Search found 240 matches

by Mill
Sun Aug 05, 2018 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Yogi said it. It must be true.
Replies: 21
Views: 3092

Re: Yogi said it. It must be true.

Its bad luck to be superstitious.
by Mill
Wed Mar 08, 2017 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help! Need to refund money in PayPal from Nigeria
Replies: 18
Views: 3968

Re: Help! Need to refund money in PayPal from Nigeria

you didn't send him your computer did you?
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First Time Home Buyer Advice
Replies: 2
Views: 563

Re: First Time Home Buyer Advice

Have you calculated how much extra you would be paying for PMI?
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice
Replies: 4
Views: 1148

Re: Portfolio Advice

youre going to need bonds eventually, so I would recommend making a general plan for when, and study up on tax-efficient placement of assets. Best wishes.
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 28 Year Old Newbie Seeking Boglehead Wisdom
Replies: 12
Views: 1887

Re: 28 Year Old Newbie Seeking Boglehead Wisdom

TomCat96 wrote:Everything looks fine.
+1
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Forced to roll 401K to IRA. PLEASE HELP!!
Replies: 6
Views: 869

Re: Forced to roll 401K to IRA. PLEASE HELP!!

Tell Merril Edge to put it all in Target Retirement 2035. Boom. Done.
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is it best to do with cash sitting around in a savings account?
Replies: 13
Views: 3363

Re: What is it best to do with cash sitting around in a savings account?

What about tax exempt municipal bonds? You could also buy I bonds and EE bonds. I believe the limit is $10,000 per social security number per year.
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 6:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Making Sense of My Portfolio
Replies: 3
Views: 827

Re: Help Making Sense of My Portfolio

Congrats on your upcoming retirement! :sharebeer

Some thoughts:
I think you mean "roll over" not liquidate the Portfolio Advisory Services managed accounts. Definitely start with this to save yourself the 1% management fee. Or actually, just call fidelity and tell them you don't want to pay the PAS fee, and see if they can help you out. If not, roll it over to another institution.

You have so many investments listed it would take quite an effort to determine diversification/asset allocation and give advice.

Keep hanging around here, youll learn a lot.
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k & Portfolio Allocation
Replies: 14
Views: 2109

Re: 401k & Portfolio Allocation

a few thoughts...

Are there any bonds in there?

Target Retirement 2050 TrustPlus isn't really meant to be held with various other mutual funds.

Youre paying a hefty price for TRP BLUE CHIP GRTH & FID MID CAP STOCK K. I think youd be just fine with only the VG 500 fund, but worth looking further into.
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help w/ 401K Allocations
Replies: 2
Views: 509

Re: Help w/ 401K Allocations

I would also go with the Vanguard international fund instead of the Europacific fund just because of the expense ratio difference.



don't take this as gospel.
I saw a Morningstar study that found that a 60% small/mid cap and 40% large cap portfolio produced the highest return for the least amount of added risk.
by Mill
Wed Feb 15, 2017 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First Time Re-Balancing
Replies: 4
Views: 1081

Re: First Time Re-Balancing

Based on the information you gave, I don't see a need to rebalance anything...that is until youre about 5% off from your ideals. Id just stay the course for now.

Best wishes.
by Mill
Tue Feb 14, 2017 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Early 20s 401k and Roth IRA Investment Help/Allocation
Replies: 1
Views: 718

Re: Early 20s 401k and Roth IRA Investment Help/Allocation

A few thoughts: The target retirement funds are meant to be sort of an all-in-one fund, (already diversified) and not intended to be combined with other investments. This is because they set the asset allocation on their own, slowly becoming more conservative as the investor ages towards his "target retirement". I would say go ahead and pick the fund that's closest to your expected retirement year and combine your 2 target retirement funds in your 401k into one, as having the 2 does not make you any more diversified. One thing you could consider is that your 401k offers some fantastic funds, that when combined give you wide diversification: Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Market Index Trust - 0.03% Vanguard Institutional 500 Ind...
by Mill
Sat Feb 11, 2017 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I count value of homes in my Swensen AA?
Replies: 15
Views: 1761

Re: Should I count value of homes in my Swensen AA?

Its a personal decision regarding real estate in your portfolio. My thoughts are that since you own 2 homes (totaling 3mm in assets) your exposure to real estate is already met without needing to hold REITs. Have you considered converting your REIT index to TIPS or total bond fund?
by Mill
Sat Feb 11, 2017 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Show me the Money
Replies: 6
Views: 1664

Re: Show me the Money

are tax exempt muni bonds an option?
by Mill
Sat Feb 11, 2017 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need Help and Guidance Leaving Edward Jones
Replies: 10
Views: 2920

Re: Need Help and Guidance Leaving Edward Jones

If youre not happy with the fees EJ is charging you, then youre on the right track to be looking elsewhere. Vanguard as you know is low cost, and theyre very helpful with rolling over your investments from other institutions. Just give them a call, they will draw up a .pdf which you can send to EJ with instructions to transfer. Also call EJ and inform them of your choice to roll over assets to vanguard. Money will be in your new vg account within a week generally. You didn't mention what you would like your asset allocation to be, so youll need to figure that out and make your investment decisions with Vanguard from there, in fact do this before you call Vanguard, as they'll need to know how to allocate the incoming funds. The 3-fund portfo...
by Mill
Sun Aug 30, 2015 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is this 401(k) even worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 1712

Re: Is this 401(k) even worth it?

I appreciate the advice from everyone. I am already maxing out my roth IRA each year. No spouse, debt, kids.

I know 401(k) to the max is generally the next thing to fund, before taxable investing. This one is just bad.
by Mill
Sat Aug 29, 2015 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is this 401(k) even worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 1712

Re: Is this 401(k) even worth it?

gvsucavie03 wrote:Is there a match?
No match.
by Mill
Sat Aug 29, 2015 5:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is this 401(k) even worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 1712

Re: Is this 401(k) even worth it?

deleted.
by Mill
Sat Aug 29, 2015 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is this 401(k) even worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 1712

Is this 401(k) even worth it?

60 days into my new job and Im eligible to start contributing to the 401(k). :moneybag I have received the enrollment paperwork, and Im disappointed to say the least. :annoyed Some highlights: There is no employer match. Investment options: Strategic income: ER: .80 Target Date 2016-2020: ER: .89 Target Date 2026-2030: ER: .93 Target Date 2036-2040: ER: .95 Target Date 2046-2050: ER: .96 Target Date 2051+: ER: 1.07 "(My employer) is paying a portion of the plan administrative expenses. An annual plan administrative expense of $100.00 per participant applies. One twelfth of this annual amount will be deducted on a monthly basis from each participants account balance." "The following participant-level services have additional f...
by Mill
Sat Aug 15, 2015 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop Recommendation
Replies: 41
Views: 5877

Re: Laptop Recommendation

I can vouch for Lenovo. Ive had my B560 since May of 2011 and its still going strong. I like everything about it except its not a dual core processor, so gaming can be difficult. But it was the least expensive model at Best Buy and I didn't want to spend much so I was sold. I figured if I could get a year and a half out of it, Id be happy.
by Mill
Sat Aug 15, 2015 3:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: question about I, EE bonds (owners & beneficiaries)
Replies: 3
Views: 527

question about I, EE bonds (owners & beneficiaries)

I cannot find any information on this, Im hoping the board can help out...

My Mom has some I & EE bonds payable on death to the beneficiary.

The original owner of these bonds (my grandmother) is dead. Can the beneficiary get that bond reissued with the same interest/dates with the beneficiary as the owner and elect a new beneficiary, rather than cashing it?

Also, my mom has some I & EE bonds with just one owner and no beneficiary. Can those be altered to have a beneficiary &/or co-owner (while still keeping the same issue dates and interest)??

Thanks.
by Mill
Wed Aug 05, 2015 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I wrong? [to assist family members with finances]
Replies: 32
Views: 5593

Re: Am I wrong? [to assist family members with finances]

Are you wrong?
I told him exactly what funds to invest in
I don't know.

How can you possibly know exactly what funds to invest in?

:beer
by Mill
Wed Jul 29, 2015 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cash EE bond to pay down the mortgage?
Replies: 7
Views: 885

Cash EE bond to pay down the mortgage?

Hello Bogleheads, Consider the couple in the following example. A married couple in their late 20's owns a $10,000 1994 EE bond (acquired through a now deceased relative, who bought the bond as co-owners along with one in the couple.) This particular bond is yielding 4% interest for a current value of $11,300 and matures in 2024. This couples income is $100,000, tax status: Married Filing Jointly. They have a 15-year fixed rate mortgage on a house at 3.25% (which they are 1 year into paying on). Original mortgage loan was for $145,000. No PMI. No other debt. 401(k) funded at 6%, and emergency funds are adequate. This couple is considering cashing in the bond to pay down the mortgage. Being inexperienced in these areas, I am wondering if thi...
by Mill
Wed Jun 03, 2015 11:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: much ado about coasting (through life)
Replies: 256
Views: 63698

Re: much ado about coasting (through life)

OP here.

Fantastic discussions and follow-ups by all. Ive read every post and they are very much appreciated. I really enjoyed reading everyone's experiences and thoughts. Thank you all.

Just a quick follow up...Ive recently accepted an office-support job. Low pay, but good benefits. Starting over at the bottom of the totem pole, in a different industry, but Im totally fine with that. I think I may enjoy this position, and Im going to give it my all.

I agree with life being a journey, not a destination. Ive enjoyed it so far, and I plan to continue to do so. Stay the course. :sharebeer
by Mill
Sun May 10, 2015 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: much ado about coasting (through life)
Replies: 256
Views: 63698

Re: much ado about coasting (through life)

TomatoTomahto wrote:
dgdevil wrote:Is this another of these threads where the OP writes something contentious then disappears, leaving everyone else to argue pointlessly among themselves?
Well, OP hasn't returned since he posted.
Im here, and Ive carefully read and considered each post. I appreciate everyone taking the time to respond, and offer their experiences, advice and guidance. :sharebeer
by Mill
Fri May 08, 2015 12:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: much ado about coasting (through life)
Replies: 256
Views: 63698

much ado about coasting (through life)

A recent thread got me to thinking...what's wrong with coasting through life, specifically "your most productive years" ? This is going to go against a lot of the go-getter, champion attitudes on this forum, and Im only thankful I was able to capitalize on all of that while I had it. I just don't have the drive anymore, to sell my time for money, which most of you will find pathetic, but I digress.... I earned a good living, just to see if I could "succeed" in corporate America I guess. It was a challenge, now Im bored with it, don't care to climb higher, in fact I don't care to partake at all, while I see others who embrace it as part of everyday life. Do or die. Pay the bills. Paycheck to paycheck only to survive just ...
by Mill
Wed May 06, 2015 10:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Easy careers to last me to retirement?
Replies: 141
Views: 27225

Re: What job to get to coast to Retirement at age 59 1/2?

I for one am enjoying this post and the previously referred-to one.

Don't worry about it gambler, Im the same mindset, same situation as you, looking for answers as well.

Good luck in your search.
by Mill
Wed Mar 11, 2015 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bonus received. But its not what was agreed upon. Advice?
Replies: 61
Views: 12991

Bonus received. But its not what was agreed upon. Advice?

Hi all, Ive been having some troubles at work lately (which a simple search of my username can provide more info, though not relevant to this thread) and I have decided to move on. :sharebeer No matter what though, there will be hard feelings from both my manager and myself. Lets just say its ugly, I feel unappreciated, unhappy in my job, and they will be very angry at me for "abandoning the team, and failing to step up to current challenges". But I digress... I am not looking to lawyer up over anything. I just want to be treated fairly, and move on. Ive been waiting to receive my bonus before resigning/separating with the company, which I did receive on Monday. I am very grateful for the bonus, but I noticed it was for $7500, whi...
by Mill
Fri Feb 27, 2015 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!
Replies: 66
Views: 20483

Re: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!

Well, time to provide an update.

I survived. :happy

Thank you all very much, your guidance has carried me through the initial meeting and I still have my job. Now the action plan and follow up steps to be carried out while stealthily searching for another opportunity... :twisted:

Ill really appreciate everyones advice and ideas to get through this one as well...

Continuation thread here...

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=159648&newpost=2395935

mill
by Mill
Fri Feb 27, 2015 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I survived my initial performance improvement mtg. Now what?
Replies: 33
Views: 7715

I survived my initial performance improvement mtg. Now what?

This is a continuation of this thread... https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=159408&newpost=2395730 First, thank you to all of the Bogleheads who provided feedback. I don't know if I could have gotten through this and kept my job without you. Im very grateful. In fact, after I gave my own pip presentation on how Im going to turn things around, my manager said it was too much. I should have condensed it. But the big picture is that it worked. Im still employed. To sum it up, my action plan is that I need to spend more time with employees in the field. Like a lot more time. During this time, I need to get each employees buy-in and their 100% to-the-edge-of-the-earth and back commitment to the company. I need to do thi...
by Mill
Wed Feb 25, 2015 9:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!
Replies: 66
Views: 20483

Re: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!

OP here. Fantastic responses, and I appreciate everyones time taken to review and advise. Ive worked all day today to come up with some notes which I will turn into an outline and present to management on Friday. We are a smallish company. Me and my manager and my mangers manager work relatively closely together. Call me nieve, but I believe them that want me to be phone and computer-less so I can concentrate on my pip and not communicate officially with other similar-level managers or subordinates or clients. Punishment by isolation, or at least that's what Im thinking based on how well I think I know them. If Im wrong, so be it. Good for them, they took a phone and computer so I wouldn't make inappropriate calls or emails. Doesn't matter,...
by Mill
Wed Feb 25, 2015 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!
Replies: 66
Views: 20483

Re: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!

I really appreciate everyones responses so far. I think its a fantastic idea to take a walk, clear my mind, and come back and attack this tonight. And Ive already ordered that book. Thank you very much!
dolphinsaremammals wrote:
shepherd wrote:
I see from his previous posts that the OP lives with his parents, so we can stop worrying that he's going to be homeless.
LOL. its true. That made me smile for the first time today. :D Im actually somewhat worried about disappointing them.

I know Ive got a lot of growing up to do.
by Mill
Wed Feb 25, 2015 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!
Replies: 66
Views: 20483

Help! Ive been put on a performance improvement plan!

Hi everyone, I am hoping to get some general, generic advice on how to deal with this. I had a meeting with my manager today and it wasn't good, and its all hitting me pretty hard right now. I take pride in doing a good job, managing difficult situations and the fear of failure is overwhelming me a bit. Id like to get some advice from those with more experience on how to achieve/overcome/manage a situation like this. Im a low-level manager with about a year of experience. Like 99% of the work force, I try my best to manage directives from the people I report to (management talking out of both sides of their mouth) to ensure I do the right thing for the company (cost savings, client retention, business development etc.) while keeping in mind...
by Mill
Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What age did you move out?
Replies: 117
Views: 11054

Re: What age did you move out?

I still live with my parents. Im kind of weird like that, Im a minimalist who doesnt plan on marriage or kids and Id like to hit FI asap. So it feels natural to me, even as a 33 yo man. They own a duplex, got tired of landlording and missed me when I took a job several states away. Theyre nearning 70, FI and are just looking to spend quality time with family, so I figured why not. I ended up taking a job back home and I travel a lot, so it wouldnt be very efficient for me to move into an apartment anyway, plus I prefer to stay mobile, so this works out really well. So they moved into the downstairs and now I live upstairs, but we come and go throughout the house as we please. Its been over a year and were all very happy. I leave the above o...
by Mill
Tue Jul 08, 2014 10:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: List of Worst financial advice (what not to do):
Replies: 144
Views: 22494

Re: List of Worst financial advice (what not to do):

"land. theyre not making any more of it."
by Mill
Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buried in Student Loans
Replies: 22
Views: 6952

Re: Buried in Student Loans

So what does the wife do for work now? Im concerned that she may be unemployed/underemployed. If she can raise up the income you'll be able to attack that debt better. Sadly, I fear this may not be possible. No offense, but Id be a little bit angry at my wife about this whole thing if I were you, but I don't have the full story, so maybe her decisions have been justifiable???
by Mill
Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental x- ray [Insurance coverage]
Replies: 49
Views: 5595

Re: Dental x- ray

I second a previous posters advice about relationship with your dentist. If you like him/her, Id just go ahead and pay it. You have to pick your battles. If you fight it, you could end up costing yourself more than $30 in PITA dealings with finding another friendly, convenient, competent dentist.

Good luck.
by Mill
Thu Jan 09, 2014 12:03 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: when you reach"your number"
Replies: 84
Views: 13122

Re: when you reach"your number"

Id keep working until I felt my job situation isn't worth it anymore. Kind of vague, but then again its that whole principle behind FIRE.
by Mill
Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental x- ray [Insurance coverage]
Replies: 49
Views: 5595

Re: Dental x- ray

Johm221122 wrote:Went to dentist for teeth cleaning and they did x-ray for second time this year Insurance only covers once.I have no dental problems and according to Web MD it should be done every 12 to 18 months.They were aware of insurance limit and made mistake.Should I pay?
John
How much was the charge anyway?
by Mill
Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 401k.fidelity.com sucks
Replies: 13
Views: 4322

Re: 401k.fidelity.com sucks

:twisted: sounds like the greatest trick the devil ever pulled. :twisted:
by Mill
Wed Jan 08, 2014 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is Equity Income fund redundant with Total Stock Market?
Replies: 6
Views: 1323

Re: Is Equity Income fund redundant with Total Stock Market?

hmmm... seems a bit complicated to me.
by Mill
Wed Jan 08, 2014 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental x- ray [Insurance coverage]
Replies: 49
Views: 5595

Re: Dental exray

Coincidentally, I also had a cleaning today. The hygienist did an x-ray, did the cleaning, scraped some hard-build up, and gave me a fluoride treatment. Total cost out-of-pocket was $24. I have reasonable insurance and haven't had a cleaning since 2010. I thought about it while paying, that I didn't ask for x-rays, but then just thought...nah whatever. Probably best that they took them in case they found something.

Next time, both of us need to be better prepared to ask what the exact treatment will be. If not, you'll find yourself laid back, instruments in mouth and unable to speak up. :D
by Mill
Wed Jan 01, 2014 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What was your most memorable experience in 2013?
Replies: 5
Views: 711

Re: What was your most memorable experience in 2013?

I moved (back home) from a very lucrative job situation to something more challenging, near family and friends. Had to take a significant paycut, but it seems to be the right move. Weather or not it works out, Im sure Ill remember it as life-changing.
by Mill
Wed Jan 01, 2014 11:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please review my retirement plan, any advice is welcome
Replies: 11
Views: 1715

Re: Please review my retirement plan, any advice is welcome

Looks good, keep up the good work.

Maybe consider beefing up the emergency fund...but then again, maybe not even necessary. Your job seems stable, 7 years to retirement more or less and you seem to have a good plan, afaik.

Not an entrepreneur, but it seems like smooth sailing for you, so just make sure you don't risk more than you can afford on the future business, keep wife and kids happy, and stay the course.

That's about all I can offer.

Best wishes.
by Mill
Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Bogleheads Investment Philosophy
Replies: 7
Views: 1424

Re: The Bogleheads Investment Philosophy

I get a 10 :sharebeer

Best wishes and Happy New Year Taylor.
by Mill
Sun Dec 29, 2013 11:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you ever feel you are being too frugal?
Replies: 65
Views: 7698

Re: Do you ever feel you are being too frugal?

If you have to ask, you probably are.

If your relationships are suffering, you probably are.
by Mill
Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A monkey could have made money in 2013
Replies: 14
Views: 3319

Re: A monkey could have made money in 2013

Expense ratios would be nice.

I think your biggest concern is the size of your emergency fund. You should really beef that up asap. Then when you cash out the options, you can use the proceeds to help you out even further there.

Have you used FIREcalc? Im concerned that you might not be not saving enough.
by Mill
Sun Dec 29, 2013 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frugal suit purchase options--need, but don't want
Replies: 52
Views: 8153

Re: Frugal suit purchase options--need, but don't want

Im like the OP and rarely dress up. I despise it. I was dating a woman who INSISTED that every man should own a suit, so one of our dates was to Kohls to go suit shopping. I found reasonable matches, and with the Kohls card and a couple coupons, I got everything (shirt, pants, sportcoat, belt and tie) for $200. Also, I learned that at Kohls, the price marked on the items is always wrong (on the high side). I guess they do this to make you think youre getting a good deal.