Search found 128 matches

by jb1934
Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When will / did you claim Social Security benefits?
Replies: 152
Views: 21269

Re: When will / did you claim Social Security benefits?

A bit of a paradox.
Gambling to beat the market is not the best way to invest money.
Gambling to beat the grim reaper is OK.
by jb1934
Mon Mar 09, 2015 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When will / did you claim Social Security benefits?
Replies: 152
Views: 21269

Re: When will / did you claim Social Security benefits?

Thought about delaying but when the time came we took the big chunks now instead
of the bigger chunks later. It's all conjecture until the decision has to be made. Mike Tyson
reference to plans is apropos. "Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth."
by jb1934
Wed Nov 19, 2014 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VWINX (Wellesley Inc.)
Replies: 44
Views: 9949

Re: VWINX (Wellesley Inc.)

What are the expected/actual tax implications for holding Wellesley vs. the LifeStrategy Conservative Growth Fund (VSCGX) fund? If held in an IRA there is no tax difference. If held in a taxable account Wellesley is almost certain to result in a higher tax burden. The extent of that burden is different for an investor in the 15% tax bracket than for one in the 25% or higher tax bracket, because the substantial long-term capital gain distributions generated in Wellesley are tax-free for those in the 15% tax bracket. FWIW a substantial majority of retirees either pay no federal income tax or are in the 10-15% tax brackets. Thanks you for your response. ?? Information from "comparing mutual funds" on the Vanguard web site. Average a...
by jb1934
Sun Aug 03, 2014 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to admit/should I admit alcohol problem to employer
Replies: 115
Views: 28058

Re: How to admit/should I admit alcohol problem to employer

Without seeming to belittle the problem, I was questioning how one determines whether a person is suffering from alcoholism vs a person who uses alcohol a few days per week recreationally. The distinction appears to be at least partly a control issue and certainly takes professional insight to determine what might be an effective course of treatment. From the OP's one-month update, it appears that [Medical diagnosis removed by admin LadyGeek] Trust me, everyone around an alcoholic knows there is a problem. The OP himself says he is unable to completely stop drinking. Stereotypes and misinformation about alcoholism are rampant. I suggest you,the OP and all interested peruse this article about the high functioning alcoholic. http://www.psych...
by jb1934
Thu Jul 03, 2014 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to admit/should I admit alcohol problem to employer
Replies: 115
Views: 28058

Re: How to admit/should I admit alcohol problem to employer

stan1 wrote:
Can you wait until you have accumulated sufficient vacation time and then just take a long vacation?
-1, goes without saying this needs to be handled now -- not later when its "convenient".
+1
Anything you put if front of your problem you can lose. Employees assistance program are
confidential. Alcoholism is cunning, baffling and powerful. Call now.
by jb1934
Thu Jul 03, 2014 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do Wellesley's Equities Outperform?
Replies: 41
Views: 7801

Re: Do Wellesley's Equities Outperform?

Wellesley has beaten their composite indexes 12 out of the last 15 years.
Cumulatively it has done better.
Not too shabby.
https://personal.vanguard.com/us/funds/ ... INT#tab=1a
by jb1934
Mon May 05, 2014 8:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Delay Social Security to age 70 and Spend more money at 62
Replies: 203
Views: 74703

Re: Delay Social Security to age 70 and Spend more money at

The math guys are probably right but.....math is math and life is life.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
by jb1934
Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question about Wellington and Wellesley
Replies: 55
Views: 45700

Re: Question about Wellington and Wellesley

dkturner wrote:Take a look at the actual makeup of the W and W portfolios. Neither the equity portions nor the fixed income portions look like any of the available Vanguard index funds. In the equity holdings W and W hold some international stocks and these international holdings don't look like the holdings in any of Vanguard's international index funds. In the fixed income holdings W and W emphasize higher quality corporate bonds than Vanguard's corporate bond index funds. The differences aren't dramatic, but I would challenge the boyz to assemble a portfolio of Vanguard index funds that have had superior risk adjusted returns than either of the W and W funds over an extended timeframe.
+1
by jb1934
Wed Sep 25, 2013 3:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is it a stock picker's market ?
Replies: 29
Views: 8067

Re: Is it a stock picker's market ?

baw703916 wrote:Now that we've established that it's a stockpicker's market, how do I identify a skillful stockpicker? 8-)
Wellington Management Company might be worth a look.
by jb1934
Wed Sep 11, 2013 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Who taught you about money?
Replies: 91
Views: 9827

Re: Who taught you about money?

Louis Rukeyser hooked me on his show in the 70's, Wall Street Report. 403bwise and
The Coffeehouse Investor led to Vanguard. Each step of the way the acronym KISS
made more sense."Keep it simple stupid".
by jb1934
Mon Sep 02, 2013 9:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why is it always "more risk?" Or is it?
Replies: 41
Views: 4663

Re: Why is it always "more risk?" Or is it?

Follow the money. Wall street or the "investment industry" are not fiduciaries. Is there more
profit to be made in aggressive investing or conservative investing?
jb
by jb1934
Mon Jul 15, 2013 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bond Index and Bond Index Funds - Operation in Real Time
Replies: 13
Views: 1604

Re: Bond Index and Bond Index Funds - Operation in Real Time

Fom billyt.. "So managers can play with the buy and sell points, or make bets on the future direction of interest rates."
So the bond index is actually actively managed?
by jb1934
Fri Jul 05, 2013 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Which is the best "Lazy Portfolio" - and do you follow them?
Replies: 47
Views: 19946

Re: Which is the best "Lazy Portfolio" - and do you follow t

Wellesley (Vwinx) Hard to argue simplicity of a one fund portfolio with a 40/60 split of
equity/bonds.
1 yr 3yr 5yr 10yr from Vanguards website
Wellesley Income Fund Inv 8.23% 35.79% 51.27% 94.94%
by jb1934
Wed Jul 03, 2013 10:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: exposing the lies about active management
Replies: 13
Views: 4399

Re: exposing the lies about active management

I get it. The problem is people listen to the noise. Madison Avenue,Wall Street,Insurance industry et al. know
this and act accordingly. Capitalsim. So we have a cesspool of fund companies selling
all types of products and promises.
But....I am still drawn to Wellesley Income. It does so well.
Wellesley Income (vwinx-vwiax)consistently beats it's indexes on growth of $ on M* charts.
I hedge my bets with Retirement Income(vtinx).
by jb1934
Thu May 23, 2013 9:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bond Funds, Rising Interest Rates and Total Retun
Replies: 4
Views: 737

Re: Bond Funds, Rising Interest Rates and Total Retun

Call_Me_Op wrote:
jb1934 wrote:
Call_Me_Op wrote:
jb1934 wrote:Is there a correlation between rising interest rates and capital return in bond funds?
jb
Of course - is this a trick question?
No. Bond funds have capital return and income return. When added together they become the total return.
Just wondering if they are both effected the same by rising interests rates.
The general answer is that rising rates increase income return and decrease capital return. There is a time factor involved - in that if you wait for a time period equal to the fund's duration, the effect of the income return dominates.
Thanks
by jb1934
Thu May 23, 2013 9:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bond Funds, Rising Interest Rates and Total Retun
Replies: 4
Views: 737

Re: Bond Funds, Rising Interest Rates and Total Retun

Call_Me_Op wrote:
jb1934 wrote:Is there a correlation between rising interest rates and capital return in bond funds?
jb
Of course - is this a trick question?
No. Bond funds have capital return and income return. When added together they become the total return.
Just wondering if they are both effected the same by rising interests rates.
by jb1934
Thu May 23, 2013 8:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bond Funds, Rising Interest Rates and Total Retun
Replies: 4
Views: 737

Bond Funds, Rising Interest Rates and Total Retun

Is there a correlation between rising interest rates and capital return in bond funds?
jb
by jb1934
Fri Apr 26, 2013 8:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Take Soc Security early or not?
Replies: 27
Views: 4575

Re: Take Soc Security early or not?

Take Soc Security early or not?
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
jb
by jb1934
Wed Apr 03, 2013 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I really need a Smartphone?
Replies: 433
Views: 46380

Re: Do I really need a Smartphone?

Interesting topic and responses.
Interesting read.
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/addi ... what-to-do
by jb1934
Wed Mar 27, 2013 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why Can't I Bring Myself to Buy Me a Nice Watch?
Replies: 193
Views: 25320

Re: Why Can't I Bring Myself to Buy Me a Nice Watch?

Maybe you can't pull the trigger because you are realizing that the important things in
life are not things. The ever constant din of consumerism is very hard to quiet.
jb
by jb1934
Tue Jan 22, 2013 7:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone else holding Wellington/Wellesley in taxable?
Replies: 19
Views: 4624

Re: Anyone else holding Wellington/Wellesley in taxable?

I have both in my taxable account. I was recently (am still am) considering exchanging them for a combination of TSM and MA Tax Exempt with the same overall asset allocation. BUT, in anticipation of that I did a fairly simplistic analysis of how I would have faired had I held TSM/MA Tax Exempt over 1 yr, 3 yrs, 5 yrs, 10 yrs using annualized returns and estimated tax paid on dividends. Over one year I would have been better off with TSM/MA Tax Exempt, over three years it was just about break even, and over both 5 years and 10 years I was better off with Wellington/Wellesley. So far now I am staying with what I have, but I will keep an eye on it. I'm about 10 years from retirement (I hope :)). Interesting. What is your federal tax bracket? jb
by jb1934
Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What was your mid-life crisis
Replies: 53
Views: 7732

Re: What was your mid-life crisis

"Now I am looking for ways to fix the above. Maybe I can get some tips on tackling these from the group."

It's good that you identified problems in your life and asked for help. Your not alone.
Keep talking to your counselor.
I suggest you peruse these web sites.
http://www.caron.org/mens-services-7861.html
http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash
http://www.al-anon.org/home
Contempt prior to investigation might hinder you in your journey.
jb
by jb1934
Sat Nov 24, 2012 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable account-Tax efficiency
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

Re: Taxable account-Tax efficiency

No difference if both portfolios A and B are held entirely in tax advantaged accounts. If some or all of the portfolios are held in taxable account there will be some differences. 1. Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) is possible if Total International is held in a taxable account. Funds of funds, like Lifestrategy funds, are not eligible for FTC. 2. If using separate funds, the investor can place funds for tax efficiency based on their tax situation. Individual tax situation is an important factor. An investor in the top tax bracket who resides in a high income tax state may be more concerned about tax efficiency than another investor who is in the 10% tax bracket and resides in a state with no income tax. Thanks. I think i got it. Missed your post...
by jb1934
Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable account-Tax efficiency
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

Re: Taxable account-Tax efficiency

oops. what i wondering was which would be more tax efficient for a future investment.
buying individual equity funds to get a 20% aa or get that aa with vasix (lifestrategy income).
are the 20% equities taxed the same no matter what fund they are held in?
by jb1934
Sat Nov 24, 2012 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable account-Tax efficiency
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

Re: Taxable account-Tax efficiency

livesoft wrote:I think the OP wants us to work out what taxes would have been paid in 2011 for a $10,000 investment in each portfolio purchased on 12/31/2010 for all of 2011, but not sold. That is, we can calculate the number of shares of each fund at the beginning of the year and look up all the distributions made in 2011 and figure out the taxes.
Correct.
by jb1934
Sat Nov 24, 2012 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Taxable account-Tax efficiency
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

Taxable account-Tax efficiency

If portfolio A had 20% of the portfolio in equities, similiar to lifestrategy income(vasix) 14% total stock market(vtsmx)
6% total international(vgtsx) and portfolio B was all lifestrategey income(vasix) would there be a difference in tax efficiency?
Bonds in A and B are total bond market(vbmfx).
by jb1934
Sat Nov 10, 2012 9:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30 year tips yield @0.247%!!!
Replies: 53
Views: 6748

Re: 30 year tips yield @0.247%!!!

scone wrote:I finally sold my VIPSX fund today. I just can't justify having such a specialized bond fund. I'll buy some more BND (Total Bond) and maybe some more Wellesley.
Should we be more concerned about total return? Vipsx( inflation protected securities) is
doing as well or better than Vangurards other intermediate bond funds.
by jb1934
Fri Sep 07, 2012 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: intermediate bonds-duration
Replies: 2
Views: 761

intermediate bonds-duration

gnma- vfiix 3.2
total bond- vbfmx 5.1
int term. treasury- vfitx 5.2
int. investment grade- vficx 5.4
int term index- vbiix 6.4
With all the noise about interest rates rising, i am wondering what's not to like about the gnma fund?
by jb1934
Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "In the long run we're all dead": Stock vs Bond fund alloc
Replies: 29
Views: 10257

Re: "In the long run we're all dead": Stock vs Bond fund all

Agree.
Cherry pick dates and we all win. But.....we know we
can't and we don't have the luxury of time that endowments
and pension funds do.
We are bombarded by equity bias.
From nispirius "Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."
I bet the remainder of my twenty pounds conservatively.
jb
by jb1934
Mon Aug 13, 2012 10:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cramer At It Again
Replies: 37
Views: 5246

Re: Cramer At It Again

Cramer in not "at it again". This is what Cramer does.
When you respond to a Cramer quote,thought,suggestion or advice you are doing
what he want the listener to do.
jb
by jb1934
Wed Aug 08, 2012 7:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Your Best One Line of Wisdom
Replies: 238
Views: 23862

Re: Your Best One Line of Wisdom

A little wisdom from my horse playing days:
You want a winner? Bet them all.
Unless of course you know the trainers and jockey's by first name.
Not much difference in the investment game.
jb
by jb1934
Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The illusion of control and predictability
Replies: 38
Views: 5415

Re: The illusion of control and predictability

"Why is it that when it comes to humble stuff, like traveling, we accept the limits of control and predictability, but when it comes to investing and retirement planning, we believe we can make precise numerical predictions? Exactly what is it about my medical expenses for the year 2037 that is any easier to plan than my travel time for Christmas 2037?"

Fear.
by jb1934
Sun Jul 29, 2012 6:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: At what point is it better to buy tax-free bond FUNDS?
Replies: 12
Views: 1773

Re: At what point is it better to buy tax-free bond FUNDS?

Treasury bonds and bond funds are free of state and local taxes.
25% federal put you right on the edge.
http://www.morganstanleyindividual.com/ ... ax102.html
by jb1934
Mon Jun 18, 2012 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403b question
Replies: 5
Views: 996

Re: 403b question

peruse this site for more info.
jb
http://www.403bwise.com/
by jb1934
Tue Jun 12, 2012 8:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A case for actively managed funds
Replies: 52
Views: 4901

Re: A case for actively managed funds

Wellesley Income
Your not crazy.
by jb1934
Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone else value "things" over "experiences"?
Replies: 48
Views: 4910

Re: Anyone else value "things" over "experiences"?

Some thoughts:
The important things in life are not things.
Experiences are yours, things are temporary.
"What is essential is invisible to the eye" THE LITTLE PRINCE p.73
I've been given theses values by my parents,coaches,friends and mentors.
Living in a culture of "more" conflicts with these values.
This is getting way too heavy. jb
by jb1934
Mon May 07, 2012 9:58 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Anyone else getting this message from BH site?
Replies: 38
Views: 3473

Re: Anyone else getting this message from BH site?

yes. reset password. ok so far.
by jb1934
Thu May 03, 2012 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Noise" Theory
Replies: 15
Views: 1743

Re: "Noise" Theory

Sounds like noise about noise.
jb
by jb1934
Wed Mar 14, 2012 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anti Virus Software
Replies: 55
Views: 5943

Re: Anti Virus Software

question:
can kaspersky anti virus and microsoft securities essential run efficiently at the same time?
if yes. can kaspersky anti virus be uninstalled easily after microsoft securities essential is installed?
jb
by jb1934
Fri Mar 09, 2012 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement portfolio withdrawal rate
Replies: 4
Views: 684

Re: Retirement portfolio withdrawal rate

hi, plug in your numbers and get a monte carlo simulation.
jb
https://retirementplans.vanguard.com/VG ... ggCalc.jsf
by jb1934
Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I think NY Giant coach Tom Coughlin is a Boglehead
Replies: 29
Views: 3182

Re: I think NY Giant coach Tom Coughlin is a Boglehead

alanf56 wrote:
jb1934 wrote:
alanf56 wrote:Eli was getting pounded by the Niners D. The game was lost with two uncharacteristic turnovers... One unforced I might add. Luck was on their side for sure.
Luck is what happens when preparation and opportunity meet. Two very good teams.
jb
Luck is also in the way the ball bounces. Literally in this case.
A football bounces in a very unpredictable way. All one can do is prepare to carry it, throw it,
recover it or catch it the most efficient way.
jb
by jb1934
Sun Jan 22, 2012 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I think NY Giant coach Tom Coughlin is a Boglehead
Replies: 29
Views: 3182

Re: I think NY Giant coach Tom Coughlin is a Boglehead

alanf56 wrote:Eli was getting pounded by the Niners D. The game was lost with two uncharacteristic turnovers... One unforced I might add. Luck was on their side for sure.
Luck is what happens when preparation and opportunity meet. Two very good teams.
jb
by jb1934
Thu Dec 29, 2011 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where does John Hancock live?
Replies: 21
Views: 2821

Re: Where does John Hancock live?

North America; Western Hemisphere; the Earth; the Solar System; the Universe; the Mind of God
He might be a neighbor....
jb
by jb1934
Tue Dec 27, 2011 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How was your Christmas?
Replies: 15
Views: 1637

Re: How was your Christmas?

JDaniels wrote:Good family, good friends, good food! What more can you ask for Christmas!
Peace on earth, good will to all...
jb
by jb1934
Tue Dec 13, 2011 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Total Insanity--sport star compensation
Replies: 148
Views: 9408

Re: Total Insanity--sport star compensation

Manbaerpig wrote:
Kurmudjon wrote:
gkaplan wrote:
Perhaps the best hitter the game's ever seen....
You never saw Ted Williams, I take it.
:sharebeer

While I agree Teddy ballgame would probably be the only post-WW2 player to be mentioned ABOVE Pujols (ok, probably Mays as well), 50 years from his last game means by far that MOST never saw him play (sadly)
Stan Musial and Hank Aaron are not in the mix?
by jb1934
Thu Dec 08, 2011 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Total Insanity--sport star compensation
Replies: 148
Views: 9408

Re: Total Insanity--sport star compensation

gkaplan wrote:
Perhaps the best hitter the game's ever seen....
You never saw Ted Williams, I take it.
+ .344 lifetime. 521 hr's. missed the equivalent of 5 seasons in his prime because of WWII and the Korean conflict.
by jb1934
Mon Nov 21, 2011 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Investing SS benefits
Replies: 14
Views: 1427

Re: Investing SS benefits

From Wiktionary:
"Proverb

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

It is preferable to have a small but certain advantage than a mere potential of a greater one."

We took ours at 62 and are still investing it.
jb