Search found 118 matches

by golfallday
Thu May 17, 2018 1:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Small caps and Micro caps
Replies: 6
Views: 1023

Small caps and Micro caps

Any thoughts why they are doing well so far this year? IWM is +6.2% YTD; IWC is +7.9% YTD. VTI is +2.2% YTD.
by golfallday
Thu Jul 28, 2016 12:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424648

Re: The Three-Fund Portfolio

Great stuff Taylor, as always. I learn something every time I read your posts and threads. I don't have a TSM fund in my 457, so my 3 fund portfolio is:

55% VIIIX (.02% ER)
15% Northern Trust Collective Trust MSCI ACWI ex-US Index (.09% ER)
30% VBTIX (.06% ER)

It's a simple AA, but as Dr Bernstein stated in one of his books, "Get over it!" I auto rebalance the first week of December. I'm comfortable with this allocation for the foreseeable future. I'm 52 and will keep this mix until I'm 60.
by golfallday
Fri Jul 15, 2016 11:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do I approximate Total US Stock Market Index using...
Replies: 3
Views: 988

How do I approximate Total US Stock Market Index using...

...S&P 500 Index + S&P 400 Index + Russell 2000 Index? Can't find this anywhere. Thanks for any help or ideas. :confused
by golfallday
Fri Jul 15, 2016 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can a teen's cash income fund a Roth ?
Replies: 9
Views: 1939

Re: Can a teen's cash income fund a Roth ?

Great post by mhalley!! Documentation of the income is key here especially if it's cash. When; who paid it with specifics; for what sort of job. Also check out IRS website for more info. A Custodial Roth IRA can be opened at Schwab where you can invest in a Total US Stock Index or SP500 Index with a .09% expense ratio. You can get started with a $100 investment; subsequent investment minimum is only $1.
by golfallday
Fri Jul 15, 2016 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ROTH IRA Income Question
Replies: 4
Views: 949

Re: ROTH IRA Income Question

As long as it's earned income you can fund a Roth IRA. The money earned from gigs and tutoring would qualify. You will have to document this income though. If you are paid by a personal check, make a copy and keep it in a folder. If you are paid in cash, make a detailed record of the amount you were paid and who paid you for whatever service you rendered on a certain date. IRS website has all sorts of info on this.
by golfallday
Fri Jul 15, 2016 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Critique My Portfolio (age 26 for 2016 taxes)
Replies: 7
Views: 1186

Re: Critique My Portfolio (age 26 for 2016 taxes)

Everything looks fine. Shame the expense ratios in your 403(b) Plan are so high. A .41% ER for an SP500 Index fund seems quite outrageous. I have VIIIX in my 457 plan with a .02% ER for comparison. That said, you have a nice asset allocation. Best wishes.
by golfallday
Wed Jul 13, 2016 9:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any thoughts on REIT run up so far?
Replies: 14
Views: 3468

Any thoughts on REIT run up so far?

VNQ is +13.3% YTD. Is that due to foreseeable low interest rate environment after BREXIT vote? Investors chasing yield/dividends? Is there some fundamental that's driving this surge? Just wondering. I invest in the Total US Market Index, so I do have REIT exposure; I do not invest in an ETF or index that specifically tracks REITs. I'm just curious.
by golfallday
Tue Jun 28, 2016 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When do YOU rebalance?
Replies: 65
Views: 9693

Re: When do YOU rebalance?

My 457 annually and automatically on January 2. My Roth IRA is in Vanguard Target 2035 so it rebalances on its own.
by golfallday
Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: For those that "buy" during stock market downturns...
Replies: 158
Views: 16350

Re: For those that "buy" during stock market downturns...

I have a nice pile of cash on hand. I bought $10k of VXUS on Friday morning. I'll buy more if panic selling occurs over the next few weeks. I'll never trade it. Something for my 2 grandchildren and St Jude Children's Research Hospital 20 years down the road. VXUS is on sale. I understand it's market timing which is sacrilege on this forum. Some bargains you just can't pass up.
by golfallday
Fri Jun 24, 2016 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Could John Bogle Be Right About International Stock?
Replies: 222
Views: 41823

Re: Could John Bogle Be Right About International Stock?

I'm like Billy Martin in the old Lite Beer commercial..."I feel strongly both ways." As we know, Mr. Bogle feels the SP500 and Total US Stock Index have a tremendous int'l footprint because so many of those companies sales occur overseas. A compelling argument. The rule of law is far more predictable and consistent in US as well. However, after reading the books of Dr. Bernstein, Mr. Ferri, Mr. Schultheis, and Mr. Larimore's contributions in "The Bogleheads' Guide To Investing", an international equity allocation just feels right. So in my 457 plan I'm 15% Total Int'l Stock Index...45% VIIIX...4% SP Mid Cap 400 Index...6% Russell 2000 Index....30% Total US Bond Index. I have the Vanguard Target 2035 fund for my Tradition...
by golfallday
Fri Jun 24, 2016 5:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International stocks in free fall
Replies: 513
Views: 67144

Re: International stocks in free fall

I'm buying VXUS today and in the following weeks when panic selling occurs. I'm not trading it...I'll hold it forever in my taxable account.
by golfallday
Fri Jun 24, 2016 5:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buying international ETFs today
Replies: 2
Views: 1071

Re: Buying international ETFs today

I plan on doing exactly the same thing...but I'm not going to trade it. I'm buying because it's on sale this morning and I'll hold it forever. Because it's Friday, and the world is still digesting what Brexit actually means, the discounted price should be even more dramatic today. I'm buying VXUS for my taxable account and I will add to that position whenever panic selling occurs next week...and the following weeks.
by golfallday
Thu Jun 23, 2016 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice for 401k plan. 31 years old. Thanks!
Replies: 6
Views: 1214

Re: Advice for 401k plan. 31 years old. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! You are off to a great start. I like your 401(k) allocation very much; it's simple and very solid. Keep in mind the Total US Stock Index has a significant international footprint. You will find very strong opinions (both sides) on this forum as to whether an international allocation is necessary in your portfolio. Mr. Bogle doesn't think so; while Mr. Larimore, Dr. Bernstein, and Mr. Ferri advocate in favor of an international equity position. Google these brilliant men on the topic and you will learn quite a bit. Best wishes.
by golfallday
Thu Jun 23, 2016 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: ~~ Help Choosing 401K Allocation ~~
Replies: 15
Views: 1985

Re: ~~ Help Choosing 401K Allocation ~~

Welcome to the forum! You came to the right place for advice. Here's my 2 bits. First come up with an asset allocation you are comfortable with that includes equities and bonds. That Blackrock target date fund is one stop shopping; it includes a mix of equities and bonds that becomes more conservative with the passage of time. If you like that Blackrock fund, you don't need anything else. If you want to construct a portfolio of individual funds,VIIIX must be included as it is impossible to beat with that .02% expense ratio. If you pair VIIIX with VEMPX you get the Total US Stock Market Index (approximately). Keep in mind it's not a 50/50 split between the 2. If one looks at the market cap value of the entire US stock universe, approximately...
by golfallday
Thu Jun 23, 2016 11:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why are mid-caps doing so well for now?
Replies: 7
Views: 1311

Why are mid-caps doing so well for now?

Mega-caps (SPY) are +3.09% YTD...Small-caps (IWM) are +3.45% YTD...while Mid-caps (MDY) are +8.26% YTD. Any thoughts on why mid-caps are currently doing so well? I'm quite pleased as the Mid-Cap 400 is part of my equity allocation in my 457 plan, but I can't figure it out.
by golfallday
Fri Jul 12, 2013 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I replicate TSM with SP500, SP400 and Russell 2000?
Replies: 1
Views: 601

Re: Can I replicate TSM with SP500, SP400 and Russell 2000?

Never mind, I found it on Bogleheads Wiki "Approximating Total Stock Market". The recommendation is TSM = 86% SP500 + 14% Russell 2000. No parking spot for the SP400. Interesting. Oh well, thanks anyway. I suspect it's difficult to Frankenstein the TSM with funds that track competing indices (SP, MSCI, Russell, and perhaps Dow Jones).
by golfallday
Fri Jul 12, 2013 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I replicate TSM with SP500, SP400 and Russell 2000?
Replies: 1
Views: 601

Can I replicate TSM with SP500, SP400 and Russell 2000?

My 457 plan recently added very low cost Northern Trust Index funds that track SP400 Index and Russell 2000 Index. I already use VIIIX as my sole equity holding in this plan. Can I replicate the Total US Stock Market with these 3 funds? What weighting? I tried searching the boards for the answer and came up empty. Thanks for the help, and I'm sorry for the trouble if this has been answered before.
by golfallday
Thu Jul 11, 2013 12:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anti-Boglehead book recommendations?
Replies: 35
Views: 6187

Re: Anti-Boglehead book recommendations?

Peter Lynch's, Beating the Street (1993)

Now that's an Anti-Boglehead title.
by golfallday
Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: US economy and Dow Transport Index
Replies: 3
Views: 592

US economy and Dow Transport Index

I listen closely to what Dr Bernanke says about our economy. I also listen, or read, whenever FOMC Governors or Reserve Bank Presidents speak about our economy. I respect their collective opinion. These are scholars that also have worked in the real world. Unemployment is 7.5% with concerns that the "under-employed" along with people who have given up looking for a job make the "real" unemployment figure perhaps 15% or worse. All of these scholars agree the current economy is much better than 5 years ago, yet it's a very fragile economy because of the lingering unemployment woes. I have always felt the Dow Jones Transport Index represented by IYT is a great tell of how the US economy is doing. The old saw being, "So...
by golfallday
Wed Jul 10, 2013 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening a Vanguard Taxable Account
Replies: 3
Views: 3599

Re: Opening a Vanguard Taxable Account

You are to be congratulated on your discipline in being able to save 55% of your income. Truly remarkable. I would not tap in to the checking account to invest in taxable TSM fund. I suspect the checking account is your emergency fund as well as your daily expense fund. I would get the checking account up to $50k before starting the taxable account. That's my comfort zone for an emergency fund; $25k is a bit thin for me. Once you start investing in VTSMX, Vanguard will automatically graduate your holdings to VTSAX when your account hits $10k. I also max my 457 and IRA, but I do not allocate a static amount of money to a taxable account as every week has different expenses. At the end of the month, whatever money is left in my checking accou...
by golfallday
Wed Jul 03, 2013 1:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Merriman - Buffett is more myth than legend
Replies: 21
Views: 3782

Re: Merriman - Buffett is more myth than legend

Sorry Mr Merriman, you are very mistaken. Mr Buffet is a legend.
by golfallday
Wed Jul 03, 2013 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Foreign stocks as a % of your stock asset allocation
Replies: 61
Views: 10556

Re: Foreign stocks as a % of your stock asset allocation

I'm comfortable with 15% international (35% VIIIX; 10% Russell 2000 Index; 10% VGSLX; 30% VBMPX). Still amazed that Mr Bogle sees no need for an international fund. He reasons the SP500 or TSM have enormous global footprints. In The Investor's Manifesto, Dr Bernstein advises against the World Index fund (and it's weighting if you Frankenstein your portfolio); too foreign-heavy for him. Me too. Always interesting to see the diverse opinions (from very brainy investors) regarding an appropriate foreign allocation.
by golfallday
Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What was your worst investment?
Replies: 100
Views: 13871

Re: What was your worst investment?

In 1995, neighbor who was a stock broker advised me to dump Apple Computer and Walgreens stock and buy Callaway Golf and Motorola. It still hurts to think about it. Took a $20k haircut before I dumped ELY and MOT and got back into APPL and WAG. APPL and WAG have been wonderful to me, but due to my sale, I missed a huge surge in APPL when Gil Amelio was aced as CEO.
by golfallday
Tue Jul 02, 2013 12:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Danger in bond funds?
Replies: 33
Views: 3488

Re: Danger in bond funds?

Thanks to all for the informative responses and replies. Indeed, Mr Swedroe and Dr Bernstein have written about this very topic. I'll keep peeling away at the onion for a while. Best to all.
by golfallday
Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Danger in bond funds?
Replies: 33
Views: 3488

Re: Danger in bond funds?

My only bond allocation is in my 457 plan: VBMPX. Would anybody suggest I break that up a bit?
by golfallday
Tue Jul 02, 2013 9:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Danger in bond funds?
Replies: 33
Views: 3488

Danger in bond funds?

Newbie question here. The talking heads on CNBC and Bloomberg Radio incessantly rant that bonds are a terrible investment right now and a crash is coming. The problem is, they never explain why or how. Is the worry that when interest rates rise, a 10-year T-Note might yield 3% at a new auction; thereafter, bondholders who are holding bonds with a 2% coupon rate would immediately dump their bonds at a big discount below their par value to get the better coupon rate of 3%? These are all hypothetical values I'm putting out there. Am I missing something here? Thanks.
by golfallday
Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How would you advise the 3 MegaMillions winners?
Replies: 34
Views: 3801

How would you advise the 3 MegaMillions winners?

Apparently 3 tickets won in Maryland, Kansas, and Illinois. The $$$ probably must be invested in taxable accounts. What investments and what allocations? I fully understand some tax lawyers, CPAs, and CFPs might be stingy with advice on this board. Just wondering.
by golfallday
Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 19 (now 20 years old) 100% stocks AA review
Replies: 52
Views: 5177

Re: 19 (now 20 years old) 100% stocks AA review

Congrats on a very well thought out portfolio! Very solid fund choices and allocations. Wish I was in your financial shape 35 years ago. You need bonds, sorry. They really smooth out turbulence.
by golfallday
Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: US stocks only
Replies: 28
Views: 2709

Re: US stocks only

Yes, mpt, there is a person...make that a genius...who only invests in US equity index funds. His initials are JOHN BOGLE.
by golfallday
Tue Jan 03, 2012 9:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did Dow beat up on VOO and VTI?
Replies: 8
Views: 1425

Re: How did Dow beat up on VOO and VTI?

Thanks for explaining the differences in outcomes.
by golfallday
Tue Jan 03, 2012 6:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did Dow beat up on VOO and VTI?
Replies: 8
Views: 1425

Re: How did Dow beat up on VOO and VTI?

I get that small caps and financials were a drag on VTI; but, SP500 Index is all mega-caps. More financials in VOO that were a drag? DIA just crushed VOO.
by golfallday
Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424648

Re: The Three Fund Portfolio

I like that golfallday. A 2-fund portfolio. Makes life simple although there is less "diversification" although as you say, US stocks now have half their earnings abroad and probably international stocks have half their earnings here. So it may be all a wash. At least I'm going that way.
[/quote]

The reason I use VIIIX for my stock allocation is that my 457 plan doesn't offer a Total US Stock Index; furthermore, there is no International Index offered...if there was, I would be in it.
by golfallday
Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Three-Fund Portfolio
Replies: 3895
Views: 2424648

Re: The Three Fund Portfolio

Taylor. your post inspires confidence!! The only funds I use in my 457 plan are VIIIX and VBTIX; Mr Bogle's writings and discussions have thoroughly convinced me that the SP500 has an enormous international footprint. I use VTHRX in my IRA. When $$ is leftover at the end of month it goes to VTSMX in the taxable account. Maybe I'm starting to get it after all!!
by golfallday
Sat Dec 31, 2011 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Supplement portfolio with REIT Index?
Replies: 7
Views: 1368

Re: Supplement portfolio with REIT Index?

Thank you for your kind replies. Happy and healthy 2012 to all...Cheers!!!
by golfallday
Sat Dec 31, 2011 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Supplement portfolio with REIT Index?
Replies: 7
Views: 1368

Supplement portfolio with REIT Index?

Very grateful for the help the members have given me on these boards. Everytime I visit the site, I learn something new....indeed, I'm an amateur at this. I use VIIIX and VBTIX in my 457 plan; I use VTHRX for my Roth IRA. (I try to keep it simple!) Total portfolio is currently 73% stocks and 27% bonds. I'm comfortable with that mix as I have 25 years to retire and I should have a nice pension when I pull the plug. Does anybody see a problem with me selling off some VTHRX and buying VGSLX so that REITs make up 10-15% of the stock portfolio? Happy and healthy 2012 to all. Cheers!
by golfallday
Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did Dow beat up on VOO and VTI?
Replies: 8
Views: 1425

How did Dow beat up on VOO and VTI?

Looks like Dow Index is going to beat the hyper-diversified SP500 Index and Total US Index by almost 6%. What gives? Is it there are just many more banks in the latter 2 which was a huge drag? All 3 indexes have a substantial international footprint, so that can't account for the 6% difference. I know many consider the Dow a useless index...I wish I was up 6% this year. Happy and healthy New Year to all. Cheers!
by golfallday
Fri Oct 14, 2011 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Whose portfolio has the lowest expense ratio?
Replies: 30
Views: 5674

The 2 funds I use in my 457 plan are:

VIIIX .02% ER
VBTIX .07% ER

In my IRA with Vanguard I use VTIAX .20% ER.
by golfallday
Wed Sep 28, 2011 8:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: No alarm by Bogleheads over Grecian debt crisis?
Replies: 62
Views: 7745

No alarm by Bogleheads over Grecian debt crisis?

Personally, I'm terrified about what will happen when Greece defaults on their soverign debt obligations. Very little transparency as to who those bondholders are and how much exposure US has to the worthless paper. Some alarmists see global runs on banks and SP500 tanking >50% when the floor-trapdoor is sprung.

Haven't noticed that concern amongst the seasoned contributors on these boards. Why not?
by golfallday
Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VSMAX (Small Cap fund) or VEXAX (Extended Mkt fund)?
Replies: 14
Views: 5356

Great help; thanks very much!! I use VIIIX and VBTIX in my 457 plan; and VTIAX in my IRA. I don't plan to slice and dice to the point of the Coffeehouse Model or Merriman's Ultimate Buy and Hold, but I would like exposure to smaller companies in US. Leaning towards VSMAX in IRA. Thanks again.
by golfallday
Wed Jul 13, 2011 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VSMAX (Small Cap fund) or VEXAX (Extended Mkt fund)?
Replies: 14
Views: 5356

VSMAX (Small Cap fund) or VEXAX (Extended Mkt fund)?

Which do you prefer for a small cap allocation? These are Admiral Class funds with .17 and .16 ERs. Vanguard's Small Cap Growth and Small Cap Value funds don't offer Admiral shares.
by golfallday
Wed Jun 29, 2011 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 23 yr male / full-time / looking to max-out 401(k) + more
Replies: 41
Views: 3904

At your young age, after maxing 401(k), fund as much as you can in Roth IRA . Tax free growth and no mandatory withdrawls is really passing up free money at your age. Just stay current with your car loan.

Good luck, and welcome to the forum!
by golfallday
Fri Apr 22, 2011 1:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What would you do with 15m?
Replies: 52
Views: 8704

34% VTI
33% VXF
33% VEU
by golfallday
Thu Apr 21, 2011 11:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inflation Protected Bonds in Total Bond Index?
Replies: 6
Views: 1606

Thanks for the help, all.
by golfallday
Thu Apr 21, 2011 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inflation Protected Bonds in Total Bond Index?
Replies: 6
Views: 1606

Inflation Protected Bonds in Total Bond Index?

Does the Total Bond Index have inflation protected bonds? Any rule of thumb as to what portion of bond portfolio should be dedicated to inflation protected bonds or is the Total Bond Index enough?
Thanks. Sorry if this has been discussed before; I have trouble narrowing my searches for some reason.
by golfallday
Mon Mar 21, 2011 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: best way to use 200k gift?
Replies: 28
Views: 4339

The donor is responsible for paying federal Gift Tax. Certainly, the donee may agree to pay it.

Great advice has been given. I'd invest it. Since it wll have to be invested in a taxable account, you might want to talk to some people at Vanguard. They'll come up with something that mitigates the tax bite.
by golfallday
Mon Mar 14, 2011 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am embarrassed and need a great deal of help
Replies: 62
Views: 10186

Wow! Great job saving. Call Vanguard; they will certainly formulate a plan consistent with your risk tolerance. In fact, they will RUN to the firepoles to help you considering the amout of $$ here. Wouldn't be surprised if one of the big-shots in Valley Forge ended up with the call.

I agree that you need to come up with an estate plan; do your homework in selecting this lawyer. Take your time here. You need a very seasoned lawyer that specializes in this arena and has handled high-net-worth clients. Ask questions; and ask for proof he/she has handled big clients.

Best wishes.

------------------
30% VIIIX; 20% FSEMX; 20% VTIAX; 30% VBTIX.
by golfallday
Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: how are you rebalancing your 401K?
Replies: 17
Views: 3808

Automatically every December: 65% VIIIX; 35% VBTIX.
by golfallday
Wed Mar 09, 2011 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Total Market Index Funds--What experts say.
Replies: 64
Views: 13210

Great post, Taylor. These reminders keep me from wandering from the path.

I look at Paul Merriman's FundAdvice "Ultimate Buy and Hold Portfolio" and I think instead of allocating 6% to 10 separate equity funds, you get a very similar result by coming up with an asset allocation b/n a Total US Index and a Total Int'l Index. Simpler, too.

Which brings us back to the debate that rages....do we need to use an Int'l Index at all if we are invested in a Total US Index? Mr Bogle shouts, "No!" everytime it's brought up.
by golfallday
Tue Mar 08, 2011 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can mutual funds outperform the indexes?
Replies: 45
Views: 6416

Read Larry Swedroe's "The Only Guide To A Winning Investment Strategy You'll Ever Need". He answers your concerns in the first 6 chapters. The rest of the book is great, too.

My favorite line Mr Swedroe's book....."diversification is always working for you; sometimes you like the results...sometimes you don't."

-----------------------
Amateurs built Noah's Ark.....experts built The Titanic.

30% VIIIX; 20% FSEMX; 20% VTIAX; 30% VBTIX