Search found 189 matches
- Mon Apr 27, 2020 4:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Gold vs Mining Stocks?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1719
Re: Gold vs Mining Stocks?
Correct.
- Mon Apr 27, 2020 3:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Gold vs Mining Stocks?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1719
Re: Gold vs Mining Stocks?
I am well aware of the bias against gold on this forum. That said, many years ago (well before my Boglehead days) I invested in several South African gold mine stocks. I've not checked on them in decades and several may not even be existence today. I made some good money, and I lost some good money....
- Mon Mar 02, 2020 4:57 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The most valuable lesson in your investment career?
- Replies: 87
- Views: 4898
Re: The most valuable lesson in your investment career?
I agree with crossoverguy, this too shall pass. Keep in mind that this a double edged sword. It's not just the bad that will pass with time, but the good also. While this may seem depressing, it is simply reality and is a primary reason for investing is broad based index funds. No tree grows to the ...
- Tue Jan 21, 2020 4:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Does it worth to switch to (top notch) auto insurance company?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1532
Re: Does it worth to switch to (top notch) auto insurance company?
Many companies require the underlying coverage before issuing a personal umbrella. It's a matter of control of the claim from dollar 1. If you qualify, check out USAA. If you don't qualify for USAA go to the JD Powers website and check out the highest rated automobile and homeowners insurance compan...
- Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Recommendations for traveler's Insurance for 65 years+
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1187
Re: Recommendations for traveler's Insurance for 65 years+
Don't rely on Medicare or Supplement coverage. Trip insurance provides much more than simply medical coverage. Typical coverages include trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, missed connection, baggage, baggage delay, emergency medical & dental, evacuation & repatriation. You als...
- Fri Jun 30, 2017 3:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Things to do in Iowa/Nebraska
- Replies: 73
- Views: 6747
Re: Things to do in Iowa/Nebraska
My home town is 14 miles from Pella. Good choice. Get a few Pella ring bologna and Dutch letters at Jarsmas Bakery. Has been mentioned but the Durham Museum in Omaha is well worth half a day. The UP museum in CB is also worth a visit as is the Boone and Scenic RR if you can find the time. Don't forg...
- Wed Sep 21, 2016 2:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: The Bogleheads' "100 Things Worth Every Penny" List
- Replies: 275
- Views: 52410
Re: The Bogleheads' "100 Things Worth Every Penny" List
Automobile navigation system. After my retirement in May we've been on several road trips and the nav systems may be the best way to see the country, just tell it where you want to go! My wife and I have been on some great drives on our nations back-roads (even county roads in some cases) and seen s...
- Fri May 20, 2016 11:36 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Nashville / Mid-TN Chapter Master Thread
- Replies: 49
- Views: 15783
Re: Nashville / Mid-TN Chapter Master Thread
Gerst Haus or Woody's would be great!!
- Tue Mar 08, 2016 10:39 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Nashville / Mid-TN Chapter Master Thread
- Replies: 49
- Views: 15783
Re: Nashville / Mid-TN Chapter Master Thread
Count me in.
- Tue Dec 15, 2015 11:56 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fear of Bonds...what to do?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 8248
Re: Fear of Bonds...what to do?
As 80% of my portfolio is Treasury's of one flavor or another, I have no fear of bonds. If the US defaults I'm toast, but as an about to be retired individual and having been inculcated for years (I was employed in the P&C Insurance industry) with the zero risk rate of return (US Treasury bonds)...
- Tue Dec 15, 2015 11:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: [Intending to drop international funds]
- Replies: 70
- Views: 10259
Re: I've been duped by index investing it seems.
Ahh yes, I remember it well. I was young and knew that all stock trees would grow to the sky. Then Black Friday '87 arrived. Later, about the time I had lost my job, there was some disruption of some sort in the 1999 - 2000 time frame. Oh, and then some unfortunate situation back in 2007 or so (ther...
- Tue Sep 15, 2015 2:25 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2016!
- Replies: 275
- Views: 77839
Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2016!
May 31, 2016. That has been my date for the past 18 months or more and all my preparations have used that date as D day.
- Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:53 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: TIPS - Did you give up?
- Replies: 476
- Views: 93623
Re: TIPS - Did you give up?
Never give up! TIPS are an important component, in my opinion, of my retirement bond ladder. The plan is that the bond ladder will provide annual supplemental income during retirement and I have spaced some TIPS into the ladder at intervals, in addition to increasing the ladder amounts, to account f...
- Wed May 13, 2015 3:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car insurance ratings
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1665
Re: Car insurance ratings
If the only criteria is price then just shop based on the cost. The Powers survey attempts to measure more than cost. Amica does not advertise much and they are a direct writer without local agents. Also keep in mind they are a mutual company and pay a dividend at the end of the policy which effecti...
- Wed May 13, 2015 11:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to suggest downsizing to Parent
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3910
Re: How to suggest downsizing to Parent
Emotions cloud the decision. My wife and I are in the process of downsizing. She was reluctant at first but is set to go now that we have located a townhome in a nice area. I'm the opposite, as I was the one pushing to downsize but now that it has become a real possibility the whole process seems so...
- Wed May 13, 2015 11:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Car insurance ratings
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1665
Re: Car insurance ratings
Try J D Powers. They rate auto and homeowner insurance companies and I've found them to be reliable.
- Thu Apr 30, 2015 10:44 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Auto Insurance Disparity
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1698
Re: Auto Insurance Disparity
Older drivers pay higher rates, not as high as youthful operators, but higher none-the-less. Many companies start to trend rates upward around age 65 and every five years after. Aggregate accident data provides the actuarial justification for the higher rates for older drivers.
- Tue Apr 14, 2015 1:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does your family know about your net worth (ball park)?
- Replies: 98
- Views: 21360
Re: Does your family know about your net worth (ball park)?
No one but my wife and I know the true net worth. Our adult children know only that they will not have to worry about mom or dad wanting to move in with them at some point. Our parents are gone and I would never even give an indication to my brother-in-law. I don't know my adult children's net worth...
- Fri Mar 20, 2015 7:34 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 4980
- Views: 1315632
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Yes, I also find the details most interesting. While some may be trivia I do now know when Juicy Fruit, shredded wheat and the Farris Wheel were introduced and the story behind the Farris Wheel.
- Thu Mar 19, 2015 11:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
- Replies: 4980
- Views: 1315632
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Just finished "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. Historical fiction about the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago in 1893 (the White City) and the counter-point story of serial killer Dr. Holmes. Extensive research and foot notes. Most interesting. I've also read Isaac's Storm ...
- Mon Dec 29, 2014 12:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do any other men here regulalry use skin care products?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 8309
Re: Do any other men here regulalry use skin care products?
I'll use Proraso or Musgo Real after shave balm in the winter, and I also use Gold Bond for some dry skin patches. Other than some sun block, that is all.
- Thu Dec 18, 2014 9:51 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Newbie and how to manage a large inheritance
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3593
Re: Newbie and how to manage a large inheritance
1. Thank your lucky stars you choose to join this forum. 2. Chill. Read, learn, and write a plan that both of you agree is the direction in which you want to proceed. Commit to the plan and don’t stray. 3. Ask questions. While we don’t all agree, most of the time there are very good suggestions offe...
- Thu Dec 18, 2014 9:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Most/Least Boglehead 2014 Activity?
- Replies: 93
- Views: 13187
Re: Most/Least Boglehead 2014 Activity?
Least: I purchased a Panama hat. I like to wear hats and have several, but this Panama was expensive at almost $400 (which is really not that expensive for a quality Panama). Most: Continued to fund my Liability Matching Portfolio bond ladder. I will be retiring in 18 months and the bond ladder has ...
- Thu Dec 11, 2014 2:02 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 10 Reasons why Merriman dislikes Total Stock Mkt
- Replies: 169
- Views: 39909
Re: Why Vanguard Total Stock Market isn’t the best fund
Below is his recommended stock allocation: Asset Class Recommended % U.S. large blend 11% U.S. large value 11% U.S. small blend 11% U.S. small value 12% U.S. real estate 5% Interational large blend 9% Interational large value 9% Interational small blend 9% Interational small value 9% Interational re...
- Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Wisdom: When to drop disability insurance?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1892
Re: Wisdom: When to drop disability insurance?
I dropped mine when I became eligible for Social Security at age 62, although I didn't start Social Security until Full Retirement Age at age 66. I felt I had the SS to back me up if necessary.
- Wed Oct 29, 2014 1:40 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: A Challenge for Bogleheads - the market has changed
- Replies: 53
- Views: 8944
Re: A Challenge for Bogleheads - the market has changed
I agree, ogd. I guess ego requires he think the future is known to him. A trader, not an investor. Of course the problem is he must be correct in his timing twice, getting out at the top and back in at the bottom. While a person may do it successfully once, doing it successfully consistently is the ...
- Thu Oct 09, 2014 10:00 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 30 yr TIPs auction announced 16 oct: yield=1.10%?
- Replies: 93
- Views: 10266
Re: 30 yr TIPs auction announced 16 oct: yield=1.10%?
I will pass. I feel that TIPS are a bit expensive right now, and thirty years does not fit into my bond ladder anyway. Should I live to age 97 I'll be into my mutual funds for living expenses (more likely long term care).
- Wed Oct 01, 2014 8:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Road Scholar: Your experience?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 6649
Re: Road Scholar: Your experience?
Victoria, I'm pleased you brought the subject up as I also have given Road Scholar consideration for some retirement adventure and travel. If I live long enough to make the train trips I have planned I may well take some of their programs as there has been fly fishing offered in Montana and Maine in...
- Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Take Social Security at FRA, or Early, or Delayed?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 5432
Re: Take Social Security at FRA, or Early, or Delayed?
Keep working until 70? No thanks! I'm out of here at 68.
Having passed Full Retirement Age almost a year ago I continue to work, but I do want a retirement I can enjoy at least somewhat.
Having passed Full Retirement Age almost a year ago I continue to work, but I do want a retirement I can enjoy at least somewhat.
- Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:38 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Inflation Bonds - Staying the Course?
- Replies: 43
- Views: 4501
Re: Inflation Bonds - Staying the Course?
Staying the course but also adding additional TIPS to my retirement income bond ladder at auction today.
- Wed Aug 27, 2014 3:14 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What's "The Herd" doing today?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5492
Re: What's "The Herd" doing today?
I continue to think the largest segment of "the herd" is standing on the sidelines. Having left the market at the beginning of the recession, they swore off stocks or are afraid to come back in. Most of the influx into index funds is coming from active management. Will it stay? Who knows?
- Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Husband rear-ended, driver ignoring his insurance
- Replies: 44
- Views: 10436
Re: Husband rear-ended, driver ignoring his insurance
Tell your agent you want to file an uninsured motorist property damage claim.
- Thu Aug 21, 2014 3:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Kimchi
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3391
Re: Kimchi
I eat kimchi often and I have made my own, I also make kraut. I use a large jar with the lid sealed with a rubber ring and an air lock in the middle, somewhat like homebrewing beer in that the by-product gas bleeds off but air can not contaminate the product.
- Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:36 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I failed SS login
- Replies: 32
- Views: 10525
Re: I failed SS login
I had a problem setting up also, but I think it was related to the phone #. We no longer have a land line. I never have created an account online, I just went to the local office. I should take care of the online sign up, but a 30 minute wait time on hold is excessive. You will have to wait the full...
- Tue Aug 19, 2014 12:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Question on buying a new house/selling the old one
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1023
Re: Question on buying a new house/selling the old one
As you are confident the condo will sell quickly, I suggest a HELOC and then go shopping for a house. Use the HELOC for the downpayment and pay off the HELOC after the condo sells. If anything is left either pay down the loan on the new home or do some improvements.
- Fri Jul 25, 2014 2:51 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: DFA funds with one-time fee?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1528
Re: DFA funds with one-time fee?
The question for me is “Are DFA returns worth the additional expense both from the required investment advisor and the higher costs of the funds themselves?” While I really like what I read about DFA processes in their individual funds, I really don’t know the answer to the question for my situation...
- Wed Jul 23, 2014 8:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Riding the Rails--my Amtrak trip
- Replies: 78
- Views: 17111
Re: Riding the Rails--my Amtrak trip
Thank you for the report! Please keep us updated.
Rail travel is something I hope to engage in during retirement. Although the last lengthy trip I made was after high school graduation from central Iowa to California (pre-Amtrak) I still have memories of that long ago trip and some of the people.
Rail travel is something I hope to engage in during retirement. Although the last lengthy trip I made was after high school graduation from central Iowa to California (pre-Amtrak) I still have memories of that long ago trip and some of the people.
- Tue Jul 22, 2014 8:26 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Can it be wrong to be too risk averse?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4123
Re: Can it be wrong to be too risk averse?
The answer is that "it depends". If the facts are that your brother has "hit his number", meaning attainment of twenty to twenty five years of residual income, I think it prudent to accept lower interest yields and low price volatility rather than face a potential devastating los...
- Mon Jul 21, 2014 1:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Which Bernstein Book?
- Replies: 27
- Views: 3292
Re: Which Bernstein Book?
I've read all three. If memory serves The Investor's Manifesto is the most recent of the three and Four Pillars is a classic. I highly recommend all Bernstein's books.
- Wed Jul 09, 2014 7:47 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
- Replies: 51
- Views: 8719
Re: Asset Allocation At or Near Retirement?
I'm in the same spot, except my home is much more modest. I fully intend to downsize before retirement two years hence. As I have been able to secure 20-25 years of residual living expenses, that portion has been placed in T notes and bills in my traditional IRA. I would rather suffer the low yield ...
- Wed Jul 02, 2014 7:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Get in the game
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2404
Re: Get in the game
Do a Google search for Dr. William Bernstein's brochure "If You Can". May take an hour to read it and it will be one of the best hours you spend regarding investing. Pay attention to what he has to say regarding brokers. Also read "The Four Pillars of Investing" where he really l...
- Fri Jun 27, 2014 11:03 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If You Can [free Bill Bernstein booklet for millennials]
- Replies: 28
- Views: 12453
Re: If You Can [free Bill Bernstein booklet for millennials]
Sent to my children. No doubt they will think "here he goes again with the investment thing", but I sure wish someone had sent me something like this thirty years ago.
- Wed Jun 25, 2014 1:11 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Stock / Bonds Allocation
- Replies: 48
- Views: 5175
Re: Stock / Bonds Allocation
50/50 in my portfoilo. When I adjust for the net present value of SS and pension it is 22/78 at age 66.
- Fri Jun 20, 2014 8:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Budget or create saving buckets?
- Replies: 109
- Views: 13126
Re: Budget or create saving buckets?
Dutch, true if you are saving to purchase a couch or something of that nature and want to pay cash. Most, but not all, my sinking funds are for future payments at specific times. Property tax is an example. Paid once a year for a known amount so 1/12th goes into the sinking fund for property tax eac...
- Fri Jun 20, 2014 2:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Do You Eat For Snacks? [for exercise-induced hunger]
- Replies: 129
- Views: 12831
Re: What Do You Eat For Snacks?
Walnuts, just a handful, and like Victoria I limit carbs.
- Fri Jun 20, 2014 10:15 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Budget or create saving buckets?
- Replies: 109
- Views: 13126
Re: Budget or create saving buckets?
I also use YNAB and just set up "sinking funds" under the savings category. These sinking funds provide money for anticipated or reoccurring expenses. I've a rainy day, home and car maintenance, medical, beef (I purchase half a beef a year), property tax, insurance deductible....you get th...
- Thu May 29, 2014 3:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Erie Insurance Agreement
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1941
Re: Erie Insurance Agreement
I am being extra cautious because I had not heard of Erie before. I don't remember signing anything like this with my previous insurance companies, allstate, progressive, gieco etc. Because none of those companies are reciprocals. Do a search on types of insurance companies legal structure. Erie an...
- Thu May 29, 2014 10:25 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Erie Insurance Agreement
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1941
Re: Erie Insurance Agreement
Any reciprocal exchange requires you appoint the attorney-in-fact and agree to the exchange with other subscribers. The name of the company is Erie Insurance Exchange. There is also an Erie Insurance Company which is a stock company and no subscriber agreement is required. Most insurance companies a...
- Fri May 09, 2014 7:44 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund
- Replies: 38
- Views: 5821
Re: Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund
I own VTABX in a traditional IRA as part of my bond allocation. I also own VTIAX as part of my stock allocation so I guess you could say I believe that having some exposure outside the US is a benefit, but what do we really know for sure?
- Fri May 09, 2014 7:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I buy a fun car?
- Replies: 59
- Views: 7401
Re: Should I buy a fun car?
I once owned a "fun" car, a '79 MG Midget. Fun to drive on back roads with the top down on a Sunday afternoon. I also enjoy working on cars. The car was sold after about three years as it just took up space in the garage 98% of the time. If you purchase, do so with the understanding that i...