Bogleheads.org

"but once retired it’s perfectly appropriate to hold a dividend fund. I’m retired too and have about half in total stock market and half in dividend funds."

Thank you. What VG dividend funds do you like? I appreciate the backtest, I can't ever figure out how to use correctly! Is there one dividend fund you like over others or do you have a few different ones? If so, which ones? And am I correct in thinking that dividends/cap gains realized from Regular Ira would only be taxed at 10% if that? Thanks.

"OP, as livesoft said it's not clear how you got into the 12% fed tax bracket." Mistake, 10% bracket. My SS not taxed so after standard deduction I am at 10%, not 12%. I don't withdraw from Tiaa TRad. Past few years since retirement in Oct 2018, I've been using various funds to meet what I need monthly, and with Covid shutting things down for 2 years, have spent very little money. My rent is quite low and my only big expenses are for my own travel (which I adjust according to funds) and helping adult daughter out (she move cross country to west coast and I helped subsidize initially). This year, 2023, my main financial needs are covered with SS and withdrawals I plan again to use for traveling. I have thought about annuitizing my ...

Thanks to really helpful fellow Bogleheads, I am back on track with my asset allocation 60 stock/40 bond and I feel comfortable and the ease of just two funds for foreseeable future. I am 69. Now, if I want to draw down 3-4% annually (or monthly or weekly?) From which fund do I draw? And timing, so I drawdown my % annually, let's say Jan of every year? Or quarterly or monthly? And do I do it automatically (set up a tool w VG) or what? Prior to this dip, I was just taking what I considered "profit", sort of randomly as I needed it, but I know that's not best method. For 2022, for the first time, instead of reinvesting all dividends and cap gains, I took them in Dec 22, stuck them in MM and taking as I need. I switched elections bac...

Thank you so much for such a clear picture of 60/40 with all changes/percentages perfectly aligned. I am not good at the math part, it seems very easy when someone else writes it out for you, which you did and I appreciate it. Now I just have to LEAVE IT ALONE, delete VG website (so i don't look with my morning coffee every day) and live my life! Thanks.

"Other issue/question is why you want div appreciation and equity income in Roth."

I thought it was good spot for dividend funds, but I am wide open for changing. Suggestions? Considering I have
no foreign funds, should I switch these? I have read conflicting information here how they fit into a 2 fund portfolio?
If switch in order, suggestions for international/global fund?
Thank you so much for concrete detailed responses!

[Second thread merged here - moderator ClaycordJCA] I am original poster (Is it OK to bump this and get portfolio review?) I would like AA to be 60% stock 40% bond. I am 69 yo and struggling to achieve AA I want and how to draw down effectively until I have to take RMD (which for me now is 73) According to my VG portfolio tool: 45% stock/33% bond/22% other (Which is my TIAA TRAD I consider bond fund) Because Stocks/Bonds scattered in different funds, it was difficult for me to get portfolio to align but I am almost there, I think VG Taxable Brokerage: VTSAX Total Stock $27K Regular Taxable IRA : VTSAX Total Stock $77K VWIAX Wellesley $160K VG Roth: VBTLX Total Bond $47K VDADX Div Appreciation $18K VEIPX Equity Income $17K TIAA TRAD $97K In...

These are both in my Roth portion of portfolio. One is actively managed, other is index. Should I keep both or absorb one into the other? Thanks, as always!


Vanguard Equity Income Fund Inv/VEIPX (Large Value) Vanguard Dividend Apprec Idx Adm/VDADX (Large Blend)

[OP’s duplicate post requesting a portfolio review was merged into this thread below - moderator ClaycordJCA]

4.35%*ANNUAL PERCENTAGE YIELD
MySavings Account
America's Highest Rate.** © 2023 MySavingsDirect, a division of Emigrant Bank, Member FDIC, Certificate No. 12054. All rights reserved.

I just opened an account and am thinking of rebalancing some funds here. Thoughts? They are part of Emigrant and FDIC. My Tiaa Trad only 4% !

Thanks so much for a variety of thoughts which is exactly what I'm looking for bc I have a tendency to get very caught up in "the NUMBER"; which,yes, I considered an achievement once I got there and considered it 'real' --at the same time realizing it was bc of a great runup that was too good to be true and always considering how much I could lose with dropping dead haha and investing accordingly ... I am happy I reallocated to a more conservative portfolio when I did after being 100% Total Stock for a long time; I am happy the year I retired (2018-2019) prior to Covid I did improvements in my apartment and traveled quite a bit with profits (I retired with abt $500K and had no qualms about withdrawing 4-5% over the years . ) I hav...

Thanks. I’m single with a very low monthly nut since I am in a rent stabilized apt with all utilities included and no major health issues etc.
I can get by on just my SS for a while; cutting out traveling, no large expenses expected. Staying the course!!

I have lost 70K from my portfolio from the recent downturns (despite being 70%bonds/30%stock). I am retired since 2018, just turned 69. Portfolio now abt $430K ish....how long before portfolio could possibly rise to prior level? I know this all would be a prediction, but generally speaking, based on historical markets, any ideas? Currently doing my best to live on SS and not take anything out of retirement savings until things improve (if ever?) Thanks and I hope this isn't a ridiculous question.

Are monthly annuity payouts from Tiaa Trad taxable? I have a gap between SS monthly income and am planning to annuitize my $100K Trad to close the gap. This will also serve to lower my RMD (I'm 68 now) too, as this holding will no longer exist? I will only have RMD from VG regular IRA , not Roth, correct?

I was actually wondering if not only 'my' portfolio would be hacked, but Vanguard as an entity. I presume VG has excellent cyber security? Who really knows, though? I was thinking of calling and asking, LOL. They (Russia, individual hackers) have gotten into government sites, hospital systems, etc etc. I'm not really gonna take money and put it under my bed, but this is something I wonder about. I also have only paper statements in case 'everything' at VG disappeared, in the hopes when all settled and up again, I would be able to prove what was in portfolio.
Also, my balance is almost up to what it was before most recent 'crash,' so YAY Vanguard.

Is anyone worried about your financial institutions being hacked after what happened with Twitter? How easy do you think it would be for Vanguard to be hacked and what would happen if your portfolio disappeared? I know this sounds far-fetched, but then again, everything from 2016 on would have appeared far-fetched in 2015. I have thoughts about portioning maybe half my portfolio in gold or cash or something and keeping it in a safety deposit box.....Anyone else share these fears?

Bumping, if ok: I am 66 yo and collect $22K annually from SS. My living expenses are low. I have been retired since 2018. I need help re-balancing and a plan going forward bc I'm moving funds within my Roth and Reg IRA around too much and don't have a plan of withdrawal other than using MM funds when I need to supplement monthly SS. It looks like yearly shortfall between SS and expenses will be approx $15K based on approx $38K needed PA. I have TIAA TRAD from employment of $88K which I consider part of bond holdings. I have VG funds in 3 buckets: MM/ Trad IRA/ Roth IRA In VG MM: $32K In VG Trad IRA: Total Bond = $154K Wellington= $106K In VG Roth IRA: Div Apprec= $17K Equity Index= $19K Total Bond= $43K Wellington= $21K According to today's...

I am 66 yo and collect $22K annually from SS. My living expenses are low. I have been retired since 2018. I need help re-balancing and a plan going forward bc I'm moving funds within my Roth and Reg IRA around too much and don't have a plan of withdrawal other than using MM funds when I need to supplement monthly SS. It looks like yearly shortfall between SS and expenses will be approx $15K based on approx $38K needed PA. I have TIAA TRAD from employment of $88K which I consider part of bond holdings. I have VG funds in 3 buckets: MM/ Trad IRA/ Roth IRA I n VG MM: $32K In VG Trad IRA: Total Bond = $154K Wellington= $106K In VG Roth IRA: Div Apprec= $17K Equity Index= $19K Total Bond= $43K Wellington= $21K According to today's VG portfolio a...

oh, and I called after five when i figured it wouldn't be horribly busy, so it took effect next day.

I was on hold for a very long time but put phone on speaker and lived my life until someone picked up; when they finally did, very very helpful. This was middle of last week. HTH!

I just did this using Turbo Tax; called VG, and they walked me through it on the phone, signed and everything. Just one phone call, about 10 minutes.

I forgot to add to original post from Sunday: I am already retired one year; 66 yo; SS monthly covering all expenses (rent stabilized apt w all utilities included; adult daughter living w me and paying half expenses); have about $100K totally safe w TIAA Guaranteed; abt $200K VG Total Bond (in my traditional Ira); and *HAD* about $200K in various (Roth/Trad IRA) VG funds (Total stock; some dividend funds; International ) So total portfolio during Feb high was about $510 and now is about $430K. Luckily I had taken about $20K of profit off the table and had used it during 2019 to supplement and take some vacations. So I'm fine for now, and know stock funds are all over the place and wait them out, but I want to retain my $200K that's in Total...

I forgot to add to original post from Sunday: I am already retired one year; 66 yo; SS monthly covering all expenses (rent stabilized apt w all utilities included; adult daughter living w me and paying half expenses); have about $100K totally safe w TIAA Guaranteed; abt $200K VG Total Bond (in my traditional Ira); and *HAD* about $200K in various (Roth/Trad IRA) VG funds (Total stock; some dividend funds; International ) So total portfolio during Feb high was about $510 and now is about $430K. Luckily I had taken about $20K of profit off the table and had used it during 2019 to supplement and take some vacations. So I'm fine for now, and know stock funds are all over the place and wait them out, but I want to retain my $200K that's in Total...

My VG Total Bond in my regular IRA fund seems to be losing money. Does it make sense to exchange some (half?) to VG NY Muni MM which shows a 2.23% compound yield? This is disclaimer when I went to do it: Warning: You're purchasing either a municipal bond fund or a tax-managed stock fund in your retirement account. Generally, these types of funds are intended for purchase in nonretirement accounts. Municipal bond funds have tax benefits that are only realized in taxable, nonretirement accounts. Tax-managed stock funds are designed to minimize taxable distributions in nonretirement accounts; however, you may invest in tax-managed stock funds in your retirement account. I want allocate to more safety for now. I know my stock funds are going to...

Hi,
Does anyone have a CPA specializing in the concerns of senior age/retired people? I have tax questions, Roth conversion questions, and questions about which funds to draw down first in regard to tax consequences. Is there one person (or person within a firm) that you could refer; ideally have already used yourself or know someone personally who has? If possible, give me a concrete rec, including name, where generally located etc. Thank you so much!
Robin

And I'm going to sit down and spend time with this: VPW Accumulation And Retirement Worksheet, it appears it will very helpful. ALL of the thread, links, etc., you guys post are again, very helpful!!

Thanks again for all responses, it is very reassuring to see other people struggle with this....Yes, yes, it is AVERSE !! I don't worry about eating cat food but I do worry about the amount of time I spend sort of obsessing/ruminating over my finances in retirement. I tend to be neurotic and over think things. I think I need to consult a CPA who is savvy with retirement/conversions/payouts, etc. and work out a 4 year plan until age 70.5 when my RMD will be exactly the amount to fill the gap between SS and my needs. I also acknowledge the conflict in thinking about taking SS at FRA or 70, but for me, age 66 (FRA for me) bday is this month actually, is what I feel comfortable with bc, again, psychologically, it feels better receiving this che...

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses, much appreciated, and for directing me to other helpful threads.

Robin

Btw, MikeG7, that was a great thread for me to read, thanks!

Littlebird, I have been thinking a lot about that too. If I annutized my Tia Trad it would pretty much meet the gap between SS and what I need annually; but again, another psychological dilemma, giving up that large of a sum of money! I think I overthink and am pretty neurotic in general LOL

sport wrote: ↑Sun Oct 06, 2019 3:45 pm If you have a taxable account, you should discontinue any reinvestments of distributions. Having such distributions sent to your checking account (or MM fund) will provide some "painless" withdrawals for living expenses." +1 When I retired, I changed the dividends and capital gains distributions of the taxable accounts to cash, rather than reinvesting." Having this cash flow, plus pension and (soon) SS, means that little principal is being drawn down from taxable accounts. And nothing from IRAs yet. Thanks for responses: That is one thing I was thinking. I have a fair amount of dividend funds reinvesting and with my SS starting next month it should help. By 'other' money, I meant I...

Does anyone have this issue? My retirement portfolio is at a certain "number" which is very pleasing and reassuring to me. I'm good to draw down from my portfolio at 3.5-4% for next 30 years. I retired a year ago and have been using other money to live until my SS kicks in next month. I'm FRA 66 years old. I have to start 'paying myself' next month. I don't want my "number" to change! I know this is ridiculous, and that I have to psychologically think about this "number" a different way. I need a system to "pay myself" monthly. If left to my own devices I would nickel and dime withdrawals as I need it but this doesn't work with forecasting, budget planning, etc. What 'systems' do people use? I'm not h...

But you have to be a government employee, no?

Following this because I would like to find the same thing, based in NYC. How do you find, without any personal recommendations?

So many options and POV! Yes, I meant my plan is a Medicare Advantage Plan, not original Medicare. It has (basic) vision coverage and the 2 cleanings mentioned. I also have high myopia and always have to end up paying a lot for my contacts and glasses; I used Costco Vision services which are very affordable. And yes, preventive dental upkeep important because of IMPLANTS which cost an arm and a leg. I bit into what was supposed to be a non-pitted olive and promptly broke a back molar in half. It was beyond repair. I actually contacted insurance company of retail store where I purchased the olives and they paid out a substantial enough sum to me to cover the expense, thank god. With the dental, I think I'm gonna stick with the two cleanings,...

I have AARP Medicaid Managed Care Mosaic plan and they cover 2 cleanings per year. I find this to be a good Advantage plan for me bc all my doctors here in NYC accept it; my preferred hospital (Weill Cornell) accepts it, and there is zero monthly premium to pay. They use Optum for drugs and the 3 RX I use daily come out to be approx $35ish per 90 day supply. I've only had it for one year, but so far so good...knocks on wood !

LOL. But what do you use for dental costs then? What are alternatives?

This is my first year of retirement. I've used my two free Medicare cleanings I'm entitled to, and now need to choose some sort of plan. Any suggestions? I've been looking at dental insurance and then the flat rate, discounted plans. What has worked best for you? I'm in NYC and my regular dentist only accepts Delta Dental, but I'm open to other options. Thanks.

Thank you for response. Question: Why would I do this?
"Take a transfer payment option for the TIAA Traditional to transfer the money over several years to a rollover IRA."
I consider the Trad as my 'bond' fund and like the 3% guarantee. What would be benefit in moving?

Portfolio Review? I am 66 woman, adult daughter, recent retired social worker, single HoH, 12% Fed tax bracket , beginning SS 10/2019 {approx $23K annually}, need approx $18K drawdown from portfolio {about 3.5% per year} which includes all living expenses-- stabilized rent/ins/travel/ medical/ etc. I'm meeting with an accountant soon. Need advice re doing Roth conversions, or just draw from taxable IRAs first until reach RMD time? The $34k non-Ira (taxable) is for emergencies. Have I left out anything? Does it look ok? My TIAA "wealth manager" thinks I'm crazy not to have whole portfolio with Tiaa so payouts, etc, can be 'managed' for me. Also thinking about annuitizing the Tiaa Trad when RMD begins or later at some point. Thank y...

duckie

"Rough comparison here by using VTSMX and a 0.52% annual withdrawal. 1993-present $10K turned into $96,904 vs. $110,972."


So are you saying there is an approx $14000 difference? VG is the $96k and Tiaa $110K?

Is it possible to see the difference of a VG Total Stock Market expense .04% -V- Tiaa Cref Stock Account R1 of 0.56% of $100,000 over a 10 yr period?
I hope I did this correctly. Thanks!

I just wrote an incredibly long and detailed response to all of your wonderful ideas and it appears to have been eaten! I can't find it on this thread. Does this happen often?

Oh, and it's just me. I was a single mother by choice and have never been married. There is no other person for fall back, it's all me! My 23 yo daughter has moved back in w me after college and has started her first job, and she is paying me half of (my very low rent).

"Is this a Roth IRA?"

Yes. And 'broker/friend' IKR?

66yo Single female, 1 adult daughter SS (beginning Oct. 19) $22000 year Tiaa Guaranteed : $288K total ( 77% or $222K Guaranteed 24% or $66K Equity Stock Fund ) Vanguard: $104K Qualified in MM (parked there, and question is where to invest it to make up approx $20K yr shortfall until RMD time) $53K Wellesley Qualified $30K Nonqual MM for emergencies Need/want approx $40k year until begin RMD (another post!) ( $40K Includes low fixed monthly rent; bills; travel; Medicare, etc) SS will bring in $22K Goal: How best to generate approx $20 K year starting now? Fairly low risk tolerance. Low tax bracket. Age 70 1/2 RMD time goal: Keep portfolio growing (want to leave daughter $100K) ; Keep RMD / taxes down / recession proof / inflation protected U...

Hi, quick question: Does anyone here have any direct experience with this product? I am going to post a full portfolio review when I have all my info gathered but a broker friend suggested this for $100K I have sitting in Vanguard Prime MM (as Roth). Thanks.

Prudential Premier Retirement B / HDI v3.0 Annuity.

wow. i just went to Doctor of Credit page/Reddit/ along w prior threads here etc. for these new bank and new CC bonus offers and THERE IS SO MUCH TO READ AND DIGEST. ACK!!
I now feel paralyzed lol. How do you compare/contract/make best choice, etc., without devoting all your free time to this? I'm brand new to credit card churning!
Robin
Newly retired and trying to make good choices, be frugal, stay in 12% bracket, optimize retirement portfolio, decide when to begin SS, and not go crazy.

Hi,
I have some cash and I'm wondering if I'm missing anything is these bank offers? HSBC $10K deposit w $350 bonus? I think you need to leave in account for 3 months (?) which is not a problem. Has to be new money, also not problem. Am I missing anything? Seems to good to be true.
Thanks for opinions, all are welcome!
Robin

Can the underlined/bold parts of reply be explained? Thank you! Rather than which bucket, perhaps pick the combo that would give you an even amount with what you expect after age 70. If you will be in 12% bracket, then perhaps choose money from sources that will also bring you near top of, but not above 12% bracket. The first amount is 0%, the amount of your standard deduction and possibly some credits, so you definitely want to have at least that amount of taxable income. It could be cash, CDs, funds with Capital Gains, IRAs, IRA conversion to Roth, etc. Probably not use Roth for this or next bracket as there is little or no tax involved Next is the 10% rate which you should probably use up. Then perhaps some or all of the 12% bracket, dep...

Where do you advise I keep $50K cash? Since sale was taxable event, I'm going to be paying taxes from sale in 2019 and I don't want to stash it anywhere where I'll again be taxed on withdrawal but I don't think having $50K in MM account or under my mattress makes sense or does it? If my 2019 tax rate will be very low, I will be paying v little tax on cap gains, so does it make sense to reinvest it now while market is down? I expect gains over the years will surpass any cap gains tax I pay in 2019 but that does mean that whenever it's withdrawn I will have paid tax twice. Thank you all for help! Robin Single, Head of Household, (15-22% tax rate?) Retired Social Worker 9/2018, 65 yo No Debt TOTAL ASSETS: Tiaa $280,000 Traditional, not annuiti...