Search found 563 matches

by mcblum
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I Crazy? Every Account is SP500 Index
Replies: 61
Views: 10177

Re: Am I Crazy? Every Account is SP500 Index

when did we have a 50% downturn in the S&P500?
by mcblum
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: “You’ll know when the right time is to retire”
Replies: 69
Views: 9251

Re: “You’ll know when the right time is to retire”

After 42 years in the Civil Service, I realized that my portfolio was not enough. I retired on a Friday and went back to work as a contractor a week later at the same job. I worked eight more years, saving my entire net pay while investing in 401k, Roth IRA and taxable. When I had fifty years, I retired completely with enough pension, SS and savings to adequately cover all expenses. I stayed at work until I was financially although the job was great.
by mcblum
Wed Dec 13, 2023 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 575275

Re: What are you listening to now

Central Heating. It's 7:30 AM
by mcblum
Sat Nov 25, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: roller from trad.IRA to Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 620

Re: roller from trad.IRA to Roth IRA

thanks.
Marty
by mcblum
Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: roller from trad.IRA to Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 620

Re: roller from trad.IRA to Roth IRA

the red net after taxes is rolled over into a taxable account. our tax rate is about 10%
by mcblum
Sat Nov 25, 2023 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: roller from trad.IRA to Roth IRA
Replies: 5
Views: 620

roller from trad.IRA to Roth IRA

Hello Fellow B/H members;I have a question about a possible move by rollover from a rolled over (traditional IRA0 to my Roth IRA.
I am eighty years old. and have been taking RMDs for seven years.
Is it advisable ,at my age to continue paying the RMD each year or rolling over to the tax free Roth. I would do that after my RMD in Jan/24. I have bee taking only the dividend from my Roth IRA monthly (VBILX) which is enough, along with my pension and SS for all expenses.
Thanks for your help,
Martin
by mcblum
Mon Nov 20, 2023 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone get a new 15” MacBook Air?
Replies: 22
Views: 4411

Re: Anyone get a new 15” MacBook Air?

Hello everyone! Got a 15 inch MacBook Air Friday; My 80th Birthday! Only problem I had was in setting up my Email. It replaced an 11 inch MBA from 2013. Forgot the password! A good run but I timed out with Turbo Tax and it was a good excuse to upgrade. Great so far!

Email fixed so Onward and Upward!
by mcblum
Wed Jul 26, 2023 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Withdrawal Rate versus Living Off Interest/Portfolio Distributions
Replies: 39
Views: 3617

Re: Withdrawal Rate versus Living Off Interest/Portfolio Distributions

My Roth IRA throws off several hundred dollars every month in Interest. It goes directly to my checking account.
Total shares never change.
Why not?
I am happy.
by mcblum
Mon Feb 06, 2023 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age did you reach your first $1 Million
Replies: 225
Views: 36371

Re: At what age did you reach your first $1 Million

Got late start at age 47. Learned a lot from books, mags and, especially from Bogleheads. Got second comma at age 77. I will be 80 this year.
I am retired but still invest a little bit. Thanks to pensions and SS, don't have to access P/F.

All my best to all members, U da Bomb!!

Marty
by mcblum
Fri Feb 03, 2023 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33115

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

great posts!
In 1998, I was in St. Thomas VI and purchased an Omega Seamster 300. I called it my early retirement gift to myself after 32 years. I ended up working for 18 more years but still wear the Omega. It has been in the shop twice for degaussing and I do wind it once a week but it is my every day/all day watch.

I also have a Casio G Shock which I take on vacations, especially to the Islands.
Marty
by mcblum
Tue Aug 02, 2022 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1713044

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Radical Technologies: the design of everyday life by Adam Greenfield
by mcblum
Mon Aug 01, 2022 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever used your emergency fund?
Replies: 272
Views: 28817

Re: Have you ever used your emergency fund?

I used to call it an EFund but now it is just "Liquidity"
. I put money into it every 1st of the month and use it for those irregular bills such as Home owners Association dues and some annual
insurance payments.Also, sudden car repairs. With monthly deposits, it keeps regular expenses from causing anxiety.
I hate debt.
Marty
by mcblum
Wed Jul 06, 2022 1:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Free Morningstar Portfolio Ending
Replies: 138
Views: 21045

Re: Free Morningstar Portfolio Ending

would that automatically update?
by mcblum
Tue Jul 05, 2022 8:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Free Morningstar Portfolio Ending
Replies: 138
Views: 21045

Re: Free Morningstar Portfolio Ending

Retired 4.5 years
investing for 32 years
Portfolio boiled down to two funds over the years. (happy)
portfolio duplicated at Morningstar (It looked nice)
needed to be manually updated with each dividend
I feel that, as entire portfolio is in one place, I don't need the Morningstar
The cost of the subscription could buy more shares of something.
If it goes, I won't be to sad
Marty
by mcblum
Sun Jul 03, 2022 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4525
Views: 617529

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Brushed my teeth.
I have had periodontal problems in the past but not in the last thirty years. The pain and cost of treatments is mitigated by very simple hygiene.
by mcblum
Thu Jun 30, 2022 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What recent technology has improved your life and how?
Replies: 125
Views: 13041

Re: What recent technology has improved your life and how?

Fuller floor sweeper:
great for bare wood floors; none electric.
design could be 120 years old.
by mcblum
Mon May 02, 2022 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turbo Tax and Old Macs
Replies: 35
Views: 3944

Re: Turbo Tax and Old Macs

Well, they say "never fall in love with machinery" but this Air is really a fantastic piece of technology. I'll get another one when needed.
by mcblum
Mon May 02, 2022 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turbo Tax and Old Macs
Replies: 35
Views: 3944

Re: Turbo Tax and Old Macs

to Livesoft.
Both of these computers will not update OS anymore. the iMac on 10.5 Catalina and th Air on Big Sur 11.6.
by mcblum
Mon May 02, 2022 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turbo Tax and Old Macs
Replies: 35
Views: 3944

Turbo Tax and Old Macs

I have been very satisfied with my iMac (2012) and my MacBook Air (2013) and would not consider buying new computers now.

However.

When I did my taxes in January, I received a message from TT that I would be able to do my taxes on my iMac this year but not next year. As this is the most important thing I do on my computers every year, I shall have to buy a new computer in Spring of 2023. Perhaps I will be able to do the taxes on the Air for one more year but, inevitably, will need a new computer to do the taxes after 2023.

Has anyone used a ten year old Mac and recently bought a new one? I need to know if they had any problems migrating data, old to new.

thanks Marty
by mcblum
Fri Mar 11, 2022 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When do you pay your credit card bill?
Replies: 194
Views: 16411

Re: When do you pay your credit card bill?

As soon as it hits the screen of my Mac! I hate debt.
by mcblum
Wed Mar 02, 2022 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2021 Refund Times
Replies: 296
Views: 29864

Re: 2021 Refund Times

filed with TT on jan 30. Return to bank account nine days later.
by mcblum
Mon Dec 06, 2021 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?
Replies: 98
Views: 8503

Re: New to Mystery Reading: Which Authors?

Valuethinker mentioned Fantastic Fiction. It is a great website for discovering bibliographies of every genre. I use it for thriller. mystery and sci fi. You can keep up with your favorite contemporary authors as well as golden oldies. My favorite author is the spy writer Alan First.
Marty
by mcblum
Tue Nov 02, 2021 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most Useful Purchases in Your 50s
Replies: 142
Views: 22799

Re: Most Useful Purchases in Your 50s

i am two weeks short of my 78th B/D so i have to think back about my 50's
We threw out the wall to wall carpet (for health and sanitation reasons) and put in hard wood floors. Has some pros and cons. Looks nice and easier to clean but very hard on bare feet. Therefore, never ending search for house slippers. So now i wear Bean mocs (not slippers) around the place. Need for shoes with griping soles. Have fallen on snow a few times.

Some thing called progressive lenses. A miracle. First hour is hard. They make you feel eight feet tall. Also, be cautious going down stairs. More use of zoom in for print on computer.

thanks to all at B/H's for your wisdom and humor over the years
Marty
by mcblum
Wed Oct 20, 2021 8:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Financial Newspapers & Publications
Replies: 49
Views: 6110

Re: Financial Newspapers & Publications

11 year B/H here.

Several years ago, my wife received offers for magazine subscriptions from a garden supply company. I picked Bloomberg and have enjoyed it ever since.

It will not influence my investing strategy (two index funds at 60-40 AA) but gives me a great macro view of the world in business and economics. I do not watch any business TV shows . I made up my mind years ago about what is minimally necessary for success and don't need constant reinforcement.

The good stuff never changes.
by mcblum
Tue Oct 19, 2021 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where did you "easily" Trim expenses in retirement?
Replies: 52
Views: 7753

Re: Where did you "easily" Trim expenses in retirement?

Paid off thirty year mortgage four years early and four years before retirement. Put surplus in taxable account. have not had to touch funds except for RMDs.
by mcblum
Sat Sep 11, 2021 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 575275

Re: What are you listening to now

my Keurig coffee maker
by mcblum
Sun Sep 05, 2021 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For long time retirees, do you use a spreadsheet?
Replies: 52
Views: 6076

Re: For long time retirees, do you use a spreadsheet?

interesting thread. I am retired four years and have never used a spreadsheet. After retiring, i moved my 401k from TSP to Vanguard. I now have taxable,R/O IRA and Roth IRA in one account. My AA is 60/40 with only two funds-VFIAX and VBILX. My bank and Vanguard are connected. Only very small deductions from Roth IRA every month. Every thing is visible at Bank site and Vanguard. I don't really trade except to reinvest RMD remainders.
by mcblum
Fri Sep 03, 2021 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: any two-fund portfolio investors?
Replies: 60
Views: 12373

Re: any two-fund portfolio investors?

retired four years. After wandering all over the investment map for thirty years, I have settled for the last two years on a two funder in my taxable,Roth Ira and Rollover IRA. It is 60/40 VFIAX/VBILX and I am very happy with the results. I do not add new money but rebalance using my RMD and reinvesting the after tax in Taxable.
by mcblum
Wed Jul 28, 2021 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are your “rules” for how much real estate you’re comfortable buying?
Replies: 75
Views: 9253

Re: What are your “rules” for how much real estate you’re comfortable buying?

I don't know about this. We are both retired: kid is gone and self propelled. Just the two of us in nice town house in DC suburbs. Never think about N/W. Can't think of need for or want of "bigger or better" house. Sounds like maintenance headache. Would rather use extra money for "feel good " things:
vacations and good food and lots of books and music. I also believe in the line "nice place but i wouldn't want to live there".
by mcblum
Wed Jun 30, 2021 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reliable basement dehumidifier
Replies: 62
Views: 8576

Re: Reliable basement dehumidifier

this is all very interesting. I would like to know what components are failing. Can they be replaced simply? no circuit boards i hope.
Marty
by mcblum
Fri Jun 18, 2021 7:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Is Your Longest-Held Investment?
Replies: 147
Views: 15510

Re: What Is Your Longest-Held Investment?

the S&P 500 index fund which is part of the Thrift Savings Plan which was migrated to VFIAX after my retirement.
by mcblum
Wed Jun 16, 2021 7:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What was it like to index during the Lost Decade (1999-2009)?
Replies: 73
Views: 12971

Re: What was it like to index during the Lost Decade (1999-2009)?

It was great. I got a new job in 1999 and, after maxing my 401k and IRA, started a taxable
fund. Bought on the lows and rebalanced now and then.
by mcblum
Sun May 30, 2021 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mosquitos! Mosquitos! Mosquitos!
Replies: 139
Views: 16687

Re: Mosquitos! Mosquitos! Mosquitos!

cheap box fans for patios. mosquitos are poor fliers.
by mcblum
Sat May 08, 2021 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you still read the print newspaper?
Replies: 84
Views: 5431

Re: Do you still read the print newspaper?

Yes! the Washington Post for 65 years. It is part of my Breakfast routine. I remember the Army-McCarthy hearings.I also look at the digital sometimes.
by mcblum
Sat May 01, 2021 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spreadsheets - Out of here!
Replies: 262
Views: 31912

Re: Spreadsheets - Out of here!

who writes checks?
by mcblum
Sun Apr 25, 2021 2:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: chain pulling
Replies: 2
Views: 783

chain pulling

Now that the banks are open 24/7. Maybe it is time for the Stock Markets to think about a change in hours.

Sort of like Las Vegas casinos.

trade 24/7. Brokers could come and go as they please. Part time, full time. after all, its mostly computerized anyway.

I'm just bored. two whole days each week w/o any ups and downs.
Marty
by mcblum
Thu Apr 22, 2021 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reinvest distributions or not?
Replies: 29
Views: 3628

Re: Reinvest distributions or not?

Retired three years. Reinvest dividends in R/O Ira and Taxable. Take distributions from Roth IRA (VBILX Bond fund) as cash.
Marty
by mcblum
Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cryptocurrency in Free Fall
Replies: 568
Views: 60471

Re: Cryptocurrency in Free Fall

I am 77 years old. I am retired three years and have just gotten my second comma. The idea of losing
5% of my very hard won retirement portfolio in gambling on something so opaque makes my blood run cold. I have read the article on Wikipedia three times and still don't understand Crypto.

I also don't understand "fun Money". Too much is riding on the line.

Marty
by mcblum
Fri Mar 19, 2021 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1713044

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

having recently developed an interest in Behavioral Economics ("The Why you do the Things you Do"), I have read William Bernsteins's "The Delusions of Crowds" and now, Michael Lewis's "The Undoing Project.

Bernstein's book was great but the biography of Kahneman and Tversky was fantastic.
marty
by mcblum
Wed Jan 27, 2021 7:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: When will tax info IMPORT be available?
Replies: 21
Views: 1655

Re: When will tax info IMPORT be available?

anticrastinators of the world, Unite!
by mcblum
Sun Jan 10, 2021 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Regrets postponing retirement too long?
Replies: 171
Views: 19482

Re: Regrets postponing retirement too long?

nope. worked until 73. did it for some one else. no regrets. liked my job and had a responsibility. marty
by mcblum
Mon Dec 28, 2020 3:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 150819

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

age 77. Retired. no debt. AA is 53% stock 47% Bonds. Not adding much except returning excess RMD to taxable
by mcblum
Fri Dec 18, 2020 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 575275

Re: What are you listening to now

WETA Washington,DC Classical Music. All the best to all BH's
Marty
by mcblum
Sat Dec 12, 2020 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite Travel Experiences
Replies: 178
Views: 17851

Re: Favorite Travel Experiences

Big Sur and the Coast Highway and....

I have lived in Washington D.C area my whole life so ,seeing the Milky Way in Ft. Bragg,CA for the first time, took my breath away.

Back woods Yellowstone and provincial Parks in Alberta; also Tetons.

Because of my age and current pandemic, it will be a while before I travel again.
by mcblum
Sat Dec 12, 2020 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend Honey Dispenser?
Replies: 20
Views: 1758

Re: Recommend Honey Dispenser?

That's my wife!
by mcblum
Wed Dec 09, 2020 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How many people here literally use the three-fund portfolio?
Replies: 102
Views: 9807

Re: How many people here literally use the three-fund portfolio?

2 funds after messing around for thirty years, VFIAX (sp500) and VBILX (intermediate bond) 50/50 AA
by mcblum
Mon Dec 07, 2020 1:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Direct Indexing Revisited
Replies: 35
Views: 5713

Re: Direct Indexing Revisited

I don't understand any of this. The whole idea of mutual funds was to make things easy for the small investor. This is too much work.
I am 2+2 with a two fund portfolio and 2 commas. KISS!
by mcblum
Sat Nov 07, 2020 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how good is your 5G coverage?
Replies: 70
Views: 5000

Re: how good is your 5G coverage?

I am a successful Boglehead. I did it all on an iPhone 6/4G. Still works well. Have no need for 5G.
Marty