Search found 209 matches

by CycloRista
Sun Jul 16, 2023 10:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New tool for building a TIPS ladder
Replies: 422
Views: 79530

Re: New tool for building a TIPS ladder

I used this tool yesterday to build TIPS ladders for my wife and myself as a bridge from early retirement to social security. It worked really well! Nice job. Two suggestions: Maybe mention somewhere the face value of the security. Schwab has you enter this number, and it took me a while to realize it is $1000 per bond. When multiple bonds mature in a single year, it would be nice to have a "Disperse" option to spread the bonds as evenly as possible throughout the year. That way your income comes in at several intervals during the year, rather than all on one day. I'm in the process of doing the same thing. My spouse and I are both <10 years away from retirement and I have sufficient IRA funds to reallocate for this purpose. Not ...
by CycloRista
Thu Jun 30, 2022 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you monitor your Stocks and Bonds portfolio?
Replies: 67
Views: 6979

Re: How do you monitor your Stocks and Bonds portfolio?

I've used Personal Capital (free, with ~3 months of nagging "come invest with us") for the past 5+ years.

Track just about everything (mostly linked but some manually updated) other than my primary checking account and credit card (too much privacy invasion/data sharing with all of those transactions, in my opinion).
by CycloRista
Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?
Replies: 11
Views: 2542

Re: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?

I continue acquiring more lazy mix in 30k-50k increments over time (every few weeks when market drama occurs) :D
by CycloRista
Wed May 25, 2022 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?
Replies: 11
Views: 2542

Re: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?

All in today is the laziest and wins 2/3 of the time over any sort of DCAing. I decided to acquire my mix at 10% of the total amount available per week... less lazy though adds a bit of "excitement" ;) Also acquired a few more GOOG (in my substantially smaller/ultra aggressive taxable account) during the dip yesterday. 20:1 split is on the horizon. If it does 10% as well as AAPL's 8:1 split has performed over the semi-long haul then I'll be very grateful. a stock split has no effect on the value of the company. if a company does well, it's because of the products it brings to markets (and profit margins, etc). a stock split creates more shares, but now at a lower price. the overall value of the company remains unchanged. as an ex...
by CycloRista
Sat May 21, 2022 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?
Replies: 11
Views: 2542

Re: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?

wetgear wrote: Sun May 08, 2022 4:41 pm All in today is the laziest and wins 2/3 of the time over any sort of DCAing.
I decided to acquire my mix at 10% of the total amount available per week... less lazy though adds a bit of "excitement" ;)

Also acquired a few more GOOG (in my substantially smaller/ultra aggressive taxable account) during the dip yesterday. 20:1 split is on the horizon. If it does 10% as well as AAPL's 8:1 split has performed over the semi-long haul then I'll be very grateful.
by CycloRista
Sun May 08, 2022 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?
Replies: 11
Views: 2542

Going "lazier" with my portfolio in increments... weekly, monthly or ?

Over the last run up I've managed to peel out the remnants of past investments in individual stocks that were in "too good to be true" territory (CWRD, MRNA, VLO, YETI to name a few) transferred out from a partial robo financial shop ~2 years ago. I gave them a shot beginning in mid-2018 to see what could be done beyond all ETF partial and full robo investing. I came to the conclusion that the added complexity (of ~100 stock holdings) and 3x fees of full robo investing were not worth it for my particular use case. Still have some holdings in full robo that are up >25% over the same timeframe (more as a benchmark than anything else)- even with the recent ~10% "haircut" in the roller coaster market. Note: the funds to go &...
by CycloRista
Sat Jan 02, 2021 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: So what kind of raise did you guys get for 2021?
Replies: 251
Views: 26903

Re: So what kind of raise did you guys get for 2021?

Don't know yet (started a new job in July). There area few months lag time before it will be known/distributed...

Last year as in most prior new positions, I always make my expectations known months before the end of the year to (give them time to budget appropriately) and also see what happens.

As has often been the case, I was told: "you were hired after the cut-off for comp/bonus adjustments and normally would not be eligible but we are making an exception and you can't share it with others".
by CycloRista
Sat Jan 02, 2021 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads Cell Phone?
Replies: 81
Views: 7721

Re: Bogleheads Cell Phone?

After more than a decade of iPhones, I purchased a Pixel 4a and have been quite happy with that decision.

I use StraightTalk (TracPhone) for service which ends up ~$42 per month (prepaid yearly) for "unlimited" calling/text/internet.

Verizon is acquiring them so I may run the other way and switch to Google Fi in a few months when my yearly pre-pay is expiring.
by CycloRista
Fri Jan 01, 2021 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have I Been Overpaying Amazon?
Replies: 98
Views: 8948

Re: Have I Been Overpaying Amazon?

Most definitely Amazon over-charges on items... they are using the same grocery store loss leader model that hasn't changed in forever. Walmart and others do the same thing. I look very closely and compare before ordering from them (sometimes Costco has better prices- even lower than Walmart "sale" items).

Get people in the door with a few cheap items and then gouge them on everything else. On top of that it remains somewhat difficult to determine who is a 3rd party seller.

I sign up for a free month of Amazon Prime here and there and cancel before getting dinged $13 per month.
by CycloRista
Sun Dec 27, 2020 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 6 years to college degree?????
Replies: 139
Views: 10662

Re: 6 years to college degree?????

Higher education has been a marketing scam for years (earn $xxxx with a degree in yyyy, become a data scientist, get your MBA to jump start your corporate ladder climb, blah blah blah). The cost has gone up >500% since the mid-1980's (according to a recent Forbes article) and the relative value has definitely gone downhill. Now they want to soak students with two more years of wasting time (and what was boosting the local economy via on-campus life until Covid-19). No big surprise there- it is beginning to look an awful lot like Catch-22. A former colleague had a great "guideline" for his kids when they were in high school: He asked them how many fingers were on his hand. They replied five... He said, no, FOUR and that is how many...
by CycloRista
Sun Dec 27, 2020 7:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does one need a bank account anymore?
Replies: 139
Views: 15242

Re: Does one need a bank account anymore?

I continue using a local bank for checking and savings. It has been a great learning tool for my kids... going to the bank and physically seeing and depositing money into a savings account. Far more convenient when documents need to be notarized, dealing with estate authorizations, etc. Some items I buy locally from individuals are thousands of dollars on occasion (guitars, bicycles, etc.). Not everyone uses PayPal/Venmo and some are even not keen on taking a check. I don't want to have to drive around town hitting multiple ATM's to come up with the cash. The local bank I use has been on the internet for a long time and pays competitive interest rates (even though they are not all that great right now- they certainly have been in the past)....
by CycloRista
Thu Dec 24, 2020 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?
Replies: 470
Views: 47160

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

'02 Toyota Camry (given to my daughter by a grandparent)
'06 Acrua TSX 6-speed manual (purchased used)
'15 Honda (purchased used a few months ago)... I've only purchased one new car ever and sold it for what I drive now.
by CycloRista
Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?
Replies: 657
Views: 133062

Re: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?

Selling 1,000 shares of Apple for $10 a share, after buying them for $8 a share in the 90s. Not to make you feel sick or anything.... but how much would that be worth today? A lot more than 10k. From https://investor.apple.com/faq/default.aspx: "Apple’s stock has split five times since the company went public. The stock split on a 4-for-1 basis on August 28, 2020, a 7-for-1 basis on June 9, 2014, and split on a 2-for-1 basis on February 28, 2005, June 21, 2000, and June 16, 1987." So 4 x 7 x 2 x2 = 112x So 1000 shares x 10 = $10K 112,000 shares x $126 = $14.11M So that's a difference of $14.1M, if held without selling any. Ouch indeed. Yes- AAPL is among my greatest blunders. I had 400 shares in early 2000. Certainly made money s...
by CycloRista
Sat Dec 19, 2020 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does company loyalty still exist?
Replies: 64
Views: 5339

Re: Does company loyalty still exist?

1. Start-ups are tough. I've been involved with a few (one of which we sold to a public company). They were a heck of a lot of work and at this point in my career I would most likely pass on such an opportunity. 2. Unlimited PTO is a misnomer and HR window dressing. Some shops mean what they say however, many make it difficult for employees to capitalize on it. Some of this is dependent upon whom you report to I imagine. In the last 3 places I've worked where they had "take what you need", most employees ended up taking less vacation than they had at past jobs where there were more traditional leave policies. 3. Company loyalty is great on paper but the reality is that you had better darned well look out for yourself and your fami...
by CycloRista
Sat Dec 12, 2020 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to Retire?
Replies: 262
Views: 29082

Re: Where to Retire?

flyingaway, Here's a crime map of the area: https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/nv/las-vegas/crime Summerlin comes out on top, especially NW Summerlin. Well, SW Vegas also shows low crime. There's lots of new construction there, with lower prices than in the older, nicer, mostly built-out N Summerlin. But currently very few nice restaurants there. No doubt that'll change. When I occasionally think of moving within the city, I consider the area bounded by Cheyenne on the north, Sahara on the south, and Rampart (or perhaps Buffalo) on the east. (And the mountains on the west.) For a comparison of the safety of two cities, as opposed to neighborhoods within a city, see the Best Places site: https://www.bestplaces.net/compare-cities/ A sibling w...
by CycloRista
Sat Dec 12, 2020 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trade in MacBook Air (Intel) for M1 version?
Replies: 23
Views: 3479

Re: Trade in MacBook Air (Intel) for M1 version?

Thanks guys for your responses. You've persuaded me that there's really no need to trade up right now. I think I'll hold onto my $429 and use it to help pay for an upgrade to an M1 MBA in 3 or 4 years. A wise choice... I purchased a 10th gen MBP 13" when they were released earlier this year (to upgrade from a 2012 15" MBP) and have no regrets or thoughts of getting an M1 at this point. I'm sure Apple is still optimizing design, manufacturing and operating system sorts of things on the new platform so waiting longer will also lead to greater stability and less headaches in my opinion. The M1-based system have some limitations in terms of no ability to run Windows via Bootcamp and zero support for older apps that work fine for me o...
by CycloRista
Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.
Replies: 71
Views: 10484

Re: Laid off at 34, another degree/career thread and financial advice.

Cybersecurity is very hot right now. Not enough qualified people. There are good academic programs, some as short as 1 year. And the government will pay for your course - https://public.cyber.mil/cysp/ Another option is to consider Machine Learning (AI), for which there are free courses online, including from the likes of MIT, etc. This will be self driven, and if by the end you can show some code on github dealing with a public domain dataset (elections, covid, etc.), you would be very well positioned. AI people also are in short supply. Lots of overanalyzing stuff here to scratch your itch. Neither path requires a full engineering degree. +1 A colleague from a past job (who reported to me) was formerly a tenured professor of biology at a...
by CycloRista
Sat Dec 12, 2020 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trade in MacBook Air (Intel) for M1 version?
Replies: 23
Views: 3479

Re: Trade in MacBook Air (Intel) for M1 version?

Thanks guys for your responses. You've persuaded me that there's really no need to trade up right now. I think I'll hold onto my $429 and use it to help pay for an upgrade to an M1 MBA in 3 or 4 years. A wise choice... I purchased a 10th gen MBP 13" when they were released earlier this year (to upgrade from a 2012 15" MBP) and have no regrets or thoughts of getting an M1 at this point. I'm sure Apple is still optimizing design, manufacturing and operating system sorts of things on the new platform so waiting longer will also lead to greater stability and less headaches in my opinion. The M1-based system have some limitations in terms of no ability to run Windows via Bootcamp and zero support for older apps that work fine for me o...
by CycloRista
Fri Dec 04, 2020 3:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First Home Buying Experience
Replies: 65
Views: 6110

Re: First Home Buying Experience

My first home buying experience was awesome (other than the mortgage rates were a fair bit higher back then). Our real estate agent was a close family friend. He was uneasy with us renting back to the sellers for 3 months (they had 3 young kids and their new home build was not quite finished on time). It worked out well for all parties (the sellers moved out in a timely manner with no drama which is what concerned our agent). My new neighbors thought I was crazy for paying the highest price on the street at that time (early 1990's). What I knew that they didn't was that an elderly couple who lived at the end of the street owned a large piece of property that they were selling. A developer came in a built 4 McMansions ~5 doors down from me a...
by CycloRista
Fri Dec 04, 2020 2:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there any advantage to using wealth management or private banking?
Replies: 33
Views: 4681

Re: Is there any advantage to using wealth management or private banking?

A three fund portfolio is fine to just let it ride. I told my spouse that everything would be ok if we never rebalanced. (You can backtest this using portfolio visualizer.) If you are worried about bills getting paid, your CPA can probably recommend a book keeper that you could contract with. We've used one for our nonprofit and the charge is about $25/hour. Your spouse will need to be part of the estate plan and sign the tax returns every year at a minimum. So at least they will be familiar with the person you are dealing with. Choose a medium sized firm so there can be some continuity if your contact leaves. Excellent advice and approach that my wife (who is frugal like me but not at all interested in the investment side of things) can e...
by CycloRista
Fri Dec 04, 2020 2:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Costco $10 special dividend
Replies: 7
Views: 2409

Re: Costco $10 special dividend

I don't recall... but sure do remember when the stock was much lower. I'm +293% on my non-trivial holdings.

As of yesterday, some analysts bumped up the price target. It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks. Nobody knows but Warren Buffer may have a slightly better idea than most of us stumbling around on the planet :wink:
by CycloRista
Fri Dec 04, 2020 2:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trade in MacBook Air (Intel) for M1 version?
Replies: 23
Views: 3479

Re: Trade in MacBook Air (Intel) for M1 version?

Thanks guys for your responses. You've persuaded me that there's really no need to trade up right now. I think I'll hold onto my $429 and use it to help pay for an upgrade to an M1 MBA in 3 or 4 years. A wise choice... I purchased a 10th gen MBP 13" when they were released earlier this year (to upgrade from a 2012 15" MBP) and have no regrets or thoughts of getting an M1 at this point. I'm sure Apple is still optimizing design, manufacturing and operating system sorts of things on the new platform so waiting longer will also lead to greater stability and less headaches in my opinion. The M1-based system have some limitations in terms of no ability to run Windows via Bootcamp and zero support for older apps that work fine for me o...
by CycloRista
Sun Nov 29, 2020 5:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 900045

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

I'm +38% average this year, across 3 taxable trading accounts and my IRA (all four are 100% individual stocks). There are other funds elsewhere (my current employer 401k, wife's current and past 401k's, 403b, ...). It is just too much work to keep track of along with a full-time challenging/demanding/fulfilling full-time day job. I've been systematically peeling back for the past few months. Went from ~120 total down to around 30 total individual stocks with a few that overlap between accounts (different risk levels). I've only kept the ones with unreal gains. Plan to simplify and go with either a 3 or 2 fund approach. Two reasons I decided to take more profits: 1. This is an uncharacteristically low income year: I was intentionally in betw...
by CycloRista
Tue Nov 17, 2020 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking at Macbook Pros...what to be aware of?
Replies: 17
Views: 1701

Re: Looking at Macbook Pros...what to be aware of?

My 2011 MBP is on its last legs... I want to replace it with a new one. Looking at probably 16gb-32gb memory and 512GB storage. I haven't kept up at all with the MBP evolution over the past few years. From what I gather there were specific model years that were "bad", due to keyboards? Or maybe something else? Basically, is there anything in specific I should steer clear of? Since I kept this current one so long I am tempted to buy the latest 2020 model, but if there are known issues with it I won't. I am not really interested in the Air model. Thanks for any help! I'd recommend either: A 2015-2016 model The last year that end-users can install larger hard drives (and possibly memory, depending on the model) More reliable keyboar...
by CycloRista
Sun Nov 15, 2020 3:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do YOU make coffee?
Replies: 342
Views: 30067

Re: How do YOU make coffee?

Method 1: Espresso/cappuccino machine
Beans: Local roaster who's been at it for 30+ years
Grinder: Mazzer Mini
Machine: Expobar Office Lever Plus (approaching 8 years old)

On a daily basis I fire 2-3 double cappuccino's for myself (with 1% milk and no sugar) plus, 1 for my wife (with Califia Farms unsweetened coconut cream and almond milk).

Method 2:

AeroPress for use mostly when traveling or camping.
by CycloRista
Sun Nov 15, 2020 3:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Car Issue
Replies: 19
Views: 2570

Re: New Car Issue

Thanks again everyone. They tried to call the service manager today, but he's out until Monday so they'll try again then. To answer one of the questions, yes, the water was on the interior of the windows, but also in the door frames of each door. I checked carcomplaints.com as user matti suggested, but the 2021 model isn't on there, I guess since it's still so new and not many are on the road yet. I agree, the credit card dispute isn't a good option for many reasons. I've dealt with those from the merchant's standpoint – very time-consuming and even when you win the dispute, you still get charged a fee. Another suggestion would be to ask the dealership for the name and phone number of the car manufacturer's district manager. Quite often, t...
by CycloRista
Sun Nov 15, 2020 3:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vroom Used Car Buying
Replies: 21
Views: 2402

Re: Vroom Used Car Buying

I'm constantly amazed at how advertising and marketing by Carvana, Carmax, and others have turned the formerly dowdy and shady used car lots into something that is apparently glitzy, desireable, and trendy. I too am not surprised. Only purchased one car new in the many years I've been driving and haven't really minded shopping for used ones either. Sold it a few weeks back (after driving it for a decade) and bought a slightly newer model of the same vehicle (used) from CarMax. Ended up coming across a great deal... garage-kept, one owner car that hadn't been registered with Honda. I was able to access all of the maintenance records in advance (dealership maintained car with very detailed records) and pulled the trigger on it based on that ...
by CycloRista
Thu Nov 12, 2020 5:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New MacBook Pro with M1 processor
Replies: 129
Views: 13058

Re: New MacBook Pro with M1 processor

Enjoy the new M1! I assume you'll choose the Pro with longer battery life (presumably from bigger battery at slight cost in weight) and touch bar seemed to be the main differences from the Air at the low end. They may have faster processors and more memory and storage, but expect to pay high upgrade prices, so plan or budget around $2k. If battery life is the only issue, one thing I recently came across that I hadn't considered before is a USB-C to Magsafe adapter. I was thinking of getting a backup or extra magsafe charger, but this little cable can be plugged into any USB-C adapter (you want higher power for the laptop). It can also be plugged into a USB-C battery bank. So it's a cheap way to get power to your old Macbook and the adapter...
by CycloRista
Thu Nov 05, 2020 5:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reason for Tech Rally after elections
Replies: 54
Views: 6871

Re: Reason for Tech Rally after elections

The US government remaining at loggerheads no matter who wins the election is apparently causing "excitement" in the markets. Not just a tech rally either...

I'm still peeling my way out of a number of individual stock holdings toward a three fund strategy (of relative laziness by comparison!). It is just too much work to keep track of with a semi-demanding day job.
by CycloRista
Wed Nov 04, 2020 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has Mirrorless overtaken DSLRs?
Replies: 100
Views: 7219

Re: Has Mirrorless overtaken DSLRs?

For many, yes; me personally... no.

Many of my pro-am friends jumped on the Fuji (XT) and Olympus (OM) mirrorless bandwagons. The Fuji's are quite impressive and I'd probably go that direction for mirrorless kit. Some pro photographers we know are surprised how well they stack up against Canon professional gear.

I'm sticking with a Nikon D5600 as it is a very compact and lightweight DSLR and suits the vast majority of my needs. I take on mountain bike rides to capture photos frequently and have never been concerned about the mirror or inner workings being damaged from all the rattling on the trails.
by CycloRista
Mon Nov 02, 2020 5:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: removed
Replies: 136
Views: 10758

Re: Heat - What do you set your temps to in Winter?

Live in a four-season area where we get some snow.

68 day and 62 night (using a non-internet-connected thermostat timer).
by CycloRista
Sun Nov 01, 2020 6:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: first million [in your retirement portfolio]
Replies: 253
Views: 58979

Re: first million [in your retirement portfolio]

1) what age did you hit your first million in your retirement portfolio? 2) what age did you start? 3) was some of this savings inherited? self made? combination of both? Studies show that around 75% millionaires are self made; took about 2-3 decades to hit millionaire mark I understand many of us won't hit that desired #. It know it depends on your income, your savings rate, your expenses, upbringing, etc I'm asking since Bogleheads are a different breed and if such studies accurately portray the average Boglehead also 1st time was ~35 years of age (and not all was in non-taxable accounts). My planning/strategies/holdings were somewhat derailed and took a big hit when I divorced (my ex did not work most of the time). 2nd time I was in my ...
by CycloRista
Sat Oct 24, 2020 10:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Did anyone try to replicate SP500 in form of stocks instead of holding actual fund/ETF?
Replies: 22
Views: 1763

Re: Did anyone try to replicate SP500 in form of stocks instead of holding actual fund/ETF?

LiveSimple wrote: Sat Oct 24, 2020 7:18 am Too much work and time consuming !!! Three four ETFs itself is too much work for me !!!
BINGO!

Far too much work. I'm still peeling off from a number of individual stocks and going back to lazy/simple approach for the most part. I still dabble in some speculative individual stock trading but more for entertainment purposes than getting in the way of (or trying to replace) my day job.
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 22, 2020 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me plan a family trip to Italy - Two Weeks
Replies: 67
Views: 5169

Re: Help me plan a family trip to Italy - Two Weeks

willthrill81 wrote: Thu Oct 22, 2020 10:52 am Be sure to take very comfortable shoes. Be prepared to walk at least five miles every day and, if needed, get in physical shape to do so now.
Good point... my wife and I easily walked 15 miles per day which had the added benefit of burning extra calories before eating more delicious food, washed down with excellent local wines.
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 22, 2020 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me plan a family trip to Italy - Two Weeks
Replies: 67
Views: 5169

Re: Help me plan a family trip to Italy - Two Weeks

Airfare is already handled. We have two weeks, flying in and out of Rome. My kids will be 9 and 7. My initial plan is 5-6 days in Rome, train to Venice, a few days there then the rest of the time in Florence / Tuscany. Any help is appreciated. I’ve never been to Italy and it seems almost all google search results are thinly veiled ads. Help with my general plan and any recommendations for hotels or things to see would be fantastic. . Purchase a copy of Rick Steve's Italy travel book. It has excellent information about how best to plan your time, sites to see, etc. in the major cities. 5-6 days in Rome is a long time... there is a lot to see but you may be able to shave a day off and utilize it elsewhere. I highly recommend staying just acr...
by CycloRista
Sat Oct 17, 2020 9:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happened to Fidelity Real Estate Index fund?
Replies: 29
Views: 5787

Re: What happened to Fidelity Real Estate Index fund?

Remember Jack Bogle has said investors could go their lifetime without a need for a sector fund. Yes indeed; particularly where the cards are stacked against you... Approximately 42 percent of Americans were working from home in June 2020, according to a study by Stanford University’s Institute for Economic Policy Research. Many companies plan to extend the option of working at home indefinitely. I sold our REITS at the end of 2019 after about 20 years. Did very well. Now that I look at real estate, about 25% of the Vanguard REIT fund is Office, Retail, and Hospitality (Hotels). In my opinion, Hotels will come back over time for both business and leisure travel. It is the Office and Retail that concern me. Retail was changing over the year...
by CycloRista
Sat Oct 17, 2020 5:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Wrong Way to Think About Debt - The White Coat Investor
Replies: 215
Views: 31472

Re: The Wrong Way to Think About Debt - The White Coat Investor

Scoffing at 3% deductible mortgage debt is extreme. I would be uncomfortable to see a person light up a cigar with $100 bill. The median price of a home in the US is $329,000. At the start (assuming 20% down), we will be burning nearly $8000. Another factor most do not consider is inflation. In my case, I purchased a home in the early 2000's and have had the good fortune of it appreciating in value along the way. Even with appreciation when inflation is factored in, I am essentially breaking even if I sold it today. Side note: median home prices are the tip of the iceberg- try moving somewhere like Austin, TX, Bozeman, MT and elsewhere in the US where there is essentially hyperinflation due to interlopers turbo boosting housing market dema...
by CycloRista
Sat Oct 17, 2020 4:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happened to Fidelity Real Estate Index fund?
Replies: 29
Views: 5787

Re: What happened to Fidelity Real Estate Index fund?

abuss368 wrote: Fri Oct 16, 2020 6:37 pm Remember Jack Bogle has said investors could go their lifetime without a need for a sector fund.
Yes indeed; particularly where the cards are stacked against you...

Approximately 42 percent of Americans were working from home in June 2020, according to a study by Stanford University’s Institute for Economic Policy Research. Many companies plan to extend the option of working at home indefinitely.
by CycloRista
Fri Oct 16, 2020 5:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happened to Fidelity Real Estate Index fund?
Replies: 29
Views: 5787

Re: What happened to Fidelity Real Estate Index fund?

I own FSRNX (FIDELITY REAL ESTATE INDEX FUND) a small position in my 403b. I just noticed it is down 19% YTD. I am not sure what gives, can't be dividend payout, and Vanguard's VNQ/VGSLX is down only 10-12% in same period. What am I missing when comparing 2 index REIT funds? Fido ER is slightly better so can't be expenses. They did change the tracking index for FSRNX but a 7% difference is strange. Thanks in advance! Nobody knows... I'd venture to guess that commercial real estate will continue sinking due in part to less demand over time from so many in the workforce set to permanently work remotely. Some estimates put it at 10-20% or higher that will no longer be sitting in cubeville, offices or idiotic open floor plan spaces. Once more ...
by CycloRista
Fri Oct 16, 2020 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pen Fed Nightmare Customer Service
Replies: 34
Views: 4100

Re: Pen Fed Nightmare Customer Service

I found them to be complete nincompoops... never put a dime there but my mother swore by them.

Her mortgage and a credit card were with them and I recall that she had issues with the credit card and ended up sending multiple letters to the Chairman, BOD.

Upon my mother's passing, I was able to sell her home in short order with no issues. To this day, they still will not close her credit card account (that has a credit balance of a few dollars) so I am going to let them continue mailing a statement every month forever.
by CycloRista
Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Struggling Over whether to Sell my Tesla Stock
Replies: 74
Views: 7858

Re: Struggling Over whether to Sell my Tesla Stock

KlangFool wrote: Tue Sep 15, 2020 12:35 pm OP,

My trading rule for the individual stock is self half (50%) when it triples (3X). If you do that, you can lose the remaining half (50%) and still make money.

KlangFool
In my case, after getting out of a number of individual stocks mostly in double digit black territory, the ones that remain are big gainers. What you suggest sounds spot on for me to finally siphon some off and add to the three fund portfolio.
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 15, 2020 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do YOU handle home security [alarm systems]
Replies: 89
Views: 9396

Re: How do YOU handle home security [alarm systems]

ddurrett896 wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 6:50 am
CycloRista wrote: Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:54 am No alarm system.

Keep doors and windows locked when not at home, never leave the garage door open (or cars unlocked to open garage remotely).

I also had triple pane windows and sliding glass doors installed when I replaced the original 1970's drafty ones. They won't crack even when hit with a baseball bat and more energy efficient too. Only downside is that the sliding glass doors are noticeably heavier and take more effort to open/close.
What make/model windows?
Pella Lifestyle Series.

Be prepared to haggle with 'em harder than used car salespeople to get the price down within the stratosphere.
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you buy the newest Apple Watch if it's priced at $140?
Replies: 30
Views: 2842

Re: Would you buy the newest Apple Watch if it's priced at $140?

Nope. Only analog (antique) watches for me.

I already carry a phone and avoid looking at it as much as possible (30+ years in the technology field).
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 08, 2020 5:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tech/IT to govt jobs
Replies: 68
Views: 5772

Re: Tech/IT to govt jobs

Yes, my Center of 300 some employees had about 40 or so non-supervisory 15s. I was one of them. Was it reasonably common for people to come in at that level, or was that after years of working your way up the pay scale in the agency? What kind of background do people at that level have? It was rare for someone to come in at the 15 level. Most came in at the 14 and as they gained experience some would be promoted to 15 years later. The hires at the 14 level were Ph.D scientists normally from Medical Schools where they were well established in their careers. It was often difficult to match their salaries. Wow- a non-supervisory 15 sure sounds like nirvana to me :D I'm a guv't contractor this go round who managed technical teams and reported ...
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 08, 2020 4:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
Replies: 7737
Views: 1337539

Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses

My Chase PC $2,000 bonus posted today. Account was funded on July 1, 2020. Offer terms required assets to be at JPM/Chase for 90 days and bonus to pay within 30 business days after meeting that requirement. In my case it was just a few business days after meeting the 90-day requirement. AFAIK, there is no clawback of the bonus should I move to close the account and transfer the securities elsewhere. Is anyone able to confirm that? FWIW, I am not planning to move the funds right away. But probably by the end of 2020 (could be sooner if there is a very attractive transfer bonus that arises). Tempting... might have a look into Chase and see how much of a pain it would be to score another transfer bonus. I shifted some to another Ally account ...
by CycloRista
Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do YOU handle home security [alarm systems]
Replies: 89
Views: 9396

Re: How do YOU handle home security [alarm systems]

No alarm system.

Keep doors and windows locked when not at home, never leave the garage door open (or cars unlocked to open garage remotely).

I also had triple pane windows and sliding glass doors installed when I replaced the original 1970's drafty ones. They won't crack even when hit with a baseball bat and more energy efficient too. Only downside is that the sliding glass doors are noticeably heavier and take more effort to open/close.
by CycloRista
Sun Sep 27, 2020 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tech/IT to govt jobs
Replies: 68
Views: 5772

Re: Tech/IT to govt jobs

The Feds will not be close to competitive on salary. I don't know about their rates in the Bay Area, but in DC metro top of a grade 15 is about 170K. For budget issue analysis, the feds figure employee total cost is 122% of salary, benefits being a 22% ad on. You can use the calculator below to determine FERS annuity. https://ask.fedweek.com/federal-retirement/calculating-federal-annuity/ Then you could calculate your current total comp and make comparisons. Now if you were older and closer to retiring in say 5 years, a fed position may make you eligible for health benefits into retirement if you meet the conditions. That would be a nice benefit. Another data point to consider: as a Fed, there is greater potential to end up with even more ...
by CycloRista
Sat Sep 26, 2020 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1265504

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

arsenalfan wrote: Sat Sep 26, 2020 6:33 am How long are refinances taking folks?
Refinancing from 30yr 3.35 to 15yr 2.85, both with Suntrust Truist.
Going on 4 months now. Understand they're swamped, but 4 months?
Latest hiccup is that I put a rental property loan in forebearance Jun/Jul/Aug due to Covid. Turned out it rented out fine, and payments resumed Sep 1.
But Suntrust now saying it's FHA rule that need 3 months of payments on that forebearance.
I've heard similar reports of 3-5 months from some of my friends and former colleagues who are doing a refi with the same lender.

In my case: called my mortgage broker September 1st and closed yesterday so 26 days total.
by CycloRista
Sat Sep 26, 2020 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what networth is okay to splurge on a 200k car ? (Tesla roadster)
Replies: 159
Views: 20881

Re: At what networth is okay to splurge on a 200k car ? (Tesla roadster)

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Fri Sep 25, 2020 2:17 pm
smitcat wrote: Fri Sep 25, 2020 1:59 pm
Jack FFR1846 wrote: Fri Sep 25, 2020 1:41 pm
Brianmcg321 wrote: Fri Sep 25, 2020 1:40 pm $5,000,000

Have you considered a used Camry.
I'd agree with that.

I thought a Tesla Roadster cost $250k.
That would be for the founders series.
Ah, that's why that number stuck in my head.

Alternately, one could skip this pedestrian car and buy something more exotic. Note in the used section, a Bugatti, and a few Paganis.

https://www.millermotorcars.com/
Then you'd also have to factor significant allocations for supporting a qualified mechanic to keep it purring like a kitten.

Some of my friends own irreplaceable/priceless vintage cars and motorcycles. Those, along with modern six-figure and exotic vehicles are not something I would ever consider purchasing.