Search found 366 matches

by rokidtoo
Mon Apr 30, 2018 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723700

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

"The [(removed) --admin LadyGeek] Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives" by Jesse Eisinger. An interesting and entertaining book. A lot of the people highlighted in the book, e.g. Robert Mueller, Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, and James Comey, are in today's news. The book's big revelation for me is that, unlike street crime "where ignorance of law excuses no one", white collar crimes require prosecutors to show intent on the part of the perpetrators. In other words, there's a dual standard. Finally, "The [(removed)] Club" was established by James Comey in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. On his first day as head of the office, Comey asked all the assemb...
by rokidtoo
Sat Apr 21, 2018 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I continue to hold REITs?
Replies: 61
Views: 13556

Re: Should I continue to hold REITs?

midareff wrote: Sat Apr 21, 2018 7:54 am I used to hold REITs in my IRA, and having bought them near the depths of the financial crisis they did very well for years. When it because apparent they were unduly valuated I exchanged that holding for the S&P500 Index. Since I retired in early 2012 also consolidated SV and small International into their broader indexes... TSM and TISM. For me at this point in life less is more.
Exactly. :beer
by rokidtoo
Fri Apr 20, 2018 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I continue to hold REITs?
Replies: 61
Views: 13556

Re: Should I continue to hold REITs?

I used to hold REITS. However, they're a small component of the total domestic market. Therefore, why should I overweight REITS in my portfolio? Do I know something that millions of investors do not? No. :oops:

Consequently, I now hold the total domestic stock market index.
by rokidtoo
Sat Dec 30, 2017 7:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Target allocation: 60/40 stock/bonds

Quicken YTD (12/29/2017): 16.02%
by rokidtoo
Tue Nov 08, 2016 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP G Fund
Replies: 18
Views: 3873

Re: TSP G Fund

The G-Fund is invested in the same securities as Social Security. Very safe, but low returns.
by rokidtoo
Mon Oct 10, 2016 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Camera recommendations- Not SLR
Replies: 52
Views: 7734

Re: Camera recommendations- Not SLR

VaR wrote:I've been a fan of the Panasonic LX line of high end compacts. The latest in the line, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 is a fine addition to the line that may replace my LX-7.
I bought an LX100 for my 2015 trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I got absolutely beautiful pictures and 4K video. No problems, no glitches.
by rokidtoo
Sat Sep 03, 2016 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hurricane Hermine
Replies: 48
Views: 7277

Re: Hurricane Hermine

Yesterday, we self-evacuated from our rental home in Corolla, NC. Having experienced Hurricane Dennis, up close and personal, in a home on the Nags Head beach in 1999, we weren't taking any chances. 8-)
by rokidtoo
Sat Jul 30, 2016 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking to take first international trip
Replies: 43
Views: 6200

Re: Looking to take first international trip

When I worked at NASA, I got to go to Rome (European Space Agency) and Paris, circa 1994. To me, Rome was kind of third world, i.e. hot, dirty, chaotic, but extremely interesting.

Paris was very first world. Wonderful restaurants, gardens, museums, and culture. Although some people complain about the French, I found everyone to be very friendly and helpful.

I loved both. You NEED to go to both cities. ;-)

I'd recommend Rome first. However, I took Latin in high school.
by rokidtoo
Sat Jul 02, 2016 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car are you driving?
Replies: 368
Views: 46027

Re: What kind of car are you driving?

Currently, we have a 2006 Toyota Avalon and a 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. We love both cars.

The hybrid has gotten an average of 38.2 mpg since we bought it new in 2014. The only downside is that we lost ~2 cu. ft. of trunk capacity and the ability to pass long objects through the trunk into the back seat, e.g. skis.

In 18 months, after our mortgage is payed off, I have my eye on a 2017 Mazda Miata "targa top".
by rokidtoo
Mon Jun 06, 2016 4:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Trim levels
Replies: 58
Views: 7663

Re: New Car Trim levels

Epsilon Delta wrote: The Toyota Avalon owners manual (like pretty much every owners manual I have ever read says:

■ Situations unsuitable for cruise control
Do not use cruise control in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in loss of control and could cause an accident resulting
in death or serious injury.
● On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
That limitation won't work for self-driving cars unless their operation is limited to Silicon Valley.
by rokidtoo
Mon Jun 06, 2016 4:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Trim levels
Replies: 58
Views: 7663

Re: New Car Trim levels

On the other hand, the Hybrid has a smaller trunk because of the traction battery. In addition, the ski pass-through slot is configured, but doesn't work because the traction battery blocks the opening.

On the positive side, I've averaged 38.2 mpg over 30,000 miles of city and highway driving.
by rokidtoo
Sun Jun 05, 2016 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Trim levels
Replies: 58
Views: 7663

Re: New Car Trim levels

I love my Avalon. I have the Hybrid Limited. Plenty of power, good handling, very comfortable, and very reliable. Incidently, I also like the automatic high beams. They seemed kind of gimmicky. However, I'll want them on any car I purchase in the future. They're very convenient.
by rokidtoo
Sun Jun 05, 2016 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Car Trim levels
Replies: 58
Views: 7663

Re: New Car Trim levels

I really like the adaptive cruise control. However, it doesn't work in heavy rain or snow in my 2014 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the radar sensor can also become frozen over on slushy roads, thus rendering the adaptive cruise control inoperable. The regular cruise control works fine regardless of conditions.
by rokidtoo
Sun Apr 03, 2016 6:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

YTD: 2.24% on a 60/40 stock/bond portfolio with 20% rebalancing bands.

My best YTD 2016 funds are long term bonds (VUSTX) at 8.56% and REITS (VGSLX) at 6.10%.

However, VUSTX wasn't so good to me last year at -1.54%.

My worst performing fund YTD is Total International Stocks (VTIAX) at -1.13%. It also stunk in 2014 and 2013. :)
by rokidtoo
Tue Feb 23, 2016 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car do you drive? [Looking for new car]
Replies: 126
Views: 11384

Re: What kind of car do you drive?

2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid. 38 overall mpg over 23K miles.

2006 Toyota Avalon. 21 city, 30 hwy, 165K miles.

The two best cars I've ever owned.

Both were bought new.
by rokidtoo
Mon Feb 08, 2016 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirees: What percentage of your expenses are covered by SS and/or pensions
Replies: 84
Views: 9459

Re: Retirees: What percentage of your expenses are covered by SS and/or pensions

A federal pension and my wife's Social Security cover 100% of our expenses. Currently, we use IRA/401K portfolio money to travel. In two years our mortgage will be payed off, thus freeing up additional resources.
by rokidtoo
Sun Feb 07, 2016 10:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your average return?
Replies: 17
Views: 4503

Re: What is your average return?

Derek Tinnin wrote:...is probably what separates great investors from good investors most.
To date, I'm trying to follow Mr. Bogle's advice. Purchase the entire market, hold it forever, and accept the returns it provides. So far, this approach has worked pretty well for me. I'm reaching my financial goals. In addition, during market downturns, e.g. 2008, I haven't panicked. Does that make me a great investor? Probably not. However, it does make me a happy investor.

To paraphrase the immortal Chico Escuela "“Thank you berry much. The Boglehead approach to investing has been berry, berry good to me. Thank you. God bless you. Gracias!” ;-)
by rokidtoo
Sun Feb 07, 2016 5:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your average return?
Replies: 17
Views: 4503

Re: What is your average return?

2004-2015

7.67% average return (nominal)
14.07% Standard Deviation
6.65% CAGR

I gradually moved from 70/30 stocks/bonds to 60/40 stocks/bonds during this period.

My best performer during this period was the Vanguard REIT fund (VGSLX):

12.03% average return (nominal)
21.84% Standard Deviation
9.71% CAGR
by rokidtoo
Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to travel July/August for 1-2 weeks?
Replies: 15
Views: 3379

Re: Best place to travel July/August for 1-2 weeks?

My son, my brother, and I took a trip to Thailand and Cambodia last summer. We were in country for 10 days and the round trip from Washington DC took 3 days. We spent time in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Angkor Wat/floating villages), Bangkok, and Chiang Mai, Thailand. My son, in particular, loved it. He's in his early 30s. Although July-Aug is the monsoon season, we only saw rain on our first night in Bangkok. On the positive side, the threat of the monsoon season reduces the number of tourists. Finally, I was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Although it rained really hard during the monsoon season, the downpours usually were short, i.e. 15-30 minutes. If you go to Angkor Wat seriously consider obtaining a guide - particularly if you ...
by rokidtoo
Fri Jan 01, 2016 6:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

0.12% as of 31 Dec 2015. Roughly 60/40 stocks/bonds. :(
by rokidtoo
Thu Dec 10, 2015 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TurboTax Deluxe: download or disc?
Replies: 12
Views: 2837

Re: TurboTax Deluxe: download or disc?

Seamless again this year.
by rokidtoo
Wed Dec 09, 2015 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Outdoor gas grill recommendation
Replies: 58
Views: 10084

Re: Outdoor gas grill recommendation

We bought a Weber Spirit E310 from Amazon two years ago. It has been great. We use it rain or shine, winter and summer. It's currently $499 on Amazon.
by rokidtoo
Wed Dec 09, 2015 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roomba
Replies: 8
Views: 1435

Re: Roomba

We bought a Roomba 650 a couple of years ago for my elderly in-laws - 90s. It does a nice job of cleaning and fluffing up their carpeting. They also enjoy watching it clean. It's the best gift we've ever given them. :happy
by rokidtoo
Tue Dec 08, 2015 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel camera (s?)
Replies: 23
Views: 3455

Re: Travel camera (s?)

The Lumix LX100 has a feature, "I Handheld Night Shot", that is useful in low light situations. When the camera senses it's being hand held under low light conditions, it automatically raises the ISO and shutter speed. It then takes a burst of shots (I'm assuming with varying ISOs) and combines them into a composite picture to reduce the noise associated with the use of a higher ISO. I took a hand held shot last night, at dusk, of my house and exterior Christmas decorations. I got a beautiful shot. Normally, I would need a tripod and/or a flash to even attempt that shot. The LX100 also has an IHDR feature. If the camera detects a strong contrast between light and dark features in the scene, it takes a burst of shots and combines t...
by rokidtoo
Sun Dec 06, 2015 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel camera (s?)
Replies: 23
Views: 3455

Re: Travel camera (s?)

I took a an LX100 to SE Asia last summer and got about 800 crisp, sharp photos. In addition, the HDR feature really made my photos of the jungles, temples, and bright colors of SE Asia pop. Finally, the LX100's view finder was very useful in the bright sun.

I looked at the RX100. However, I thought it was a little too small for my hands.

Have fun!
by rokidtoo
Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best (Available)Red Wine for under $15 preferrably under $10
Replies: 110
Views: 49147

Re: Best (Available)Red Wine for under $15 preferrably under $10

Marietta Old Vine Red - $10.99 at Total Wine in Virginia
by rokidtoo
Mon Oct 26, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long Term Care Policy Poll
Replies: 60
Views: 7512

Re: Long Term Care Policy Poll

We recently put my father-in-law in a nursing home. It's a very nice home and close to my mother-in-law. However, it costs $156,000 per year or approximately $425 per day. LTC is a very expensive proposition in Northern Virginia. Perhaps, it's cheaper elsewhere.

Thank goodness for Medicaid!
by rokidtoo
Mon Oct 05, 2015 8:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Headlights & car safety
Replies: 50
Views: 5917

Re: Headlights & car safety

I have automatic high beams on my 2014 Toyota Avalon. A windshield camera detects oncoming headlights and the tail lights of cars I'm following. Although they were an option on my prior 2006 Avalon, they just seemed gimmicky to me. However, now that I actually have them, I love them.
by rokidtoo
Thu Sep 24, 2015 3:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VW stock goes from 170 to almost 100 and falling, good time to buy?
Replies: 169
Views: 23021

Re: VW stock goes from 170 to almost 100 and falling, good time to buy?

FYI. The first article discusses why it is so difficult to create a clean diesel engine.

http://www.livescience.com/52284-volksw ... enges.html

The second article claims the clean diesels can't be adequately fixed. The software fix will result in more CO2, less torque, and more repairs. In addition, the engines can't be retrofitted with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), i.e. the emission control approach that uses Urea.

http://wallstreetnews.today/index.php/e ... t-be-fixed

The latter article may indicate that VW stock is a bad bet at current prices.
by rokidtoo
Tue Sep 22, 2015 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VW/Audi Diesel Recall
Replies: 118
Views: 17140

Re: VW/Audi Diesel Recall

TimeRunner wrote:The thought has probably crossed your mind that the US isn't the only country that tests emissions and certifies vehicles, and that the software could be similarly modified in every market to meet test requirements. Tick-tock....
Per VW, the offending software was installed in 11m cars.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/23/busin ... andal.html
by rokidtoo
Mon Sep 14, 2015 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 20th Century Stereo in a 21st Century World
Replies: 71
Views: 10201

Re: 20th Century Stereo in a 21st Century World

I have my dumb TV speaker outputs hooked up to my 20th century stereo. I can play Pandora through cable (Directv in my case), my Blu-ray player, or a Roku stick. Alternately, you can use a smart TV that supports Pandora access. I can access my computer's iTunes library through the Roku stick. Finally, there are cables available that support the connection of an Ipod to your amp's input jacks.

Note: The Roku stick, Blu-ray, computer, and smart TV require a network connectivity, e.g. a Wi-Fi connection.
by rokidtoo
Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

-2.91% YTD.

Portfolio: 60/40 stocks/bonds
by rokidtoo
Wed Aug 05, 2015 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Husband's nursing home costs eating up inheritance and savings.
Replies: 29
Views: 8378

Re: Husband's nursing home costs eating up inheritance and savings.

As of yesterday, the majority of my father-in-law's nursing home costs were approved for payment under Medicaid.

Two points:

1. Run, don't walk, to an elder attorney. Applying for Medicaid and protecting spousal assets, as allowed under law, is non-trivial.

2. $12,000 a month for a nursing home is not unusual - at least in Northern Virginia. And, as previously mentioned, unless you are very, very well situated financially, it's hard for a couple to bear that level of cost for long.
by rokidtoo
Tue Mar 10, 2015 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

My calcs using the TSP data set show, in the 34 rolling three year periods, G fund securities would have underperformed CPI-U one period; the return for (2011,2012,2013) was -0.13% below CPI-U. These are the numbers I have. Which ones differ from yours? 2008: Inflation: 3.8%; Return: 3.75%; Real Return: -.05% 2011: Inflation: 3.2%; Return: 2.45%; Real Return: -.75% 2012: Inflation: 2.1%; Return: 1.47%; Real Return: -.63% 2013: Inflation: 1.5%; Return: 1.89%; Real Return: .39% Average real G Fund return 2011-2013: -.33% I did discover that I had the wrong 2012 inflation number. It was actually higher than my original number. My original point was that it was possible for the G Fund to provide a negative real return. It has and is, therefore...
by rokidtoo
Mon Mar 09, 2015 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

Ketawa wrote:If your definition of "no inflation risk" is that an asset has to match the CPI, then sure, the G Fund isn't guaranteed to beat it over any given time period. This seems myopic to me. The only way you guarantee beating it is to take on interest rate risk with TIPS, and they're clearly more risky. The G Fund has a huge advantage in unexpected inflation and would trounce nominal bond alternatives.
All I've claimed is:
1. The G Fund isn't riskless.
2. It doesn't defy gravity, i.e. it is very low risk and, as a result, has a low expected return.

If that return meets your needs, go for it. If you need a higher return, then you need to take on additional risk.
by rokidtoo
Mon Mar 09, 2015 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

[IMO std dev of G fund is not a sensible measure to compare to. The variance is all upside, so look at semivariance. So moving from G to F is not taking on "sightly higher" risk; it is taking on risk over the riskless asset. Not if you consider inflation risk. There is no inflation risk with the G Fund. If nominal interest rates rise, it will simply start yielding more, while regular bond funds will take a hit with higher rates. From the TSP website: "The G Fund is subject to inflation risk, or the possibility that your G Fund investment will not grow enough to offset the reduction in purchasing power that results from inflation." The G Fund grew less than the CPI-U in 2008, 2011, and 2012. Granted the difference was sm...
by rokidtoo
Mon Mar 09, 2015 5:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

[IMO std dev of G fund is not a sensible measure to compare to. The variance is all upside, so look at semivariance. So moving from G to F is not taking on "sightly higher" risk; it is taking on risk over the riskless asset. Not if you consider inflation risk. There is no inflation risk with the G Fund. If nominal interest rates rise, it will simply start yielding more, while regular bond funds will take a hit with higher rates. From the TSP website: "The G Fund is subject to inflation risk, or the possibility that your G Fund investment will not grow enough to offset the reduction in purchasing power that results from inflation." The G Fund grew less than the CPI-U in 2008, 2011, and 2012. Granted the difference was sm...
by rokidtoo
Sun Mar 08, 2015 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

tarnation wrote:[IMO std dev of G fund is not a sensible measure to compare to. The variance is all upside, so look at semivariance. So moving from G to F is not taking on "sightly higher" risk; it is taking on risk over the riskless asset.
Not if you consider inflation risk.
by rokidtoo
Sun Mar 08, 2015 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

Well, here we are, four years on. How are things working out with my fellow TSP investors? I have now put my "bond" holdings in the G Fund, exclusively. Is that a mistake? Should I split it between F and G? Is G a good place to be, with the "bond" allocation in my TSP, or would F be better for diversification (if not safety)? After four years, 2011-2014, VBTIX (same as the F Fund) has realized an average annual return of 3.92% with a 2.9% standard deviation. The G Fund has returned 2.03% with a standard deviation of 1.45%. If you want low risk, low return, then the G Fund, is your fund. If you're willing to take on slightly higher risk, the the F Fund has provided a greater return. In other words, higher risk, higher re...
by rokidtoo
Sat Mar 07, 2015 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: East Coast Beach Trip This Summer - Family of 5
Replies: 22
Views: 3336

Re: East Coast Beach Trip This Summer - Family of 5

The Outer Banks, NC.

Lots of houses to rent in every price range. In addition, lots of shopping, restaurants, fishing piers, lighthouses, golf and things for kids to do. If you'd like more peace and quiet, Duck and Corolla at the North End of the Outer Banks are nice. For more activities Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are good. The town of Manteo, although off the beach, has nice shopping, the Elizabethan Gardens, the NC Aquarium, and the outdoor summer drama, "The Lost Colony". Finally, for real peace and quiet, you can drive through the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and take the free car ferry to Ocracoke Island for kayaking, bike riding, viewing the wild ponies, fishing, and swimming.
by rokidtoo
Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085463

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

"Apocalypse Now Redux" for the umpteenth time. For me, this movie captures the weirdness and contradictions of the Vietnam War and the culture shock felt by millions of Americans experiencing Southeast Asia for the first time. The Plantation Scene, which did not appear in the original movie, provides a succinct history and justification, from the French perspective, for the First Indochina War. In contrast, the plantation owner, Hubert de Marais, declares in disgust that, because we are not fighting to hold a colony, "“You Americans fight for the biggest nothing in history,”. Somehow this scene, reminds me of the perspective and warnings uttered by the French Indochina War correspondent, Bernard Fall, prior to our "boots...
by rokidtoo
Thu Jan 29, 2015 10:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VUSTX 25.28% 2014
Replies: 6
Views: 944

Re: VUSTX 25.28% 2014

Matthew73 wrote:Any theories on why this bond fund did 25.28% last year and so much better than other bond funds overall?
Investors were convinced in 2013 that long term interest rates could only go up. Consequently, VUSTX lost 13.03%. In 2014, investors changed their minds.
by rokidtoo
Tue Jan 13, 2015 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mice in the house
Replies: 86
Views: 9883

Re: Mice in the house

I've had really good luck with these traps. They're easy to bait, effective, and reusable. Plus you don't have to touch the dead mouse.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YT ... UTF8&psc=1
by rokidtoo
Thu Jan 01, 2015 2:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Annual POLL] What was your 2014 return?
Replies: 144
Views: 22726

Re: [Annual POLL] What was your 2014 return?

In 2014 I enjoyed a 8.55% return on a 60/40 stock, bond portfolio. My best performing funds were U.S. REITS (VGSLX) and Long Term Treasuries (VUSTX). My worst performing fund was Total International Markets (VTIAX). :beer
by rokidtoo
Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Light Bulb Question
Replies: 66
Views: 9865

Re: Light Bulb Question

piperkub wrote:Also be sure to purchase a dimable variety so it will function like your old incandescents.
FYI. I recently bought some FEIT dimmable LED floods at Costco for our recessed kitchen fixtures. Unfortunately, they sometimes flicker when dimmed. Troubleshooting, I discovered that dimmable CFL and LED lights require a compatible dimmer switch to avoid the flicker. Ours was a dimmer switch designed for incandescent bulbs - apparently, our contractor didn't know there was a difference.

Therefore, I just purchased a CFL/LED dimmer switch that's compatible with the FEIT bulbs (they actually publish a list of compatible bulbs). I'll be installing it on Monday.

Life's getting more complicated. :beer
by rokidtoo
Mon Nov 03, 2014 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Money saved by buying a hybrid or electric car?
Replies: 81
Views: 10429

Re: Money saved by buying a hybrid or electric car?

Epsilon Delta wrote:If the Avalon is anything like the Prius good luck on driving 12 miles in EV mode.
It seems like the only use for EV would be to force the traction battery to fully discharge. Hopefully, the gasoline engine would come on before that point.

The whole computerized transmission, electric motor/gasoline engine off/on seems subject to error. Therefore, I wanted a hybrid that had a substantial track record, .i.e Toyota.
by rokidtoo
Mon Nov 03, 2014 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Money saved by buying a hybrid or electric car?
Replies: 81
Views: 10429

Re: Money saved by buying a hybrid or electric car?

We bought a 2014 Toyota Avalon Hybrid at the end of July. We've averaged 39.5 mpg over the first 4,000 miles. The 2014 Avalon is more comfortable than our 2006 Avalon and handles better. The interior, front and rear, is just as roomy. The only drawback is that we have .2 cu ft less cargo capacity, 14.0 vs 14.2 cubic feet. Note: the 2014 non-Hybrid Avalon has 16.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2006 Avalon gets 21/31 mpg, city/freeway. The 2014 non-hybrid Avalon gets the same. You can set the drivetrain for EV (all electric), Eco, normal, and sport. We keep it on Eco, which has more than enough pickup for in town or freeway driving. The salesperson suggested the EV setting could be used in bumper to bumper, slow moving traffic for approxi...
by rokidtoo
Sat Nov 01, 2014 1:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906704

Re: What are you up YTD?

7.26% with a 60/40 stock/bond portfolio. To date, REITS and LT Treasuries have been my big winners.
by rokidtoo
Wed Oct 01, 2014 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds
Replies: 97
Views: 18025

Re: Question about Govt. TSP: G vs. F Funds

I took the return, standard deviation, and correlations for the C Fund, G Fund, F Fund, and the Vanguard Short Term Bond Index Fund (VBIRX) for the last 10 years (2004-2013) and put them into the VisualMvo mean variance optimizer. Considering an approximate 60/40 stock/bond allocation, I obtained the following results: G Fund/C Fund; 6.91% nominal return; 11.16% standard deviation VBIRX/C Fund; 6.97% nominal return; 11.16% standard deviation F Fund/C Fund; 7.48% nominal return; 11.16% standard deviation Although the G Fund might look like a free lunch in isolation, it doesn't necessarily outperform in a portfolio. In general, it appears increased risk, e.g. the F Fund, offers the opportunity for increased return at the same level of volatil...
by rokidtoo
Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard Recommending Quicken Changes
Replies: 62
Views: 11711

Re: Vanguard Recommending Quicken Changes

At least for my account, it's now working. Instead of the error box, I got a box allowing me to link my Quicken account to a Vanguard brokerage account (?)

I guess my mistake was to try and update my Quicken/Vanguard access before all of the Vanguard's customers had completed their testing.