Search found 89 matches

by Tony_L
Wed Jan 15, 2020 9:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you like CHEAP active funds? Which ones?
Replies: 21
Views: 2030

Re: Do you like CHEAP active funds? Which ones?

I use DODFX to get exposure to Int'l Value. Always looking for a less expensive alternative but the performance has been satisfactory to date.
by Tony_L
Fri Nov 01, 2019 7:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Unique withdrawal method
Replies: 70
Views: 9820

Re: Unique withdrawal method

We live and die by the "Trinity Study".

https://www.forbes.com/sites/wadepfau/2 ... 3275016860
by Tony_L
Sat Feb 20, 2016 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spousal SS
Replies: 2
Views: 755

Re: Spousal SS

Very clear explanation. Thank you very much.
Tony
by Tony_L
Fri Feb 19, 2016 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spousal SS
Replies: 2
Views: 755

Spousal SS

I am 65, my spouse is 62. I am planning to not file for social security until I am 70. 1/2 of my PUA is about $200 more per month than my spouse's full PUA @ 66. Can my spouse draw on her own account now and then switch to start drawing on my account when I file at the age of 70 or is she limited to drawing on her account only once I turn 70 since she had already started drawing on her account?
Thanks.
by Tony_L
Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Please advise on social security and annuities]
Replies: 6
Views: 1471

Re: [Please advise on social security and annuities]

Thanks Mike. Think I have it now.
by Tony_L
Mon Nov 30, 2015 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Please advise on social security and annuities]
Replies: 6
Views: 1471

Re: Please review portfolio and advise on social security and annuities

Mike,

Husband turned 65 on 11/9/15 and wife turned 63 on 11/28/15.

Wife's FRA is $800; husband's FRA is $2,100.

Scenario: Wife files and receives SS on her earnings record in Nov of 2016 (age 64 about $700), husband files restricted application for spousal benefits immediately thereafter (1/2 of $700 = $350).

Husband can let his FRA grow by 8%/year until 70 at which time he would draw on his account (about $3,000).

Question is, Can the wife then stop drawing on her record ($350) and start drawing based on husband amount (1/2 of $2,100 = $1050)?

Thanks,
Tony
by Tony_L
Mon Nov 30, 2015 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Please advise on social security and annuities]
Replies: 6
Views: 1471

[Please advise on social security and annuities]

[Moved into standalone thread from: Please review portfolio and advise on social security and annuities --admin LadyGeek]

Mike,

In this situation, can the wife switch to receiving 1/2 of the husband's FRA benefit once he files and begins collecting at the age of 70?

Thanks,
Tony
by Tony_L
Wed Mar 04, 2015 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggest an infrared temperture gun
Replies: 21
Views: 2956

Re: Suggest an infrared temperture gun

When I smoked I just moved my cigarette around from spot to spot and found all the significant drafts almost instantly - repeatability was 100%. However, I quit smoking so my energy bills have gone through the roof...but now I have the money to pay them! :D
by Tony_L
Sun Feb 08, 2015 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066787

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Saw "The Imitation Game" today. Very, very interesting. I highly recommend it for all ages beyond 10 or 12.
by Tony_L
Sun Jan 11, 2015 10:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: We miss Larry Swedroe
Replies: 38
Views: 13362

Re: We miss Larry Swedroe

I sincerely appreciate the knowledge and wisdom Larry, Rick as well as all the other finance professionals have contributed to all of us who are less educated in these matters. My learning process accidentally started several decades ago when I discovered Mr. Bogle's first book and has grown, in large part, to their early contributions to this forum. I thank all who have made it possible for us to secure the knowledge which allowed us to break free from the counter productive world of performance chasing and high cost investing.
May you all have a healthy and happy new year.
by Tony_L
Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why are high 401k fees maintained in competitive equilibrium
Replies: 46
Views: 4098

Re: Why are high 401k fees maintained in competitive equilib

It would be interesting to know how many companies apply rigorous cost/benefit analysis to the topic of this post.
To the extent they do, whose costs would they analyze?
To the extent they do, whose benefit do they analyze?
How do they perform a ROI analysis? If yes, how is their investment measured?

The typical company/supplier relationship which they are so adept at managing (at least theoretically adept) is significantly different than fiduciary/client relationship they are put into when managing the 401k scenario.
by Tony_L
Sat Nov 22, 2014 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: best bank for online billpay
Replies: 24
Views: 8587

Re: best bank for online billpay

I use Vanguard Billpay. No problems ever. I used to use CC but after having the credit card hacked on 3 different occasions, that was enough of the credit card thing. I like seeing all bills and reviewing them Before they get paid. Would rather address issues before they get my money rather than after they get my money. Just the way I do it.
by Tony_L
Mon Sep 15, 2014 9:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CalPERS Eliminates Hedge Fund Program
Replies: 44
Views: 5130

From today's WSJ

The largest U.S. public pension plan is getting out of hedge funds as part of an effort to simplify its assets and reduce costs, a retreat that could prompt other cities and states to consider similar moves.

The California Public Employees' Retirement System said Monday it would shed its entire $4 billion investment in hedge funds over the next year.
by Tony_L
Sun Aug 17, 2014 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Funniest Movie Ever
Replies: 227
Views: 27691

Re: The Funniest Movie Ever

by Tony_L
Fri Jun 27, 2014 7:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why hedge funds faltered
Replies: 12
Views: 2112

Why hedge funds faltered

Some up to date hedge fund info summarized in the following article.

http://www.financial-planning.com/30-da ... 517-1.html
by Tony_L
Sat Mar 15, 2014 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need advice: Lost lot of money in trading.
Replies: 65
Views: 9242

Re: Need advice: Lost lot of money in trading.

To gain further insight, could you share the details of the trades which caused you to lose so much in just one day? Purchase prices, selling prices and the securities.
by Tony_L
Thu Mar 06, 2014 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What was your dumbest financial decision?
Replies: 173
Views: 25545

Re: What was your dumbest financial decision?

Amazon. Bought at adjusted price of about $2/share. Sold at adj. price of about $3/share. Didn't want to be greedy and get burned. Made more than 50% in relatively short time. Closed today at $372.16. OOPS!!
by Tony_L
Wed Mar 05, 2014 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need help buying health insurance
Replies: 30
Views: 2625

Re: Need help buying health insurance

I don't think you will get hit with a fine. Obama administration said today that "If you like your plan, you can keep your plan" supposedly until 2017 - after the next presidential/national elections. I assume then that you will not be subject to a fine until at least then. I'm not positive of all this but it's how I read the latest set of changes. Lord knows what tomorrow will bring!
by Tony_L
Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: inheriting an inherited ira
Replies: 15
Views: 1697

Re: inheriting an inherited ira

Thanks for help. Problem solved.

Tony
by Tony_L
Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: inheriting an inherited ira
Replies: 15
Views: 1697

Re: inheriting an inherited ira

OOPS, Lord am I getting old = Alzheimers.

They did not die in 1992 they died in 2012.

Big mistake in original post, have no idea what made me type that.

Sincerely apologize. No I did not have a beer tonight, perhaps I should have?!
by Tony_L
Fri Jan 31, 2014 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: inheriting an inherited ira
Replies: 15
Views: 1697

Re: inheriting an inherited ira

It was designated as an inherited IRA when my wife's mother inherited it and was kept separate from her (my wife's mother's) IRA.

It did go through the probate process.

Continued thanks.
by Tony_L
Fri Jan 31, 2014 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: inheriting an inherited ira
Replies: 15
Views: 1697

inheriting an inherited ira

My wife's father died in july of 2012 at the age of 80.

His wife (my wife's mother) inherited his entire ira.

my wife's mother died in October of 2012 at the age of 80.

my wife inherited the ira her mother had inherited from her husband.

My wife took a minimum distribution 20% (1/5) before December of 2013.

It is my understanding that according to the 5 year rule, my wife is required to withdraw all the ira by December 31, 2017.

I however cannot find this in print nor can I find out how much must be distributed each year.

I tried pub 590 but could not find the info I was looking for.

Any link or information regarding this issue would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks to all,
Tony
by Tony_L
Tue Dec 17, 2013 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: international small cap value
Replies: 5
Views: 1117

Re: international small cap value

I, and many other I believe, use DLS. Seems to fill the need fairly well. Decent ER and no advisor needed.
by Tony_L
Wed Sep 18, 2013 8:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Boglehead Rebalancing
Replies: 11
Views: 1656

Re: Boglehead Rebalancing

I, too, use Larry's 5/25 rule. I have also created a worksheet with conditional formation which "tells" me when and how much to rebalance. (Great minds think alike).
Follow the following link to see how to implement Larry's rebalancing rule.

http://investingessentials.blogspot.com ... ncing.html
by Tony_L
Mon May 06, 2013 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1.5% Financial Advisor... or index fund?
Replies: 81
Views: 9757

Re: 1.5% Financial Advisor... or index fund?

Show this modified excerpt from the Wall Street Journal to your wife. Rick Ferri: Buffett Hasn't Been Wrong on Index Funds ... All (my) other investments are primarily in low-cost index funds. Warren Buffett would approve of my strategy. He has been a longtime advocate of index-fund investing. In 1996, he wrote in the Berkshire Hathaway annual report that, "Most investors, both institutional and individual, will find that the best way to own common stocks is through an index fund that charges minimal fees. Those following this path are sure to beat the net results of the great majority of investment professionals." Each year, Mr. Buffet repeats his index-fund endorsement in some fashion or other. "A very low-cost index is goi...
by Tony_L
Tue Apr 02, 2013 9:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn Mower Fix or New
Replies: 30
Views: 5568

Re: Lawn Mower Fix or New

Oh the joys of 10% - 15% ethanol in engines not made to use it!

Tony
by Tony_L
Tue Apr 02, 2013 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Drop My Financial Advisor? Assest allocation for retirement
Replies: 25
Views: 4686

Re: Drop My Financial Advisor? Assest allocation for retire

I would recommend transferring all your IRAs to Vanguard and "investing" them in their money market fund - VMMXX. This will totally simplify your portfolio so you won't have to concern yourself with what to do with it in the short term. Then I would take the time to pursue the readings the others have suggested. Once you have a handle on what you may want to do going forward, you can then purchase the funds you want in the amount you want at a pace that is comfortable for you. If at any time you get confused, change your mind, change your investment direction or whatever, you can always sell one or more of the funds, put the proceeds back into VMMXX and start anew. Call Vanguard, and they will handle the transfer from your current...
by Tony_L
Tue Jan 15, 2013 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is "being frugal"?
Replies: 63
Views: 7637

Re: What is "being frugal"?

Being frugal can, IMHO, best be defined as

[Political comment removed by admin LadyGeek]
by Tony_L
Tue Jan 15, 2013 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your most intense movie scene
Replies: 155
Views: 19667

Re: Your most intense movie scene

JAWS

When the shark is eating the swimmer and dragging her in circles at the beginning of the movie.
by Tony_L
Thu Jan 03, 2013 9:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: After tax 401(k) to Roth IRA law?
Replies: 38
Views: 5777

Re: After tax 401(k) to Roth IRA law?

Things they are a changing!

Budget Deal Lets More Savers Convert To Roth 401(k)s January 3, 2013 • Bloomberg News

[Material in excess of copyright fair use removed by admin LadyGeek]
by Tony_L
Mon Dec 17, 2012 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA - Fideltiy vs Vanguard vs Wells Fargo
Replies: 22
Views: 20970

Re: Roth IRA - Fideltiy vs Vanguard vs Wells Fargo

Vanguard,
Why?
Cheaper
Better investment options
True fiduciaries - they put the interests of their clients ahead of their own
Service - excellent
Wells Fargo - very expensive
sells products
Fidelity - a hybrid between Vanguard and Wells Fargo, want to do what's right but still a for profit company that needs to maximize its' profits which means it has to
maximize its' fees.
I, as well as most others on this site, could list a thousand reasons but if you hang around here for a few weeks and read the posts I think you'll get the idea loud & clear.
by Tony_L
Wed Dec 05, 2012 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio help
Replies: 8
Views: 1554

Re: Portfolio help

I would not express an opinion either way whether or not the three funds would or would not be "riskier" than your current holdings.

I personally use VFSTX for any monies I want to keep "safe" and this decision has been sound to date. I get a little yield, very little volatility and not much interest rate risk in this low yield environment.

With respect to the new book coming out, you obviously have to ask Bill or buy a copy when it comes out. However, having said that, I can't imagine it would propose anything significantly different from that which he has presented in the past. This is because the "rules of successful investing" are relatively timeless.

Tony
by Tony_L
Tue Dec 04, 2012 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio help
Replies: 8
Views: 1554

Re: Portfolio help

GSK: Without meaning to sound condescending, what you need is some basic investement knowledge & acumen as opposed to specific portfolio help. I would suggest you do nothing at all with your portfolio at this time. My recommendation is to go to the reading list suggested on this forum and start an education process. Personally, I always recommend that someone just beginning this process start with the book "The Coffee House Investor" by Bill Schultheis. Then after you read several of the other books, you will understand the Bill's simple truths. Your goal needs to be not to know where to ask for help but rather to be able to be the source of help for yourself and others. By reading the books in the recommended list, you WILL K...
by Tony_L
Sat Mar 31, 2012 9:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there a Vanguard equivalent for this fund?
Replies: 6
Views: 1120

Re: Is there a Vanguard equivalent for this fund?

Investigate the Vanguard ETF - VSS.
by Tony_L
Mon Mar 19, 2012 6:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help Me Understand Bond Funds Please!
Replies: 20
Views: 2576

Re: Help Me Understand Bond Funds Please!

fishnskiguy wrote:
Tony_L wrote:Do bond funds decrease in value each month when they pay interest like stock funds decrease in value when they make quarterly dividend/capital gains distributions?
No. They do not.

One exception is Vanguard's TIPS fund. It slowly appreciates over a quarter, then drops by the amount of the dividend. Why? Nobody on this forum knows precisely why. But it does.

Chris
Thanks.
by Tony_L
Sun Mar 18, 2012 9:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help Me Understand Bond Funds Please!
Replies: 20
Views: 2576

Re: Help Me Understand Bond Funds Please!

Do bond funds decrease in value each month when they pay interest like stock funds decrease in value when they make quarterly dividend/capital gains distributions?
by Tony_L
Sun Feb 26, 2012 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Diversification - I have 90% in Hi Yield Corp.
Replies: 11
Views: 1482

Re: Diversification - I have 90% in Hi Yield Corp.

I suggest you compare your portfolio with the components of The Vanguard Target Retirement fund which is appropriate for your age. You will immediately be able to tell whether or not you are sufficiently diversified and begin to understand what is meant by diversification.
by Tony_L
Thu Feb 23, 2012 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: selling a company - valuation
Replies: 13
Views: 1328

Re: selling a company - valuation

Many mid and all large accounting practices have business valuation services. Bought & sold several companies over the years. This is one area I would not "cheap out" and would do major homework on finding a trusted firm with valuation experience.
by Tony_L
Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "The One Fund I Use to Invest for Retirement"
Replies: 69
Views: 9933

Re: "The One Fund I Use to Invest for Retirement"

Have to wonder why there isn't more tendency toward the managed payout funds. Seems like a reasonable for someone searching for a "once & done" approach.
by Tony_L
Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: International Allocation
Replies: 15
Views: 1543

Re: International Allocation

Here's mine with a fairly strong value/small tilt.

VTIAX (Van. Total Int'l Index) 15%
DLS (Wisdom Tree Small Dividend) 35%
DODFX (Dodge & Cox Int'l) 25%
VSS (Vanguard All-World small cap etf) 25%

Tony
by Tony_L
Fri Jan 27, 2012 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you hold your age in bonds?
Replies: 133
Views: 11332

Re: Do you hold your age in bonds?

I use 120 minus my wife's age in equities. She is one year younger than me. I change it around her birthday each year.
by Tony_L
Tue Dec 20, 2011 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coffee Maker
Replies: 23
Views: 3028

Re: Coffee Maker

We own 2 Bunn model HG 8 cup coffee makers - one at home and 1 at our cabin. Wife & I definitely drink too much coffee, Starbucks. Can make as few as 2 and as many as 8 cups of coffee equally well. Has auto start feature which is especially helpful since it prevents us from having to think about or do anything, except pour and drink the coffee so early in the morning.
Also, if you call Bunn they have different spray heads available with smaller holes. This slows down the rate the water flows over the grounds giving a stronger cup of coffee. Available from Amazon for $92. Also available from some better local department stores but make sure you don't pay more than $99.
Tony
by Tony_L
Sun Nov 13, 2011 8:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Michael Edesess & No Small Cap Effect
Replies: 36
Views: 3664

Michael Edesess & No Small Cap Effect

Michael Edesess is well known and seemingly very well informed. I am not a mathematician or statiscian. Does this proposition by him make sense? If it does it certainly shoots a massive hole in slice & dice - I think.

http://www.advisorperspectives.com/news ... sehood.php
by Tony_L
Tue Nov 01, 2011 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment For Young Grandson
Replies: 14
Views: 1090

Re: Investment For Young Grandson

I suggest you pick an appropriate fund (VTSMX or something similar) in your name. Keep it separate from all your other investments. Let you grandson's parents know what you did, where it is and share the statements with them and your grandson when he is old enough to understand what it is. When the time comes, gift the investment to your grandson (or cash it in and give him the cash).
This way there are no potential problems, hassels, tax implications or anything else and the end result is he receives the benefit of 20 years of being invested.
This is what I would do.
Tony
by Tony_L
Wed Jun 15, 2011 8:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dodge & Cox Funds anyone?
Replies: 17
Views: 5889

atwood wrote:
Tony_L wrote:I use D&C Int'l (dodfx) to get a value tilt to my large cap int'l allocation. They beat Vanguard Int'l Value over all periods I can find. Outside of DFA (which I don't have access to), I haven't found a fund that can give me this piece of portfolio better than D&C can.
I use the same fund for the exact same reasons.
COOL
by Tony_L
Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dodge & Cox Funds anyone?
Replies: 17
Views: 5889

I use D&C Int'l (dodfx) to get a value tilt to my large cap int'l allocation. They beat Vanguard Int'l Value over all periods I can find. Outside of DFA (which I don't have access to), I haven't found a fund that can give me this piece of portfolio better than D&C can.
by Tony_L
Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young investor with significant assets could use some advice
Replies: 8
Views: 2076

You are very fortunate to be in the financial situation you are in. Count your blessings. You are also asking many of the proper questions so, ultimately, I believe you will figure out a plan and program which which will serve you well. As I have pointed out in at least one previous post, you are in a situation where you need to decide what to do now while also being concerned with your long term plan. I'll try to help you with the shorty term here. 1. Yes, maximize the contribution to your Roth IRA. If you can't contribute to a Roth, then contribute the maximum to a traditional IRA. NEXT 2. Contribute as much as your plan allows to your 401k regardless of match. If your 401k plan has a Roth option, use it. NEXT 3. Invest the remainder of y...
by Tony_L
Wed May 25, 2011 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I keep my Financial Advisor or not?
Replies: 29
Views: 4889

Lazy Portfolios

Paul Farrell, a writer for CBS Marketwatch, keeps a list of "lazy portfolios". The list is here: http://www.marketwatch.com/lazyportfolio?siteId=cbs These portfolios have provided investors the opportunity to create a portfolio which generally adheres to the Boglehead philosophy. IMO, the Coffeehouse Portfolio is the simplest and most easily implemented portfolio. You could also do a search for "Taylor's 4 fund portfolio" which is probably even a little simpler yet. All who frequent this forum are familiar with these portfolios and I am sure will be more than willing to answer your questions and address your concerns with these portfolios. You could then call Vanguard and have them handle the transfer of all the assets i...
by Tony_L
Sat May 07, 2011 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: First smoked butt [pork shoulder]
Replies: 33
Views: 4567

My 1st smoked butt was a lucky strike when I was 11 years old. STUPID!! Continued until I was 57 when I quit cold turkey. Wish I had done it 30 years earlier. The way to never smoke your last butt is to never smoke your first.