Search found 54 matches

by somanaut
Fri Jan 26, 2018 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel to Poland, Estonia, Lithuania: is it worth it?
Replies: 37
Views: 4897

Re: Travel to Poland, Estonia, Lithuania: is it worth it?

I spent three weeks in Poland this past summer. It is a highly underrated travel destination, and I can't recommend it enough. Prices are about a third what you will pay in the United States, and both hotels and food are a good value. The cities are clean, safe, and beautiful. The people are family oriented and friendly. I wish I could have stayed longer. Krakow is probably the most essential destination, as far as cities go. If you can fly into Krakow, even better, as it is a smaller and more manageable airport experience. I would also highly recommend Warsaw's old city center, the medieval town of Torun, Malbork Castle, and Aushwitz as essential visits. If you are adventurous, I would recommend the Bialowieza forest, which is near the Bel...
by somanaut
Fri Jan 16, 2015 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellington Fund as primary retirement investment
Replies: 29
Views: 13724

Re: Wellington Fund as primary retirement investment

CWRadio, that Paul Merriman podcast is great. Thanks for sharing. I'd like to clarify that my main reason for considering Wellington is to wash my hands of the responsibility once the investment is made. I'm very comfortable managing my OWN money with passive funds, but I want nothing to do with the potential pitfalls of managing hers.
by somanaut
Thu Jan 15, 2015 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellington Fund as primary retirement investment
Replies: 29
Views: 13724

Wellington Fund as primary retirement investment

My mother-in-law recently retired, and has a sizable chunk of money set aside from the sale of a house. I had originally planned to invest her in a Lazy Portfolio of some sort, but she has no interest in personal finance or managing her money, and I'd prefer not to have the interpersonal stress of managing it for her. After doing some research on this board, I'm now leaning towards putting the entire chunk of money into Wellington. While I'd personally prefer a more passive fund, I like the asset allocation, and most people in the Boglehead community seem very happy with Wellington. The specifics: She's 63, single, and will inherit another chunk of money within the next ten years. I'm hoping to get her a 4% withdrawal, either quarterly or a...
by somanaut
Tue Sep 23, 2014 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mother-in-law Investment Help
Replies: 9
Views: 1218

Re: Mother-in-law Investment Help

Great replies so far, thanks. The tax information is excellent. Dolphinsaremammals. . .financially secure is a relative term. I don't consider her financially secure, even though she owns her house and has a modest nest egg. I'd like to make sure she has enough money for the 30 plus years she still may have left. BL, she has her own SS, which amounts to about 12K per year. She has an annuity which ends, I believe, when she is 70, but I don't know how much. . .maybe 5-10k per year. She will have no major expenses, other than car and property taxes (low in the Carolinas). She thinks she can reasonably live on her SS and 4% annual withdrawals from her portfolio. To answer other questions, I'm not considering this money as my wife's inheritance...
by somanaut
Mon Sep 22, 2014 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mother-in-law Investment Help
Replies: 9
Views: 1218

Mother-in-law Investment Help

My mother-in-law, who is recently retired at 62, sold her house this month. She will be moving into the house where we currently reside, which she owns outright, and which we have been renting from her. The money from the sale of her first house is her primary nest egg, until she comes into some inheritance in a few years. Ignoring the potential pitfalls of investing for a mother-in-law, I'm looking for some advice. My plan is to invest the money in a lump sum with Vanguard, at a 60/40 ratio Total Stock Market to Total Bond Market, rebalance it myself at various intervals, and allow her to take out 4% per year. Basically, I'd like to avoid having her touch the principle (she's pretty much financially illiterate). When she eventually receive...
by somanaut
Fri Oct 04, 2013 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Help
Replies: 12
Views: 1536

Re: Portfolio Help

Pingo, Re: fund sizes within my portfolio. My Roth S&P fund is by far my largest account, happily. Since I've only been self-employed for a couple of years, I only have about 20K in my SEP-IRA, divided amongst US small-caps and an international index fund. To your point, if international stocks take off over the next 20 years, it makes sense to have them in tax free accounts, no? Especially if I simply own index funds and let them ride. But if I am understanding correctly, the reason to have international stocks in taxable has to do with the foreign tax credit, right? That's the confusing part. Why wouldn't I want the stocks with potentially more return to be in taxable (as William Bernstein and others say)? I suppose it matters what th...
by somanaut
Fri Oct 04, 2013 7:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Help
Replies: 12
Views: 1536

Re: Portfolio Help

Pingo,
Yes you are right on the SEP IRA. It is 20% or $49K, whichever is lower. My brain wasn't functioning properly.
by somanaut
Fri Sep 27, 2013 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Help
Replies: 12
Views: 1536

Re: Portfolio Help

Pingo, to answer your earlier question, that would be a beneficial setup for me. However, I thought I was able to put up to 49,000 into SEP IRA, or 20% of income, whichever is higher. Am I mistaken?
by somanaut
Fri Sep 27, 2013 8:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Help
Replies: 12
Views: 1536

Re: Portfolio Help

Thanks Pingo. The SEP 401k comments are very helpful. The only downside to getting my taxable income down so much is that I don't own my own house. At some point I'll need to show a healthy income stream. However, your points about deferring now are well taken. I did convert my previous 401k into my Roth in 2008. I took a very small tax hit, due to being unemployed at the time. I'm confused about your international fund response. Are you saying that I should try to get that exposure into tax-deferred instead?? That was my initial instinct, but Bogleheads seem to think the foreign tax credit merits it being in taxable. I think what you are saying is that I should not build a taxable portfolio much at all, right? Sorry for the slow reply. . ....
by somanaut
Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Help
Replies: 12
Views: 1536

Re: Portfolio Help

Pingo, it's 25%, though being self employed, I can put up to 20% of my income into my SEP. Some years that drops my tax burden.
by somanaut
Wed Sep 18, 2013 10:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Help
Replies: 12
Views: 1536

Portfolio Help

I found this site in 2010, and I've been tinkering with my portfolio ever since, trying to get it closer to Boglehead principles. Due to tax implications, it has been a slow process, but I'm happy with the results so far. Thankfully, I started buying VFINX in a Roth many years ago, and have faithfully maxed out contributions every year (even when I lost my job in '08). Now I think I'm ready for fine tuning, and would appreciate some input. I'm 43, unmarried but in a long-term relationship. No mortgage. No debt. I don't make exceptional income, but I recently started my own business, and I'm a decent saver. No children at the moment. My current portfolio, which is currently in the low six figures, looks like the following: 20% Cash (Reserves...
by somanaut
Sun Sep 16, 2012 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most underrated band of all time [that you listen to]?
Replies: 342
Views: 26303

Re: Most underrated band of all time [that you listen to]?

How do we define underrated? The amount of airplay? Popularity vs. critical acclaim. The Who and Rush were popular in their heydey, sold plenty of records, got plenty of airtime, and were widely lauded by critics (even though I don't like either band). So, by almost any definition, The Who and Rush are not underrated. Also, bands that were relatively obscure, like the Smiths and the Violent Femmes, because they did not get any airplay, still had huge followings, critical acclaim, and are widely known and accepted now. So those types of bands are also not underrated. They are only now receiving their due. The most underrated band of all time was quite possibly THE ZOMBIES . Students of music history know how hugely influential the Zombies we...
by somanaut
Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Re-balancing Across Multiple Accounts
Replies: 6
Views: 1095

Re: Re-balancing Across Multiple Accounts

Very helpful replies so far, thanks. I am roughly 80% equities right now, and 20% cash, in my investment portfolio. My Roth holds about 55% of that money (VFINX and International Growth), 5% is in a recently started SEP-IRA (NAESX Small-cap Index), and the rest is in taxable (Total Stock Market and Small-cap Index, as well as cash). As per the replies, I suppose I could buy a bond fund in the SEP with "new money," and build that fund up to my desired allocation (20% bonds). Unfortunately, it will take me some time to build up that fund, because of contribution limits. So, should I sell the International Growth fund (a managed fund) and buy bonds in the Roth as well, so as to keep bonds tax free? It's my understanding that keeping ...
by somanaut
Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Re-balancing Across Multiple Accounts
Replies: 6
Views: 1095

Re-balancing Across Multiple Accounts

I am a 40-ish investor with three investment accounts: 1) Taxable, 2) Roth, 3) SEP-IRA. Across those accounts, I am following or converting to Boglehead principles of asset allocation and tax efficiency. This forum, along with Boglehead book recommendations, has been instrumental in getting my investments in order. I have a question about re-balancing. The Wiki provides examples of re-balancing across multiple funds, but not across multiple accounts with different tax implications. Let's say my asset allocation is 60/40 for my entire portfolio. Would I need both a stock and bond fund in each of the three accounts, and re-balance to a 60/40 split in each one every year? Or, do I designate one account, say the SEP-IRA, as the bond basket, and...
by somanaut
Sun Jul 24, 2011 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond market jitters and my money market accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 2550

Thanks for the replies. I'm not timing the market, but had money in a CD that recently matured. I put it into the Prime MM Fund to park it until I figured out what to do with it. Now I'm concerned.

What's the worst case scenario for my money market fund? Seriously, I don't understand the consequences of "breaking the buck." Would I lose everything in that fund if such a scenario unfolded?

Would a short term CD from Vanguard be a safe alternative? I know I could find a better yield elsewhere, but right now I'm just trying to keep things simple.
by somanaut
Sun Jul 24, 2011 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond market jitters and my money market accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 2550

I'm using the Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund.
by somanaut
Sun Jul 24, 2011 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond market jitters and my money market accounts
Replies: 17
Views: 2550

Bond market jitters and my money market accounts

I have a lot of cash sitting in a money market account, waiting for the debt ceiling talks to finish before I invest some of it. I don't fully understand the dynamics of the global bond market, so I thought I'd ask here: should I be worried about that money market account given current circumstances?? I hadn't considered another "breaking the buck" scenario. This article in Bloomberg has me concerned:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-07-1 ... cohan.html

Thanks for any insights. I'm just a working stiff trying to hold on to my hard earned money.
by somanaut
Thu Jun 16, 2011 12:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raleigh, North Carolina opinions?
Replies: 34
Views: 4109

I live just south of Chapel Hill. For the southern US, it is hard to do better than the RTP area. Two hours to the beach, two hours from the mountains. Lots of smart people doing interesting things. A fairly youthful vibe. Decent restaurants, and a great music scene. On the downside, the air quality is not great, due to pollen, ozone, and, quite often, forest fires further east. Traffic is pretty horrible. The architecture is pretty boring, and there are no dramatic vistas immediately nearby. Chapel Hill is a great town, but taxes are relatively high, and it isn't the best place for business. Durham is up and coming, especially if you like an urban edge, but still has issues. Raleigh is a nice, if non descript, small city. Cary/Apex is wher...
by somanaut
Wed Jun 15, 2011 11:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what age does it go downhill
Replies: 190
Views: 29086

At 40, I take lots of antioxidants, probiotics, electrolytes, and trace minerals along with my low-sugar, gluten free, high fiber meals. I exercise, and I have a low stress job. This morning my hands were killing me because I was typing too long yesterday (typing!!!), I couldn't run more than a mile because the air quality was affecting my lungs, my right knee was a little gimpy, and I sensed I might be overheating. My next tactic is to cryogenically freeze my head, and await a gene optimized, low inflammatory body, complete with nanobot optimizers. Compared to my peers, however, I'm doing just fine as I am.
by somanaut
Thu May 12, 2011 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth or SEP for Bonds?
Replies: 1
Views: 344

Roth or SEP for Bonds?

If given the choice between putting a bond fund in a Roth IRA, or a pre-tax SEP, which would be better, theoretically speaking? I have a 20 year time horizon for retirement. Intuitively, I would think stock oriented funds would be better in a Roth, given their higher historical returns. Am I missing something?
by somanaut
Sat Apr 30, 2011 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question about pinhole glasses
Replies: 9
Views: 2178

I tried Bates Method exercises, and wore pinhole glasses while watching television, soon after college. I found the glasses very relaxing, and they work great in stationary settings. They did seem to work my eye muscles in a different way than lenses, but alas, they didn't improve my vision. The notion that eye muscles are responsible for mishapen corneas has long been debunked. Still, I recommend the glasses, and the exercises, as an antidote to eyestrain.
by somanaut
Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with 25k in a taxable account?
Replies: 4
Views: 1277

What to do with 25k in a taxable account?

I have 25k from a recently matured CD that I need to invest. Present CD rates are so appalling that I just have the money sitting in my checking account. I've maxed out all tax sheltered accounts for the year.
What do I do with the money? My AA is overly heavy on stocks right now, so a bond investment seems appropriate. However, I've read here that bonds in taxable are not such a good idea. Any ideas?
by somanaut
Thu Apr 07, 2011 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put bonds?
Replies: 5
Views: 1186

I'm self-employed, and have chosen to go with a SEP IRA rather than a 401k.
by somanaut
Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put bonds?
Replies: 5
Views: 1186

I am not in a high tax bracket, but plan to be upon retirement in 20 more years.
by somanaut
Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put bonds?
Replies: 5
Views: 1186

Where to put bonds?

I have read here that placing bonds in taxable accounts is a bad idea. If given the choice between a Roth and pre-tax, which is the better tax advantaged account for bonds? Or is it best to split the allocation into both, for rebalancing purposes? Any recommendations on best funds for these accounts? Thanks for any input.
by somanaut
Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

@mp173 Great work. By the way, I answered some of your previous questions directly, so check your inbox. If I may add another suggestion: If weight loss is your primary goal, and you are doing long cardio workouts in the target zone I discussed, I wouldn't recommend doing kettlebells on the same day. There are complex metabolic reasons for this suggestion, but simply put, it's best to avoid anaerobic exercise like kettlebells on aerobic days. Also, you will burn more calories as fat during those long aerobic workouts, and avoiding weights afterwards will actually facilitate the fat burn. Do kettlebell/weights on days when you do your intervals (2 days per week is plenty). These workouts will strengthen your CV system, and help build muscle ...
by somanaut
Thu Mar 31, 2011 10:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasuries Still Make Sense (2 Parts)
Replies: 62
Views: 7498

Mr. Ferri,
Thank you for your insights. Do you have any recommendations on books to read regarding the bond market? Something written for the lay person, similar to the style of "The Four Pillars." I'm still somewhat baffled by how the bond market really works.
Also, what is the risk of holding large amounts of money in two year CDs, at a fixed return, versus putting the same money in the more volitile bond market?
by somanaut
Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Following Your Passion - Not Great Investment Advice
Replies: 42
Views: 5690

I believe a lot of this either/or thinking would be resolved if our business leaders hired based on character and intellectual curiosity, rather than on training. The fact is, most highly trained professionals are middling, resting on their laurels and taking little interest in solving problems that don't directly relate to them. It's too bad. If I were a CEO, I'd hire a lot of the people in this thread based on their desire to learn and grow. Vision is what built this country, and lack of opportunity is what will kill it.
by somanaut
Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: digestive probiotic
Replies: 31
Views: 4261

I take a product from Massey Medicinals called Candida Freedom. The science behind these products is still hotly debated, but I can tell you that it is the best supplement I've ever taken. I quit having cravings. My digestion improved dramatically. Bloating all but disappeared.
There are different strains of "friendly flora" out there, so you might have to try a few different ones. Some may not work, but I seriously doubt there are any products that could actually harm you. (One microbiologist I know told me the strains could mutate and kill you, which I found laughable, since she worked in a lab with deadly viruses).
As for kefir, make sure you get the kinds without sugar. Most of them now are loaded with the stuff.
by somanaut
Tue Mar 29, 2011 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA - Starting Fund Choice(s)?
Replies: 23
Views: 2904

I think that's too many funds for a 24 year old. At my previous job, I was shocked at how many funds my younger co-workers had in retirement accounts, typically with total assets under 10,000. You may be charged fees by each of those funds.
Back in the day, I maxed out my Roth with VFINX. Then I maxed out my 401k with an international fund with American Funds. There wasn't much to lose with my 100% stock allocation at that time. Me personally, I didn't start thinking about asset allocation until a few years later, when I actually had some assets.
by somanaut
Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

@Howie

The ab wheel is OK, so long as you don't arch your back at the end range. In other words, keep your tailbone tucked a little bit. I also wouldn't go all the way out with your arms. Start from a "table" position on hands and knees, then go halfway out. That should be sufficient. Be sure to breathe OUT as your arms move away. That's the most critical piece.
Enjoy the burn.
by somanaut
Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

@Leonard The concept of strengthening all muscles of the core in isolation is specious at best. The main issue is metabolic. The iliopsoas is primarily made up of slow twitch muscle fibers, which means they do not adapt well to multiple repetitions of sit-ups. Such a movement will cause the muscles to tighten, which in turn inhibits the more important stabilizers. . .glutes, hamstrings and abs. Yes, sitting up is a natural movement. That isn't a sufficient argument, however, for making it a training movement. The gluteals are made of fast twitch muscle fibers. When you isolate them under a load, they quickly adapt, but tend to weaken temporarily once fatigued. Thus, if we were to use your method of isolating everything in the lumbopelvic ar...
by somanaut
Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fish Oil: Any Downside?
Replies: 62
Views: 11459

One issue is where the fish oil is harvested. Stick with reputable brands, like Nordic Naturals or Source Naturals, both found in health food and vitamin stores. Many fish stocks around the world are contaminated with mercury, which makes the location of harvest paramount. The previously mentioned companies get their oil from less polluted arctic waters. Krill oil is an interesting alternative, as it gives the same benefit as fish oil, but since krill are lower on the food chain, are less likely to contain high amounts of mercury. Overfishing could be a potential ecological problem. Otherwise, I know of no downside, except for the ethical dilemma of eating living creatures. If you are a vegetarian, flax oil will yield a somewhat similar ben...
by somanaut
Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

Previous message @Bluto
by somanaut
Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

Your current personal trainer does not fully understand anatomy, physiology, or kinesiology, which is frightening but not all that uncommon. First off, you should understand that sit-ups exercise the hip flexors, not just the abdominals. The first part of the motion utilizes abdominals (obliques/rectus abs), but the rest is all hip flexors (bilateral iliopsoas, primarily). Training in such a way is a bad idea for the following reasons: 1) Most people sit all day, which puts their hip flexors in a mechanically shortened position. Contracting them (shortening) only makes the hip flexors tighter. 2) The hip flexors have a metabolic tendency to shorten anyway, which means that when they fatigue, they will tighten further 3) The iliopsoas muscle...
by somanaut
Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why not 100 Percent stock?
Replies: 45
Views: 11364

Warren Buffett suggests owning "businesses" rather than long term treasuries:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-2 ... value.html
by somanaut
Sat Mar 26, 2011 8:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

@Howie Core workouts can be a large percentage of your workout. I have to be careful, here, when I use the term "core," because most people misinterpret what it means. A core workout is anything that calls upon your lumbo-pelvic-hip complex to stabilize your movement. Thus squats could be considered a core workout, as could various plank exercises (my personal favorite). Sit-ups are NOT a core exercise, by the way. I could get into the science here, but this probably isn't the right forum. Just stay away from sit-ups. Stick with crunches and physioball exercises, along with squats and planks. As for "working around" back issues, as stated earlier on this thread, with the use of machines. . .I would counter by saying that...
by somanaut
Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

@MP173 Forgot to answer your other questions. Swimming is generally great, unless you have shoulder impingement issues. If you have no pain with swimming, then by all means keep doing it. Resistance bands are excellent if used properly. You have to know what you are doing, however, since joint angle is crucial to a healthy outcome. Again, a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or other qualified practitioner could be helpful. I don't recommend doing resistance exercises out of magazines and books, since many of recommendations are based on poor science. For example, strengthening the rotator cuff with resistance bands may or may not be indicated. In fact, many people have overworked, fatigued, or impinged rotator cuff tissues, and would li...
by somanaut
Tue Mar 22, 2011 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

@MP173 You are working out too hard. People may try to tell you otherwise, but workouts in the 80-90% of max are way into the anaerobic zone, which, if sustained for more than, say, two minutes, is actually a strain on your heart. Americans, by and large, overdo it when it comes to cardio. You will actually help your stamina more, and burn a larger percent of fat as calories, by working out at a more moderate pace. If you want more of a challenge, you can do what is called interval training, which entails adding a few short bursts into the 140s and 150s range, for about 90 seconds or so, but you should then come back to your recovery pace, roughly 65-75% of max. Interval training should only be done a couple times a week, however. Your mode...
by somanaut
Tue Mar 22, 2011 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

Weight machines are not functional. 1) Machines assume symmetry when the body itself is not symmetrical. 2) They often make you isolate individual muscles at the expense of stabilizing muscles. 3) They often overload muscles that tend to be overworked in the first place (see Vladimir Janda's Upper and Lower Crossed Syndromes). Exercise machines are the equivalent of hedge funds on this board. . .mostly a bunch of hype, with little evidence to support their value. One exception is cable machines. They have value if you perform the exercises standing, to mimic full body, functional movement. Otherwise, you are much better off with free weights, physioball exercises, and body weight exercises. It is possible to do all of those latter exercises...
by somanaut
Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fitness - what works for you?
Replies: 231
Views: 43825

Exercise is like investing. Most of the people giving the advice are not really qualified to do so, and so-called "experts" typically give the worst advice. That said, I've been in the health field for 20 years, and this is what I advise: 1. Get clearance from your doctor 2. Calculate your maximum heart rate (220-your age, generally) 3. Multiply that number by .65 and .75 4. Exercise for 30 minutes between 65% and 75% of your max heart rate 5. Do that CONSISTENTLY 3-5 times per week (I like elliptical trainers) 6. Take a class on basic isometrics and core strengthening 7. Avoid machines at all cost. . .they are bogus, and are biomechanically unsound 8. When you have kept to your routine for three months or so, see a qualified trai...
by somanaut
Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Low carb or low fat
Replies: 127
Views: 20277

Contrarians might point to the "Twinkie Diet"
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/11/08/tw ... index.html

I personally eat quality carbs, i.e. lower glycemic grains like quinoa, as much as possible, and avoid highly glycemic starches, sugar, and high fructose corn syrup. On the fats end, I look for omega oils and medium chain triglycerides (as in coconut oil). The energy in/energy out cliche is a bit dated. Yes, caloric intake matters, but quality of food is just as important if you want to actually feel good.
by somanaut
Tue Mar 15, 2011 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "All In" with Vanguard?
Replies: 19
Views: 4166

@Noobvester. . .your link was music to my ears. For those of you who were worried about putting all your eggs in one basket, I highly recommend reading/re-reading the link near the top of this thread. Here's a snippet: 'Some have expressed concerns about putting "all their eggs in one basket" by consolidating their investments at Vanguard. There's simply no need to worry about that. Each fund is a separate investment company (and part owner of the Vanguard Group, rather than the other way around). Thus, having all of your investments in several Vanguard funds is tantamount to having your investments spread among a variety of baskets, each independent of the other. So, put your fears to rest; your investments are safe at Vanguard.&...
by somanaut
Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: "All In" with Vanguard?
Replies: 19
Views: 4166

"All In" with Vanguard?

Is there any inherent risk to having my entire investment portfolio, including IRAs, stocks and individual fund accounts, with Vanguard? I plan on keeping emergency funds, cash, a checking account, and a CD or two, at my local bank, but otherwise want to keep things simple. Thanks for any insights.
by somanaut
Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips for locating a vacation rental in OBX
Replies: 13
Views: 2298

I live in NC, and I'd highly recommend the Duck area. Nags Head and Kitty Hawk are crowded with strip malls and souvenir shops, whereas Duck maintains some charm, has better restaurants, etc. If you really want to get away, try Rodanthe, Hattaras, or even better, Okracoke. There are fewer amenities in these towns, however, and are much more difficult to get to. You really can't go wrong with Duck.

PS Be aware of possible rip currents along the Outer Banks. On certain days, they can be very dangerous.
by somanaut
Wed Mar 09, 2011 8:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry takes on The Motley Fool
Replies: 39
Views: 12390

A quick look at my returns shows a 12% return on my Vanguard Funds over the past five years, including the downturn, while my small Fool portfolio, based on picks suggested by that website, is up less than 6% since I started in the middle of this bull market, and lags the S&P by more than 7%. Thankfully the individual stocks make up only ten percent of my stock portfolio.
by somanaut
Thu Feb 24, 2011 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax-Efficiency Questions
Replies: 5
Views: 970

Thanks Wagnerjb. That's the kind of advice I seek. If 250k in individual stocks is needed to make the tax loss harvesting process efficient, then I'll stick with 5% "play money" and 95% funds. Now I just need to figure out the best tax efficiency for those funds.
by somanaut
Thu Feb 24, 2011 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax-Efficiency Questions
Replies: 5
Views: 970

Tax-Efficiency Questions

I've been with Vanguard for almost ten years, but only found this forum a few months ago. The more I read, the more I wish I had discovered it sooner (though I think I was smart to choose Vanguard in the first place). Having studied the Wiki, and attempting to wrap my mind around the concepts, I'm reconsidering my asset allocation, mostly in terms of tax efficiency. Here's my situation: 40yrs old Self-employed, with a growing business Engaged, no kids (yet) Renting, and on the fence about ever buying Hope to retire at 55, most definitely at 60 Zero debt Roth IRA 50k VFINX S&P Index 20k VWIGX International Growth SEP IRA (New) 3k NAESX Small Cap Index Unsheltered 10k NAESX Small Cap Index (again) 10k VASVX Select Value (Mid-caps) Unshelt...
by somanaut
Thu Jan 13, 2011 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax benefits of incorporating
Replies: 6
Views: 1159

@Bank5
Exactly the info I was seeking. Thanks for the link.
by somanaut
Thu Jan 13, 2011 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax benefits of incorporating
Replies: 6
Views: 1159

@DSInvestor

I mispoke. I meant SEP IRA and not Trad IRA. I just opened a SEP last year, so I'm still getting used to the terminology.
Now that I've cleared that up, what if I want to contribute even more than the 20% allotment allowed? Would there be a benefit to incorporating at that point? Or am I just overthinking things?