some novice questions

My wife and I are settling into our early careers and I'm starting to take more control over our investments. I have been browsing the Boglehead community for a few months and doing a lot of the suggested readings. I’m currently working on a longer post but have a few novice questions first. 1. If I transfer from my current financial advisor to Vanguard, is it complicated to do our backdoor Roth conversions myself? Is there a link or site for instructions on this? Also, to save for Roth contribution monthly, would I just deposit ~$916/month into a vanguard money market fund (as an example) and then do the conversion at the end of the year? 2. With a Vanguard account, am I correct that buying and selling Vanguard funds are commission free? 3...