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by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 18, 2014 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Roosevelts, PBS special
Replies: 104
Views: 13585

Re: The Roosevelts, PBS special

Cut-Throat wrote:
Engineer wrote:Streaming with Chromecast---works flawlessly.

Engineer
So what app are you using to stream with Chromecast?
I have a "Smart TV" with a Web Browser and I just pulled up this series and can stream it. I would imagine that Chromecast is nothing more than a Web Browser. Correct?
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiree Next Door
Replies: 26
Views: 5721

Re: Retiree Next Door

(so much so that I've added the purchase of a small cabin in NE Mn to be my summer residence during my early retirement years). I live in Minnesota and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I Don't own a cabin anywhere! --- I know people with cabins and have visited them many times and see how much work and expense they are. You can use a Cabin in NE MN for a very short period of time during the summer. They are really a source of worry and suck a lot of your money into them. Then there is the 5 hour drive each way to the cabin from Minneapolis. I don't go any more to my friends cabins!... Too much hassle 'helping out'. Everytime we arrived there was something broken. The water pump, The heat, the boat, the dock. etc etc.. I am retired and ...
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 18, 2014 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you store your electronic account statements?
Replies: 24
Views: 6133

Re: How do you store your electronic account statements?

Toons wrote:I have been "paperless "for years.I have never downloaded statements and stored them digitally from financial websites.I have found that I rarely need to look at them other than at tax time,so I just access them at the website. :happy
Keep it Simple
Agreed! - What do these other folks do with these statements and why even keep them?
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 17, 2014 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Roosevelts, PBS special
Replies: 104
Views: 13585

Re: The Roosevelts, PBS special

Engineer wrote:Streaming with Chromecast---works flawlessly.

Engineer
So what app are you using to stream with Chromecast?
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Safe Withdrawl Rate
Replies: 25
Views: 3524

Re: Safe Withdrawl Rate

Am retiring 12-31-14 and will have approx.$4,385,000 in investments and a fully paid up whole life policy with $465,000 of cash value for a total of $4,850,000. My wife and I can get along very well withdrawing 3.5% a year. I won't adjust the withdraw rate for inflation every year, rather I'll apply the 3.5% to the previous years ending portfolio balance. In addition I'll start retirement with 20% stocks and glide path to 40% over 10 years. I am very concerned with sequence of returns risk which is why I'm implementing the two aforementioned risk management techniques. I'd love to hear any comments anyone may have on my plan of attack. One very basic question: Should I include the cash value of the life insurance policy when calculating my...
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Roosevelts, PBS special
Replies: 104
Views: 13585

Re: The Roosevelts, PBS special

Hawkeye_Saver wrote:FYI, not sure if its been mentioned but all 7 episodes can be viewed on PBS website. I'm on episode 6 right now.

Do you watch this on your Computer or do you stream it to your TV?

If streaming what App do you use?
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 17, 2014 6:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Left tail portfolio - 70% bonds. Good idea?
Replies: 38
Views: 4958

Re: Left tail portfolio - 70% bonds. Good idea?

I have about 70% bonds and I'm worried.......worried that bond yields are taking forever to start rising and giving me more income. Nobody wins if bonds stay where they currently are. With all due respect these are somewhat silly financial comments. The market is going to do what it is going to do regardless of your wishes or worries. You probably made allocations in this low yield environment. Your role in asset allocation is to design a portfolio in which you can stay the course regardless of where market and interest rates go. In my case am 60 percent bonds but substantial part is bond ladder which does not mind current low rates. So immaterial to me whether rates rise or stay low. And with bond funds as long as intend to hold long term...
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 17, 2014 4:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Left tail portfolio - 70% bonds. Good idea?
Replies: 38
Views: 4958

Re: Left tail portfolio - 70% bonds. Good idea?

bilperk wrote:I have about 70% bonds and I'm worried.......worried that bond yields are taking forever to start rising and giving me more income. Nobody wins if bonds stay where they currently are.
Ditto! - I am also 70% Bonds and I have been hoping and waiting for Interest Rates to rise for about 5 Years Now.
by Cut-Throat
Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OBi110 -or- Ooma Telo for home phone service?
Replies: 33
Views: 4897

Re: OBi110 -or- Ooma Telo for home phone service?

VictoriaF wrote:
Cut-Throat wrote:I have only used and know about Ooma. But I have used Ooma for over 2 years and it has been flawless. I get free long distance to U.S. and Canada and Caller ID. I ported my old land line number over to Ooma for $30 and now the only phone bill I get is for $5 a month for taxes.
Right now I don't have a landline. I have a Google Voice number that I have never used. Does it make sense to configure Ooma with the Google Voice number or to get a new number? Does Ooma provide numbers?

Victoria
Ooma will provide a number for free. I opted to keep my landline number which was an extra charge. The Ooma can hook up wirelessly or wired to your home network.
by Cut-Throat
Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: OBi110 -or- Ooma Telo for home phone service?
Replies: 33
Views: 4897

Re: OBi110 -or- Ooma Telo for home phone service?

I have only used and know about Ooma. But I have used Ooma for over 2 years and it has been flawless. I get free long distance to U.S. and Canada and Caller ID. I ported my old land line number over to Ooma for $30 and now the only phone bill I get is for $5 a month for taxes.

I use Comcast as well. As for using a phone. You just plug any phone into the Ooma Machine and it works. I use the Ooma Answering machine that is built into the unit.
by Cut-Throat
Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Roosevelts, PBS special
Replies: 104
Views: 13585

Re: The Roosevelts, PBS special

Leesbro63 wrote:I recorded it. Correct me if I am wrong...I got 30 minutes of actual Roosevelt show, and 15 minutes of how great Ken Burns is and 15 more of PBS begging. Am I missing something?
Yes, you must be. I watched it last night. 2 hours of Uninterrupted Roosevelt.
by Cut-Throat
Sun Sep 14, 2014 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DINK 200K household income - ways to reduce taxable income?
Replies: 31
Views: 7325

Re: DINK 200K household income - ways to reduce taxable inco

Get Some Kids [/b] I will gladly pay the taxes I owe if this is the only other option. :D My husband and I are DINKS also, and while we have lived in HCOL areas (DC), we now live in a somewhat LCOL area. I long ago gave up on the tax deduction battle. We do the normals: mortgage, 401K's, etc. Unless the US government stops promoting and encouraging child bearing, it's just going to be the cross we CF'ers have to bear. But the money we save is still nothing compared to taxes we pay. :happy +1 .... I would pay twice as much in taxes if this is the only option..... Kids are not a 'Financial Decision' -- If you want them fine, but realize that they are a commitment, and in the grand scheme of things, you don't save money having kids.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Sep 13, 2014 8:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Feeling smug until 10 year ROR from Vanguard
Replies: 81
Views: 11516

Re: Feeling smug until 10 year ROR from Vanguard

My Bond Heavy Portfolio - Mostly Target Retirement 2010 - was 7.1% over the last 10 Years.
by Cut-Throat
Fri Sep 12, 2014 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?
Replies: 29
Views: 5157

Re: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?

Overnighted at the Running Mon marina for one night in Freeport ten years ago while cruising the Bahamas. We were the only boat in the marina, which was surrounded by a fence with razor wire on top. We caught a cab to dinner (can't remember where) and the cabby insisted on staying there to take us back. The unmetered 10 minute cab ride fare ended up at $100 (shame on me for not negotiating this in advance) and we dined in a separate area of the restaurant, away from others and I suspect working off a menu with double the prices everyone else paid. Can't say I've ever felt more the mark than I did in Freeport. My advice; Don't arrive in a yacht. Good advice! We will not arrive in a Yacht. --- And yes when you only visit a place for 1 night,...
by Cut-Throat
Fri Sep 12, 2014 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SE tax and estimated taxes
Replies: 6
Views: 1102

Re: SE tax and estimated taxes

Whenever I have a Question like this, I call the guy that does my taxes.
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 11, 2014 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a personal scheduler
Replies: 24
Views: 3147

Re: I need a personal scheduler

Google Calendar works perfect for me.

What don't you like about it? Or maybe you just don't understand it.
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 11, 2014 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Problem with Quicken 2014 Backups
Replies: 5
Views: 962

Re: Problem with Quicken 2014 Backups

I never use Quicken Backups. For Backups, I use Windows Copy and Paste for all of my Data Files.

I have one Folder on my Data Hard Drive called "Data Files". Underneath that I have folders for Photos,and Financial Files. Quicken Files are under the Financial Folder.

I merely Copy and paste my Data Files Folder onto a Backup Drive daily. I have automated the process.
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 10, 2014 7:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It appears that Ally Bank just increased their Savings Rate.
Replies: 11
Views: 3368

Re: It appears that Ally Bank just increased their Savings R

It's like getting a 3.5% raise... sorta. Better, I would say, because we get it without payroll taxes. :happy PJW Still gotta pay income taxes. State and Federal. Sure, but those aren't payroll taxes , which means Social Security and Medicare tax. Of course, it also implies the interest won't qualify anyone for higher Social Security benefits in the fullness of time. PJW Some people disagree with you. Payroll taxes are the state and federal taxes that you, as an employer, are required to withhold and/or to pay on behalf of your employees. You are required to withhold state and federal income taxes as well as social security and Medicare taxes from your employees' wages. You are also required to pay a matching amount of social security and ...
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 10, 2014 6:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It appears that Ally Bank just increased their Savings Rate.
Replies: 11
Views: 3368

Re: It appears that Ally Bank just increased their Savings R

Phineas J. Whoopee wrote:
jstrazzere wrote:It's like getting a 3.5% raise... sorta.
Better, I would say, because we get it without payroll taxes. :happy
PJW
Still gotta pay income taxes. State and Federal.
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 10, 2014 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cruise Around the World
Replies: 14
Views: 2524

Re: Cruise Around the World

minhnusa wrote: How do u manage ur bills while away from home?
I have been on 6 cruises and the longest was 11 days to the Panama Canal..... That was long enough!

As far as paying bills, I don't do anything. They are ALL on autopilot except for the monthly credit card bill which I transfer the payment amount once a month from my checking account on-line.

BTW - The Best trip my wife and I ever took was a 2 week African Safari to the Serengeti, Tanzania and Kenya... We went first class and it was $35 Grand. I highly recommend it! --- If anyone has a better trip than this, I'd like to know about it. We have been all over the World and the African Safari was the Best by Far!
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It appears that Ally Bank just increased their Savings Rate.
Replies: 11
Views: 3368

It appears that Ally Bank just increased their Savings Rate.

To .90 %. A whopping 3 hundredths of a percent.

At least it's heading in the right direction. I'll take it!
by Cut-Throat
Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?
Replies: 55
Views: 5915

Re: Do I invest or pay higher mortgage downpayment?

thethinker wrote:My wife and I stockpiled money to make sure we could afford the 20% downpayment required to avoid PMI. We successfully saved enough but we saved more than needed for 20%. I assume this question has been asked before but what should we do with the extra money: do we put 30% down(fixed 4.1% for 30 years), pay off student loans(our only debt, fixed at 3.5% with 25 years left to pay), we already max out our ROTHs but we don't max our Solo 401k plan.

Does anyone have a suggestion with these specific rates please? Thank you.
I would use the extra money to pay the higher interest rate loan down first. Unless, you could get a tax deduction for the 401K contribution.
by Cut-Throat
Mon Sep 08, 2014 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Land line for renter in S Florida
Replies: 18
Views: 1932

Re: Land line for renter in S Florida

Do you have Internet Access there? If you do, I would install an Ooma Machine and give them all Free Telephone, and Long distance to the U.S. and Canada.

No Phone Bill at all...Just about $5 a month for federal taxes.

I ported my Landline number over to Ooma and actually have much better service than the Phone Company gave me.
BTW - I rent in Florida in the Winter and my #1 Requirement is internet access.
by Cut-Throat
Sun Sep 07, 2014 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELOC Vent
Replies: 19
Views: 3156

Re: HELOC Vent

One of my main rewards of Financial Independence was never having to deal with Banks Again.
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you
Replies: 11
Views: 3106

Re: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you

Claim earlier than age 70 only if health issues, financial distress, or for spousal benefits optimization... Well, "financial distress " might be a little strong. I took SS the day I retired for two reasons, neither involving "distress": 1. Between it and my pension it gave me a comfortable income. 2. It left my IRA in tact so I could let that ride for future income. There is no way I could have been sure ahead of time if that was the choice that would come out ahead in the long run, but it was a choice I could comfortably live with. My IRA has been doing quite well these past 3+ years so things have worked out well. Yup, if you don't have enough money, especially in taxable accounts then taking S.S. early may be OK.
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 04, 2014 7:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you
Replies: 11
Views: 3106

Re: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you

I agree with number 2 as well, and yes, I realize that I am agreeing to take SS before age 70. The comparisons typically only look at actual dollars paid out from the SS system and ignore the fact that you are likely to have earnings against what is drawn out early. If you make a fair comparison against FRA of say 66, assume that your earnings from 66 to 70 withdrawals could earn on average say 4% with a reasonable stock/bond split ( or at least the funds in your IRA that you are not spending down), add those earnings to the total calculation, you will get a much higher age for the break even point. I do not have it in front of me but it is closer to age 90. Even if I live to 95, I am guessing that by that time the extra won't matter so mu...
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: So, when does a market timer get back in?
Replies: 54
Views: 8422

Re: So, when does a market timer get back in?

If anyone remembers a Poster named Hocus, he has the answer. I think he has his own website.

I think he got out of the market in the Mid 80s and he is still waiting to get back in.
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 04, 2014 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?
Replies: 29
Views: 5157

Re: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?

mptfan wrote:There is a fish in that picture? :wink:
Here is a much better picture of a Bonefish. Can you see it Now?

Image
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 04, 2014 12:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you
Replies: 11
Views: 3106

Re: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you

The Wizard wrote:
Cut-Throat wrote:I agree completely with point #2.

Who has that kind of money to delay to age 70? Most everyone here at Bogelheads.
Hold on.
The author is claiming that Wait until you’re 70 to claim Social Security benefits is one of the useless things that advisors tell you.
Most Bogleheads will DISagree with that.
Claim earlier than age 70 only if health issues, financial distress, or for spousal benefits optimization...
That's what I said. I agree with Point #2 and Disagree with the author of the Article.
by Cut-Throat
Thu Sep 04, 2014 11:53 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you
Replies: 11
Views: 3106

Re: The four most useless things financial advisers tell you

I agree completely with point #2.

Who has that kind of money to delay to age 70? Most everyone here at Bogelheads.
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 03, 2014 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?
Replies: 29
Views: 5157

Re: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?

I've spent a lot of time in the Bahamas out-islands since 1979, and cruised to many of them on a boat including uninhabited islands. Nassau and Freeport only when I had to... so I cannot give you much specific advice... It is expensive because of the high duties (they know it would be impossible to collect income tax) and the Bahamian Dollar and U.S. dollar are interchangeable. You'll have no problem finding ATMs in Freeport. Be sure to exchange your Bahamian dollars to U.S. dollars before you come home. I suggest bringing an ice chest full of frozen high-quality meat... the meat quality is so-so and very expensive. No problem bringing it through Customs. I like Kalik beer. Consider taking some weekend trips to some of the out-islands. Pin...
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Here is one of the Best Articles I have seen on What are SWRs really based on and what the future would have to be to compromise them.

This is the 'Reality Check' that the naysayers need to read.

http://www.kitces.com/blog/What-Returns ... e%2520View
by Cut-Throat
Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 605728

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

Up until now, I've been using a SWR of 3% to forcast my number... myNumber = myYearlyExpenses / 3% I was all excited about having a new formula til I attempted to to adjust it for a 50% loss on a 50/50 stock / bond AA .75 (50% loss on 50/50 s/b AA) * .041 = .03075 right? Or, roughly 3% Seems I'm right back where I started. Oh well. :annoyed Think about it. If you cannot reduce your expenses easily by 50% of your Portfolio Withdrawal Amount, you aren't going to have that pretty of a retirement anyway. I don't think you want to retire with no Vacations, New Cars, Restaurants, Expensive Home Remodeling Projects, etc in your retirement budget. So, make sure there are plenty of 'Luxuries' in your "myYearlyExpenses" number and then use...
by Cut-Throat
Tue Sep 02, 2014 7:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)
Replies: 2256
Views: 605728

Re: Variable Percentage Withdrawal (VPW)

I have a question about the 'Withdrawal Statistics for Every Start Year' graph that shows the inflation adjusted median and minimum withdrawal amounts. I assume the minumum withdrawal amount is the minimum withdrawal amount that occurred during the specified period beginning from the Start Year indicated. With the numbers that I used over a 45 year period the minimum withdrawal amount was about 25% below my minimum required income. However I wanted to know how frequently this happened so that I could work out how much I would need to put aside in a rainy day fund to cover this. So I thought of another approach where maybe I could assume a normal distribution curve between the median withdrawal amount (assuming that was also the average) an...
by Cut-Throat
Mon Sep 01, 2014 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long Layover in Miami - Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 1710

Re: Long Layover in Miami - Recommendations

Carl53 wrote:We'll have a long layover, about 9 hours, at Miami International, on our trip to Chile.

I've looked online with nothing particularly jumping out as a must do, but thought I'd inquire of the BHs for recommendations to enjoy the stop rather than just endure it.

FYI, 3 adults, and the layover is from roughly 9am to 6pm. We have not been in Miami previously but did once visit the Everglades.
I recommend eating at the La Carreta Restaurant in the Miami Airport. It is Cuban and I have seen it mentioned on some 'Best Restaurant' Programs.

I enjoyed the Beef and Onions dish. I eat there every time I visit the Miami Airport.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Sure you're not! :confused There is no perfect withdrawal system because we don't have complete information. Each system attempts to compensate for that lack but they all fail in different ways. Choosing an appropriate failure mode is actually important because there are different ways to compensate for them. For example, if you have a desire to leave an estate then VPW is a terrible choice since it front loads and delivers a higher withdrawal rate. On the other hand, the SWR model fails to adapt to conditions that are better than expected and can end up leaving a lot of money unspent, especially if you choose a very conservative rate. Fixed percentage models do a great job of never running out of money, but don't do a very good job of ens...
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Clearly_Irrational wrote: I'm not a critic, I'm just saying that it has drawbacks
Sure you're not! :confused

You know exactly what it does and doesn't do, but you've never run it and spent any time studying it.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Clearly_Irrational wrote:
Cut-Throat wrote:But, But, But..... The REAL BIGGIE is that while a fixed SWR leaves its money in the market to prepare for the Big Market Drop.....it actually works against you because the money you left in the market to save you, gets Hammered in the Big Downturn. You could have spent it and had a Good time!
I'm not sure that's necessarily good, after all we're talking about income you're supposed to be living off of here. Spending it early sounds like fun, but that means there is less for later.
No, it doesn''t mean there is less for later, it disappeared in the Market Downturn. The more you leave in the Market Before the downturn, the More that disappears. It's gone!

Nope, you still don't get it and you won't until you run it and study it.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 7:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Nope, you still don't get it. I see two possible advantages: 1) You're guaranteed to use up all of the money by the end of the duration, thus leaving no money unspent. In theory, if a retiree has no bequest motive he would want to run out of money exactly as he died. (assuming that intentionally going broke early in order to free ride on state assistance near the end is not considered a valid choice) 2) Due to point #1 for any comparable time period you'll have a higher overall withdrawal rate than a 4% SWR, in fact the withdrawal rate can be considered approximately optimum. (A true optimum isn't calculable due to lack of forward information) If there is some other advantage, or you disagree that those are possible advantages then please ...
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 7:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Clearly_Irrational wrote:
Cut-Throat wrote:I agree; You don't see it.
The advantage is that you're guaranteed to use up all of the money, the only problem for me is that I don't see that as an advantage unless you pair it with an SPIA.
Nope, you still don't get it.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

This thread is rediculous. There is so much fear regarding the unknown that people are actually saving 50% in fear of some rediculous calamity. I would hope that no boglehead is saving to retire on the bare minimum. I hope the goal is to have some fun in retirent. Frequent vacations, eating healthy, some fun toys. If for a few years things are bad, a normal human being would take less trips and buy less stuff. And when times are good they will do the opposite and spend more. If you have a paid off house and get social security, most people could survive on just that for a few years if they need to. If you have 20 years of living expenses saved up (4%) what is it that you are worrying about? If you retire at 65 do you really think you will ...
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 3:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Safe floor and Safe Withdrawal Rate
Replies: 19
Views: 2449

Re: Safe floor and Safe Withdrawal Rate

CWRadio wrote:I am retired now and starting to take money out of my IRA to live on. Have no pension.
I am confused about having a "safe floor" of investment for the necessary things in retirement, and using the Safe Withdrawal Rate for money in retirement.
What is a safe floor? Is it only made up of SPIA (inflation), cash, ladder of TIPs or are there other things?
If you use a 3% SWR do you also need a safe floor?
Thanks Paul
Instead of using a 3% WR, have you looked at VPW? It will give you more in your early years and cannot fail.
I am also retired and using VPW.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 2:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Clearly_Irrational wrote: I don't see it as an improvement over the SWR model, in fact it seems less workable.
I agree; You don't see it.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 1:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Clearly_Irrational wrote:
Cut-Throat wrote:Don't be ridiculous!...Just plug in age 105.....You aren't going to live that long. There's a very good chance to won't live to age 90.
The duration you plug in has a very large effect on the withdrawal rate.
Tell me something I don't know.

Now if someone that was retired, actually used VPW for their Withdrawal Method (Like Myself)...They could easily figure out reasonable input values and be far ahead of the game.

But, if someone just wanted to be 'right', and wanted to argue the ridiculous (Like yourself), then no withdrawal method would be safe.
by Cut-Throat
Sat Aug 30, 2014 6:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

Clearly_Irrational wrote:
Cut-Throat wrote:How is that being required to know the "'Exact Date of your death" ? :confused
Because if you don't guess the duration correctly you'll be out of luck. SWR modeling gives you a chance of running out of money at the end of the period, the VPW guarantees it. With a lifespan of unknown duration that doesn't seem like too great an idea.
That is far different than knowing the "Exact Date of your death"!

Don't be ridiculous!...Just plug in age 105.....You aren't going to live that long. There's a very good chance to won't live to age 90.
by Cut-Throat
Fri Aug 29, 2014 8:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?
Replies: 189
Views: 20265

Re: A Low-Return Future? Are We Prepared?

MossySF wrote:Seems like an easy answer to the topic question. To plan for a low-return future, spend less -- save more.
Maybe, but the Conservative ones here imply that you should keep working and never retire, because "You never know for sure".
by Cut-Throat
Fri Aug 29, 2014 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My husband's " WILL", $ left for me to live on....
Replies: 258
Views: 26815

Re: My husband's " WILL", $ left for me to live on....

lululu wrote: People have responsibilities to both. Here we see little responsibility towards the current wife and their child.
As I had Listed!.....The question is of Priorities that are in the wrong order.
by Cut-Throat
Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?
Replies: 29
Views: 5157

Re: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?

The Wizard wrote:I think bonefish are catch&release rather than putting them on the grill with a tasty recipe.
In any event, it's starting to appear the OP knows more about his question than the rest of us here do.
Better to post the Q on a Bahamas forum, similar to http://www.bonairetalk.com for the island of Bonaire...
My question was in the area of recommendations in the areas of financial matters. Currency, U.S. Citizen Living in a Foreign Country. etc. Was wondering if someone here has spent an extended time in the Bahamas and maybe knew of a good website etc. I know that Grocery Shopping is a challenge as prices are twice what they are in the states.

You are correct with the Bonefish being a Sport Fish and No Grilling.
by Cut-Throat
Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?
Replies: 29
Views: 5157

Re: Any Tips on wintering in the Bahamas ?

What is bone fishing? Ted Williams was an avid and accomplished fisher. In his recent biography of Williams, Ben Bradlee Jr. writes that Williams particularly liked bone fishing, but Bradlee really does not describe just what is bone fishing. I did a Google search but could find nothing that really explains bone fishing. A Bone Fish is a Fish that inhabits Salt Water Flats. It is very wary, very fast and Powerful. You fish them in Shallow Water about 2 feet deep or less and Cast a Fly to them. They are difficult to catch (which makes it very Sporting). Fly Fisherman don't eat them (I don't think they are very good anyway), but release them after they are caught. They rarely exceed 10 pounds. http://thesomerset.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2...