Search found 269 matches

by bcboy57
Mon Aug 06, 2018 10:22 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: How did you become a Boglehead?
Replies: 53
Views: 5645

Re: How did you become a Boglehead?

Jon Clements book, “You’re Lost it, Now What “.... called the Vanguard Diehards back then.
by bcboy57
Mon Aug 06, 2018 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: most compelling TV character ever
Replies: 260
Views: 32625

Re: most compelling TV character ever

George Costanza, Ralph Kramden and, Coach on Cheers
by bcboy57
Mon Jul 09, 2018 3:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retirees...what’s your lunch menus?
Replies: 54
Views: 5586

Re: Retirees...what’s your lunch menus?

Nowadays it’s soup with croutons and homemade M&M monster or peanut butter cookies my granddaughter makes for me. I like dipping the cookies in the soup.
I’ve eaten healthy for years, taken statins since first released about 35 years ago.
LDL is 63. Run 4-5 miles a day. 67 years old.
And I’m stickin’ to it...
by bcboy57
Mon Jul 09, 2018 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2007 Toyota Corolla
Replies: 39
Views: 3475

Re: 2007 Toyota Corolla

I have a 2007 Corolla with 135,000 miles . So dependable. I’ll drive it as long as it goes.
by bcboy57
Fri Jan 26, 2018 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do others handle their withdrawals or distributions
Replies: 21
Views: 3571

Re: How do others handle their withdrawals or distributions

Well, here I am 14 months later. 67 years old now.
I am 1 year retired now and due to a small pension and a stock buyout from the medical practice I was a partner , I have not had to withdraw any funds or dividends yet.
My stock buyout is over later next month and thus will be withdrawing from funds soon.
My question now is do people here take out $’s in a set amount every month or other month or whatever , or take money out only as needed ?
I have no debt, slightly over 3M evenly split between my tax deferred and taxable accounts,
65 % equities/ 35 % bonds. Yes, I should rebalance soon, I know. Grandkids 529s funded.
Thanks as always .... Doug
by bcboy57
Fri Jan 26, 2018 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712896

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Origin by Dan Brown... another excellent book by him... I found it very thought provoking
by bcboy57
Mon May 29, 2017 12:48 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!
Replies: 334
Views: 91846

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2017!

January 4, 2017. Age 66
Graduated med school June, 1975
As John Bogle said in his book...... Enough !
by bcboy57
Wed Apr 12, 2017 12:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Helping a friend move retirement $ to Vanguard
Replies: 4
Views: 997

Helping a friend move retirement $ to Vanguard

A friend is moving all his retirement $ from Edward Jones to Vanguard and asked me questions.

He is 61 years old , has a good amount of money he transferred to Vanguard which is now in their retirement money market which he plans to put in a Target fund eventually.

He is healthy and well compensated financially at work and plans to work till age 70.

He is concerned about a correction coming soon in the stock market. Originally I told
him to dollar cost average into the planned Target fund. But thinking it over, maybe he should get that money to work right now and just put all now into his fund. We talked a lot about being unable to time the market etc.

How would you folks advise him ? Thanks as all ways.... Doug
by bcboy57
Sat Dec 31, 2016 12:41 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2016!
Replies: 275
Views: 82882

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2016!

Today was my first day of retirement !
So for lunch all I ate was cookies ! :D
by bcboy57
Sat Dec 24, 2016 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gift money form to help child buy a house.
Replies: 9
Views: 1571

Gift money form to help child buy a house.

A couple of years ago I gave my son some money to help with the down payment of a home purchase . Along with it, I sent him , and his realtor and his bank, a legal type form my bank provided me that stated that this was purely a gift and was not to be repaid to me etc. It was only a short paragraph or 2 in easy legalese form. I now want to help out my daughter in the same manner. Unfortunately , neither I or my son or my bank can find a copy of that form, and his realtor we sent it to is closed for this Christmas week. His bank is closed for the next 3 days. My daughter has found a house she would like to close on and not lose it. I sold some funds and the money will be available , according to Vanguard, by this coming Monday or Tuesday and...
by bcboy57
Thu Dec 01, 2016 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do others handle their withdrawals or distributions
Replies: 21
Views: 3571

Re: How do others handle their withdrawals or distributions

Thanks everyone for your comments.

My planning was in line with others, which I am pleased to see....

BTW Huey....I sat at your table for lunch about 3 or 4 years ago at a Boglehead convention near Philadelphia. It was a table of Canadians or former Canucks , such as I am........Doug
by bcboy57
Wed Nov 30, 2016 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do others handle their withdrawals or distributions
Replies: 21
Views: 3571

How do others handle their withdrawals or distributions

I am about to retire and start my withdrawal or distribution phase of my investing life in another month.

I'm 66 and can live comfortably on 2% annual withdrawal or on my dividends alone. They are essentially the same amount.

I am not asking for advice here but am wondering how others handle this withdrawal stage in their lives and their experiences in it.

Thanks as always........ Doug
by bcboy57
Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Safety in gold ?
Replies: 37
Views: 4600

Safety in gold ?

A friend , 73 years ol, still working , asked me about real safe places to put his money. He asked about gold, which I do really know much about I do not own any gold or other commodities
What should I tell him about gold or where to read about safety at his age ?

Thanks in advance....... Doug
by bcboy57
Tue Aug 09, 2016 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions on withdrawing retirement $'s
Replies: 15
Views: 2920

Questions on withdrawing retirement $'s

I have a couple of questions for those who are withdrawing $ from their Vanguard investments once they retire. After 3 or 4 years of part time work and procrastination, I have decided to retire at the end of this year, 2016. I'll be 66 then. Almost all of my money is with Vanguard. My asset allocation is about 60/40 stock funds/bond funds between my retirement and my taxable account. It is tax efficient, after years of reading this site. I'm happy with that allocation for the duration. After crunching the numbers , I have figured out I can live on a 2.25% withdrawal rate. To save the need on having to pick from which area and then rebalance repeatedly, I would like Vanguard just to take that 2.25 % yearly equally from each fund across the b...
by bcboy57
Tue Aug 09, 2016 12:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "How to Make Your Money Last" -- A Gem
Replies: 49
Views: 17424

Re: "How to Make Your Money Last" -- A Gem

I read this book a couple of months ago.....it is really a GEM !
by bcboy57
Sat Jul 02, 2016 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you spend your money on???
Replies: 149
Views: 26144

Re: What do you spend your money on???

Skiing, cottage on Lake Hurom
by bcboy57
Fri Jun 24, 2016 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowering taxes at RMD time
Replies: 26
Views: 4999

Re: Lowering taxes at RMD time

Thanks for all. I downloaded Kitces' article which was very thorough and I think the way I will be proceeding.

I still get emails from The White Coat Investor every couple of weeks and have 'spoken' with him through emails a couple of times.

Again, thanks for the replies and this site......... Doug
by bcboy57
Wed Jun 22, 2016 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lowering taxes at RMD time
Replies: 26
Views: 4999

Lowering taxes at RMD time

G'day.....I will be 66 at the end of this year and think I'll hang things up from my part time work ( family doctor) at that time. Traditionally we are told to withdraw $ from taxable account first, when retirement time comes. I wonder if withdrawing from my retirement account first may lessen my tax load at RMD time. Simply stated , I have 2.55 M total in both accounts. These are almost in exact equal amounts in each retirement and taxable account. My total allocation is about 66% stocks/ 33% bonds. Of which, taxable account is about 95% stock/ 5% municipal bonds. My retirement account about 30% stock/ 70% bond. All money is with Vanguard. All stocks and bonds, except a little $ in Wellington in my retirement account, are in Vanguard index...
by bcboy57
Sat Mar 12, 2016 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping adult son with a house down payment
Replies: 8
Views: 1446

Helping adult son with a house down payment

I've decided to help my son with a house down payment. ( I also posted about this about a year ago, and put on hold till now, ) An article in a recent Kiplingers Magazine suggested putting the money in their bank account for at least 2 months before making an offer as to not have the lender get suspicious about things. A realtor friend of mine says no to that, he says find out want the lender wants and write some form of a gift letter from me to the bank. So I'm confused, has anyone else here done either of these ? BTW, I plan to retire in about 8 months and am very financially stable and secure in this area. ( I've been a Boglehead for many years ) Also, I am interested in others experiences with lending, or giving some money, to their adu...
by bcboy57
Tue Feb 23, 2016 4:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529
Replies: 9
Views: 1970

Re: 529

thanks for the replies......I'm the custodian of the account. It is for my 2015 taxes. Its through Vanguard's 529, therefore through Nevada's apparently.
by bcboy57
Mon Feb 22, 2016 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529
Replies: 9
Views: 1970

529

Last year I contributed $ 70,000....'5 year gift tax'.....towards my newborn granddaughter's 529 plan.

Can I write this off on this year's federal or state income taxes ? ....thanks....Doug
by bcboy57
Sat Nov 07, 2015 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you choose Health Plan (esp Medicare)...
Replies: 15
Views: 1889

Re: How do you choose Health Plan (esp Medicare)...

I recently went through the same problem. I relied on our office manager ( we have a large medical practice ), who had researched all the options extensively in the past, and is very knowledgeable about all those programs. We use Michigan Medicare Plus Blue. They have supplied us with a lot of information to read over and help to understand it and, most important to me, are very easy and helpful to deal with over the phone.....Doug
by bcboy57
Sun Apr 12, 2015 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone semi-retired? What's it like?
Replies: 16
Views: 3711

Re: Anyone semi-retired? What's it like?

I'm 64, I was going to retire at 61, instead then took a part time offer at 3 days a week. A family doctor, I was working long hours and days with little time off. Instead now I've signed up till Jan/17. I really enjoy it. Due to some excellent partners, I do no 'call', no hospital work, no weekends. Just do office practice about 5-6 hours a work day. See mainly patients I've known for many years. Great office staff. Working with younger doctors , and younger nurses and office people has been a joy for me. I work now because its a pleasure to do so. Finding this Boglehead site, reading a lot of the recommended literature and doing my financial matters myself has made it possible. I'm also the off the cuff 'financial adviser'( all 'boglehead...
by bcboy57
Thu Mar 19, 2015 6:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: helping adult children with house downpayment
Replies: 30
Views: 4616

Re: helping adult children with house downpayment

My grandparents helped my parents with a down payment. My parents helped most of their children with a down payment. They helped me in a different way. Homes provide stability. Young people often have massive potential for future earnings, but not much in the way of accumulated wealth that can be used for a down payment. Parents often see that so help them provide a place of stability to reach their maximum potential. Perhaps a set amount for each child is better than trying to provide all of the down payment. This may help them avoid stretching beyond their future means. +!. Not all adult kids are irresponsible spendthrifts. If they are doing OK and want to plant some roots, some downpayment help now is probably worth more than a bigger i...
by bcboy57
Wed Mar 18, 2015 2:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: helping adult children with house downpayment
Replies: 30
Views: 4616

helping adult children with house downpayment

I'm looking into helping my adult son with $'s towards his first house downpaynent. Have many here done so in the past for their children ? This would be a gift, not loan. I am more than set financially in my retirement plans , which is about 9-10 months away. The likely amount would be 40-60k. I heard about an lifetime Applicable Exclusion Gift of 5M which would bypass an Annual Exclusion Gift of 14k.This was heard in a very casual conversation and was not aware of it previously. Have others here given money that way ? I have enough in tax exempt municipals in my taxable account to cover that amount. Would that be the wisest funds for me to draw ? Lots of questions....look forward to your answers and possibly similar experiences in this ma...
by bcboy57
Tue Mar 03, 2015 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 plans
Replies: 9
Views: 1687

Re: 529 plans

No SkierMom, I'm a Michigander. I didn't see a tax credit or match on the Tennessee plan , but will check it out again.
The WIKI was very educational. Thanks for the suggestion.
Tennessee does also use Vanguard as a provider for 529 plans, I wonder if me going straight to Vanguard who remove a bureaucratic layer/cost by doing so ? Did the previous posters find so in the NY and other plans ?

Thanks again...Doug
by bcboy57
Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 plans
Replies: 9
Views: 1687

529 plans

I have a new ( first ) grandchild just born a week ago and was planning to start 529 plan for her.
I've never invested in a 529 program before and am thinking about using Vanguard's program. She lives in Tennessee.
If any of you have used Vanguard's 529, what has been your experience and any words of wisdom to pass along on it or college planning in general.
Thanks ....Doug
by bcboy57
Wed Feb 25, 2015 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Kotlikoff: When Should you Take Social Security?
Replies: 258
Views: 55306

Re: Kotlikoff: When Should you Take Social Security?

I read once, though cannot recall where, that if you're thinking about buying, or concerned about, long term care insurance, the best idea is to wait till 70 to claim Social Security. That's shaping by plans on when to take it out.
by bcboy57
Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Most Hated Brokerage Firm? [or one that you love]
Replies: 95
Views: 17506

Re: Most Hated Brokerage Firm? [or one that you love]

AG Edwards...put my retirement fund in a variable annuity.....luckily I read a Jon Clements book in which the Vanguard Diehards site was mentioned and so totally turned things about for me.
by bcboy57
Thu Nov 27, 2014 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite nonfiction books
Replies: 117
Views: 18770

Re: Favorite nonfiction books

Ball Four, Friday Night Lights, The Road less Traveled, Parliament of Whores
by bcboy57
Mon Nov 03, 2014 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066745

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

" Before I Go to Sleep"....in spite of a negative review from the Wall Street Journal, I thought it was excellent. I read the book early this summer....it was great too...
by bcboy57
Sat Oct 04, 2014 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712896

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

" Before I go to Sleep"....by SJ Watson........ couldn't put this one down....
by bcboy57
Wed Sep 03, 2014 5:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561244

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

just finished " Before I Go to Sleep", by SY Watson.....a real page turner that I read in 2 days while on vacation last week.

I won't tell what its about, because that's the real surprise that's the first chapter.....strongly recommended ....Doug
by bcboy57
Tue Jul 29, 2014 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Public Speaking-help
Replies: 79
Views: 9772

Re: Public Speaking-help

once as a final year med student doing an orthopedic rotation, the assistant chief of orthopedics asked me to give a talk on a particular topic at Orthopedic Grand Rounds. I researched my topic well, but told him how nervous I was to give my talk in front of all the residents , students, orthopedists and professors. He asked me if I knew my topic well, I replied yes, so he told me then you probably knew more about it than most of the people in the room . He told me ' to talk down to them ' ! Using this attitude, I did as he said. After a minute or so of my talk, I looked up from my paper, and there were the students and residents taking notes on my slides and paper ! I was even able to answer some questions from the audience after ! Sounds ...
by bcboy57
Fri Jul 18, 2014 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options/guidance for a lazy person to be fit
Replies: 79
Views: 17071

Re: Options/guidance for a lazy person to be fit

anhttp://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/why-runners-dont-get-knee-arthritis/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0#d

sorry, johnep and especially your orthopedist....I respectfully disagree with both of you. See the NY Times article included and Google jogging and arthritis for more..
by bcboy57
Fri Jul 18, 2014 6:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options/guidance for a lazy person to be fit
Replies: 79
Views: 17071

Re: Options/guidance for a lazy person to be fit

sorry ogd, I disagree. Jogging will do it. I've jogged over 30 years now. Started originally to lose weight, which came off rapidly, then got hooked on the buzz I got from it. I've been able to keep the weight off all these years by doing so. At your age, 10 years less than mine, get a stress test, first. Then get into a routine. Also there's security in numbers. I run with a bunch of men and woman 4 times a week ( once a week I go solo), and the good hearted peer pressure and social interaction, and laughs, keeps you going. The thought that running is hard on your joints is a myth. Obesity and inactivity, along with family history, are what detroys joints.
by bcboy57
Fri Jul 18, 2014 5:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Poll - Do You Read Businessweek?
Replies: 30
Views: 4050

Re: Poll - Do You Read Businessweek?

I enjoy Business Week and look forward to it each Friday in the mail. I do not read it for investing advice, but for its up to date business news , and news in general, with expanded pieces on certain topics. Its article on GM's problems last month was especially well researched and written. Also the editorial page, which is well written and , I think, unbiased politically.
by bcboy57
Fri Jul 11, 2014 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wife was hit by car while riding on bicyle. Next Step?
Replies: 46
Views: 7375

Re: Wife was hit by car while riding on bicyle. Next Step?

our local TV stations are inundated, no, swamped with ads like [phone numbers removed --admin LadyGeek] for personal injury lawyers. I'm a doctor who frequently sees people with the most exaggerated, ridiculous, even fraudulent , claims of injury and "suffering", and volumes of paper to fill out for these 2 ( and others). It sickens me that this wonderful website encourages and enables this type of behavior. Is it any wonder medicine and society as a whole has to party up to these leeches.....
by bcboy57
Fri Jul 11, 2014 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561244

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Friday Night Lights....I'm a real sports fan. Next to Ball Four, its the best sports book I've ever read.
by bcboy57
Sat Jun 28, 2014 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How many Bogleheads golf?
Replies: 81
Views: 8496

Re: How many Bogleheads golf?

I quit about 30 years ago after the kids were born. I played a lot in high school and summers during college years and early work years. I did OK on the 1st 18 holes, but no end to troubles on the 19th though....
by bcboy57
Sat Jun 07, 2014 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Poll: Luxury and Happiness
Replies: 141
Views: 15932

Re: Poll: Luxury and Happiness

Last fall I spent bundle on new skis and new ski boots. Worth every penny...best year of skiing ever....
by bcboy57
Fri Feb 21, 2014 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: calculating one's longevity
Replies: 0
Views: 492

calculating one's longevity

this month's Money Magazine mentioned an interesting website for calculating one's longevity...Livingto100.com.
by bcboy57
Wed Jan 29, 2014 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wait for Equity Pullback or Allocate Today?
Replies: 25
Views: 3142

Re: Wait for Equity Pullback or Allocate Today?

Jane Bryant Quinn, or is it Jane Quinn Bryant (?), once noted that the Market Timer's Hall of Fame is an empty room....
by bcboy57
Fri Jan 24, 2014 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1561244

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Detroit City is the Place to Be.... an excellent book about the history of the city and events leading up to its modern day collapse.
by bcboy57
Wed Jan 15, 2014 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finished Basement Ideas
Replies: 32
Views: 4971

Re: Finished Basement Ideas

I 'finished' my basement myself, except for the electrical, ( there's no plumbing down there), a few years ago. Afterwards my wife bought me a tee shirt with the inscription " measure twice, cut once " on it. It took a while, but I really enjoyed learning and doing it on my own.

We live in mid Michigan, so used indoor/outdoor carpeting on the floors.....best...Doug
by bcboy57
Wed Jan 08, 2014 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you filter your water?
Replies: 77
Views: 6800

Re: How do you filter your water?

Like Dutch , I use a Brita. I really like the taste and it saves a bundle over buying bottled water...
by bcboy57
Tue Dec 31, 2013 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Cheapskate of the Year"
Replies: 87
Views: 13287

Re: "Cheapskate of the Year"

me....because to quote Vonnegut and Bogle....I have.....Enough...
by bcboy57
Sat Nov 23, 2013 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retiring at 50
Replies: 67
Views: 11839

Re: Retiring at 50

I was going to retire 2 years ago at age of 61. ( I used to work an average of about 50 hrs a week. ) My kids were incredulous- what are you going to do, dad ? (or maybe they were scared, since I'm divorced and single, I'd come and visit them too often or stay too long or not leave ? ). Anyway I thought it over, now work 3 or 4 mornings a week with a bigger group with no management responsibilities or after hours duties.... I guess what's called a phased retirement. I plan to hang it up a year from now, "when I'm 64", to quote Lennon/McCartney.

I suggest, others on the fence, perhaps look into something similar. Though maybe a year from now, I'll be back here looking for advice again....Doug
by bcboy57
Mon May 27, 2013 5:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lake home instead of bonds?
Replies: 28
Views: 3849

Re: Lake home instead of bonds?

I think for 44 you are doing very well, with no debt and a good saving plans going forward.

30 years ago, long before I became a Boglehead, we bought a place here on the Lake Huron shoreline, where I am typing this right now. Interest rates were outrageous, 11 or 12 % as I recall. Both of our kids were raised summers up here. Whenever they come home for a visit, they want to come up here as soon as possible.

Were I you guys, I'd do it. I think you'd never regret it......
by bcboy57
Sat May 25, 2013 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Year Round Living on a Sandy Beach
Replies: 55
Views: 7633

Re: Year Round Living on a Sandy Beach

As I write this, I'm overlooking the sunrise over our sandy beach on Lake Huron. Its half way between Au Gres and Tawas ( look on a map). Mostly vacation homes, with a few year rounders. Noreasters off the lake can be tough in winter though....