Search found 78 matches
- Thu Feb 09, 2023 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Can someone help me understand why VGSH is so popular?
- Replies: 20
- Views: 6172
Re: Can someone help me understand why VGSH is so popular?
Since VGSH invests in treasury bonds, the dividends are exempt from state taxes. So it may be more beneficial to own these in a state with higher tax rates.
- Mon Jan 02, 2023 5:06 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 672
- Views: 40220
Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2023 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Guessing 2993
- Tue Mar 15, 2022 2:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: hydronic baseboard heating
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4242
Re: hydronic baseboard heating
No filter to change since it's a closed loop filled with water.
My house is a ranch too. I said 'upstairs' but meant it as 'not the basement'.Nyc10036 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 13, 2022 7:38 pmIt sounds that is what is in the attic is for the AC.etc06 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 13, 2022 7:20 pm We have an air handler in our attic, but it's for the "central" AC which cools the upstairs of the house via ductwork in our attic that terminates in ceiling vents. Needless to say, our basement can get pretty warm in the summer. Perhaps that house has a similar set-up?
The agent mentions something like that?
This is a ranch house with no upstairs, so I am not certain.
- Sun Mar 13, 2022 7:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: hydronic baseboard heating
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4242
Re: hydronic baseboard heating
I have hydronic baseboard heating and am fairly happy with it. It's also a bonus to have indirect water heater as part of the system.
The system does seem to have more parts that can go wrong when compared to a furnace. We have 3 zones in our ranch house (front of house, back of house, basement) and it's been nice to be able to independently control each zone based on occupancy and time of day.
We have an air handler in our attic, but it's for the "central" AC which cools the upstairs of the house via ductwork in our attic that terminates in ceiling vents. Needless to say, our basement can get pretty warm in the summer. Perhaps that house has a similar set-up?
The system does seem to have more parts that can go wrong when compared to a furnace. We have 3 zones in our ranch house (front of house, back of house, basement) and it's been nice to be able to independently control each zone based on occupancy and time of day.
We have an air handler in our attic, but it's for the "central" AC which cools the upstairs of the house via ductwork in our attic that terminates in ceiling vents. Needless to say, our basement can get pretty warm in the summer. Perhaps that house has a similar set-up?
- Sat Jan 01, 2022 6:40 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Official Registration For The 2022 Boglehead Contest
- Replies: 733
- Views: 41529
Re: Official Registration For The 2022 Boglehead Contest
3908. Hope I'm wrong!
- Thu Nov 18, 2021 8:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Top Loader Washing Machines
- Replies: 85
- Views: 10395
Re: Top Loader Washing Machines
We had a GE front-loader that was here when we moved into our house. No idea how old it was, but the gasket tore one day and was leaking water onto the basement floor. Luckily I was nearby to hear it and turn it off.
Because of that experience we knew we wanted a top-loader. We researched a bit and narrowed it down to a Speed Queen or Whirlpool Cabrio (this was about 8 or so years ago). Since we have a family of five, we went with the Cabrio since it had a larger capacity. We've been happy with it since, no issues.
Because of that experience we knew we wanted a top-loader. We researched a bit and narrowed it down to a Speed Queen or Whirlpool Cabrio (this was about 8 or so years ago). Since we have a family of five, we went with the Cabrio since it had a larger capacity. We've been happy with it since, no issues.
- Tue Jan 05, 2021 3:46 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Official Registration For The 2021 Boglehead Contest
- Replies: 664
- Views: 33846
- Tue Jan 05, 2016 8:27 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 667
- Views: 59849
- Thu Jan 02, 2014 10:41 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 537
- Views: 43632
Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
my guess is 2101
- Wed Jan 04, 2012 11:40 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: REGISTRATION FOR 2012 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
- Replies: 408
- Views: 30745
Re: REGISTRATION FOR 2012 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
I'm guessing 1339.
- Thu Jun 02, 2011 2:12 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: madsinger monthly report (May 2011)
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2290
- Tue Aug 31, 2010 3:42 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: NY 529 plan (Vanguard) cuts fees dramatically
- Replies: 21
- Views: 4121
- Fri May 21, 2010 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What are some good online savings accounts?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 10544
Sallie Mae is offering 1.40% savings account with no minimum and no fees.
Anyone have an opinion on them?
Anyone have an opinion on them?
- Mon May 10, 2010 3:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Why centenarians are so content
- Replies: 0
- Views: 700
Why centenarians are so content
Why Centenarians Are So Content
It's nice to be reminded about the big picture of life and happiness.
It's nice to be reminded about the big picture of life and happiness.
- Thu May 06, 2010 3:33 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: WOW - The Dow is Crashing - down 900 points so far today!
- Replies: 222
- Views: 32158
meh
Just louder noise...wake me up when the S&P hits the 600s again.
- Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:00 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Deleted
- Replies: 65
- Views: 8751
Nobody knows but everyone can guess. So, my guess for the S&P500 over the next 10 years is around 1% real. 10 year TIPS currently yield about 1.5% real.
Definitely not an ideal environment for us in the accumulation phase.
So taking my guess with a grain of salt, my plan is to
- save and diversify as much as possible
- rebalance to my target asset allocation as needed
- make extra payments towards mortgage principal
- hope for lower stock prices
- tune out the rest of the noise
Definitely not an ideal environment for us in the accumulation phase.
So taking my guess with a grain of salt, my plan is to
- save and diversify as much as possible
- rebalance to my target asset allocation as needed
- make extra payments towards mortgage principal
- hope for lower stock prices
- tune out the rest of the noise
- Tue Apr 13, 2010 8:43 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Larry S. on Bonds and Interest Rates
- Replies: 32
- Views: 7420
I think this is the Vanguard article tc101 mentioned:bcboy57 wrote:I cannot find the Vanguard article you to which you alluded.
Could you supply us with a reference to that article.....thanks, Doug
"Bear flattening" could surprise bond investors in 2010
- Thu Mar 04, 2010 7:48 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: madsinger monthly report
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3739
- Thu Mar 04, 2010 7:28 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Best Choice for Bond Fund
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3063
It's been said on these forums that you should view your choices not individually, but as a part of your entire portfolio. Stable value funds are just that - stable. The price remains the same and you collect dividends similar to a money market fund. However, the price of the total bond fund will fluctuate with the market. In my case, I found my stock and bond fund choices were less correlated than the stock and stable value funds. This resulted in a smoother ride with the bond fund, which was counter-intuitive to me at first. However, at the end of the day the choice is yours and will likely not make a huge difference. I'd pick the one or combination of the two funds that you are most comfortable with and that you will be able to stick wit...
- Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Feedback on which brokerage to choose, please.
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2399
- Thu Oct 22, 2009 1:37 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Looking at the "Real" Dow Jones Average
- Replies: 14
- Views: 3665
You're right, all of the graphs use differing time ranges.fluffyistaken wrote:It's amazing how the market changes from a buy to a sell depending on whether those trend lines are drawn a little to the left or a little to the right.
Lbill's goes from 1800 - 2007
bob's is from 1871 - 2005
ddb's is from 1909 - 2009
ddb's is most current, but with 100 years of points contains the least amount of historical data.
- Tue Oct 20, 2009 9:45 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: limited bond fund choices
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1635
Thanks for the suggestions
Thanks for all of the great suggestions :D I wouldn't choose any of the three funds for the reasons you cited. Thanks, its good to know I'm not being too dismissive about these funds. I'd probably do fine with either Vanguard GNMA or Pimco Total Return if no other options were available. The first question is what is your desired equity/bond portfolio mix? Do you have access to all of the TR funds from Target Retirement Income through TR2050? I'm comfortable with a 70 equity/30 fixed mix, with 2040 as my best guess for beginning retirement. And all of the Target Retirement funds are available in the plan. If you know what AA you'd like why not find a TR fund that meets AA today. I would combine TR Income (30% equity) with TR 2030 (83% equit...
- Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: limited bond fund choices
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1635
limited bond fund choices
In my 401k I've decided on a Vanguard Target Retirement fund for the bulk of my savings. However, I'd feel more comfortable with a higher percentage in bonds than is currently offered in the TR fund that has a glide path I like. So I'm looking to supplement the TR fund with additional percentage in bonds (e.g. x% TR2030 + y% in bonds) instead of selecting a different TR fund that has a higher allocation to bonds (e.g. picking 100% TR2020 instead of 100% TR2030). The bond funds available to me are Vanguard High-Yield Corp. (VWEHX), Vanguard GNMA (VFIIX), and PIMCO Total Return (PTTRX). I value safety, diversification, and low costs in my bond funds. It appears each one of the funds offers one of these advantages. High-Yield has too much cred...
- Wed Sep 30, 2009 1:35 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Target Retirement Funds
- Replies: 36
- Views: 8351
I have 100% of my 401k in a VG Target Retirement fund. The majority of the fund choices in the plan are actively managed with higher expenses.
I don't think the TR funds are missing that much from a diversification standpoint. IIRC, 20% of the equity portion is non-US and was chosen by VG as a balance between maximizing the diversification benefits while minimizing tracking error from the major US indexes (Dow, S&P 500). The thought being too much tracking error will cause investors to not stick to their plan.
I don't think the TR funds are missing that much from a diversification standpoint. IIRC, 20% of the equity portion is non-US and was chosen by VG as a balance between maximizing the diversification benefits while minimizing tracking error from the major US indexes (Dow, S&P 500). The thought being too much tracking error will cause investors to not stick to their plan.
- Tue Sep 22, 2009 1:56 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What is your expecting annual gains?
- Replies: 29
- Views: 4308
- Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cheapskate has tips for saving $20,000 a year
- Replies: 23
- Views: 5087
Easy way to save $40k+ is to buy a Toyota Carolla instead of a Cadillac Escalade.
Retailers stating you'll save by spending less on their products than on their competitors is one of my biggest pet peeves. In my book, if you're saved money then you now have more than you did before. Shocking, but that ain't gonna happen by spending money.
Sorry for the rant.
Retailers stating you'll save by spending less on their products than on their competitors is one of my biggest pet peeves. In my book, if you're saved money then you now have more than you did before. Shocking, but that ain't gonna happen by spending money.
Sorry for the rant.
- Mon Feb 23, 2009 12:49 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Center for Retirement Research papers
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1284
Thanks for the link.
In the past I've seen some research papers in the Institutional section of Vanguard's website.
Here's a link to the research area.
Good stuff!
In the past I've seen some research papers in the Institutional section of Vanguard's website.
Here's a link to the research area.
Good stuff!
- Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:31 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: stock market historically bottoms 5 months before economy
- Replies: 23
- Views: 4256
If you are near the bottom and its attached to those who got us in this mess, then please use your strong hand and discipline it.chaz wrote:I have a strong hand. I will not be shaken out. Is the bottom near?hewhomustnotbenamed wrote:chaz wrote:Are we near the bottom?
Without govt intervention , s&p 692 would shake out all of the weak hands.
So that's what I'm rooting for happening.
- Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:22 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bond Market vs US Treasury Bond
- Replies: 9
- Views: 3342
I also went with inter-term US treasuries after seeing how various bond funds changed the risk profile of the entire portfolio using Simba's spreadsheet.
- Wed Feb 11, 2009 1:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 2 Questions on Don't Listen to Suze Orman Article
- Replies: 41
- Views: 9068
What do you mean by "on sale"? That they're cheaper now than in October 2007? If so, aren't they cheaper for a reason?...and stocks are on sale.
Also, DCA is a wonderful tool for those of us that are contributing money towards a retirement fund as we earn income. What other reasonable choice is there?
- Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:29 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Organize and Protect Financial System
- Replies: 9
- Views: 4546
You may want to read reviews on Amazon. I don't know about Suze Orman's kit, but I was recently looking at Quicken WillMaker Plus 2009 by Nolo. I've read in the past that Nolo provides pretty decent materials for the "do-it-yourself" types.
- Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:44 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Tobin's q update
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3004
My guess is recency bias. The US market has dropped 37% in the past year so therefore everything's cheap now and we'll see a return to the mean? I don't buy it either and definitely wouldn't bet the farm on it. What if stocks were expensive before, but are now priced correctly?Rodc wrote:1) The market is not a screaming buy according to these guys. I continue to be amazed that some former Buy and Hold Bogleheads have tossed out their plans to dive into stocks at this point because of some perception that now is a great time to load up on stocks. Where does that perception come from?
- Fri Dec 19, 2008 9:11 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: My financial christmas wish: Fix the credit rating agencies
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1154
- Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:57 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fed Cuts Key Interest Rate To Between Zero and 0.25%
- Replies: 22
- Views: 5019
- Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Target-date funds & near retirees and such
- Replies: 28
- Views: 4567
I found Vanguard's interview with Catherine Gordon, the principal in charge of Vanguard's Investment Counseling & Research group, on why they made the changes to increase the equity exposure and add emerging markets.
The article was posted on March 20, 2006, the day they announced the addition of the even year TR funds and changes to the existing TR funds.
The article was posted on March 20, 2006, the day they announced the addition of the even year TR funds and changes to the existing TR funds.
- Thu Dec 11, 2008 2:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The current credit crisis and more "skin in the game&qu
- Replies: 0
- Views: 695
The current credit crisis and more "skin in the game&qu
I'm by no means an expert on the subject, but couldn't the cause for the credit crisis and it's effects be boiled down to a lack of "skin in the game" on multiple levels? 1. Borrowers were allowed to take out home mortgages with a minimal down payment. If they are unable to make a payment, it's no big deal to walk away from the loans. 2. Banks were allowed to collateralize mortgages and sell them off. Once passed on, there was no longer any concern on the banks part if the loans defaulted. This means there was limited incentive for banks to make responsible loans to borrowers. 3. Ratings firms did not correctly assess and rate the collateralized mortgages mentioned in #2 above. As a result, investors in these vehicles may not have...
- Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Why do companies pay dividends?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 9530
- Wed Dec 10, 2008 10:59 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How do index funds avoid overvaluation of underlying stock?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1977
Don't forget you can diversify and rebalance among funds in different asset classes to mitigate bubbles.
For example, come up with an asset allocation and then buy you funds. For example you could buy a total US market fund (VTSMX), a total international fund (VGTSX), and a total bond fund (VBMFX).
When the US market does well (2000), rebalance by buying more int'l and bond funds. When all equities tank (2008), rebalance by shifting bond money into the equity funds.
The long-term goal is to buy funds when they're low and sell when they're high. Rebalancing to your original allocation when they're "out-of-whack" is one way to do this.
For example, come up with an asset allocation and then buy you funds. For example you could buy a total US market fund (VTSMX), a total international fund (VGTSX), and a total bond fund (VBMFX).
When the US market does well (2000), rebalance by buying more int'l and bond funds. When all equities tank (2008), rebalance by shifting bond money into the equity funds.
The long-term goal is to buy funds when they're low and sell when they're high. Rebalancing to your original allocation when they're "out-of-whack" is one way to do this.
- Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:34 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What is your current Age and Asset Allocation?
- Replies: 106
- Views: 20965
Early 30's and allocated according to equity = age-20.
Everything is in Target Retirement 2040:
---------------------------------------------
72% Total US Stock
10% Europe Stock
4% Pacific Stock
4% Emerging Stock
10% Total US Bond
The recent downturn has been tough to watch. I remind myself I'm invested for the long-term, but it's difficult to ignore the short term and the talking heads when the news is everywhere.
Everything is in Target Retirement 2040:
---------------------------------------------
72% Total US Stock
10% Europe Stock
4% Pacific Stock
4% Emerging Stock
10% Total US Bond
The recent downturn has been tough to watch. I remind myself I'm invested for the long-term, but it's difficult to ignore the short term and the talking heads when the news is everywhere.
- Tue Nov 11, 2008 2:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Money 101 site
- Replies: 0
- Views: 868
Money 101 site
I just ran across the following site. I haven't read much of it, but it looks like a good place to find general information on personal finance subjects.
A step by step guide to gaining control of your financial life
Some of the topics include information on:
Budgeting
Investing
Buying a home or car
Controlling debt
Saving for college
Taxes
Insurance (health, life, car, home)
Estate planning
Taxes
A step by step guide to gaining control of your financial life
Some of the topics include information on:
Budgeting
Investing
Buying a home or car
Controlling debt
Saving for college
Taxes
Insurance (health, life, car, home)
Estate planning
Taxes
- Fri Oct 31, 2008 9:05 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: TIPS have least risk of any security, so also least return?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 4010
explain the deflationary risk of TIPS...
Could someone explain the risk of deflation on TIPS? According to the treasury direct web site:
So it sounds like you can't lose your principal in a deflationary environment. What am I missing?At the maturity of a TIPS, you receive the adjusted principal or the original principal, whichever is greater. This provision protects you against deflation.
- Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:32 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: article you might find of interest-anatomy of a crisis
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1765
thanks...
Thanks for the "back-to-basics" article. It's a good reminder to stick to a well-thought out plan and use the methods that have worked over time.
- Wed Aug 27, 2008 8:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Grammatical Term For Niece/Nephew?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3823
ok
OK, niblings could work.
So now for a niece or nephew, what's an easy term for an aunt and uncle?
Maybe it's just easier to use 'relatives' for all these tricky cases.
So now for a niece or nephew, what's an easy term for an aunt and uncle?
Maybe it's just easier to use 'relatives' for all these tricky cases.
- Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: rate increase by fed now would be a good thing for market
- Replies: 3
- Views: 1907
- Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:19 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: madsinger monthly report
- Replies: 6
- Views: 3843
- Fri Jun 20, 2008 9:09 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard's Plan Beyond Global Index Fund
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3392
I think it's telling that right after talking about the global index fund they talk about high volatility and turnover in other index funds.
Since there's been a few years of favorable returns for non-US equities, people will feel more comfortable investing in the global index fund.
I think this could be a "Good Thing". It could hopefully cause more people to stay globally diversified when US equities eventually start picking up, leading to less volatility and turnover between US and non-US funds in the future.
Since there's been a few years of favorable returns for non-US equities, people will feel more comfortable investing in the global index fund.
I think this could be a "Good Thing". It could hopefully cause more people to stay globally diversified when US equities eventually start picking up, leading to less volatility and turnover between US and non-US funds in the future.
- Thu Jun 05, 2008 1:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What about commodity futures and commodity funds?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 18301
From a Vanguard research white paper on the role of commodities in a portfolio: Conclusion Commodity futures investments have attractive historical return characteristics: high average returns, high correlation with inflation, and low correlation with traditional asset classes. As a result, over the last 23 years through 2006, investors would have benefited from an allocation to a broad-market commodity futures investment. A large contributor to differences in commodity futures returns is the return derived from rolling futures contracts before they expire. This roll return is positive when futures markets are backwardated and negative when markets are in contango. Many markets (such as those for energy contracts) have been consistently bac...
- Tue Jun 03, 2008 2:00 pm
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Morningstar Gone?
- Replies: 98
- Views: 38457
- Thu May 29, 2008 1:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: My "ultimate" credit card portfolio plan
- Replies: 28
- Views: 8202
- Wed May 28, 2008 12:03 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: FOMC Forecasts GDP, Unemployment, Inflation for 2008-2010
- Replies: 11
- Views: 3055
Of course the US may already have unemployment numbers similar to other countries, depending on how you define "unemployed".
Someone else recently posted the article Numbers Racket: Why the economy is worse than we know, written by the political commentator Kevin Phillips.
In it he explains how the US unemployment, GNP, and inflation numbers have all become "fudged" over the past half century. I found the article interesting and eye-opening.
To see the FOMC projecting times will be worse makes it that much more disheartening.
I wonder if other countries have adopted many of these new definitions of economic indicators?
Someone else recently posted the article Numbers Racket: Why the economy is worse than we know, written by the political commentator Kevin Phillips.
In it he explains how the US unemployment, GNP, and inflation numbers have all become "fudged" over the past half century. I found the article interesting and eye-opening.
To see the FOMC projecting times will be worse makes it that much more disheartening.
I wonder if other countries have adopted many of these new definitions of economic indicators?