Search found 729 matches

by Tyrobi
Sun Jul 30, 2023 8:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Have you recovered from the market downturn?
Replies: 117
Views: 10800

Re: Have you recovered from the market downturn?

Net worth is at an all time high, but I'm still in accumulation stage.
by Tyrobi
Thu Jul 27, 2023 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 41 and FI, going back to school?
Replies: 31
Views: 4436

Re: 41 and FI, going back to school?

When I was 55, I semi-retired (2 days a week) because I could, and went back to school for an additional degree (music) that was totally different than my profession (health care). I went 3 days a week for 4 years and got an a B.S. in composition. I worked very hard and did well, and was quite productive. I enjoyed the experience and would do it again! From my perspective, it's probably the best thing you could ever do with your time. Go for it! I had a friend who went back for a Ph.D. in psychology in his late 40s, and spent about 7 years doing so. He loved it and did well. If you can afford to do it and are motivated and get into a program you want, just do it. And good luck. PS - don't worry about the other students being younger than y...
by Tyrobi
Thu Jun 15, 2023 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I am doing it. FIRE
Replies: 30
Views: 8331

Re: I am doing it. FIRE

Congrats!
by Tyrobi
Wed May 24, 2023 5:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your hobbies?
Replies: 561
Views: 16633

Re: What is your #1 hobby? (I need to develop new skill/hobby.)

Pick guitar backup again 5 years ago and try to play it daily. On the weekend, I play guitar for my church. Currently, I've no plan for paying gigs but intend to keep playing guitar during retirement and to join a cover band for fun.
by Tyrobi
Fri May 19, 2023 6:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where do you bank and why? 2023 Edition
Replies: 306
Views: 39056

Re: Where do you bank and why? 2023 Edition

Schwab Checking for free check and ATM withdrawal.

Apple Saving for high rate and convenient.
by Tyrobi
Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Re: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

teniralc wrote: Wed Apr 19, 2023 6:25 pm Does Apple first require you get the Apple card, requiring a hard credit pull, then you can open the savings account?
To open Apple savings account, you will need to apply for Apple Card first by opening the Wallet app and select Apple Card.

If you apply for Apple Card and your application is approved, there's no impact to your credit score until you accept your offer. If you accept your offer, a hard inquiry is made. This may impact your credit score. If your application is declined or you reject your offer, your credit score isn't impacted by the soft inquiry associated with your application.
by Tyrobi
Wed Apr 19, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Re: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

abuss368 wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 8:36 pm I would not want two separate accounts.

Best.
Tony
Same mindset. I only have one main savings account, Ally, since 2009. I think it's time for me to transition to a better savings. I don't know if that better one will be Apple Savings that fits our need or something else entirely. But once I figure out the better savings long term, I'll definitely consolidate and keep only one account.
by Tyrobi
Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Re: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

I don't have an Apple Card & don't plan on getting one; this new savings account doesn't really change the equation. Like the credit card, it's not bad but it isn't all that great either. I'm already getting better rates on my cash elsewhere, so I think I'll stay put. I got the Apple card because it's 3% on Apple products (and Walgreens). It's 2% on all else. I usually use my Fidelity 2% over the Apple 2% because my Fidelity rewards go to investments. Other cards beat Apple Card for food, groceries, and gas. Bottom Line: The Apple Card is minimally useful right now, and more useful if their savings rates become competitive. Same thinking. Our family transitions to Apple pay with Apple card to milk that 2-3% reward. For Amazon, gas and ...
by Tyrobi
Tue Apr 18, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Re: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

hmw wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:59 pm 4.15% is nice but one can do better.

I use CIT savings connect which pays 4.5%. My Fidelity cash management account has a current 7-day yield of about 4.5% if one chooses a Govt money market fund.
Valid point. There're other options with better rate for sure. I've several tiers of emergency funds. Savings account is holding cash for immediate need after checking, then the extra cash is filling up two ibonds. The issue is I've been using Ally as my main savings account for 14 years while there's better option available. It's time to shop around for a better savings long term.
by Tyrobi
Mon Apr 17, 2023 10:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Re: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

Stinky wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:20 pm Is Apple Savings covered by FDIC insurance?
Apple Savings are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.
by Tyrobi
Mon Apr 17, 2023 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Re: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

OrangeKiwi wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 8:24 pm CIT bank has been offering 4.5% for a while now, and they are always offering among the highest rates, and they have a nice online interface, and $250k transfer limits.
I should shop around for a better savings account, but I've been with Ally for a very long time as my main savings. According to Bankrate ranking, Apple savings is only the 11th highest on the market. However, it beats my main savings account with Ally that I've been loyal for years. I'll test ride a bit before making decision to switching fully to Apple savings.
by Tyrobi
Mon Apr 17, 2023 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?
Replies: 68
Views: 7943

Anyone Switching to Apple Savings?

I store my extra cash (emergency fund) that I don’t need outside of my checking in Ally earning a decent rate comparing to other saving accounts (3.75%). Now Apple enters the market offering 4.15% high-yield savings. I just open my savings account with Apple and transfers some money to test ride it. Our family uses Apple products for years and is very familiar with Apple ecosystem. So I really like Apple offering this savings account. I’m still debating whether to keep my extra cash in Ally or transfer them to Apple Savings. Is anyone thinking about switching their main saving accounts to Apple high-yield savings account earning superior rate? How to set up Apple Savings: 1. On your iPhone, open the Wallet app and tap Apple Card. 2. Tap the...
by Tyrobi
Mon Apr 10, 2023 8:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How long have you been in your current house?
Replies: 148
Views: 12394

Re: How long have you been in your current house?

11 years on our second house, our current one.

5 years on our starter house then we sold it.
by Tyrobi
Sun Nov 27, 2022 7:44 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: My Vietnam Surprise
Replies: 10
Views: 3111

Re: My Vietnam Surprise

That's very nice Taylor!
by Tyrobi
Mon Jun 20, 2022 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Boglehead musicians out there?
Replies: 284
Views: 21802

Re: Any Boglehead musicians out there?

Amateur here. I play guitar and my wife plays keyboard/piano for our church.

I took guitar lessons as a kid but then abandon it for decades until 5 years ago. Guitar is now my main hobby/passion and I try to put in ~2 hours of practice daily. I currently own Taylor acoustic and Fender electric. I also take weekly online lesson and follow Troy Stetina's methods (Metal Rhythm Guitar & Metal Lead Guitar). My goal is to be good enough to join a cover band as a lead guitarist. Hopefully, one day when I semi-retire or retire, I can enroll in a music school.

Nice thread!
by Tyrobi
Sat May 07, 2022 11:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your Net Worth Regression
Replies: 350
Views: 59825

Re: Share your Net Worth Regression

Dec 2021 - $2.32 M
May 2022 - $2.26 M
by Tyrobi
Sun Apr 10, 2022 9:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Vanguard Response To The War In Ukraine"
Replies: 53
Views: 7517

Re: "Vanguard Response To The War In Ukraine"

The overall exposure to Russia in Vanguard funds is very limited – accounting for less than 0.01% of client assets – and the vast majority of that exposure is in our index funds. We have suspended purchases of Russian securities across our internally and externally managed active funds and are actively working to further reduce our exposure to Russia and exit the positions across our index funds. Vanguard stands ready to apply further measures announced by governments against Russia for its unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
Thanks Vanguard!
by Tyrobi
Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walking Coast-to-Coast
Replies: 109
Views: 14001

Re: Walking Coast-to-Coast

Wow! Awesome long trip and amazing story about perseverance.
by Tyrobi
Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Youtube Premium worth $119.99/yr (+tax)?
Replies: 24
Views: 3174

Re: Is Youtube Premium worth $119.99/yr (+tax)?

Worth it for our family and kids with the family plan. We don't have cable, Netflix nor watch TV so YouTube premium makes sense in our situation. Plus, we use YouTube music constantly everyday.
by Tyrobi
Thu Jan 13, 2022 6:51 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Abuss368 has 25,000 posts!!
Replies: 55
Views: 8492

Re: Abuss368 has 10,000 posts!!

abuss368 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 6:59 pm
Tyrobi wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:40 am Awesome Abuss368!
Hi Tyrobi -

Been a while and hope you are well. Hopefully the Three Fund Portfolio and life are treating you good!

Tony
Yup, we're still following the three-fund portfolio throughout all these years, and it has been treating us pretty well. Thanks for all your insights Tony!
by Tyrobi
Wed Jan 12, 2022 9:40 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Abuss368 has 25,000 posts!!
Replies: 55
Views: 8492

Re: Abuss368 has 10,000 posts!!

Awesome Abuss368!
by Tyrobi
Fri Jan 07, 2022 8:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe, Panic and sell, now what?
Replies: 12
Views: 4441

Re: Larry Swedroe, Panic and sell, now what?

Another excellent article by Larry Swedroe! Thanks for the link, OP.
by Tyrobi
Sat Nov 20, 2021 10:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Fees Are Your Foe"
Replies: 15
Views: 2425

Re: "Fees Are Your Foe"

Thanks for the recap with super important message about fees, Taylor!
by Tyrobi
Sat Nov 20, 2021 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: PSA: Schwab now offers Zelle
Replies: 36
Views: 5358

Re: PSA: Schwab now offers Zelle

Good to know. Thanks! I've been using Ally's Zelle to pay my lawn-care guy. Prefer to use Schwab's checking account instead of Ally's saving account.
by Tyrobi
Sun Oct 24, 2021 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712528

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

"Metal Lead Guitar Vol. 1" by Troy Stetina
by Tyrobi
Mon Sep 27, 2021 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Learning to play the guitar as an adult - possible?
Replies: 45
Views: 5249

Re: Learning to play the guitar as an adult - possible?

It’s definitely possible to learn guitar as an adult. As an early 40s guitar learner, I appreciate many good tips in this thread already. As mentioned previously, Justin Guitar can provide a very good structure for a beginner to master the basics before branching out to more advance styles. It’s a good review to cover knowledge gap for self learner even if some of Justin’s lessons are easy. Practice with metronome is a must for improvement, and record video of your playing is highly recommended to see your progress. Make time to practice daily. I mean every single day even if it’s just 15 minutes. If your situation allows, getting a teacher is always preferable. Making adjustments according to instructions given by a teacher is so valuable ...
by Tyrobi
Tue Aug 10, 2021 12:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogleheads now on YouTube
Replies: 155
Views: 48230

Re: Bogleheads now on YouTube

Subscribed. Thanks for the news.
by Tyrobi
Wed Mar 31, 2021 5:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: For those using a Roth IRA since the beginning (1998?), what's your balance? (Come on, we're anonymous)
Replies: 68
Views: 8758

Re: For those using a Roth IRA since the beginning (1998?), what's your balance? (Come on, we're anonymous)

I max contributed to Roth IRA and also did one mega back door last year. My current balance is $267k.

I also contributed into my wife’s spousal Roth IRA as she’s SAHM. Her Roth IRA balance currently is $115k.
by Tyrobi
Tue Mar 30, 2021 11:03 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562185

Re: Paid Off Our Mortgage!!

Congrats! You're on the nice path toward early retirement!

I too paid off our mortgage early and really glad we did it in our 30's.
by Tyrobi
Fri May 22, 2020 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: COVID - 19 things to do
Replies: 51
Views: 5026

Re: COVID - 19 things to do

Bring back guitar into my life and practice daily now.

I feel so blessed to have so much dedicated time for guitar :D.
by Tyrobi
Thu Mar 26, 2020 7:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any other investors with 70/30 portfolio?
Replies: 130
Views: 28146

Re: Any other investors with 70/30 portfolio?

Tyrobi wrote: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:55 pm I'm 35 with a target 70/30. Currently, the actual % is 68/32.
I'm 40 and our target is still 70/30. I'm staying the course.

Nice to see this thread again.
by Tyrobi
Tue Jan 29, 2019 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What lifestyle creep made you happier?
Replies: 626
Views: 96589

Re: What lifestyle creep made you happier?

Upgraded to a high-end Taylor guitar.
by Tyrobi
Wed Jan 16, 2019 6:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81249

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

RIP John Bogle! My family and I are forever grateful for your advice and contribution.
by Tyrobi
Sat Nov 17, 2018 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Men's crew neck t-shirts
Replies: 47
Views: 5169

Re: Men's crew neck t-shirts

Another vote for Uniqlo, simple and comfortable undershirt.
by Tyrobi
Wed Nov 07, 2018 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Penfed Rewards Card - Gas purchase rewards question
Replies: 21
Views: 1728

Re: Penfed Rewards Card - Gas purchase rewards switcharoo

Is your card PenFed Platinum Cash Rewards Visa? I just check and I still get 5% as CASH REWARDS STMT CREDIT automatically each month.

I remember I used to have PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature for gas purchase but then PenFed made the switch to 1% way in late 2016. So I changed it to PenFed Platinum Cash Rewards Visa just for the gas purchase with 5% reward.
by Tyrobi
Sun Sep 02, 2018 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gentlemen: underwear shopping question
Replies: 35
Views: 5102

Re: Gentlemen: underwear shopping question

I convert both my underwear and undershirt to Uniqlo AIRism ones. Light weight and very comfortable all around. They're good for traveling and minimalist lifestyle.

Uniqlo refuses to sell their brand on Amazon so you'll have to order somewhere else if buying online. Luckily, there's an Uniqlo store in my town.
by Tyrobi
Fri Aug 24, 2018 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is Treasury Direct worth the hassle?
Replies: 52
Views: 10908

Re: Is Treasury Direct worth the hassle?

HueyLD wrote: Fri Aug 24, 2018 2:22 pm What is an efficient way to deal with TD? Can you share your tips?
For instance, each person has their own preferred way to login. For me, I only use one laptop (MacBook Pro) to interact with TD. Never have issue with login or lock account. I also find that the website is easy to deal with since I have my own system to retrieve quickly account number/password/email code/security answers each and every time (same for my wife).

Others might have their own methods to deal with TD smoothly. I agree that if you hate dealing with TD then it's good idea to simplify and get rid of TD account.
by Tyrobi
Fri Aug 24, 2018 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is Treasury Direct worth the hassle?
Replies: 52
Views: 10908

Re: Is Treasury Direct worth the hassle?

I'm using I-bond as our emergency fund to earn a better rate, $10k for me and $10k for my spouse annually. Once I develop an efficient way to deal with TD, I don't find TD to be a hassle at all.

If you don't find your own simple way to deal with TD then it can be a hassle. In this case, it's not worth it to keep an account with TD.
by Tyrobi
Thu Aug 16, 2018 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Savings rate per month???
Replies: 68
Views: 7483

Re: Savings rate per month???

Saving rate is at 55%.
by Tyrobi
Thu Jul 19, 2018 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 150261

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser - 88k miles - Bought brand new in July 2006 - Work vehicle
2009 Toyota Camry - 69k miles - Bought brand new in Dec 2008 - Family vehicle
by Tyrobi
Wed Jul 18, 2018 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you ever purchased a pricy musical instrument?
Replies: 106
Views: 10302

Re: Have you ever purchased a pricy musical instrument?

4 grand for wife's piano.
2.5 grand for my guitar.
by Tyrobi
Tue Jul 10, 2018 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prepaid cell phone plan vs Regular Contract Plan
Replies: 30
Views: 4086

Re: Prepaid cell phone plan vs Regular Contract Plan

If you like AT&T plan/signal, try switching to Cricket for similar quality but cheaper. I believe AT&T also owns Cricket so it's a big plus if you like AT&T's tower signal in your area. That's why we did it for my wife and I with 2 lines on Cricket for $70.
by Tyrobi
Fri Jul 06, 2018 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar
Replies: 18
Views: 6226

Re: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar

You're all making me second guess myself :D . I thought I've done enough research to settle down on a Lakewood. Just to give some background. I enrolled and learned classical guitar when I was very young, and I played guitar for my church choir until I left for college. After that I stopped playing guitar entirely until recently when I bought a very cheap acoustic guitar that I always leave at my truck to play when at work assignment. At home I've another cheap classical guitar that I've owned for a long time. Now I just want to upgrade to a good guitar that I can treasure and go right into enjoying fingerstyle without having to try/buy several premium guitars in the process. The proper way to buy only one premium guitar is to have an open...
by Tyrobi
Sat Jun 30, 2018 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you learning or studying?
Replies: 112
Views: 12317

Re: What are you learning or studying?

Fingerstyle guitar. Try to master a new song every 2-4 weeks.
by Tyrobi
Thu Jun 28, 2018 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar
Replies: 18
Views: 6226

Re: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar

You're all making me second guess myself :D . I thought I've done enough research to settle down on a Lakewood. Just to give some background. I enrolled and learned classical guitar when I was very young, and I played guitar for my church choir until I left for college. After that I stopped playing guitar entirely until recently when I bought a very cheap acoustic guitar that I always leave at my truck to play when at work assignment. At home I've another cheap classical guitar that I've owned for a long time. Now I just want to upgrade to a good guitar that I can treasure and go right into enjoying fingerstyle without having to try/buy several premium guitars in the process. The proper way to buy only one premium guitar is to have an open ...
by Tyrobi
Thu Jun 28, 2018 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar
Replies: 18
Views: 6226

Re: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar

All fair advices. Greatly appreciate! Unfortunately, there're no authorized Lakewood dealers around where I live. Recently I traveled to SoCal and there's a Lakewood shop 1.5 hours from my hotel. But due to schedule conflict and unsure if I would buy, I didn't make that drive to try out potential Lakewood. Anyway, I intend to stop by the local shop to try out Martin, Taylor and other brands. Hopefully, they do carry Lakewood one for me to try. If I do order a Lakewood from Germany, I'll have to trust their brand as there's no way I can test the one they'll build and ship to me. Hence, it's the reason to ask Bogleheads that I trust about Lakewood. The way I see it is any premium guitar is already better than the beginner guitars that I curre...
by Tyrobi
Thu Jun 28, 2018 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar
Replies: 18
Views: 6226

Re: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar

Lakewood is a decent brand for fingerstyle guitar, a style that I recently fall in love with. I'm sure Taylor and Martin guitars would be excellent too. I have never own any premium guitars so just want to make sure the next good guitar I buy is the one I love to keep and to play for a long time.

I expect to buy one at $3k+ and got an okay from the wife to spend (already bought a piano that she loves years ago). I have searched around and a US Lakewood dealer gave me a quote of $2,450 for a custom M-32 CP with options that I chose. It's very similar to Sungha Jung Signature. It's cheaper than buying from ebay or other online site, but I'll have to wait 4 months for it to be built in Germany if I place the order.
by Tyrobi
Wed Jun 27, 2018 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar
Replies: 18
Views: 6226

Need opinion on buying a Lakewood guitar

Any Bogleheads guitar players own or have played a Lakewood guitar? I know some members prefer Taylor and Martin guitars, but I’m looking to buy a grand concert acoustic guitar from Lakewood (M-32 CP). I currently own two cheap guitars, an acoustic and a nylon guitar. My goal is to get one premium guitar to own for a long time. Now it's the time to upgrade to a Lakewood guitar.

Would appreciate any input or opinion on Lakewood guitar.