Search found 86 matches

by shashi
Tue Jun 20, 2017 1:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Moving to SF Bay Area, Considering REITs for investments
Replies: 14
Views: 4150

Re: Moving to SF Bay Area, Considering REITs for investments

There is no correlation with folks suggesting here such as tech index or reit. It is better in my opinion to have a small condo rather than paying huge rents. Consider slight commute from areas like San Carlos to Palo Alto.

Any way all the best. Just remember like bogleheads there is a way to live with less expensive housing even in Bay area as long as you are willing to make slight compromises in commute.
by shashi
Tue Jun 20, 2017 12:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30 yr TIPS auction 6/22: yield 1.0%?
Replies: 37
Views: 6447

Re: 30 yr TIPS auction 6/22: yield 1.0%?

Same with holding treasury inflation protection and believing that it will take care of true inflation when we actually need to draw.

In other words, we should just have very very low expectations of any iprotection and keep working longer hopefully with decent health.
by shashi
Mon Jun 19, 2017 9:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Moving to SF Bay Area, Considering REITs for investments
Replies: 14
Views: 4150

Re: Moving to SF Bay Area, Considering REITs for investments

Why not buy a condo in less expensive area like Dublin, CA and commute or rent it out and use that for your rent?
by shashi
Mon Jun 19, 2017 8:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30 yr TIPS auction 6/22: yield 1.0%?
Replies: 37
Views: 6447

Re: 30 yr TIPS auction 6/22: yield 1.0%?

Are TIPS still better hedge against real inflation? I am seeing most people just use rental property investment. I do have ibonds but not convinced how much tips or ibonds can protect with true inflation such as healthcare costs etc.
by shashi
Mon Jun 19, 2017 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lg refrigerator vs Samsung refrigerator.
Replies: 37
Views: 27696

Re: Lg refrigerator vs Samsung refrigerator.

I have had all Samsung appliances (fridge, washer and dryer) since 7 years and have not had any issues whatsoever. I am extremely happy with them and buy them again.
by shashi
Tue Jan 19, 2016 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home WiFi extender
Replies: 20
Views: 2655

Re: Home WiFi extender

If you have a few year old router, better to upgrade than struggle with extenders (based on my experience).
by shashi
Thu Jan 07, 2016 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Funding a backdoor Roth for 2015 in 2016
Replies: 33
Views: 10048

Re: Funding a backdoor Roth for 2015 in 2016

Just make sure there is no growth in the funds before converting to Roth. Otherwise, it becomes taxable for that amount. Its a pain to manage this. I would like to hear what type of investments others have chosen before backdooring to Roth.
by shashi
Wed Jul 08, 2015 9:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What did Bogleheads do when the stock market crashed?
Replies: 129
Views: 88454

Re: What did Bogleheads do when the stock market crashed?

I bought TSM on the day Dow went down 1000 points I think in Sep 2008. This is just to experiment what happens. I still keep that and it has gone more than double. I really don't care how much but was a good experience first-hand in a crash.
by shashi
Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 2353

Re: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax

Thanks guys! very helpful info. I have maxed out 401k by the way.
by shashi
Thu Feb 05, 2015 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 2353

Re: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax

One small clarification. In 2015 tax return, in addition to filing 8606 do we have to show conversion to Roth or re-characterization to Roth for 11k + 11k?
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Resident physician wanting to get started
Replies: 15
Views: 2726

Re: Resident physician wanting to get started

Just posting in case others are looking for answers to my original question from 2014. Here is the thread explaining backdoor Roth:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=157414
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: help understanding Tips transaction
Replies: 3
Views: 639

Re: help understanding Tips transaction

Thank you so much for the detailed reply explaining TIPS factors and also sharing upcoming TIPS auction date.

I could understand ups and downs for longer term treasuries but almost 10% rise in 3 months was a bit of surprise.
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 2:21 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: San Francisco Bay Area Bogleheads?
Replies: 21
Views: 8849

Re: San Francisco Bay Area Bogleheads?

Kathleen Ryan, Chapters 5 & 9 Co-ordinator used to host bayarea reunions. I hope she sees this thread.
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 1:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable vs 529 savings plan
Replies: 30
Views: 4261

Re: Taxable vs 529 savings plan

I learnt a huge lesson by actually going through the experience this year. 529 plans, EE/I bonds and any taxable funds will put you in disadvantage as far as calculation of 'Family Expected Contribution -FEC' is considered. Two huge inputs to this are your income and taxable assets. You can't cut your income but remove taxable assets and put them in tax sheltered retirement (not education acct like 529) first. Only after maxing out all retirement tax sheltered avenues, you can think of other options like 529. This is only from the point of view of minimizing FEC. I was ignoring non-deductible IRA and backdoor conversion to Roth. Now plan to do it.
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 1:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 2353

Re: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax

Thank you so much @DSInvestor! That was lightening fast reply and you covered all the points perfectly!
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 1:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: help understanding Tips transaction
Replies: 3
Views: 639

help understanding Tips transaction

hi Bogleheads, I need some help in understanding TIPS. For the first time I bought some 30 year TIPS in secondary market on 10/23/14. Below are some details: Holding name U S TREASURY NOTE INFLATION INDEX NOTE CPN 1.37500 % MTD 2044-02-15 DTD 2014-02-15 CUISP 912810RF7 Quantity 10,000.0000 Price $110.15 Trade date 10/23/2014 Settlement date 10/24/2014 Principal amount $11,246.27 Accrued interest $26.70 Commission $0.00 Securities transaction fee $0.00 Miscellaneous fee $0.00 Total amount $11,272.97 Order number — Transaction method — Account type CASH Transaction description U S TREASURY NOTE INFLATION INDEX NOTE CPN 1.375% DUE 02/15/44DTD 02/15/14 FC 08/15/14 Asset class FIXED INCOME Questions: 1) Why did the value go up by more than $1k i...
by shashi
Wed Feb 04, 2015 1:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax
Replies: 6
Views: 2353

Backdoor Roth help with Turbotax

Hi everyone, Need some advice on my situation. Married filing jointly, spouse not working, i have 401k at work and maxed out there. This year (tax year 2014) I can't make Roth contribution due to income limit and i came to know I can make non-deductible Traditional IRA for both of us and then immediately convert to Roth (aka backdoor Roth). Adding to the problem, I have some Rollover IRA sitting at Vanguard but wife has only Roth. From my understanding Backdoor Roth, my wife can do it but I can't as I have Rollover (I can do but incur lots of taxes). The only option for me is to move the Rollover IRAs to my current 401k and then do backdoor Roth. With this understanding, should I do a non-deductible IRA for 2014 now and file taxes in Turbot...
by shashi
Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Who else hates choosing a car?
Replies: 150
Views: 24612

Re: Who else hates choosing a car?

Cars are diehards fav topic and I need to pitch in.

Car1- Acura integra bought 3yr old, kept for 13 yrs
Car2- Brand new Accord2003, still running at 185k miles. Had to change engine at 160k after it started consuming huge engine oil. Replaced with 2006 engine, runs perfect, had to spend $2k for engine, worth it now.
Car3- New odyssey 2010, brand new, touchwood no issues, planning on keeping another 5 yrs.

Was heartbroken after accord started oil consumption but accepted and moved on. But probably will buy another Honda again :)
by shashi
Tue Mar 04, 2014 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: washing machine - front loader or HE top loader?
Replies: 52
Views: 10579

Re: washing machine - front loader or HE top loader?

Samsung front loader is the best - have been using for 4 years and no issues and quietest machine ever.
by shashi
Thu Feb 06, 2014 4:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options

Thanks everybody for your pointers.

Apparently the people who choose funds still feel obligated to have a portion of funds dedicated to actively managed category and the way they choose them is based on whether a fund has beaten the index in last 1,3,5 years. So, what can I say! It's sad and some people will fall prey to high cost funds completely due to lack of education and the way fund industry plays to make gains.
by shashi
Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options

Thanks RM. If you have other links that might help please let me know.

Taylor, Thank you! Wish you belated 90th Birthday! I hope to see you around for at least another decade and be inspired by you.

Shashi.
by shashi
Sun Feb 02, 2014 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Resident physician wanting to get started
Replies: 15
Views: 2726

Re: Resident physician wanting to get started

Bornloser, how do you backdoor Roth?
by shashi
Sun Feb 02, 2014 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you pay your PenFedVisa gas card?
Replies: 19
Views: 1362

Re: How do you pay your PenFedVisa gas card?

I see the cash back is 3% but on some conditions they give 5%. Which options are good if you use penfed only for gas card?
by shashi
Fri Jan 31, 2014 7:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Re: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options

Thanks! Do you have any references to Bill Sharpe's study?
by shashi
Fri Jan 31, 2014 12:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options
Replies: 12
Views: 1342

Evidence or study on low-cost/passive options

Hi guys,

I am a diehard for more than a decade now. My company's 401k luckily has a few good VG options but there are horrendous high cost options from American including their target dated funds. I have an opportunity to present any evidence or studies to indicate high cost (and may be high performing in the recent years) funds are not the way to go for 401k plans and instead low-cost, passive options are the best. Do you have any links or studies that I can use to present to my company's 401k team? I am looking for a short and sweet study/analysis rather than detailed study. Appreciate any help.
by shashi
Fri Jul 19, 2013 10:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable vs 529 savings plan
Replies: 30
Views: 4261

Re: Taxable vs 529 savings plan

Mix of TSM, I-Bonds, EE bonds is not a bad alternative for 529 either as it gives you some peace compared to 529's restrictions. You could do that and add a 529 in the mix as you never know how future turns out to be :)

There is no one road to Dublin.
by shashi
Wed Jul 17, 2013 12:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX)-Thoughts?
Replies: 15
Views: 7336

Re: Vanguard LifeStrategy Moderate Growth Fund (VSMGX)-Thoug

If you have funds to build from Admiral or VG ETF, you can build one similar and save a bunch on cost or expense ratio.
by shashi
Thu Jun 27, 2013 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Minivan - odyssey EX-L(ent) vs sienna XLE + ent
Replies: 21
Views: 5292

Re: Minivan - odyssey EX-L(ent) vs sienna XLE + ent

I have a 2010 Odyssey EX-L. It is fine so far but a friend of mine had an older one and had transmission issue. He sold and got a Sienna. I am also starting to feel steering is a bit tight these days. So I am a bit concerned :)
by shashi
Fri May 31, 2013 10:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Best 529 Plans - Allan Roth
Replies: 29
Views: 4477

Re: The Best 529 Plans - Allan Roth

Living in CA, debated between VG Nevada (which is their main national product - .25%) and NY (.17%). Decided to stick with Nevada in spite of slightly higher cost in favor of keeping all accounts in one view at VG and ease of opening and managing the accounts. Hoping they finally reduce the fees at Nevada to more reasonable levels.
by shashi
Sun May 26, 2013 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2004 Honda Accord timing chain cover leak
Replies: 19
Views: 8847

Re: 2004 Honda Accord timing chain cover leak

There are a couple of unanswered questions here. Is there a leak really? the owner should be able to (1) notice leak when parked or (2) see consumption of oil go up drastically. If neither of the above are noticed, then what is the symptom of leak? The owner can wait for some more time till something obvious happen and take necessary action. That being said, for what it is worth, here is a similar story. I had a 2003 Accord LX with 150K+ miles and consuming humungous amount of oil. I had to fill up every 1000 miles. After two years of watching this and realizing opening and investing the engine could take same amount as a used engine replacement, I replaced engine with a 2006 engine for $2k and everything is going fine for the last year or ...
by shashi
Wed May 15, 2013 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Defined Maturity Funds
Replies: 25
Views: 2685

Re: Fidelity Defined Maturity Funds

How is this different than holding individual bonds till maturity?
by shashi
Wed May 08, 2013 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Target Date funds for college savings plans?
Replies: 14
Views: 3573

Re: TARGET DATE funds for college savings plans?

Basic question:- How about having a combination of TSM and I-Bonds instead of 529 plans? How much are you going to lose this way? I see it gives a whole lot flexibility in terms of future planning.
by shashi
Sun Apr 28, 2013 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Web Deveoper (ASP.NET) - What to learn next?
Replies: 17
Views: 1586

Re: Web Deveoper (ASP.NET) - What to learn next?

How about web-services exposing some of the functionality of your current application or mobile application for your current site?
by shashi
Fri Apr 26, 2013 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Retirement Fund vs. Buying the Funds individually
Replies: 32
Views: 3430

Re: Vanguard Retirement Fund vs. Buying the Funds individual

bobsmith wrote:
momar wrote: .... although some would challenge the conventional wisdom of putting bonds in a tax sheltering account over stocks, but let's leave that be for the topic of this thread...
The point here is that a statement is not always true for all situations. This is applicable to a situation where you have funds outside of tax sheltered accounts. In that case, you have a choice to make whether to put stocks or bonds in taxable. In this case, it would be better to have bonds in tax sheltered as almost all the returns from bonds are taxable and stocks have capital gains component and some sort of tax shelter in them since they not necessarily generate income every quarter or every year like bonds.
by shashi
Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Norstad website
Replies: 5
Views: 1756

Re: John Norstad website

Yes, the one on Total Markets. Thanks a lot Taylor!

Great to see John organized his writing into a site. Kudos John!!! You should write a book even if you don't want to make money from it :)

Shashi.
by shashi
Fri Mar 22, 2013 11:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Norstad website
Replies: 5
Views: 1756

John Norstad website

Hi all,

There used to be a site John used to maintain (back in late 90s and early 00 period) and it was perfect for quick read on Total Market investing and Efficient Market Hypothesis. Does anyone know what happened to it?

Shashi.
by shashi
Sat Feb 16, 2013 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New car: I'm about to replace my 2003 Accord V6.
Replies: 66
Views: 11325

Re: New car: I'm about to replace my 2003 Accord V6.

I have owned 3 Hondas and only Hondas. In fact, I have 2003 Accord that I bought in 2002. 8 years later, it started consuming lots of oil. I had to change every 1000 miles. After trying with dealers and well known mechanics I went ahead and replaced engine. At 160k miles now it has 2006 engine that had 50k miles. Everything is fine so far and I want to keep it another 5 years. But I have started to dislike Honda and will never buy one again. In fact I am heart-broken with Honda which is terrible.
by shashi
Thu Sep 27, 2012 6:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: J Bogle article: Total Corporate Bond Index Fund
Replies: 60
Views: 11108

Re: J Bogle article: Total Corporate Bond Index Fund

I have deep respect for Jack Bogle but by advocating transfer of 50% assets to Corp Bond assets, Jack is giving a hint of "managed asset allocation" based on risks rather than keeping it simple theory Taylor recommends. If you are a true believer in "total" theory, you would be very disheartened with this article. Even then, I believe anybody following Jack's recommendation would never fail (and of course, would be creme of the investment community). If you are true believe in "total" theory you would want to "own the market" on bond side as well as equities, wouldn't you? If you are going to own TSM for stocks, why shouldn't corp bonds be an appropriate part of your bond portfolio, based on its pro ...
by shashi
Tue Sep 25, 2012 9:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: J Bogle article: Total Corporate Bond Index Fund
Replies: 60
Views: 11108

Re: J Bogle article: Total Corporate Bond Index Fund

I have deep respect for Jack Bogle but by advocating transfer of 50% assets to Corp Bond assets, Jack is giving a hint of "managed asset allocation" based on risks rather than keeping it simple theory Taylor recommends. If you are a true believer in "total" theory, you would be very disheartened with this article. Even then, I believe anybody following Jack's recommendation would never fail (and of course, would be creme of the investment community).
by shashi
Fri Aug 31, 2012 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee?
Replies: 25
Views: 6140

Re: Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fee?

I just found out that Fidelity AmEx card (the one with 2% rewards), charges 1% on foreign transactions. Does anyone know if there is any card with no foreign transaction fee?
by shashi
Tue Jul 10, 2012 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest in Vanguard next 30 years OR pay down loan?
Replies: 16
Views: 2307

Re: Invest in Vanguard next 30 years OR pay down loan?

One of my friends want to keep a loan on a house is to see if property value goes under water. If so, he would not want to put his valuable cash into sinking home value. That may not be the case here but thought I will bring it up.
by shashi
Sat Jul 07, 2012 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College Funding Strategies
Replies: 85
Views: 11027

Re: College Funding Strategies

dhodson wrote:...I understand that someone needs to be realistic about what they can get into and the amount of money that profession makes but the boglehead ideas on low cost being the road to ultimate financial success dont work in all aspects of life.
I respectfully disagree. Boglehead ideas apply to all facets of life. This is all about being realistic, thinking about what is really important and prioritizing.
by shashi
Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Nevada 529 Vs. Utah
Replies: 12
Views: 2632

Re: Vanguard Nevada 529 Vs. Utah

Can you go directly with VG 529 plans without going through VG state plans? Isn't that more cheaper?
by shashi
Sat Jun 23, 2012 10:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: QUESTIONS FOR Q&A WITH JACK BOGLE AT BOGLEHEADS 11
Replies: 42
Views: 10128

Re: QUESTIONS FOR Q&A WITH JACK BOGLE AT BOGLEHEADS 11

Do you see Vanguard becoming global and offer funds to investors around the world in their own countries? If so, when would this happen? 10, 20 years?
by shashi
Fri Jun 22, 2012 11:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: My Grandson's First Index Fund
Replies: 18
Views: 2194

Re: My Grandson's First Index Fund

Rick Ferri wrote:You can also pay a college directly if possible, or wait and pay off college loans. These are not picked up on a FAFSA form.
What is not picked on a FAFSA? Is it 529? How about SavingsBonds, are they picked up on a FAFSA form?
by shashi
Sat Jun 16, 2012 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 30 year TIPS Upcoming Auction - 6-21-2012
Replies: 52
Views: 6048

Re: 30 year TIPS Upcoming Auction - 6-21-2012

You're right, I was just quoting the current YTM, not the coupon. Thanks for the analysis, #Cruncher. I just searched Bond Desk and didn't see any TIPS STRIPS, but I don't know if I did the search correctly. Shashi, want to try it again and post a screenshot? I found this on bond-desk. Not sure if this is TIPS zeros as I have never bought one. This is the path from bond-desk, Quicksearch (left navigation)-> Secondary treasury->treasury strips Here is an example. Strips, 27 to 30 Year Book Qty Min Qty CUSIP Issue Coupon Maturity Price Yield Moody/S&P more 2000/2000 25 912803DH3 T Strip Prin Pmt 0 08/15/2039 46.551/47.053 2.835/2.796 -/ - more 2000/1000 25 912834EP9 T Strip Int Pmt 0 08/15/2039 45.687/46.108 2.905/2.871 -/ - more 2000/20...
by shashi
Fri Jun 15, 2012 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 30 year TIPS Upcoming Auction - 6-21-2012
Replies: 52
Views: 6048

Re: 30 year TIPS Upcoming Auction - 6-21-2012

I don't think TIPS zeroes exist, although I would be interested in buying them if they do. There are two common schools of thought here for where to put the coupons from individual TIPS. One is to retain the full inflation protection by investing the coupons in a TIPS fund. Alternatively, grok87 has proposed using only the par value of your TIPS ladder to fund future liabilities and investing the coupons in equity call options or a stock index fund--a "floor and upside" approach. That said, however: reinvestment of coupons is an important question when you're talking about, say, a 7% coupon. For a 0.55% coupon, it's less urgent. How about zero coupon TIPS in secondary market? I thought I saw some on VG bond search the other day.
by shashi
Fri Jun 15, 2012 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 30 year TIPS Upcoming Auction - 6-21-2012
Replies: 52
Views: 6048

Re: 30 year TIPS Upcoming Auction - 6-21-2012

How do you guys plan to invest the interest payments for 30 years? Just curious how you plan to handle it. I was looking for zero-coupon TIPS. Does anyone has experience with them?
by shashi
Tue Jun 12, 2012 12:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now in Wiki: TIAA-CREF
Replies: 6
Views: 1014

Re: Now in Wiki: TIAA-CREF

I am already their life ins consumer and recently signed up for banking. I am very happy as their customer at the same time very disappointed that they are not like VG in terms of costs and customer service. But still I like them.

PS: I thought of adding Banking info to wiki but it would not let me (did not recognize my userid).