Search found 179 matches

by 552BB
Sun Aug 07, 2022 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity as a one stop shop
Replies: 6056
Views: 1037654

Re: Fidelity as a one stop shop

Great reading

:sharebeer
by 552BB
Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "How to Make Your Money Last" -- A Gem
Replies: 49
Views: 17487

Re: "How to Make Your Money Last" -- A Gem

Good morning Bogleheads



I have not read this one. It will be next on the list.

I like the listed ‘gems’.

I will enjoy it with my morning coffee.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sun Jan 17, 2021 12:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On what are you most bullish?
Replies: 290
Views: 28247

Re: On what are you most bullish?

FIREchief wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 6:52 pm
burritoLover wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 6:13 pm
552BB wrote: Sat Jan 16, 2021 5:56 pm Hello Bogleheads,


burritoLover wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 10:51 pm Nothing - the next 10 years are probably going to be the worst period to invest in history.
Wow.

I would think at the very least you would be bullish on burritos!!!



:sharebeer
Burritos don’t pay the bills
Owner of Mexican restaurant?? :P

Haha

No. But I am Mexican

😊



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sat Jan 16, 2021 5:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: On what are you most bullish?
Replies: 290
Views: 28247

Re: On what are you most bullish?

Hello Bogleheads,


burritoLover wrote: Thu Jan 14, 2021 10:51 pm Nothing - the next 10 years are probably going to be the worst period to invest in history.
Wow.

I would think at the very least you would be bullish on burritos!!!



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Mon Jan 04, 2021 12:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are Bogleheads dinosaurs when it comes to Bitcoin?
Replies: 270
Views: 19236

Re: Are Bogleheads dinosaurs when it comes to Bitcoin?

Good morning Bogleheads, [=Valuethinker post_id=5710503 time=1609780130 user_id=1968] One must wonder when these things will become mainstream? It's been 11ish years since Bitcoin was first invented and it still is not used by mainstream for anything other than speculation. I don't think the Early Internet took this long to become useful. You are quite right, it took far longer. Internet was invented 1969 (from memory, without checking). WWW was 1990 (Sir Tim Berners-Lee, an English physicist at CERN). Amazon was I think 1994. Internet was "useful" in the 1980s as a place to discuss scientific results (and also to have flame wars ;-)). [/quote] Hello valuethinker You are quite correct. And make a very valid point. A seemingly long...
by 552BB
Sun Dec 20, 2020 9:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Stock Market success
Replies: 141
Views: 21591

Re: Stock Market success

Good morning Bogleheads,



Hello 4nursebee,



This will be an interesting thread going forward.

Started in 2012, we now have almost 10 years of comments and stories.

Some will paint very interesting pictures for us. I have my own narrative on my adventures in investing.

I will comment on that at a later point in time when I have more time (in the days to come).

I think you will find them interesting and entertaining.



Some have said that you are on the wrong forum for you inquiry, I disagree.

I appreciate your post.

Thanks for asking.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Mon Dec 14, 2020 12:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24419

Re: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post

Good morning BH from the southwest, Hello Bogleheads, Just finished reading this book. Maybe my expectations were a lot higher after reading all the good reviews but overall I found this book to be alright. There are some interesting historical tidbits and trivia, but beyond that everything is well with in already known behavioural aspects of investing. Also, this book utilized a lot of quotes from Bill Gates. Like a lot. Every few pages, there is a Bill Gates quote. There are some great reviews here. I have now read the book twice. Like crystalbank,I had very high expectations having heard some of Housel’s talks. Unlike crystalbank , I was very impressed. I believe that the best investment advice has always been,and continues to be the sim...
by 552BB
Sun Dec 13, 2020 10:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24419

Re: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post

Hello Bogleheads, Just finished reading this book. Maybe my expectations were a lot higher after reading all the good reviews but overall I found this book to be alright. There are some interesting historical tidbits and trivia, but beyond that everything is well with in already known behavioural aspects of investing. Also, this book utilized a lot of quotes from Bill Gates. Like a lot. Every few pages, there is a Bill Gates quote. There are some great reviews here. I have now read the book twice. Like crystalbank,I had very high expectations having heard some of Housel’s talks. Unlike crystalbank , I was very impressed. I believe that the best investment advice has always been,and continues to be the simplest advice. This book highlights s...
by 552BB
Sat Oct 24, 2020 8:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Did the 4% rule just become the 5% rule? :)
Replies: 156
Views: 21819

Re: Did the 4% rule just become the 5% rule? :)

Good morning Bogleheads, Hello michaeljc70, Hello Bogleheads, I believe that the Trinity Study and the Bill Bengen work have been some of the most important historical studies. Now looking at almost a century of historical information I would feel good about using this to inform my opinion on what withdrawal rate I would like to plan on when I decide to leave work. If I were to retire today (I'm 52 years old) I would shoot for under 4%. Maybe 3 - 3.5%. If I go into my mid 50's to early 60's, 4% seems fine to me. A later retirement and I would definitely say I would feel safe with a withdrawal rate of 4.5 - 5% or higher. As Bengen reiterates in this article, you don't treat this like physics, it an empirical study. It will give you a good nu...
by 552BB
Thu Oct 22, 2020 1:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Did the 4% rule just become the 5% rule? :)
Replies: 156
Views: 21819

Re: Did the 4% rule just become the 5% rule? :)

Hello Bogleheads, I believe that the Trinity Study and the Bill Bengen work have been some of the most important historical studies. Now looking at almost a century of historical information I would feel good about using this to inform my opinion on what withdrawal rate I would like to plan on when I decide to leave work. If I were to retire today (I'm 52 years old) I would shoot for under 4%. Maybe 3 - 3.5%. If I go into my mid 50's to early 60's, 4% seems fine to me. A later retirement and I would definitely say I would feel safe with a withdrawal rate of 4.5 - 5% or higher. As Bengen reiterates in this article, you don't treat this like physics, it an empirical study. It will give you a good number to start with. Where you go from there ...
by 552BB
Thu Oct 08, 2020 1:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tequila and Magaritas
Replies: 138
Views: 21309

Re: Tequila and Magaritas

:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sat Oct 03, 2020 6:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morgan Housel is our latest "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast guest
Replies: 26
Views: 4602

Re: Morgan Housel is our latest "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast guest

Good morning Bogleheads,



Hello Rick Ferri.

I just finished listening to your podcast with Morgan Housel. What a great interview.

He has great insights and a great ability to tell a story.

I know his book will be great.

+A on the podcast.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Fri Oct 02, 2020 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morgan Housel is our latest "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast guest
Replies: 26
Views: 4602

Re: Morgan Housel is our latest "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast guest

Hello BH,



I look forward to listening to the podcast. I heard another podcast with Morgan Housel and he seems quite interesting.

I will be ordering his new book. I look forward to that.



Thanks
:sharebeer
by 552BB
Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What do Bogleheads think of what happen to Japan?
Replies: 66
Views: 6702

Re: What do Bogleheads think of what happen to Japan?

Hello BH,


JBTX wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 8:57 pm The argument for US only investing includes the fact that US companies get a big chunk of their revenue, 40% or more from overseas. Japan currently is about 58% a record high. I can't find what it was in 1991, but it's pretty safe to say it was a decently high number.

In other words, the fact that Japanese companies had substantial worldwide revenue did not help Japanese investors.

Even though the market has never recovered from the peak, Japanese corporate earnings have increased 150% since then.


This is an interesting bit of information.

I will put a little bit of study into this.



Thanks
:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sun Sep 27, 2020 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Photographers: cheapest way to acquire a Nikon D850?
Replies: 24
Views: 1548

Re: Photographers: cheapest way to acquire a Nikon D850?

Hello fyre4ce, Because this is an expensive purchase I would forego the surprise element and ask. My camera brand does not offer a mirrorless, and I have an investment in lenses, but with a $2000+ purchase I might use it as the opportunity to begin starting over with a completely different system. As I mentioned most new lens development is happening with mirrorless now, and the new mounts afford some design flexibility that the old ones don't. My cameras have a huge number of old lenses they are compatible with, but those lenses are old designs and there have been significant advances in lensess. The old notion that lenses are necessarily forever investments are... well, old. But everyone has their preferences and with that much money invo...
by 552BB
Sun Sep 27, 2020 9:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24419

Re: "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel

So any good reviews from a Bogleheads yet?!???!?!?!?!??



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Thu Sep 24, 2020 3:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24419

Re: "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel

Hello BH,



So it has been a few days. Has anyone finished the book yet?

Any BH reviews.



Thanks
:sharebeer
by 552BB
Mon Sep 21, 2020 5:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Psychology of Money - A Blog Post
Replies: 164
Views: 24419

Re: "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel

Hello Klangfool,


KlangFool wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:11 am Folks,

I started this thread as a place for our discussion about this book. What do you learn from this book and so on.

I am half way through the book.


Moderator,

Please move this thread to some place else if this is the wrong forum for this type of discussion.


KlangFool


I look forward to hearing your review. I read some of the reviews on Amazon. Looks like this may be a great book.

This read might be like Poor Charlie’s Almanack, my financial bible.



Thanks
:sharebeer
by 552BB
Thu Sep 03, 2020 7:51 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24508

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore

Hello again, Hello galeno, Interesting topic. Not sure what number of Latin American foreign investors we have here on BH, so you may not get too many inputs. I, for one, am certainly interested. I am Mexican - American, with interests in both countries. I have not been to Costa Rica, but will travel there this next year for my job. I have a couple of quick questions if you don't mind. For those of us that are not that familiar with the Panama Papers, can you elaborate on that a little more? And, are you also US citizens. I ask this question to enlighten myself on property rights rules. In Mexico, there is a difference in property rights for citizens and non-citizens. Thanks :sharebeer I am bumping this because it looks like it was blocked ...
by 552BB
Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:50 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore [Interactive Brokers]
Replies: 70
Views: 24508

Re: IB Doesn't Like Panama Anymore

Hello galeno,

Interesting topic. Not sure what number of Latin American foreign investors we have here on BH, so you may not get too many inputs. I, for one, am certainly interested.

I am Mexican - American, with interests in both countries. I have not been to Costa Rica, but will travel there this next year for my job.

I have a couple of quick questions if you don't mind.

For those of us that are not that familiar with the Panama Papers, can you elaborate on that a little more?

And, are you also US citizens. I ask this question to enlighten myself on property rights rules. In Mexico, there is a difference in property rights for citizens and non-citizens.

Thanks

:sharebeer
by 552BB
Fri Apr 24, 2020 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone planning on never retiring?
Replies: 173
Views: 21298

Re: Anyone planning on never retiring?

Good evening Bogleheads, I thought with current events as they are, this subject would be a great one to revisit. Hello BH, Good evening Muri. I believe you ask a very good question. I like your sign that states that "retirement is a disease to avoid while you are healthy". The great philosopher Cicero opined that "one should not leave the post of his work except at the command of god". To many, work is an important, integral part of there lives. It is who they are, where there freinds are, part of there social lives. There work makes them feel productive and gives them a sense of self worth. Trust me, I know. As an airline captain, I have a lot of responsibility bestowed upon me. I am the final authority on the aircraft...
by 552BB
Sun Apr 19, 2020 9:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The "Armchair Millionaire"- the "original" 3 fund portfolio?
Replies: 24
Views: 9744

Re: The "Armchair Millionaire"- the "original" 3 fund portfolio?

Hello Bogleheads, I was reading through old posts while still under quarantine. I thought I would revisit this one. So,you contributed to the armchair portfolio for 20 years. I know in theory the portfolio did well, but, did it work in reality? Are you an armchair millionaire? Did that portfolio get you to 7 figures? Good morning all, Reading this post, I thought that this question might be aimed at myself, and it is a good question. The answer is YES. Even at this date, it is a seven figure portfolio. As some have indicated on this post, staying the course is so very important. This will now be the third serious market down turn for me. Now two great lessons have solidified for me. 1. Stay the course, this too shall pass. 2. Change the men...
by 552BB
Wed Apr 15, 2020 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax consequences of IB Stock Yield Enhancement program?
Replies: 62
Views: 9497

Re: Tax consequences of IB Stock Yield Enhancement program?

Hello BH's,

I have just transferred to IB last week. They now have some of the lowest costs in the industry.


The Stock Yield Enhancement program was another feature that enticed me to make the move.

It is just another way of earning money on your money. Not much, but it gets added to the revenue side and not the cost side.

That is a plus for me.

It seems like a great idea.

I will learn more in the days and weeks to come. :beer

If I can add to this thread in a positive way, I will post what I learn.



Thanks Bogleheads,

:sharebeer
by 552BB
Fri Apr 03, 2020 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Interactive Brokers - 1% Lending
Replies: 18
Views: 6339

Re: Interactive Brokers - 1% Lending

Thanks

I was looking for this

Everyone loves to talk about buying low, and when the market presents the golden opportunity

They run for the hills. Human nature I suppose. Fear and greed

Buy when everyone is fearful, sell when they are greedy

Good luck to everyone

Stay safe and stay healthy



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tributes to Jack Bogle
Replies: 266
Views: 42917

Re: Gratitude

Good evening BH community, Hello moneywise, Mr Bogle's passing made me somewhat emotional. Life is not just about numbers. Besides posting on social media, I thought of giving my tributes to him by reading The Little Book of Common Sense Investing (2017). It's gratifying to know that I don't need to learn anything more that I have already learnt on this forum. I read a few books and asked some questions here in 2003-4, and hardly ever needed to learn anything new. That is huge! From time to time I double check with latest publications, and so far the answer is the same (fingers crossed). I have survived two downturns and a few upturns 😀, with no change in my investment strategy. So here's a little gratitude to the community. I like what you...
by 552BB
Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 82119

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

A sad day today,

I will have an extra shot of tequilla tonight on you my friend, Mr John Bogle.

God speed.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sun Feb 25, 2018 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Side Hustle: Hourly financial planning
Replies: 44
Views: 7396

Re: Side Hustle: Hourly financial planning

Hello BH,

I like this thread.

At work, so I will check in later.



:D


:sharebeer
by 552BB
Wed Jan 31, 2018 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The Disaster That Is General Electric Company Stock
Replies: 53
Views: 11370

Re: The Disaster That Is General Electric Company Stock

Hello BH,



Good morning munemaker,


munemaker wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2018 6:00 pm Apparently some on here think this is a buying opportunity.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=232792

Personally, I say stay away from individual stocks and buy mutual funds. Most will do a lot better in the long run.


Thanks for linking my post that I started.



As of this time, I have yet to invest in GE. I am still studying this company.

I will add more to my post later.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Wed Jan 17, 2018 8:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The "Armchair Millionaire"- the "original" 3 fund portfolio?
Replies: 24
Views: 9744

Re: The "Armchair Millionaire"- the "original" 3 fund portfolio?

Good morning BH,



I am bumping this thread to see more comments.



I thought this Lewis Schiff book was great at the time.



I would be surprised if more people didn't get influenced by it. It was a very Bogle style book at the time.



Thanks.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Tue Jan 16, 2018 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE - a good value?
Replies: 118
Views: 16243

Re: GE - a good value?

Good evening Bogleheads from the left coast,



Hello laputan86,


laputan86 wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2018 2:27 pm Great time to get in now.


As of yet, I have not bought GE.

I will continue to give it some time.



With the news out today, I will continue to wait and see.

The news of a posible break up of GE will keep me from investing for now.

The news is interesting. But if the end result is a break up of GE, it will mark the end of an era for a once great company.



For now, I will stay the course and fully fund all my tax sheltered and non-tax sheltered accounts (all Vanguard index funds), and I will continue to pay off debts (a couple of mortgages).



I will continue to watch the news and read the BH forum.



Thanks.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Tue Jan 16, 2018 11:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The "Armchair Millionaire"- the "original" 3 fund portfolio?
Replies: 24
Views: 9744

Re: The "Armchair Millionaire"- the "original" 3 fund portfolio?

Good morning Bogleheads, Hello sleepysurf, I read this book right after getting to know about John Bogle and Vanguard. The two Bogle books I had read and studied were John Bogle on Mutual funds and Common Sence on Mutual funds. I had been convinced by John Bogle of the power and validity of index investing. The Armchair Millionaire gave me a reasonable asset allocation to follow. I was very young then so going mostly, or all into equities seemed reasonable, and the asset allocation recommended in the book looked just right for me. I had not yet heard of other portfolios at this time (3 fund portfolio, or all weather portfollio). This is the portfollio I still have today. I have kept track of it since just about its inception for me. I was a...
by 552BB
Sun Dec 24, 2017 10:05 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: My Christmas Present to You
Replies: 106
Views: 17295

Re: My Christmas Present to You

Good Christmas Eve,



Merry Christmas to all and thank you all.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sun Dec 24, 2017 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are Roth IRAs overrated?
Replies: 88
Views: 14715

Re: Are Roth IRAs overrated?

Good morning BH, Hello Fivek, I read something yesterday (https://gocurrycracker.com/roth-sucks/) that I hadn't thought through yet. Namely that the conventional wisdom on whether to do traditional or roth doesn't often clarify the fact that you need to think about what your effective tax rate will be in retirement, not your marginal. That article is completely wrong on the use of effective tax rate in retirement. See the wiki here, Traditional versus Roth - Bogleheads , or other references such as Marginal Vs Effective Tax Rates And When To Use Each . The new tax law may change the result of one's analysis but the math remains the same: compare your marginal saving rate this year to the marginal rate you expect to pay on withdrawals from t...
by 552BB
Sat Dec 23, 2017 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are Roth IRAs overrated?
Replies: 88
Views: 14715

Re: Are Roth IRAs overrated?

Hello BH, Good afternoon nisiprius, Back in the 1990s, it was common to show illustrations of the benefits of nontaxable compounding by assuming far higher annual returns than people would be willing to assume now. And what with one thing and another, I think the differences people expect to see between their tax rates while working and after retirement have been getting smaller and less certain. So, if you are basing your expectations on 1990s-era illustrations, then they are probably overrated. But "Roths suck?" Somebody is grinding an axe. If you are comparing Roth and traditional IRAs, the answer I've always come up is the same: there shouldn't be an awful lot of difference, and because the difference is small, the future esti...
by 552BB
Thu Dec 21, 2017 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Top Hat vs taxable dilemma
Replies: 12
Views: 2124

Re: Top Hat vs taxable dilemma

Hello BH, Thanks for clarification Mudpuppy. New question to this old post then. Hello again, Hello anticrastinator, Hi all, For the past few years I've been contributing to a Top Hat 457(f) plan at work { not a 457(b)}, steadily growing, soon to reach 100k. I am currently in the highest income tax bracket, and the pre-tax contribution made a lot of sense to me when I started out. I also opted to have all the money back at termination, whenever that will be, likely within the next 10-12 years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise. I am now questioning the validity of participating in the plan, as I realized the lump sum given back at termination will likely put me in the highest tax bracket anyway, effectively appearing to be a zero sum g...
by 552BB
Thu Dec 21, 2017 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Please Post Tax Bill Questions Here [was Tax Bill Omnibus Thread]
Replies: 889
Views: 86473

Re: Tax Bill Omnibus Thread

Good morning BH, Hello TexD, I’ve been participating In my MegaCorp’s unqualified Deferred Compensation plan (409a) for some time now and I have questions regarding the tax treatment under the new tax bill. They way I have currently architected my deferrals is to be paid out a portion over a 15 year period minimizing taxes. Under my plan, I can make changes to deferrals provided it’s not closer than 12 months to distribution, and also providing that income deferral has to be pushed out aadditional 5 years. Also, if I were to leave MegaCorp I could not gain access to the funds, they would be paid out on the pre-existing deferral dates (I called the administrator today to verify their is no lump sum option at employment termination) I’ve read...
by 552BB
Wed Dec 20, 2017 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE - a good value?
Replies: 118
Views: 16243

Re: GE - a good value?

Good evenig BH,

I just noticed the other GE post and thought I would bump this thread.

Sorry, but I don't know how to combine 2 threads.

Actually, I probably am not alowed to do this.



Thank you



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Mon Dec 18, 2017 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford it: Dodge Challenger
Replies: 122
Views: 11714

Re: Can I afford it: Dodge Challenger

Good everning BH, Hello MrNewEngland, So I guess I spoke a little too soon in my last thread when I said I talked myself out of a bad decision... I am now starting to talk myself back into buy the car. So here are the details: 2016 Challenger Scat Pack optioned out the way I want it Asking price $34,900 - if this is firm I walk away. Me: Annual salary: just under $90k Debt: just a mortgage and it's under $75k Total housing payment: $700 (including mortgage, COA, taxes, insurance) Not many other huge fixed payments: $50 for internet, $50 for cell, energy bill on the condo ranges but is cheap... Is this a financial nightmare about to happen or is this a feasible thing to do? I plan to sleep on it again but I'd love to hear your thoughts. The ...
by 552BB
Fri Dec 15, 2017 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE [financial independence/retire early]
Replies: 140
Views: 23555

Re: FIRE [financial independence/retire early]

Good morning BH, Early morning here on the west coast. I discovered Bogleheads at least a couple years before I became aware of the FIRE concept. Bogleheads helped me get my finances in order. FIRE blogs helped me take a look at the bigger picture of what that money could mean for me and my family. I used to focus on earning and accumulating as much as I could. Once I realized I was FI, I relaxed on the extra work I was doing (locums work on my vacation time, etc...). Now, I'm working part-time in the twelfth year of my anesthesia career. I found great value from both the Bogleheads and various FIRE blogs. I agree that healthcare is an expense that needs to be factored in. It's going to be one of the bigger line items in our retirement budg...
by 552BB
Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE [financial independence/retire early]
Replies: 140
Views: 23555

Re: FIRE [financial independence/retire early]

Good morning BH, Hello BW1985. I don't understand the name calling and animosity. If you believe in the 4% rule, use it. And if you don't, then don't use it. :sharebeer I agree with you. I just got back from Puerto Vallarta Mexico. I had a wonderful vacation. When I am down there hanging out on the beach, or visiting with family, I take both a mental and physical vacation. I generally don't get on the internet or watch too much TV. Taking a mental break is a very good idea. Re-reading some of the snarky posts that you reference, I'd say some here need to take a break. Get a divorce from your computer screen, brew a hot cup of coffee, and go outside and notice the sunset, and the sunrise, and everything in between. As to the OP, mark39, and ...
by 552BB
Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE - a good value?
Replies: 118
Views: 16243

Re: GE - a good value?

Good morning livesoft,


livesoft wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:52 am I think quite a lot of people will be selling GE before January 1 in the normal course of tax-loss harvesting.


Interesting point.

GE has not participated in this current market runup we have had lately.

Even being away for only a couple of weeks (in Mexico), you get to see quite a contrast in the market (market up quite a bit even in that short period of time, while GE has managed to continue to go down).

Very interesting.

Lends validity to your point of tax-lass harvesting.



Thanks livesoft.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Goals - Financial or Otherwise
Replies: 68
Views: 8537

Re: Two goals

Good morning all, Hello Taylor, Good evening BH community, Hello Taylor Larimore Bogleheads: Two goals: 1. Continued good health. I'm 93 years old. 2. I would like to read my new book, The Bogleheads' Guide to the Three-Fund Portfolio, when it is published on April 23, 2018. Best wishes Taylor Bravo on #1, and congratulations. At your age, you should probably write a book on how you have accomplished this feat. I would venture to guess that it would be very popular with this crowd. After all, financial success is moot without your health, in my opinion. Maintaining one's health well into our sunset years to most here would be the greatest success of all. Now what to put down for my goals for 2018?!?!?! :sharebeer So how are you coming along...
by 552BB
Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Analysis Paralysis: Can you get to the bottom of things?
Replies: 136
Views: 13020

Re: Analysis Paralysis: Can you get to the bottom of things?

Hello BH, Good morning flyingaway, Good evening all, I found this quote funny. If I had the perfect portfolio, I would not tell anyone. For me, I think if I had the perfect portfolio, I would tell everyone. I don't think I could help myself. To the OP, you have been given great advice here. The perfect portfolio will never exsist. Not even in hindsight. It is not possible. Think about that. You either have to take a crap, or get off the pot. :D Stop spinning your wheels. Remember, you have an infinite number of possible outcomes with your investments. But you do not have an infinite amount of time. Time will stop for no one. So get invested. Get a life. And then come join me for a beer on the beach in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. I'll buy. :shar...
by 552BB
Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE - a good value?
Replies: 118
Views: 16243

Re: GE - a good value?

Good morning BH,



Just got back from my vacation in Mexico.

What a wonderful time.



I wanted to restart this thread. I want to explore some more topics of GE.

I have looked into some of GE's pension issues. I read some reports on other web sights.

Does anyone have some good analysis or reports that you can point me to on this subject in relation to GE.

My interest is in how GE is dealing with its pension issues going forward.

Will the sale of some of its current assets (recent sales) help in this area.

What else is GE doing to alleviate this going forward.



Thanks for the continued input.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Wed Dec 13, 2017 8:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe: Don’t Write Off Value
Replies: 22
Views: 4459

Re: Larry Swedroe: Don’t Write Off Value

Good morning BH, Hello Random Walker, http://www.etf.com/sections/index-investor-corner/swedroe-19?nopaging=1 Excellent article. Although Larry focuses on the value premium, the article can be extrapolated to the behavior of all factors, including the market factor. They can all have very long periods of underperformance. Both the value factor and the market factor have standard deviations about 2.5X their size. He doesn’t mention it in this article, but this article serves as an excellent introduction to the rationale for diversifying across factors. He references one of the charts from his most recent book on factor investing. Hopefully this will wet reader’s appetites to read the book and his upcoming new edition of Reducing The Risk Of ...
by 552BB
Sun Dec 10, 2017 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Easiest company for backdoor Roth
Replies: 8
Views: 1088

Re: Easiest company for backdoor Roth

Hello BH



Hi indexlover,


indexlover wrote: Sun Dec 10, 2017 11:10 am Here is a step by step guide to do it in Vanguard:
https://www.physicianonfire.com/backdoor/

and a wonderful guide for how to fill out the Form 8606 and considerations for when to do the Backdoor IRA for a particular year.
https://thefinancebuff.com/backdoor-rot ... -easy.html


Thanks for the info

I’ll be doing my first Roth conversion before the end of the year.



:sharebeer
by 552BB
Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE - a good value?
Replies: 118
Views: 16243

Re: GE - a good value?

Good evening BH Hello Valuethinker, GE aviation is a oligopoly. On the large commercial aviation jet engine side, it is virtually a monopoly. That's a very strange thing to say? Rolls Royce did the engines for the A380, the largest commercial airliner yet built (I think there is a larger Russian Antonov cargo plane). It's not a monopoly. It's either a duopoly or a tri-opoly (I am not sure where Pratt & Whitney is on the full range of engines). And the OEMs compete (very) fiercely on price (the installed base is actually what drives profits via spares & overhaul business). And in the power business, it is also a leader. I believe that in recent times this part of the business has been a drag. But I do believe that will not last a lon...
by 552BB
Sat Dec 02, 2017 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIRE [financial independence/retire early]
Replies: 140
Views: 23555

Re: FIRE [financial independence/retire early]

Good morning BH, And when something bad happens the young people go what a tragic accident while the old people go that was an expected outcome. If the 4% rule was remotely as safe as sky diving nobody would debate it.😁 Now that is funny. I like Bigbonds comments too. The comments made about FI and RE being two different things is a point. For this thread, they are related, but different. There is a great study posted at madfientist (sorry, I don't know how to post a link) that talks about the 4% rule. It is very well done. Their basic conclusion is that 4% is a perfectly good number. If you want to retire early, go to a lower number like maybe 3%, If you like working and continue into later retirement, you could use a higher number closer ...
by 552BB
Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GE - a good value?
Replies: 118
Views: 16243

Re: GE - a good value?

Good morning BH, Good morning BH, Looks like another up day, week, month, and year so far for the overall markets. Obvious winners this year, well that is easy..... Bitcoin. Laggards I would say are also very obvious..... GE. This reminds me of another great time in our recent history. Remember 1999. Remember the song 'Party like its 1999'. Obvious winners back in 1999..... Worldcom, Aurther Anderson, Webvan.com. And of course an obvious loser..... Warren Buffett. You remember, the once famous investor who had finally lost his touch. Food for thought. It's a beautiful day here in SoCal. I think I will enjoy it... now thats wealth. Thanks to all who have posted. Keep contributing. :sharebeer I am re-posting this because there is a lively deb...
by 552BB
Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: bitcoin - is there any real value here or is it a pure Ponzi scam?
Replies: 236
Views: 31417

Re: bitcoin - is there any real value here or is it a pure Ponzi scam?

Hello Olcuryy,


Oicuryy wrote: Sat Dec 02, 2017 10:14 am Does a 1-cent postage stamp that sold for $9.5 million have any "real value"?
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithson ... 180955412/

Ron

I would say absolutely yes.



:sharebeer