Search found 286 matches

by dognose
Fri Sep 23, 2022 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maserati Ghibli Q4
Replies: 11
Views: 2289

Re: Maserati Ghibli Q4

Don't own one but my neighbor has one. Says it's by far the worst vehicle he's ever owned from a reliability standpoint. Hopefully your Italian mechanic will remain healthy and happy.
by dognose
Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online social Security application process
Replies: 65
Views: 7522

Re: Online social Security application process

My wife just went through this process. She also has been on Medicare for several years. Good news-- the online process went very smoothly. My wife was not asked to provide any additional documents. The application/review process took about six weeks, and then she received notice, via email, that everything was approved. Her Social Security checks have already begun arriving electronically in our checking account.
by dognose
Fri Jun 03, 2022 9:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are there many people with financial industry backgrounds on Bogleheads?
Replies: 106
Views: 14185

Re: Are there many people with financial industry backgrounds on Bogleheads?

My last two bosses, who were CEOs of major technology companies, were history majors in college.
by dognose
Wed Feb 23, 2022 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Newbie Questions
Replies: 31
Views: 2767

Re: Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Newbie Questions

I posed this question recently to my CPA and estate-planning lawyer. They confirmed that a donor-advised fund can be the beneficiary of an IRA. Happens all the time, they said.
by dognose
Wed Nov 24, 2021 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Costco wifi router? (Is mesh best)
Replies: 18
Views: 3863

Re: Which Costco wifi router? (Is mesh best)

The two-pack Eero will solve all of your problems for very little money. And setup is remarkably easy -- you'll be up and running in about 10 minutes. I've had an Eero system for six years without any problems at all.
by dognose
Sat Jul 24, 2021 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving Car Title to Trust in CA
Replies: 18
Views: 2813

Re: Moving Car Title to Trust in CA

Our attorney advised us to title our vehicles under our trust. The process took less than 15 minutes at our local DMV office. As for arguments that titling vehicles under a trust could increase the chances for litigation, our attorney said: “This is a common misperception. It’s both wrong and, frankly, stupid.”
by dognose
Wed Jul 21, 2021 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tucson [Suggestions for activities]
Replies: 22
Views: 2316

Re: Tucson [Suggestions for activities]

Several posters recommended Cafe Poca Cosa as a great restaurant in Tucson. For the record, Cafe Poca Cosa closed permanently in October 2020. Not to worry — there are a zillion other wonderful Mexican restaurants in Tucson. In fact, it’s hard to go wrong with Mexican restaurants in Tucson. Our favorites remain Mi Nidito, Poco & Mom’s, and the original El Charro Cafe (downtown). All of these restaurants offer outstanding Mexican food — but go early or you won’t get in.
by dognose
Tue May 25, 2021 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tucson versus Sedona
Replies: 38
Views: 7329

Re: Tucson versus Sedona

Sedona’s “red rock” scenery is truly spectacular, but the allure of the town quickly wears off after you realize that Sedona is about 95 percent a tourist trap. A beautiful tourist trap, but a tourist trap nevertheless. Clogged roads, over-crowded restaurants, way too many t-shirt shops. It’s fun for a couple of days at best. Tucson has much, much more to offer over Sedona: great hiking in Sabino Canyon, Mount Lemmon, Saguaro National Park east and west, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a world-class zoo, an endless list of great restaurants, the truly unique Pima Air Museum, easy day trips to the Tubac art colony, historic Tombstone, etc. etc. etc. Or you can head up to Sedona, sit in a long, long line of traffic, and buy some t-shirts. This ...
by dognose
Sun Apr 26, 2020 5:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Future 60/40 Portfolio has a 43% Chance of Failing with 4% Withdrawal Rate
Replies: 622
Views: 40769

Re: Future 60/40 Portfolio has a 43% Chance of Failing with 4% Withdrawal Rate

Once Vineviz and Willthrill81 get done trying to outsmart each other, we’re left where we’re always left on these discussions:

1. The 4 percent rule is not a rule, but a guideline.

2. Nevertheless, a 4 percent withdrawal rate has worked almost all of the time over a very long retirement period. If the 4 percent thing scares you, change it to 3 percent or anything that makes you more comfortable. Go buy an annuity if you want to. We won’t squeal on you.

3. Virtually everyone adjusts their withdrawal rate as necessary, based on changing conditions.

4. Most of us tend to get by, one way or the other.
by dognose
Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV???? UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your help.
Replies: 138
Views: 12004

Re: Suggestions for wife's new luxury (or non luxury) SUV????

Another vote for the Acura RDX, which my wife has been driving for four years. She loves it. She thought the MDX and 4Runners were too large. The RDX is now at 40k miles with no reliability problems at all. Honda reliability with Acura luxury touches.
by dognose
Thu Dec 05, 2019 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard VWIUX
Replies: 28
Views: 3547

Re: Vanguard VWIUX

VWIUX is an excellent choice, and it seems ideal for your situation. I have invested in this fund for many years and it has served our family well. I strongly recommend it.
by dognose
Fri Nov 15, 2019 1:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe's Retirement book is #1 in WSJ listing
Replies: 13
Views: 2779

Re: Larry Swedroe's Retirement book is #1 in WSJ listing

I also placed my order today via Amazon.

The great thing about Larry’s books is that they are always packed with tons of useful, actionable information - - no fluff or silliness from Larry. He does not pull any punches, and his disciplined, no-nonsense approach has always made me a better investor. I look forward to reading this one.
by dognose
Wed Nov 13, 2019 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Romantic northeast winter weekend getaway?
Replies: 28
Views: 3919

Re: Romantic northeast winter weekend getaway?

Stay home, light a fire in the fireplace, and snuggle up with a book by Jack Bogle. What could be more romantic?
by dognose
Sun Nov 03, 2019 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does leasing make sense in this case?
Replies: 48
Views: 3699

Re: Does leasing make sense in this case?

The car dealers in my area (Arizona) love to lease cars. Every time I buy a new car, they do everything they can to steer me toward a lease. The level of aggression in favor of leasing us quite amazing. That’s why I never lease cars.
by dognose
Fri Sep 06, 2019 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do you let go of decisions that turned out to be the wrong ones?
Replies: 63
Views: 6094

Re: How do you let go of decisions that turned out to be the wrong ones?

I once took a senior management class on decision-making at my former employer, one of the largest and most important companies in the world. The main conclusion: virtually every decision we make in life, both personal and professional, will most likely be the wrong one. The winning player will recognize this and learn from it. Perhaps the best advice I ever picked up from a corporate management class. The second-best piece of advice: study history and you will prosper from it. I think there is a best-selling book here.
by dognose
Tue Jun 25, 2019 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: British Columbia summer vacation
Replies: 17
Views: 1852

Re: British Columbia summer vacation

Another vote for Victoria, truly one of the most beautiful places in the world.
by dognose
Sat Jun 01, 2019 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to remove minor scratches from Manufactured Hardwood floors:
Replies: 10
Views: 1383

Re: How to remove minor scratches from Manufactured Hardwood floors:

Buy a bottle of Old English scratch repair. Start with the light stain, which works like a charm on my manufactured hardwood floors. Within seconds, the scratches disappear. I’ve been using it for years and my floors look like new.
by dognose
Tue May 28, 2019 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Miata as a daily driver, terrible idea?
Replies: 44
Views: 3574

Re: Used Miata as a daily driver, terrible idea?

I drove a Miata as my daily driver for five years, and loved every minute of it. My commute was 38 miles each way along twisting back roads, and the Miata was a total hoot to drive. I always arrived at work, and came home from work, with a goofy smile on my face. The Miata is also far more practical than many people would imagine - - great on gas, reliable as a tank, with plenty of room for whatever you need as a daily driver. After five years I realized I was becoming an old guy, so I sold the Miata (for a healthy profit!) and bought a boring SUV. Still miss the Miata, and may buy another one some day. The Miata is the very definition of a fun, affordable sports car. Go for it.
by dognose
Tue May 28, 2019 2:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24099

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why?

Gradually moved from 50/50 to 30/70. Main reason: believe that we’ve more than won the game (portfolio currently is 1,325x annual expenses). No reason to keep running up the scorecard. It’s nice to be able to sleep well at night. Ages 64/64, equity allocation is Vanguard Total Stock and bond allocation is Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax exempt.
by dognose
Mon Apr 01, 2019 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.
Replies: 193
Views: 19268

Re: Folks in their 60s and above. What early investment on health do you recommend.

Buy a puppy and spoil it rotten. Dog owners live pretty much forever. Their dogs demand it.
by dognose
Wed Mar 20, 2019 11:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Role of Pensions and Social Security in Asset Allocation
Replies: 147
Views: 9365

Re: Role of Pensions and Social Security in Asset Allocation

Didn’t the great John Bogle maintain that a pension and Social Security should be considered when making asset allocation decisions?
by dognose
Sat Feb 09, 2019 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Would you eat lab grown meat?
Replies: 64
Views: 2795

Re: Would you eat lab grown meat?

Since this is technically an investing site, what’s the safe withdrawal rate for lab grown meat?
by dognose
Sat Feb 09, 2019 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Living comfortably in retirement"
Replies: 71
Views: 11107

Re: "Living comfortably in retirement"

1. Good book to read.

2. Fire in fireplace on cold winter nights.

3. Warm puppy sleeping on lap or by my feet.

4. Good results from latest annual physical exam.

5. 30x annual living expenses socked away in boring Vanguard account.

6. Avoid all threads on Bogleheads Forum that begin this way:
- “Do I Need Umbrella Insurance?”
- “What is My Safe Withdrawal Rate?”
- “Why Not 100 Percent Equities?”
- “Dividend versus Total Return investing?”
by dognose
Wed Jan 16, 2019 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto Owned By Revocable Living Trust
Replies: 15
Views: 1699

Re: Auto Owned By Revocable Living Trust

Our attorney told us that if we're sued as a result of an auto accident, the trust and its trustees are legally exposed regardless of whether the cars are in the name of the trust. Perhaps this is just true in Arizona, although I don't think do. Titling assets in the name of a trust can be helpful for estate-planning and probate purposes. However, whether your car is in a trust or not is irrelevant in terms of personal liability matters. At least that's the view of our attorney, and she's regarded as one of the best lawyers in the state.
by dognose
Wed Jan 16, 2019 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto Owned By Revocable Living Trust
Replies: 15
Views: 1699

Re: Auto Owned By Revocable Living Trust

Arizona also makes it easy to title cars in the name of a trust, which my wife and I have done for many years. Our lawyer recommended titling cars under the trust, although she wasn't adamant on this point. Really a matter of personal preference, she said. Arguably, it makes sense to consolidate ownership of financial assets, including vehicles, under a single trust structure. Works for us.
by dognose
Tue Dec 25, 2018 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard California Muni Bond safety in downturns?
Replies: 19
Views: 2512

Re: Vanguard California Muni Bond safety in downturns?

OP,

To answer your original question about the safety of the Vanguard Calif. IT Tax-exempt fund, just go to the Vanguard website and look at the long-term and cumulative performance results for this fund. The fund lost about two percent in total return in the last major downturn of 2008. The fund also lost less than one percent in two other years over the last decade. The losing years were followed by winning years in all cases. The fund also is widely diversified across Calif. municipal issuers, and is managed by Vanguard's extremely talented muni bond team.

In short, this is a very safe fund assuming you plan to hold it for at least a few years. I wouldn't lose any sleep over having all of my bond holdings in this fund.
by dognose
Fri Nov 30, 2018 12:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe: Munis Increasingly Risky
Replies: 220
Views: 25624

Re: Larry Swedroe: Munis Increasingly Risky

I currently have the majority of my portfolio invested in Vanguard's Intermediate Term Tax-exempt Fund. Even at current yields, this investment provides me with several hundred thousand dollars in (federally) tax-free income each year. Perhaps there are better muni funds or strategies; perhaps not. Despite Swedroe's warnings, I sleep well at night with my "good enough" investment. I have no plans to change investments or strategies based on the latest doom-and-gloom predictions (which usually prove to be wrong, no matter how smart the investment guru). The muni risk is certainly manageable, and sometimes good enough is good enough.
by dognose
Sun Apr 15, 2018 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Max % of tax exempt bonds in portfolio?
Replies: 11
Views: 2232

Re: Max % of tax exempt bonds in portfolio?

I've had 100 percent of my fixed income portfolio in munis for the last 25 years, with no problems. I have no plans to make any changes. Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax Exempt works just fine.
by dognose
Fri Jan 26, 2018 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pension or Lump Sum
Replies: 7
Views: 1370

Re: Pension or Lump Sum

Assuming you're in reasonably good health, the pension (monthly annuity payments) is your best bet. A lot of people take the lump sum because it looks like a huge amount of money, and they figure they can out-manage professional pension managers with their retirement money. I wouldn't (and didn't) make that assumption. I opted for the pension eight years ago and have been very pleased with my decision. It would cost you a few bucks, but you could have a CPA or other financial professional run the numbers for you. My CPA helped me with this, and his analysis really clinched the decision for me.
by dognose
Tue Nov 14, 2017 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Keurig died...what now?
Replies: 73
Views: 9059

Re: Keurig died...what now?

Good grief ... buy another Keurig machine and get on with your life.
by dognose
Thu May 04, 2017 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement income for 50+ years?
Replies: 167
Views: 22128

Re: Retirement income for 50+ years?

djtino, I did extensively explore the idea of working with a "wealth manager," although I could not find a manager or firm that I viewed as reasonable in terms of expenses. Most wanted at least 1-1.25 percent annually to manage our account, and most of them also tacked various expenses onto this. Many advisors ended up costing more than 2-3 percentage points per year! I could not find a manager in the 0.50 percent range. I had worked with Merrill Lynch earlier in my career, but my "advisor" there never even knew I existed, despite having more than $10 million in my account at any given time. So, we ended up going it alone with Vanguard, and this has worked out well for us. We do have an excellent advisor in the Vanguard ...
by dognose
Thu May 04, 2017 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement income for 50+ years?
Replies: 167
Views: 22128

Re: Retirement income for 50+ years?

Yes, the CPA was mainly used to disentangle us from earlier investments with Merrill Lynch, MLPs, etc., before I discovered the wisdom of indexing. The CPA also was helpful as we moved from a high-tax area (NY taxes are a nightmare, especially if dealing with things like stock options). I still think a CPA can be helpful when initially dealing with relatively large sums of money. Once a new plan is established, hopefully using low-cost index funds, it's relatively easy to ditch the CPA.
by dognose
Thu May 04, 2017 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement income for 50+ years?
Replies: 167
Views: 22128

Re: Retirement income for 50+ years?

I was in almost exactly the same situation as the OP when I took early retirement about 15 years ago. Here's what I did with my money: 1. Spent $2 million on an immediate lifetime annuity for me and my spouse. Annuity is not indexed to inflation. I think annuities tend to get a bad rap, especially for younger retirees, but it has worked well for us. Perhaps we're being somewhat irrational, but we like the sense of "guaranteed" income that a strong annuity can provide. 2. Bought $4.5 million in Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax Exempt Fund. 3. Bought $4.5 million in Vanguard equity index funds, split 70 percent Total U.S. Stock Index and 30 percent Total International Stock Index. The annuity is our "pension income." The mun...
by dognose
Tue May 02, 2017 1:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "The Road Less Traveled" by John Bogle
Replies: 31
Views: 6002

Re: "The Road Less Traveled" by John Bogle

John Bogle is a national treasure, and Taylor Larimore is a true American hero. We sure travel with some classy people on this forum.
by dognose
Mon Feb 20, 2017 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost of tax preparation
Replies: 43
Views: 5891

Re: Cost of tax preparation

I spend about $2000 to have my federal and state taxes prepared each year by a CPA. It's the best money I spend each year.
by dognose
Mon Jan 30, 2017 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please tell me if I can afford this Porsche
Replies: 81
Views: 9954

Re: Please tell me if I can afford this Porsche

Go out and buy the Porsche today. You can more than afford it, and you won't regret it.
by dognose
Fri Jan 27, 2017 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Growth Versus Income Investing - Master Limited Partnerships for Young, High Earners
Replies: 4
Views: 801

Re: Growth Versus Income Investing - Master Limited Partnerships for Young, High Earners

Also make sure you're comfortable handling the K-1 tax forms issued by MLPs, which can be an absolute nightmare.
by dognose
Tue Jan 03, 2017 8:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager
Replies: 187
Views: 28456

Re: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager

Agree on Otar. His book, "Unveiling the Retirement Myth," is by far the best personal/retirement finance book I've ever read.
by dognose
Tue Jan 03, 2017 5:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager
Replies: 187
Views: 28456

Re: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager

I forget the original questions asked in this thread. But I do know this: any thread that features multiple contributions by Larry Swedroe and Bill Bernstein is pretty cool. We've been treated to world-class financial advice in a single thread.
by dognose
Mon Jan 02, 2017 9:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Whats your number to walk away?
Replies: 360
Views: 63881

Re: Whats your number to walk away?

My goal also was 25x annual expenses. I retired shortly after hitting that number 15 years ago. My nest egg now totals more than 150x annual expenses. The Bogleheads philosophy really pays off -- live below one's means, use index funds, etc. We also moved from a high-cost state, Connecticut, to a lower-cost area (Arizona), which has helped a lot on the expense side. You don't have to be "crazy cheap," just strive to keep expenses reasonable while sticking to your overall investment plan.
by dognose
Sun Jan 01, 2017 8:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager
Replies: 187
Views: 28456

Re: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager

rapporteur,

I'm impressed that you have a crystal ball that allows you to see clearly for the next decade or so. Where can I buy one of those?
by dognose
Fri Dec 30, 2016 9:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager
Replies: 187
Views: 28456

Re: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager

Thanks for the tip, TomP10. I will order the Clements book this morning.
by dognose
Thu Dec 29, 2016 12:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager
Replies: 187
Views: 28456

Re: Bernstein-"To Make Money They Didn't Need".....and Pascal's Wager

Larry,

I hope that someday you write a book focused solely on the marginal utility of wealth. It's a fascinating subject, and no one writes about it with as much passion and wisdom as you do.
by dognose
Wed Dec 28, 2016 4:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many of you invest 100% at Vanguard?
Replies: 118
Views: 13645

Re: How many of you invest 100% at Vanguard?

100 percent Vanguard after a few years of paying crazy high fees for virtually no service at Merrill Lynch. When I went to close my account at Merrill -- an account which at that time was worth more than $10 million -- my Merrill account rep said, "I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with your account." Enough said.
by dognose
Thu Dec 15, 2016 1:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How will you tip this Christmas?
Replies: 51
Views: 6700

Re: How will you tip this Christmas?

My wife and I are extremely generous tippers, especially during the holiday season. Where we live, a large percentage of service workers are students and/or single mothers. They really need the money. Over the course of an entire year, and perhaps over an entire lifetime, such generous tipping is meaningless to our net worth, and it really seems to help those who are less fortunate in our community.
by dognose
Wed Nov 30, 2016 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Negotiating New Car Purchase
Replies: 34
Views: 6442

Re: Negotiating New Car Purchase

1. Go to Edmunds.com or kelley Blue Book to research dealer cost of vehicle. If you don't know much about cars, go to Consumer Reports (they don't know much about cars, either, but they mean well and their numbers are more or less in the ballpark). 2. Go to dealership, pick out car, offer this price. Never, ever counter-offer. 3. Dealer will protest, usually loudly. This can get embarrassing and silly, but play along at this stage. Maintain your sense of humor. This is a game, and it will all be over soon. 4. Dealer ultimately accepts your price. This happens 100 percent of the time. 5. Purchase car, preferably for cash. Refuse extended warranty and any other dealer "offers." Repeat process every decade or so. 6. Happy motoring.
by dognose
Wed Nov 30, 2016 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling like you've "made it"
Replies: 120
Views: 20046

Re: Feeling like you've "made it"

I have a business associate who has a great expression about people who think they have it made. She says: get over yourself, and move forward. So get over yourself, and move forward.
by dognose
Wed Nov 30, 2016 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What level of wealth will get the attention of an estate attorney?
Replies: 39
Views: 8118

Re: What level of wealth will get the attention of an estate attorney?

If you are capable of fogging a mirror, you can gain the attention of an estate lawyer.