Search found 987 matches

by JS-Elcano
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did I "get away with" a 2 year IRMAA lookback?
Replies: 8
Views: 1670

Re: Did I "get away with" a 2 year IRMAA lookback?

IRMAA is not a penalty. It's a surcharge for people with higher incomes.
You wouldn't say that everyone above the 12% federal tax bracket is paying a penalty, would you?
by JS-Elcano
Fri Mar 15, 2024 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1888

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - mod mkc] Hey everyone! DW and I are coming up on our 1 year anniversary in our home and I am trying to see what people's experiences are with termite warranty claims. Our current company is national that is charging $380 for the annual renewal and uses bait stations. The national company did an inspection last month and said they found termites within the stations, but didn't really provide any detail or any type of report. When they called to talk about renewal a few weeks ago, the rep said he saw that they came out, but nothing was noted which fills me with confidence. After getting four quotes, I think we have narrowed it down to the final two. Our home is on a concrete slab, with the house be...
by JS-Elcano
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty
Replies: 33
Views: 1888

Re: Termite Quotes & Repair vs Damage warranty

sc9182 wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:08 am Since Termites is the topic -- related hypothetical question, got curious.

Termite-killers are ants, I read somewhere.

By eliminating ants/ant-colonies with pesticides., are we increasing the risk of higher termite incidence ?

Is that possible reason why Pesticide companies co-sell/up-sell Termite treatments along with it ?

Got curious..
I don't know what companies do and why, but I had termites when I never had used any pesticides on my property and had plenty of ants around my house (which I don't mind one bit).
by JS-Elcano
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29211

Re: How much do you spend a month on food?

Just checked my final spending summary for 2023:

$735/month spent at grocery stores, which obviously includes quite a bit besides food.
by JS-Elcano
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10662

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

Somewhat. Spent a lot more on a substantial home renovation than I ever thought I would. Got my moneys worth. Another example, I just booked a hotel room in Turkey, and spent $70 more for the best room type, with a balcony. Just one night so not all that much of a splurge. At some point earlier in life (not that long ago) I would have saved the $70, since I'm sure the other rooms are fine too. Other side of the coin, I booked the flights with credit card points. And, I'm not sure I ever will be able to pay for first class air, even though I could. Just can't get over paying thousands more for a seat that gets me from point A to point B at the same time as economy. Even on a long overnight flight, although perhaps some day that will change....
by JS-Elcano
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10662

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

I was super frugal from the day I left home at 18 until my early 40s - out of necessity. Throughout those years I was always able to eek out some money for the things that were important for my well-being, such as camping/hiking on weekends and an annual flight to visit family. I was always happy. Now in my early 50s I don't have to be so frugal anymore as I am on track to retire early-ish with a good amount. So, I could start spending more freely a few years ago. We spend a lot on travel now, about 15k per person per year (two travelers) and if it's 17k I am not losing sleep ever it either. Still have never bought a car new (just don't care enough ... yet) and although I have renovated almost my entire house to move it into the 21st centur...
by JS-Elcano
Sat Mar 09, 2024 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!
Replies: 107
Views: 21184

Re: Late Bloomers Club: Share Your Net Worth!

After reading through the posts on this forum, I can't help but feel like I may be the only one in my mid-40s with a relatively modest net worth of less than $400,000 (and income of a bit less than $130K). If you're in a similar situation, I'd love to hear from you and know that I am not alone! That's exactly where I was in my mid-40s in terms of networth and income. I started late due to postgrad education and then in a (relatively) low-paying job with few raises. Now in early 50s, house is nearly paid off, salary has increased a bit, and I am maxing 401k, 457b, RothIRA (all with catch-ups), I-bonds, and some in taxable. This way, I am on track to retiring at 59 with my FFN (fat-FIRE number). EDIT: Just saw your latest update about your j...
by JS-Elcano
Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA Traditional rates (historical view)
Replies: 37
Views: 3970

Re: TIAA Traditional rates (historical view)

This thread is in the general investing board because it is not about me or my choices; rather, I want to share information on how TIAA has updated its rates over time, relative to the movement in interest rates visible in the bond markets. And I need the forum’s help to lengthen the time series. Reminder TIAA Traditional is a kind of stable value fund with a guaranteed rate. That is 3.0% for my contracts, which are RA and SRA (liquid) accounts; there is an alphabet soup of other account types, which I shall ignore. My focus is accumulation rates; payout rates have their own schedule. On top of the guaranteed rate, additional amounts may be declared. The declaration date is March 1st. Additional amounts are declared by vintage. TIAA bucket...
by JS-Elcano
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1620

Re: Germany/Austria Travelers

deleted.
by JS-Elcano
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 900041

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

+4.8% YTD net growth. Portfolio currently at a 56/44 (equity index/TIAA trad)
+6.9% YTD growth including contributions
by JS-Elcano
Fri Mar 01, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional GSRA rate
Replies: 36
Views: 2787

Re: TIAA Traditional GSRA rate

I’m frankly surprised that they dropped to 4.5% for March. Seems premature and aggressive with many better options out there. Hard to understand TBH I agree about the disappointing new rate. Just last November, the GSRA new money rate was 6%. In response to that, I shifted out a large sum from about 4% hoping to rebucket at closer to 6% in a week or so. Now, I'll get 4.5%, which is still better than the 4% it came out of, but not by much. The rate reset on March 1st also dropped the yields on many older vintages, including in GRA accounts that can't be rebucketed. Overall, my GRA is now going to yield about 4.25% (down from 4.75%), which is roughly the current 10-year Treasury rate. Given that the inflation rate has been coming down over t...
by JS-Elcano
Sun Feb 25, 2024 12:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2.5 mil to 10 mil - are we on track
Replies: 116
Views: 21632

Re: 2.5 mil to 10 mil - are we on track

Dcnats wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 11:16 pm How's it going OP?
I think OP had a 60/40 portfolio, so assuming VTI and BND, 2.5 million in 2014, and annual contributions of 125k, OP should be at 7.18 million today, with 5 years left to get to the desired 10 million.
by JS-Elcano
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE vs Loving your work
Replies: 101
Views: 8360

Re: FIRE vs Loving your work

I think there is also a group of people who continue to work because the alternative is worse. They don't really love their job, but they are used to it. Their whole adult life has been built around it: where they live, who their friends are, what hobbies they have developed. They continue to do it even after they are FI because it easier than change. We are creatures of habit and change is scary. Retiring early and filling that time with something new, or even spending more time on a hobby we enjoy, is a risk. It may not make us as happy or fulfilled as we think it might. So, why risk it. Those thoughts scare people more than the parts of their job that they dislike and even complain about. I do no fall into this group, but the thought, fo...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just looking for some general money management advice
Replies: 39
Views: 4478

Re: Just looking for some general money management advice

rgm1982 wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 10:34 am I need to do some follow up and figure out what the nature of the pension is but I've been told by a friend who is quite good with money and whom I trust that ou pension plan is a touch shy of spectacular, ...
I am not saying your friend is wrong, but with something as life-changing as a pension the rule is "trust, but verify" with emphasis on verify :wink:
Moreover, if an employer pays into a pension they sometimes do not contribute to social security in certain states, so register with ssa.gov and look at your contribution history and benefits they estimate you might get with certain strings attached.
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Withdraw and close 457 account? Am I missing anything?
Replies: 5
Views: 444

Re: Withdraw and close 457 account? Am I missing anything?

Fish and their chips wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 2:27 pm
JS-Elcano wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:43 pm You could also check with the company that administers the 457 if you can roll it over into another retirement account you currently hold, such as your 401k or a 403b. That way you could save on income taxes now.
Thanks, that may make sense. I'm trying to switch to a 403B provider with basically a 0% AUM fee and a flat $40 maintenance fee--maybe I should wait till I get that set up and then do the rollover there if the 457 manager will allow it.
There is a lot of flexibility. I know this is not what you are looking to do, but just to illustrate, I have a 403b and 457b and I can even roll over my entire 403b, or any part of it, into my 457b. That would certainly come in handy if I wanted to retire before 55 or 59.5 (which I am not).
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Withdraw and close 457 account? Am I missing anything?
Replies: 5
Views: 444

Re: Withdraw and close 457 account? Am I missing anything?

You could also check with the company that administers the 457 if you can roll it over into another retirement account you currently hold, such as your 401k or a 403b. That way you could save on income taxes now.
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?
Replies: 30
Views: 1922

Re: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?

I'm looking at the the last 15 years of returns comparing SCHE, SCHF, and SCHB and I'm wondering if the suggestion on the forum to have developing markets in Roth IRA was a good one? For context, the difference in returns is quite stark: https://imgur.com/a/Jnz6M7x. The premise was that we want to put the highest growth potential stocks in roth due to preferential tax treatment, but the last 15 years really showcase that was a bad bet. I'm wondering what do folks on the forum think and what people have been allocating to their Roth IRA? The emphasis is on "potential". Potential is not always realized, which is what happened in this case, I guess (I have never invested in emerging markets). I personally only invest in VOO and VTI ...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15815

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

50% of Americans making over $100k/yr are living paycheck to paycheck. I've always said "unless you're a family of 4, living below the poverty line, you can save money. It doesn't matter how much, you can save". I love it when people say "I just can't save money, can't afford to". What they really mean is, I can't afford to save money AND lease my new BMW every three years, AND have all of my streaming channels, AND get my new iPhone every time a new one comes out, AND eat out 4 nights a week and lunches every day, AND live in this house I can't really afford. This is a very out of touch comment that you would not be making if you were 28 and trying to start a family in today's economy. I agree on one thing that is real...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15815

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

I convinced, spend less than your earn. One day you will be fine. Yup! That's all it takes. So simple. Why, then, do the statistics look so bad? I mean, 67% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Just, wow! Because people live in the here and now and are used to instant gratification. Planning for the future requires sacrifice in the here and now and people don't want to hear about it or, god forbid, do it. 25% of American workers earned less than $15/hr in 2021 (pre-inflation). Federal minimum wage is still $7.25/hr (for the last 13+ years), and 20 states + DC do not have a state minimum wage higher than that. What are those people supposed to sacrifice? Housing? Besides, the younger generation is smart enough to know there's no fu...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 21, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances
Replies: 108
Views: 10070

Re: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances

For the moment I am riding the circa 1993 appliances that came with my house until they die. They all work perfectly. When I moved in last year the fridge probably had three decades of dust and hair on the condenser coils so I cleaned those off. Otherwise the fridge looks like new. I have measured its a electrical usage and it uses 2x the power of a modern fridge but I'd be looking at a 7-10 year payback so not terribly fussed. I don't think the original owner who I bought the house from used the dishwasher much if at all, it might be 30 years old but it looks like new. At some point I'll get modern appliances if for no other reason that to refresh the kitchen but it is low priority. And I am sure in 1993 people were complaining that appli...
by JS-Elcano
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15815

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

Florida Orange wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:04 pm
JS-Elcano wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:53 am
Florida Orange wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:55 pm
CyclingDuo wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:24 am
Florida Orange wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:46 pm Anybody recognize this quote? "The first rule of business, don't get emotional about stock. It clouds your judgement." Hint: it's not Paul Merriman.
Movie quotes for $100, please...

Gordon Gecko in the 1987 film Wall Street: https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/c94ed011-b ... 2e2d507e42
Very good! I didn't think anybody would get it. That movie came out in 1987.
One can google the quote :wink:
What's google?
From the Merriam Webster dictionary: google (verb): to use the Google search engine to obtain information about (someone or something) on the World Wide Web.

The quote is very googleable. In fact, it's the first hit.
by JS-Elcano
Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15815

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

meowcat wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:14 pm
dknightd wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:17 am I convinced, spend less than your earn. One day you will be fine.
Yup! That's all it takes. So simple. Why, then, do the statistics look so bad? I mean, 67% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Just, wow!
Because people live in the here and now and are used to instant gratification. Planning for the future requires sacrifice in the here and now and people don't want to hear about it or, god forbid, do it. Politicians and business owners don't want people to do it either because our economy would grind to a halt if every household started saving 30-50% of their income like many BHs do.
by JS-Elcano
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 15815

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

Florida Orange wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 12:55 pm
CyclingDuo wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:24 am
Florida Orange wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 8:46 pm Anybody recognize this quote? "The first rule of business, don't get emotional about stock. It clouds your judgement." Hint: it's not Paul Merriman.
Movie quotes for $100, please...

Gordon Gecko in the 1987 film Wall Street: https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/c94ed011-b ... 2e2d507e42
Very good! I didn't think anybody would get it. That movie came out in 1987.
One can google the quote :wink:
by JS-Elcano
Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received Vanguard Brokerage 2023 Consolidated Form 1099
Replies: 21
Views: 1807

Re: Received Vanguard Brokerage 2023 Consolidated Form 1099

marcopolo wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 2:08 pm The delays into Feb and March for us have always been driven by holding international funds in taxable account. It seems they take a while to sort out the foreign sourcen income and foreign taxes paid information.
I don't have any intentional funds and still don't have my consolidated form.
by JS-Elcano
Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received Vanguard Brokerage 2023 Consolidated Form 1099
Replies: 21
Views: 1807

Re: Received Vanguard Brokerage 2023 Consolidated Form 1099

This is all going to depend on your accounts. If you're still on the old mutual fund platform, your 1099 was available last week. If you're on the new platform with relatively straightforward investments, your 1099s are available now. If you have a more complicated portfolio (for example, individual bonds), you'll probably get your 1099s in early February. Received yesterday as well - with the individual bonds and written call options. You're very fortunate. I know they release these in batches. My accounts will individual bonds are still pending and I have an estimated release date in February. My consolidated tax form is not available yet. Where do you see the estimated release date? I can only see that last year my consolidated form was...
by JS-Elcano
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Job title for PhD Economist Daughter
Replies: 36
Views: 3979

Re: Job title for PhD Economist Daughter

My daughter will be taking a job for a think tank in a small state shortly after getting her PhD in economics this summer. It is a small non-profit. She will be the first economist to be hired there. Their mission is to analyze past and proposed legislation for its effectiveness in accomplishing its intended results on the citizens of the state. She was asked what job title she would prefer. The other 6 employees have the job title of “Director, …”. None of the “Directors” are supervisors, and she will not be a supervisor either. So the obvious choices are: Director, Economics, Chief Economist, Senior Economist. What would you all recommend, one of the above or something else? Thank you! How can someone be Chief or Senior if they are the o...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How old are your vehicles?
Replies: 7
Views: 833

Re: How old are your vehicles?

We currently own two: Vehicle #1: A 2001 Lexus RX 300 SUV (AWD) with 175,000 miles on it. Vehicle #2: A 2005 Toyota Tacoma Crew cab, Long Bed (2WD) with 165,000 miles driven. Both vehicles remain in excellent condition. Since my wife and I are retired, our driving is primarily limited to shopping and leisurely weekend trips. Our truck is our go-to for outdoor adventures like camping and hiking, thanks to its long bed and camper shell. When we camp, we forgo a tent and opt to sleep in the truck bed, finding it both convenient and secure. However, if we encounter icy roads, a rare event in the Pacific NW, we prefer the AWD Lexus for added safety. For daily errands and navigating town, we rely on the SUV. Our main priorities in a vehicle are ...
by JS-Elcano
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need some assurance for my resignation countdown
Replies: 53
Views: 4778

Re: Need some assurance for my resignation countdown

Hi, Lately I have some issues with my current IT work environment. My current manager asked me to take responsiblities of a co-worker's workload because that person is incompetent and could not do her job. I plan to submit my resignation next Friday if things do not work out and don’t want the fear of quitting holding me back. I have tracked my numbers closely for the last 7 years and believe my numbers are solid. I actually submitted my resignation two years ago and was asked to stay by upper management. I have talked to my current manager about my unhappiness and it seems he thinks I need do whatever I was told to do or it could be a HR level offense. This conversation made me really unhappy. Also, we are in the middle of a very critical...
by JS-Elcano
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Catch up in 401K
Replies: 23
Views: 1522

Re: Catch up in 401K

I also recently turned 50 and started catch-up contributions. I don't see any downside, only upside to be able to save more money for retirement.

Since I am maxing 401k and 457b I decided to do my catch-up contributions as Roth contributions. Roth contributions in a 401k do not have a income limit like Roth IRA contributions. My employer's contributions all go in pre-tax. I went with Roth contributions because I want to have some diversity in my income streams when I need to cover health insurance through ACA until Medicare.

Note that there is legislation that catch-up contributions will have to be made as Roth if one's income is higher than 145k for the individual making the contribution. Bu this has been postponed until 2025 or 2026.
by JS-Elcano
Fri Feb 02, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Merit Semi-Finalist/Finalist - universities giving the most $
Replies: 50
Views: 3793

Re: National Merit Semi-Finalist/Finalist - universities giving the most $

acegolfer wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:35 pm Consider University of Central Florida (Orlando).

Unfortunately, U of Florida (state flagship) gives full ride only to in-state resident NMSF.
Other universities in the State University System in Florida also give full rides. University of South Florida, which was recently inducted into the prestigious AAU (https://www.aau.edu/who-we-are/our-members), says on their website that they cover 100 percent of the cost of attendance for NMSF who choose USF as their first choice school. See here for details:https://www.usf.edu/admissions/freshmen ... orporation
by JS-Elcano
Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Called to Account: 4 Overlooked Benefits of Trad. 401ks, IRAs
Replies: 86
Views: 6620

Re: Called to Account: 4 Overlooked Benefits of Trad. 401ks, IRAs

I'm always confused why before the Roth existed everyone talked about the benefits of Traditional accounts as mentioned above from article. Now everyone always seems to betray traditional accounts so bad. The math hasn't changed, you will either pay less taxes in retirement than you did working or you won't. I do understand the benefits of choosing a Roth over Traditional for some people but the overwhelming amount of financial articles seem to forget about the benefits of Traditional. There are a lot of factors that lead people to underestimate traditional accounts. Some that come to mind: 1. The simplest one is a failure to understand the commutative property of multiplication. I've heard people say things like "Sure Roth costs a lo...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Traditional for 100% of fixed income?
Replies: 27
Views: 1989

Re: TIAA Traditional for 100% of fixed income?

stlrick wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:59 am I am 75 years old and want a 35/65 asset allocation. If, as is often recommended, I have 100% equities in my Roth IRA and my brokerage accounts, the bond allocation would have to be in my TIAA 403(b). My general preference, working with TIAA for 45 years, has always been to use their Traditional Account (TRAD) rather than bond funds. Is it reasonable to keep all fixed income in that one investment? I would not lose sleep over this kind of concentration. My view is that if TRAD had a serious problem, there would be serious problems everywhere.
I keep all of the fixed income in my retirement portfolio in TIAA Trad, which amounts to 40% of my retirement portfolio (about 50/50 liquid/illiquid).

I sleep well with this arrangement.
by JS-Elcano
Wed Jan 24, 2024 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
Replies: 83
Views: 6305

Re: Return My New Apple Watch?

One of the justifications I had for getting one was for being on-call. I have to carry my phone with me 24/7. With the watch, I can leave my iPhone around the house and not worry about missing a call. Additionally, if I get a call overnight, the watch helps wake me up. Also don't have to be one of those jokers at a restaurant who keeps looking at their phone while their dinner guests sit there. Looking at the watch is just as bad as looking at the phone. yes; I don't. My phone, if even with me is in Airplane mode. I have no use for it in a restaurant so typically I leave it in the glove compartment where it normally resides when I'm out. That's great. My point was that the people who would be looking at their phone during dinner are the on...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Jan 24, 2024 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
Replies: 83
Views: 6305

Re: Return My New Apple Watch?

jebmke wrote: Mon Jan 22, 2024 11:30 am
MangoManiac wrote: Mon Jan 22, 2024 11:08 am One of the justifications I had for getting one was for being on-call. I have to carry my phone with me 24/7. With the watch, I can leave my iPhone around the house and not worry about missing a call. Additionally, if I get a call overnight, the watch helps wake me up.
Also don't have to be one of those jokers at a restaurant who keeps looking at their phone while their dinner guests sit there.
Looking at the watch is just as bad as looking at the phone.
by JS-Elcano
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
Replies: 83
Views: 6305

Re: Return My New Apple Watch?

I am a fan of the iPhone and Apple computers. And here in Boston it seems like everyone is wearing an Apple watch. I'm not exaggerating. So, I figured I'd get myself one as a new year's present. A Series 9 with cell service. I've had it for a week, and I have to ask - what's the appeal? Apart from exercise and health features, it doesn't do anything the phone doesn't do, and of course it does it on a tiny screen. Sometimes it does less than a phone (no browser, for example). From what I can see, it's just another expensive gaudy gadget designed to complicate and junk up my life. Maybe it's a status symbol. I'm leaning heavily to returning it before the 14 day Apple return period lapses. Am I missing something? Might it grow on me? What's y...
by JS-Elcano
Fri Jan 19, 2024 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please help pick my 403b offerings
Replies: 13
Views: 732

Re: Please help pick my 403b offerings

VANGUARD LIFESTRATEGY GROWTH VASGX EXP RATIO .14 VANGUARD LIFESTRAT MOD VSMGX .13 I would use one of these and manage desired asset allocation across all accounts. You presumably have complete control over the investment options you use in the Rollover IRAs etc. so you can pick and choose what you use in there to get to your desired portfolio allocation. I would look at it as between Lifestrategy Growth, Moderate, and Conservative you have all the funds you need for any reasonable allocation between 80/20 and 40/60 at about 13 basis points. Not the best 403B plan, but only about 8 basis points away from the best. Put another way your your plan is almost indistinguishable from the best 403B that has ever been posted on bogleheads. Congratul...
by JS-Elcano
Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please help pick my 403b offerings
Replies: 13
Views: 732

Re: Please help pick my 403b offerings

I am 55 yrs old, net worth about 1 million spread across the existing 403 b, some rollover iras from previous jobs for my wife and i, 2 roths and home equity. I have about 5-10 left before I want to leave the job. Currently putting 80% into Valic Stock Indx Fund vstix and 20% into Vanguard Lifestrategy Growth vasgx but need advice. Thank you very much in advance. VALIC STOCK INDX VSTIX EXP RATIO .33 ADDITIONAL CONTRACTUAL FEE .08 VANGUARD LIFESTRATEGY GROWTH VASGX EXP RATIO .14 VALIC MID CAP INDX VMIDX .36 VALIC GOVT SEC VCGSX .67 VALIC INT EQU INDX VCIEX .43 VALIC INT GOV BOND VCIFX .76 VALIC SMALL CAP INDEX VCSLX .45 PLUS CONTRACTUAL FEE .05 VALIC INT GROWTH VCINX 1.08 PLUS CONTRACTUAL .2 VANGUARD LT-INV-GRADE VWESX .21 VANGUARD LT TREAS...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Jan 17, 2024 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to be a first-time home buyer if I intend to move in three years?
Replies: 54
Views: 6575

Re: Best way to be a first-time home buyer if I intend to move in three years?

We bought our first home a little over 3 years ago. One thing I'm super happy about is that it's just good enough that we would be content staying here for the long term. Sure, we would like a bigger house in a better neighborhood with better schools, but we are fine where we're at. With some recent sweat equity in the form of a DIY retaining wall and raised patio (which was well beyond my DIY comfort zone and a great, albeit all-consuming, learning experience), my wife has said she would have trouble selling this house knowing how hard we worked on making it on our own. There have also been, and continue to be, many surprise costs, everything from plumbing to the roof, because of the age of the home. We had enough going into the purchase ...
by JS-Elcano
Mon Jan 15, 2024 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Index Universal Life product
Replies: 57
Views: 6174

Re: Index Universal Life product

prettybogle wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:31 am ...
2. Pay $200 per month on my 10 year old son's name. It will become 4 million by the time he turns 40.

I am brainstorming on excuses to say NO
Investing $2400 per year will lead to 4 million after 30 years? Seriously? What returns >20% annually? Because that's the return you'd need. Just do the math and you see how ridiculous this is.
by JS-Elcano
Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How did you make your first $1M?
Replies: 148
Views: 33596

Re: How did you make your first $1M?

guiltyspender31660 wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:32 am Curious to see how you guys made your first million dollars.
No magic: Saving in total stock market index funds for equity, BND for fixed until 8/2020, TIAA Trad for fixed since then.

First million in net worth:
- *22 years* of saving, saving, saving, in all retirement accounts available to me, but still living my live now and pursuing hobbies.
- half way through could also scrape together a bit for starting a VG Brokerage account
- equity from home purchase
- my employer contributes just over 5%, so a little help from there as well

First million in retirement savings took 2.5 years more.

Hoping the second million goes a faster.
by JS-Elcano
Sat Jan 13, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562263

Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here

ruralavalon wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 3:24 pm
JS-Elcano wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:25 am Crossed the $1,000,000 mark in my retirement accounts today after taking the same hurdle for networth, which includes home equity, in July 2021. Thought I would make it before the end of 2023, but needed my first round of 403b/457b contributions to come in and my annual RothIRA contribution as well.

Thank you BH for giving me the confidence in the right strategy and then some. :beer
Welcome to the two comma club :D :D
Thank you! It feels good and decided to toast to myself with a glass of wine tonight :D
I don't need huge returns to get to where I need to go in order to retire in the not too distant future, but I am worried about what the future brings in terms of returns and inflation.
by JS-Elcano
Sat Jan 13, 2024 1:37 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562263

Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here

Stinky wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 12:22 pm
JS-Elcano wrote: Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:25 am Crossed the $1,000,000 mark in my retirement accounts today after taking the same hurdle for networth, which includes home equity, in July 2021. Thought I would make it before the end of 2023, but needed my first round of 403b/457b contributions to come in and my annual RothIRA contribution as well.

Thank you BH for giving me the confidence in the right strategy and then some. :beer
That’s a big one!

Congratulations.
Thanks, Stinky!

Yes, If you have seen my post in the networth progression thread you can see that it's been a 20-year slog of consistent mini steps after a late start on a moderate income. >50% savings rate now that I can afford it.
by JS-Elcano
Sat Jan 13, 2024 11:25 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here
Replies: 3606
Views: 562263

Re: Post your Financial Milestone Announcements Here

Crossed the $1,000,000 mark in my retirement accounts today after taking the same hurdle for networth, which includes home equity, in July 2021. Thought I would make it before the end of 2023, but needed my first round of 403b/457b contributions to come in and my annual RothIRA contribution as well.

Thank you BH for giving me the confidence in the right strategy and then some. :beer
by JS-Elcano
Fri Jan 12, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4273
Views: 1072262

Re: Share your net worth progression

I feel inadequate, but here goes: Date Age Net worth 2004 34 Basically zilch (I spent my 20s/early 30s roaming the world. Finally landed in the corporate world) 2006 36 $50k ish (small savings account/value of condo) 2011 41 $200k (savings + value of first house. Finally got serious about socking $$$ away for retirement) 2019 52 $800k (value of house + aggressive savings + stock heavy portfolio to make up for lost time) 2023 55 $1.3M (Still saving a lot, plus value of house. Rebalanced portfolio so that it's age appropriate) But, it's just me....and I have not lived like a hermit, so I guess I'm doing okay. I just want to retire by 60, and I am not sure that's gonna be feasible :( Your track looks pretty much like mine and I know how you f...
by JS-Elcano
Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4273
Views: 1072262

Re: Share your net worth progression

1999 -- ($500) (started first job fresh out of grad school)
2000 -- $2k (estimate)
2001 -- $4k (estimate)
2002 -- $7k
2003 -- $21k
2004 -- $33k
2005 -- $29k
2006 -- $52k
2007 -- $75k
2008 -- $93k
2009 -- $53k
2010 -- $39k
2011 -- $73k
2012 -- $119k
2013 -- $191k
2014 -- $247k
2015 -- $283k
2016 -- $347k
2017 -- $426k
2018 -- $485k
2019 -- $655k
2020 -- $827k
2021 -- $1,122k
2022 -- $1,152k
2023 -- $1,411k

Single income. Average income over career (full employment) has been 109k (more now in MCOL, much less at the beginning in VHCOL), current savings rate 54%. House almost paid off. Feels like things are finally coming together :moneybag :happy
by JS-Elcano
Fri Dec 22, 2023 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 279
Views: 56438

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

I'm into the retirement planning stage where I've started to think about how much I want/need to have to retire. (As opposed to when I was younger, and I was just trying to save as much as I could, and retirement seemed too far off to worry about an actual dollar amount goal). I'm just curious, what is your target/goal/"magic number" that you want or need before you retire? I'll start! After running various retirement calculators and simulations, I think I'd like to have at least $3 million. After that, maybe I'll keep working, maybe not, but at the moment I think this is my number. Let's hear yours... Based on my projected annual expenses, 2.5 million in retirement accounts is the number for me, plus a paid off house. Taking SS ...
by JS-Elcano
Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Christmas Gifts (Cash) for Grandkids
Replies: 51
Views: 10256

Re: Christmas Gifts (Cash) for Grandkids

Campcoffee wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 1:20 pm I've looked around at past stuff and I don't see anything like this so I'll give it a try. I realize this is really personal, but this is just to take the pulse of fellow Bogleheads out there:
What is the current market rate for Christmas cash gifts for grandkids, teens and older?
I know DW and I are really cheap, but we're thinking $50 each.

Tell me what you are doing, not just that I'm cheap or extravagant or that I need to get them something "personal".
Ok, what say you all?
Merry Christmas to all.
I give $100 for Christmas and birthdays to my nieces and nephews (no grandkids). My question is when do I stop? At 21? What do people do?
by JS-Elcano
Tue Dec 12, 2023 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the best credit cards to use in Europe?
Replies: 39
Views: 3354

Re: What are the best credit cards to use in Europe?

Agree with all of the above. Mastercard and Visa are accepted virtually everywhere. Use a card without a foreign transaction fee. If you have Apple Pay, use that rather than your chip credit card or even tapping your card. Reason is, using Apple Pay is akin to using a "chip and pin", eg it's considered an authenticated transaction. If you simply tap your credit card, it will work for lower valued transactions, but may max out at 50 euros. If you use a "chipped" card, that will work, but it will likely trigger a signature request, which will then require the sales person to mutter "oh, an American" :D " and then locate a pen for you to sign. So your best bet is to use apple pay if you have it. (I assume Go...
by JS-Elcano
Tue Dec 12, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the best credit cards to use in Europe?
Replies: 39
Views: 3354

Re: What are the best credit cards to use in Europe?

Also do you have any recommendation re: currency exchange and in general how much should we get for use in Spain, Portugal, and Denmark for a couple of weeks? Do most places there take credit cards or mainly cash (Euros/Kroners)? Thanks I travel to Europe at least once a year, often more. I use my VISA credit card for all purchases. Make sure you have one without foreign transaction fees (that is determined by the bank that issued your card). I never take any cash with me because the fees in the US are too high. Instead I use my debit card for withdrawing from ATMs, which are as ubiquitous there was they are here, probably more so there. My credit union refunds all of my foreign fees. I usually get 400 euros (the max at most ATMs) and that...