Search found 5397 matches

by SpringMan
Fri Feb 12, 2021 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Question - First time to post
Replies: 25
Views: 2314

Re: Portfolio Question - First time to post

OP, Overall, well done! I think you should take a long look at Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX) ER 0.44% and see if it is really meeting your desire for International exposure. Examine its top holdings .... WoodSpinner It is the most expensive fund on my list, and I was wondering what other options I have. Interestingly, it's number one largest holding is Tesla, and I noticed that 15.6% of the composition of the fund is also North American stocks. The Total International Stock Fund from Vanguard VTIAX has a much smaller exposure to US stocks at 6%. How do you give yourself exposure to International stocks WoodSpinner? I use VTI (ETF version of VTIAX). It’s a good, low cost way to diversify into International. It is 25% of my Equi...
by SpringMan
Sat Mar 21, 2020 5:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did you TLH during this correction?
Replies: 65
Views: 5162

Re: How did you TLH during this correction?

I did a TLH of Fidelity's International index (FSPSX) which is developed markets only into Vanguard's Total International (VTIAX). Sold at Fidelity, transferred to my bank and then to Vanguard. This simplifies things by now having everything at Vanguard. Adios Fidelity.
by SpringMan
Thu Mar 19, 2020 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TLH partner for VXUS (Vanguard Total International)
Replies: 9
Views: 1574

Re: TLH partner for VXUS (Vanguard Total International)

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Index Fund (VFWAX fund or ETF VEU) is another option. It has both emerging and developed but lacks small caps.
by SpringMan
Thu Mar 19, 2020 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "Why do you want to cancel?" - Vanguard
Replies: 10
Views: 3379

Re: "Why do you want to cancel?" - Vanguard

I think it is a point that entering orders at the beginning of a weekend is probably a bad idea. The cut off time for equity mutual funds is 3:00pm, so you are only exposed to one hour of end of day trading without being able to see how the market is going for that day. You won't see a NAV value for the fund until it is priced, but you can be aware of how the market is trending. Agree it is a bad idea. The cutoff time can depend on the firm managing the account or 401(k)s. I am able to submit fund buy orders at Vanguard (VBS) up to just prior to 4:00 PM eastern and they go through the same day. Fidelity does allow cancellation prior to execution of the order. In general Vanguard does not for mutual funds. No problem cancelling ETF or stock...
by SpringMan
Sun Mar 08, 2020 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Talk me into or out of a new vehicle purchase
Replies: 30
Views: 3160

Re: Talk me into or out of a new vehicle purchase

I too have the new car "Jones". New cars are fun assuming you don't get a lemon. Life is not all about saving up for a gold casket. Go for it.
by SpringMan
Mon Mar 02, 2020 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you ever use cash?
Replies: 228
Views: 18521

Re: Do you ever use cash?

deleted.
by SpringMan
Mon Mar 02, 2020 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you ever use cash?
Replies: 228
Views: 18521

Re: Do you ever use cash?

I have had dental implants where the oral surgeon gave a 20% discount for cash. I asked about a cash discount was pleasantly surprised. Checks are considered cash. Medical cannabis is still a cash business too.
by SpringMan
Mon Mar 02, 2020 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you ever use cash?
Replies: 228
Views: 18521

Re: Do you ever use cash?

duplicate post sorry.
by SpringMan
Mon Feb 17, 2020 5:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: do you check your taxes when using tax software?
Replies: 54
Views: 4465

Re: do you check your taxes when using tax software?

I check imported data to make sure it imports correctly. Vanguard's consolidated 1099 imported as being mine when it was jointed owned with my spouse. This mistake would not change tax obligations and it was easily corrected
by SpringMan
Mon Feb 03, 2020 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Portfolio (VTI, VBR, VOE, VEA, VWO, VNQ) - Feedback?
Replies: 28
Views: 5767

Re: My Portfolio (VTI, VBR, VOE, VEA, VWO, VNQ) - Feedback?

VNQ is best if not held in a taxable account as it is not tax efficient.
by SpringMan
Thu Jan 02, 2020 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mailing Rollover Check to Vanguard
Replies: 41
Views: 4566

Re: Mailing Rollover Check to Vanguard

I would put the check in the bank, then if Vanguard is not set up to access your bank, set them up. Use ACH to move the money from bank to Vanguard and fund your IRA from there. It is crucial to remember the 60 day rule.
by SpringMan
Wed Nov 27, 2019 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reimburse transfer/termination fees?
Replies: 6
Views: 769

Re: Reimburse transfer/termination fees?

Fidelity reimbursed my e*trade termination fee. Fidelity has their own account closure fees that I paid when transferring to Vanguard. Vanguard neither charges or reimburses such fees.
by SpringMan
Sun Nov 24, 2019 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Tesla truck]
Replies: 170
Views: 15927

Re: [Tesla truck]

Specs say rear wheel drive. No available 4 wheel drive would be a show stopper for me. Otherwise looks like an awesome truck.
by SpringMan
Sun Sep 29, 2019 8:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ken Fisher wants you to know that he cares...
Replies: 49
Views: 6102

Re: Ken Fisher wants you to know that he cares...

All true about marketing trumping investing skill with Fisher Investment. I have noticed Vanguard has been upping its advertising lately too, especially their PAS service which I have no interest.
by SpringMan
Mon Aug 12, 2019 5:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Vanguard ongoing glitches, August 12-13, 2019]
Replies: 256
Views: 24626

Re: Wellesley 56.05% drop today

Vanguard is not answering their phones. Poor service at flagship level. Many funds screwed up. They have some explaining to do.
by SpringMan
Tue Jun 25, 2019 10:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces Plans to Launch Commodities Fund
Replies: 196
Views: 32706

Re: ew vangurd Commodity Fund

Vanguard sent us an email regarding this fund today. In my opinion it is not for us. 50K could be better deployed in something easier to understand.
by SpringMan
Mon May 20, 2019 3:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Lies, Damned Lies, And Index Funds
Replies: 43
Views: 7140

Re: Lies, Damned Lies, And Index Funds

telemark wrote: Mon May 20, 2019 3:03 pm
retiringwhen wrote: Mon May 20, 2019 11:31 am I know in other threads folks have complaining about Vanguard nudges to ETFs, etc. At least in the Vanguard case their nudges are almost exclusively to lower cost options.
I have accounts at both Fidelity and Vanguard. Exactly one of them is constantly pushing me to do things I have no interest in doing (for example, an email just this morning, telling me what big dreams I have). When I sign into my account on their web site, I often have to click through a popup just to get access to my account balances.

And no, it isn't Fidelity.
And Vanguard's constant pushing their VPAS not only to me but my spouse. I don't think VPAS is worth it.
by SpringMan
Sun May 12, 2019 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drill well today or drill well later?
Replies: 26
Views: 3178

Re: Drill well today or drill well later?

Unless you know exactly on the property where your home is going to be, wait on well and septic system. Maybe city water and sewers will be available in the future.
by SpringMan
Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"
Replies: 303
Views: 43687

Re: "The best and worst U.S. states for retirement"

livesoft wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2019 12:21 pm I like to split my time between a couple of states: Bliss and Ignorance.
Just one state if you consider the adage that ignorance is bliss. :happy
by SpringMan
Sat Mar 30, 2019 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Age in Bonds?
Replies: 38
Views: 5703

Re: Age in Bonds?

We were 60% bonds at age 60 but now at age 72 we are 50/50. We sold from bond funds in our IRAs and invested it in stock funds in a taxable account. Since I don't want to take more risk than 50/50, future RMDs will go into a tax exempt bond fund in taxable. We are in the 22% federal tax bracket which may mean a tax exempt fund does not make sense but better than a MM fund.
by SpringMan
Sun Mar 24, 2019 7:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Stepped up cost basis question
Replies: 2
Views: 657

Stepped up cost basis question

Assuming a married couple has a joint taxable account and one spouse passes, does the surviving spouse get a stepped up cost basis on the 50% they inherited or is it 100% or 0%? State is Michigan if that matters.
by SpringMan
Wed Mar 20, 2019 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Beta Vanguard APP
Replies: 61
Views: 6823

Re: Vanguard beta app email - legit or phishing?

I got this same thing. I don't know if it is phishing or legit. I have no need to access Vanguard by an Android phone. I use a desktop or laptop computer to access Vanguard, so I deleted the email.
by SpringMan
Mon Mar 18, 2019 2:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard: "Your Account Needs to be Transitioned"
Replies: 47
Views: 15193

Re: Vanguard: "Your Account Needs to be Transitioned"

If you have authorization to trade for a spouse, you may have to submit new paperwork. They lost my authorization during transition. Requires a notarized signature.
by SpringMan
Mon Mar 11, 2019 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What do you think about GNMA Funds?
Replies: 8
Views: 2165

Re: What do you think about GNMA Funds?

I use Total Bond Market Index, VBTLX, which is more diversified and has some GNMA bonds in it. Performance has been very close between the two. In my opinion Morningstar is stingy with regards to VBTLX only giving it two stars. I would think an index fund would be at least 3 stars.
by SpringMan
Mon Mar 04, 2019 3:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts
Replies: 645
Views: 92548

Re: Vanguard is Discontinuing their VanguardAdvantage Accounts

Are there any Flagship perks left? Used to be free TurboTax and access to CFP portfolio reviews now Vanguard Advantage gone. Other than access to Vanguard PRIMECAP managed funds, not much is left.
by SpringMan
Sun Mar 03, 2019 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Personal Capital vs Fidelity Analysis
Replies: 19
Views: 3712

Re: Personal Capital vs Fidelity Analysis

FederalFIRE wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2019 8:44 am
SpringMan wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2019 8:20 am The popup is new since I logged in the last time. Tried again and was able to get in by exiting the popup. Accounts are showing up twice and are not correct. Need to figure out how to delete them a d start over.
You may try giving it a day and logging in again. Sometimes account links don't work for a day or two and things can appear messed up.
Thanks, will give that a try again in a few days. Looks like an issue with passwords and security questions. Removed all accounts from personal capital and tried to reestablish. It failed and in doing so messed up my Vanguard login by too many attempts. Reestablished my Vanguard password and Personal Capital still is not resolving Vanguard accounts.
by SpringMan
Sun Mar 03, 2019 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Personal Capital vs Fidelity Analysis
Replies: 19
Views: 3712

Re: Personal Capital vs Fidelity Analysis

The popup is new since I logged in the last time. Tried again and was able to get in by exiting the popup. Accounts are showing up twice and are not correct. Need to figure out how to delete them a d start over.
by SpringMan
Sun Mar 03, 2019 3:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Personal Capital vs Fidelity Analysis
Replies: 19
Views: 3712

Re: Personal Capital vs Fidelity Analysis

I no longer can login to Personal Capital without setting up an appointment online with them. At that point I say adios amigos to Personal Capital.
by SpringMan
Wed Feb 20, 2019 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do others dislike Vanguard's new website as much as me?
Replies: 205
Views: 30214

Re: Do others dislike Vanguard's new website as much as me?

Most recently the pie chart graph showing target asset allocation desired does not work because it wants to run Macromedia Flash. This is in the Portfolio Watch tool. By clicking and allowing Flash to run, it works. Does not HTML-5 remove the need for Flash?
by SpringMan
Thu Feb 14, 2019 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is this idea irrational?
Replies: 23
Views: 1954

Re: Is this idea irrational?

Selling all stocks and going to 100% bonds may not be a good idea in a taxable account. It could put your income higher to the point of higher Medicare premiums kicking in (IRMAA). Being 62 likely you are not on Medicare yet. I still don't think it is a good idea to make such drastic changes in your asset allocation.
by SpringMan
Sat Feb 09, 2019 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax and form 2210: software bug?
Replies: 29
Views: 5138

Re: TurboTax and form 2210: software bug?

I purchased TurboTax Deluxe on an optical disk and ran into a different problem. I could e-file the federal tax but not the state. There were two options, pay an extra 39.95 for processing fee, or use a credit card and pay 19.95 fee. I tried the credit card option but the final Continue button was grayed out. I was on the phone with TT support and they had no fix. I printed out the forms and used snail mail as a work around.
by SpringMan
Sat Feb 09, 2019 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Whats better to hold, Roth dollars or Tax-deferred dollars ?
Replies: 84
Views: 7784

Re: Whats better to hold, Roth dollars or Tax-deferred dollars ?

If you are investing for your heirs, it is better to inherit a Roth.
by SpringMan
Sat Feb 09, 2019 10:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ?Admiral share availability in other brokerages?[Yes, after a few weeks they are now appearing at other brokerages.]
Replies: 45
Views: 10405

Re: ?Admiral share availability in other brokerages?[Yes, after a few weeks they are now appearing at other brokerages.]

Vanguard's recent changes eliminating the 10K minimum for admiral shares of index funds is the reason. I doubt if any brokerages, other than Vanguard, are adding admiral shares of actively managed funds. This has been a issue for Fidelity for as long as I can remember, no availability of VWIAX etc.
by SpringMan
Sat Feb 09, 2019 3:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What do you use for your bond exposure?
Replies: 47
Views: 4933

Re: What do you use for your bond exposure?

We use Total Bond Market Index for the lion's share of our bonds. My spouse holds 100% Intermediate Term Investment grade in her tIRA. For short term bonds I use VSCSX (corporate). Also I hold bonds in Wellesley Income.
by SpringMan
Sat Feb 09, 2019 3:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VFSVX to Admiral... must I switch to new platform?
Replies: 4
Views: 1073

Re: VFSVX to Admiral... must I switch to nerw platform?

You should be able to promote the shares yourself on their website or wait and Vanguard will do it for you. I think Vanguard is pushing everyone to move to their brokerage accounts. I can't answer your question but would pose it to Vanguard. I moved to VBS some time back and I use the ETF share class VSS.
by SpringMan
Thu Jan 24, 2019 10:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VCIT Rising
Replies: 17
Views: 1980

Re: VCIT Rising

VCIT is Vanguard's Intermediate Corporate Bond ETF. There is a corresponding mutual fund, VICSX but VICSX has a .25% purchase fee so VCIT avoids the fee. Corporate bonds have gone up lately.
by SpringMan
Fri Jan 04, 2019 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FSTVX or FZROX
Replies: 21
Views: 5148

Re: FSTVX or FZROX

Fidelity's zero expense ratio funds are great in tax advantaged accounts. One problem with holding them in a taxable account is one can't change brokerages without selling and repurchasing the the new brokerage's fund and that makes for a taxable event. I highly doubt in-kind transfers would be accepted at other brokerages. I don't know this positively, just a hunch. I may be wrong.
by SpringMan
Thu Jan 03, 2019 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VBIAX vs. VWELX [Vanguard Balanced Index vs. Wellington]
Replies: 38
Views: 27141

Re: VBIAX vs. VWELX [Vanguard Balanced Index vs. Wellington]

Would not it be expected that a 65/35 fund (VWELX) would do better than a 60/40 fund (VBIAX) when stocks go up and do worse when stocks go down. I would not use either in a taxable account. Not a fund I use but Tax Managed Balanced fund would make more sense in a taxable account than of the other two, its bonds are tax exempt.
by SpringMan
Tue Jan 01, 2019 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard International Fund down for year?
Replies: 16
Views: 1575

Re: Vanguard International Fund down for year?

The fund was down but comparing only the share price change does not tell whole story since the fund pays a quarterly dividend. My recollection is yahoo does not factor in the dividends.
by SpringMan
Sun Dec 30, 2018 9:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are some critiques of passive investing/index funds?
Replies: 75
Views: 7977

Re: What are some critiques of passive investing/index funds?

School gunning survivor, David Hogg, was critical of Vanguard and called for a boycott of Vanguard because their index funds hold firearms companies. I don't agree. Even Vanguard's FTSE Social Index fund has big monster mega-banks that in my opinion are more evil than firearms companies.
by SpringMan
Sun Dec 30, 2018 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What if your stock investment (company) goes bankrupt
Replies: 2
Views: 751

Re: What if your stock investment (company) goes bankrupt

Generally common stock holders will lose everything they invested when a company goes under. Bond holders would generally get paid but not always. In a taxable account you can write off your losses. No special 1099 forms needed. You lose what your cost basis was. This is why Bogleheads shy away from individual stocks and prefer funds.
by SpringMan
Sat Dec 22, 2018 10:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's account readout changes overnight?
Replies: 5
Views: 1088

Re: Vanguard's account readout changes overnight?

On further investigation I see my mistake, today's mistake anyway. I missed two of my index fund's distributions, VSMAX and VIMAX.
Thanks to those that replied.
by SpringMan
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Morningstar instant Xray-good or not?
Replies: 7
Views: 1238

Re: My Morningstar instant Xray-good or not?

Is your goal to have an Xray that represents the total markets or do you wish to tilt? Yours is overweight large caps but there really isn't a right or wrong only what you are comfortable with. Any given Xray is going to perform good if market conditions are favorable and poorly in bear markets.
by SpringMan
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's account readout changes overnight?
Replies: 5
Views: 1088

Re: Vanguard's account readout changes overnight?

Of course ETFs will change during the business day but not on Saturday. The discrepancies I noticed where in some Vanguard mutual funds.
by SpringMan
Sat Dec 22, 2018 8:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's account readout changes overnight?
Replies: 5
Views: 1088

Vanguard's account readout changes overnight?

Is it just me or has anyone noticed some of Vanguard's account readouts changed from Friday evening to Saturday morning? I am not talking about funds December distributions either. Thanks. I have seen this in the past and sometimes at Fidelity as well. I suppose I could have committed typing mistakes.
by SpringMan
Fri Dec 21, 2018 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TLH partner for Vanguard Capital Opportunity Fund?
Replies: 5
Views: 715

Re: TLH partner for Vanguard Capital Opportunity Fund?

Vanguard PRIMECAP works if you can buy it or PRIMECAP core. Flagship clients are limited to 25K per year on PRIMECAP. No limits on PRIMECAP core for Flagship clients.
by SpringMan
Fri Dec 21, 2018 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: vtmfx, vwelx, vbiax - after tax returns
Replies: 2
Views: 1304

Re: vtmfx, vwelx, vbiax - after tax returns

VTMFX is 50/50 stocks to bonds, VBIAX is 60/40. and VWELX is roughly 65/35 so what you say makes sense.