Search found 364 matches

by investor.saver1
Sun Sep 18, 2022 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell VTIP or BSV and buy Treasury 10 year TIP bonds on Wednesday
Replies: 7
Views: 839

Re: Sell VTIP or BSV and buy Treasury 10 year TIP bonds on Wednesday

Wondering what you think about selling either VTIP or BSV to buy Treasury 10 year bonds this coming Wednesday. I've held both VTIP and BSV for some years. I'm considering selling up to 10% of my holdings in these and redeploying the proceeds to purchase inflation bonds at the auction this coming Wednesday. I'm currently holding both ETFs in my IRA. RMDs are planned for already so a 9+ year term on the bonds if just fine with me. I can sell and buy commission free. At 73 years of age, I have a simple goal of staying ahead of inflation. My current portfolio is 40/60 and I'm quite content with that. I'd be more enthusiastic if you were undertaking a disciplined strategy like building out a a complete bond ladder for your remaining retirement ...
by investor.saver1
Sun Sep 18, 2022 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell VTIP or BSV and buy Treasury 10 year TIP bonds on Wednesday
Replies: 7
Views: 839

Sell VTIP or BSV and buy Treasury 10 year TIP bonds on Wednesday

Wondering what you think about selling either VTIP or BSV to buy Treasury 10 year bonds this coming Wednesday. I've held both VTIP and BSV for some years. I'm considering selling up to 10% of my holdings in these and redeploying the proceeds to purchase inflation bonds at the auction this coming Wednesday. I'm currently holding both ETFs in my IRA. RMDs are planned for already so a 9+ year term on the bonds if just fine with me. I can sell and buy commission free. At 73 years of age, I have a simple goal of staying ahead of inflation. My current portfolio is 40/60 and I'm quite content with that.
by investor.saver1
Mon Jun 06, 2022 7:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much will the FED Rate Increases Impact Total Bond in 2022?
Replies: 10
Views: 1738

Re: How much will the FED Rate Increases Impact Total Bond in 2022?

I want to thank everyone for your responses. I greatly respect the wise and studied approach to investment questions that I find here at Bogleheads.org. Thanks especially to Nisiprius for his detailed and thoughtful input. Thank you all!!!
by investor.saver1
Sun Jun 05, 2022 11:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much will the FED Rate Increases Impact Total Bond in 2022?
Replies: 10
Views: 1738

Re: How much will the FED Rate Increases Impact Total Bond in 2022?

If indeed the impact of anticipated future rate increases by the FED is "baked in" to BND pricing, then would increasing duration to capture yield (i.e. shifting from BSV to BND) make prudent sense at this time? I realize market timing is a failed effort, but opportunities do occassionally present themselves.
by investor.saver1
Sun Jun 05, 2022 9:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How much will the FED Rate Increases Impact Total Bond in 2022?
Replies: 10
Views: 1738

How much will the FED Rate Increases Impact Total Bond in 2022?

Is there any concensus around the impact that a year end 2022 Fed Funds Rate of 2% would have on the Total Bond Market price?
by investor.saver1
Fri Jun 03, 2022 4:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Sort term bonds vs Total market… Next 12 months
Replies: 1
Views: 457

Sort term bonds vs Total market… Next 12 months

Hoping for a bit of insight. I’m retired and 73 years old expecting to be around planet earth for 10 or more years. Given near term interest rate risk would I be better off in Short Term Bonds (BSV) or in intermediate bonds (BND) during the balance of 2022 and 2023? Not looking for portfolio advice … just your thoughts on the simple question above. Thanks!
by investor.saver1
Tue Nov 02, 2021 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What professional is best suited to take over our finances after I can't?
Replies: 18
Views: 2154

What professional is best suited to take over our finances after I can't?

I'm sure this has been discussed many times but I'm unable to find an appropriate thread. Wife and I are both 72. I'm the hands-on investor and she's not very involved and doesn't have an interest. We're at a point where I want to establish a backstop relationship with someone to fill the financial management role for us. I'm thinking of a professional, not a relative or friend. What type of professional would be best to put in that role? Is it CPA? CFA? Lawyer? Who?
by investor.saver1
Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????
Replies: 18
Views: 2343

Re: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????

indexfundfan wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 7:03 pm Connect an ethernet cable to your PC or laptop and plug the other end directly into the modem. If your internet is completely stable, then your router is probably the issue (make sure you use a known good cable).

If the internet is still flaky, it could be your modem.
I gave this a try indexfundfan. The modem checked out fine. Went with a new router and that seems to have cleared up my wifi stability issue. Thanks for the suggestion.
by investor.saver1
Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????
Replies: 18
Views: 2343

Re: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????

JupiterJones wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 4:34 pm Not sure if you'd be interested in replacing your router with the same brand, but... I picked up a NetGear NightHawk a couple years ago for about $175 and it's been working like a champ ever since.
I've been a huge NetGear fan up to this point in time but thought rather than buy another model, I'd give a mesh system a try. I'm really happy with Eeros now but only time will tell.
by investor.saver1
Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????
Replies: 18
Views: 2343

Re: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????

Without knowing how large your "medium sized home" is, my best guess is that something like the Asus RT-AC3100 would be a good choice at the top of your price range (right above purchased new, right below purchased refurbished). It has good range and offers pretty good performance when combined with other units in a mesh setup. I started with an Asus AC1900 (also sold as the RT-AC68U) as my main router. It worked pretty well but struggled to cover my whole house. I switched tot he AC3100 as the main unit and moved the AC1900 to be a satellite unit in a mesh setup and it works quite well for me. Great suggestion Vineviz! After some serious review, I decided that a mesh system would get me better coverage in the remote areas of my ...
by investor.saver1
Thu Mar 04, 2021 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????
Replies: 18
Views: 2343

Re: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????

bloom2708 wrote: Mon Mar 01, 2021 1:34 pm How about a 1 point Google Nest router?

https://store.google.com/product/nest_wifi

Then you can add on additional mesh points if you need more coverage.

Our Google Wifi (previous gen to the Google Nest router) is still working great.
Thanks for the suggestion. After some digging, I decided to go with Amazon's Eero system. Both the Google system and the Amazon system were neck and neck but since I have Ring and Blink security cameras, Eero seemed like the more compatible choice.
by investor.saver1
Wed Mar 03, 2021 9:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????
Replies: 18
Views: 2343

Re: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????

Many thanks to all who posted. I considered all your advice and hope I’ve made a sound decision. Earlier today I installed a 3 point Eero mesh system. The price was in the ballpark of what I wanted to spend. I installed the mesh system this afternoon and it has been totally stable so far. Boy...was it ever slick to install. Additionally it totally covers my 3500 sqft 3 level home. I’m really liking this so far!
by investor.saver1
Mon Mar 01, 2021 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????
Replies: 18
Views: 2343

It's Time To Replace my WIFI Router. Help????

I currently have a Netgear 6700 wifi router behind a Netgear CM600 modem. I've been experiencing drops in my internet service at my router. The router and modem are a couple years old. The modem seems to stay engaged. The cure has been cycling the router off and then back on. It's now a couple times a day ... sometimes more and sometimes less. I've had my cable company out and they replaced all the cable connections up to the modem and pronounced their service healthy. I own both modem and router so they have no interest checking beyond the cable termination at the modem. I think I'd like to replace the router to see if that cures my problems. I realize there may be technical issues and the router may be fine but I lack the expertise to loo...
by investor.saver1
Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel Wifi Hotspot
Replies: 27
Views: 1627

Re: Travel Wifi Hotspot

KlangFool wrote: Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:28 pm
---> Cellular Network --> Mobile Hotspot --> WiFi ---. Your devices

KlangFool
tibbitts wrote: Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:32 pm
It's a cell phone with a tethering plan that doesn't have a keypad or display to make phone calls. It's optimized to provide internet access, at least in theory.
Thanks KlangFool and tibbitts! So it's a device that works a bit like a router behind a modem. Now I get it!
by investor.saver1
Sun Nov 15, 2020 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel Wifi Hotspot
Replies: 27
Views: 1627

Re: Travel Wifi Hotspot

Not meaning to hijack the thread, but what is a mobile hotspot exactly. I'm a Verizon customer and I've never encountered a hotspot to the best of my knowledge. I realize I can use my phone as a hotspot for my other devices. I must be missing something good here but just don't know what it is. Help educate me please.
by investor.saver1
Mon Nov 09, 2020 11:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Portfolio High Question
Replies: 11
Views: 959

Re: Portfolio High Question

birdog wrote: Mon Nov 09, 2020 11:02 am EOD is my suggestion. That's the only option for mutual funds so I find it easier to keep it the same for ETFs.
+1 EOD is what I use as well. It's just a marker anyway.
by investor.saver1
Fri Nov 06, 2020 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: which bond funds for a 6 year term?
Replies: 21
Views: 1992

Re: which bond funds for a 6 year term?

Anthro ... you're asking for both safety and high yield. They don't come in the same package.

I'm not going to pretend that I'm a bond expert so take my advice for what it's worth. Bonds provide ballast to a portfolio to keep a portfolio afloat in a stormy sea. That's their real purpose. They aren't intended to generate much yield. We're in a stormy sea.

If I wanted my money back in six years I'd be buying a safe investment and not focusing on yield. I'd probably buy FDIC insured CD's. Schwab has a 5 year term CD paying .45%.
by investor.saver1
Wed Nov 04, 2020 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking advice - portfolio is spread out and I want to have better control
Replies: 41
Views: 2632

Re: Seeking advice - portfolio is spread out and I want to have better control

Agree with the two previous posters. Target retirement funds are the answer to most allocation and aggregation questions. They're cheap (if they're composed of index funds), and appropriately allocated. Simplicity, cost, and being appropriately allocated are the main contributors to investment success. Then stick to your plan ... don't tinker!!!!
by investor.saver1
Sun Nov 01, 2020 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can I afford luxury watch?
Replies: 87
Views: 5941

Re: Can I afford luxury watch?

Have you considered renting the watch? Sounds crazy on the surface, but I Googled it and it is possible.
by investor.saver1
Sun Nov 01, 2020 3:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If retired, what's your allocation to fixed income?
Replies: 119
Views: 14194

Re: If retired, what's your allocation to fixed income?

I believe it's a matter of risk appetite. For me that equates to 25% in equities. It's irrational to take unnecessary risk. However, I do agree with the above posters that point out the necessity of a larger percentage allocation to equities when the portfolio is not as large. That is taking necessary risk.
by investor.saver1
Sun Nov 01, 2020 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I buy Vanguard Mutual Funds or ETFs?
Replies: 13
Views: 1219

Re: Should I buy Vanguard Mutual Funds or ETFs?

I'm a fan of ETFs. Expense ratios are cheaper for ETFs than for Investor Class mutual funds which is why I like them. The spreads are paper thin and the high volumes keep ETF share prices in line. The differences pointed out the the other posters are all valid but in reality the cost differences are microscopic. The trend is toward ETFs and away from mutual funds. If you're with a brokerage that charges for ETF purchase/sales transactions, I would suggest moving your accounts. You don't need to be at Vanguard to buy Vanguard ETFs for free. Sadly, most brokerage houses do charge a fee to buy a Vanguard mutual fund transactions.
by investor.saver1
Sat Oct 31, 2020 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part D 2021
Replies: 13
Views: 1743

Re: Medicare Part D 2021

neilpilot wrote: Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:47 pm
celia wrote: Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:45 pm Both of your premiums should be the same, regardless of the drugs you take (or don't). This tells me there are still some bugs in the system. Like the previous poster, I usually wait a month for the kinks to work themselves out.

At least, you are lucky that all your meds have generics!
There are multiple Wellcare Part D plans. Their premiums and benefits differ.
+1
Both of you should see the same monthly premium. There are cost differences based on the tier of the drug that has been prescribed, but that does not impact the monthly premium and is paid at the time you get your prescription and at refills.
by investor.saver1
Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allocation with or without target date funds?
Replies: 4
Views: 706

Re: Allocation with or without target date funds?

polestar... I would have been a far more successful investor over my lifetime had I invested totally in low cost age appropriate target funds as you have done. It appears to me that you are beginning to tinker and that will cost you over the long haul. My advice based on a lifetime of tinkering experience is to stay the course in target funds. They are not glamorous but they are functional and they establish an appropriate asset allocation encompassing the entire market. There are times (like now) when certain assets are out of favor (i.e. fixed income). But fixed income is in the portfolio to provide ballast in a turbulent market. I know it's temping to sell fixed income and replace it with stock...resist! Apparently you're a young person ...
by investor.saver1
Sat Oct 31, 2020 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allocation with or without target date funds?
Replies: 4
Views: 706

Re: Allocation with or without target date funds?

Polestar....what exactly are Target Date 1, 2 and 3. Are they legit target date funds with a ticker or some composite aggregation of individual funds your retirement provider has put together? My suggestion knowing absolutely nothing is that you choose a vanguard target fund that matches your desired allocation and just go with that. I've been down the same path of complexity and over the long haul is just doesn't work well.
by investor.saver1
Fri Oct 30, 2020 5:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Recommendation For Outdoors Roller Shades
Replies: 1
Views: 437

Need Recommendation For Outdoors Roller Shades

I'm going to be installing roller shades around my front porch to both give me a little shade and also some privacy. I currently have roller shades on my covered deck area and would get the same except the company is out of business. I don't necessary need commercial quality but don't want flimsy either. The shades need to be attached to the ceiling. I'd like cable guides at the sides to limit flopping in the wind and a hand crank to raise and lower them. I live in an area that can have windy days so the blinds need to be at least able to withstand 20-25 mph gusts. I know a lot of you live in hot areas so probably can provide recommendations on where to get good quality shades. I'll install them myself so ideally I would order on-line and h...
by investor.saver1
Fri Oct 30, 2020 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Solenoid Valve Price Variances
Replies: 6
Views: 457

Re: Solenoid Valve Price Variances

I've replaced the solenoid valve on my humidifier as well. I ordered a cheap one off Amazon (around $20) and It works perfectly. Crazy how dealer installed parts are so expensive ... but I'd guess they may be a higher quality ... but for a non-critical device like a humidifier it's worth rolling the dice.
by investor.saver1
Fri Oct 30, 2020 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: removed
Replies: 136
Views: 10854

Re: Heat - What do you set your temps to in Winter?

69 day and 62 night time. This is for a could midwestern winter location
by investor.saver1
Fri Oct 30, 2020 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Using PayPal vs credit card for purchase
Replies: 12
Views: 2549

Re: Using PayPal vs credit card for purchase

toomuchRE wrote: Fri Oct 30, 2020 12:43 pm Use paypal.. You get 5% off AND double protection. You can dispute if anything from paypal AND CC.
This is why I use paypal anywhere I can.
+1 Same for me

I've have a few disputes with merchants after charging purchases on paypal. After filing disputes on paypal I've gotten my money back. I've never had any issue or pushback on paypal with that. OTOH I've had disputes go in favor of the merchant when I've filed disputes with credit cards.
by investor.saver1
Fri Oct 30, 2020 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Value of Quicken?
Replies: 75
Views: 5789

Re: Value of Quicken?

For me, running Quicken allows me to run the family finances as if we were running a business. Every day, with usually no more than 5 minutes of work, I can get: *Updated net worth *Updated free cash flow results, on a monthly and year to date basis *Updated tax liability projections, which is helpful for adjusting tax withholdings (not perfect, but it helps flag potential problems to investigate) *Cash flow forecasts for monthly bills or other expected costs to hit the checking account, allowing me to plan and forecast savings transfers to investment accounts and make adjustments for any unusual or one-off expenses coming up (no other platform does this so seamlessly, AFAIK). *And a whole host of other reports I've customized over the yea...
by investor.saver1
Mon Oct 26, 2020 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap company reviews
Replies: 40
Views: 3837

Re: Medigap company reviews

Your are not allowed to shop for Medigap plans. Generally, you will stay with the plan you choose through the rest of your lifetime and guaranteed acceptance by the insurance company only happens at the beginning or your retirement. It is possible to change medigap insurance plans, but to do so will require approval by the insurance company you wish to change to. That may required an insurance physical and answering numerous health related questions. Based on the outcome of your physical and health review, the insurance company may accept or reject your application. Again not true. Some states have an annual open enrollment with no pre-existing penalties and you can certainly shop around. You also do not need approval by the insurance comp...
by investor.saver1
Mon Oct 26, 2020 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap company reviews
Replies: 40
Views: 3837

Re: Medigap company reviews

Your are not allowed to shop for Medigap plans. Generally, you will stay with the plan you choose through the rest of your lifetime and guaranteed acceptance by the insurance company only happens at the beginning or your retirement. It is possible to change medigap insurance plans, but to do so will require approval by the insurance company you wish to change to. That may required an insurance physical and answering numerous health related questions. Based on the outcome of your physical and health review, the insurance company may accept or reject your application. This depends entirely on what state you live in. In California, you can switch Medigap Plans every year with no underwriting during a specific period of time. So, if you enroll...
by investor.saver1
Sun Oct 25, 2020 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap company reviews
Replies: 40
Views: 3837

Re: Medigap company reviews

Medigap plans with the same alpha identifier are identical between companies. Really makes sense to go with the lowest cost since billing is handled by medicare. The plans with the same alpha identifier (i.e. F, G etc) cover the same charges and pay the same amount. Provided medicare approves the charge, the plan will pay. Some plans have higher deductibles or more deductibles and that is determined by the alpha identifier. So when you shop for plans, be certain that you are comparing the premium cost for a plan F at one company with a plan F at another company. Choose the company with the lowest premium that offers the alpha identifier you want. As with all insurance, the higher the deductibles, the lower the premium cost. I have a plan F ...
by investor.saver1
Sat Oct 24, 2020 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wireless keyboard and mouse
Replies: 22
Views: 1738

Re: Wireless keyboard and mouse

I have a logitech wireless keyboard and mouse as well. They are terrific. The only time I've had an issue is when the batteries get old. Is it possible you have a couple old batteries?
by investor.saver1
Mon Oct 19, 2020 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cost of land clearing
Replies: 18
Views: 1981

Re: Cost of land clearing

I wouldn't attempt to clear the property. I think you're better off to sell it for undeveloped land. Whoever buys it will do the work required for their purposes anyway. They may have their own equipment or maybe they want a few trees scattered about.
by investor.saver1
Mon Oct 19, 2020 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: using iShares iBonds & Invesco Bulletshares to build bond ladders for term-certain income
Replies: 34
Views: 3885

Re: using iShares iBonds & Invesco Bulletshares to build bond ladders for term-certain income

vineviz wrote: Mon Oct 19, 2020 8:34 am

2) I'd split each rung between Treasuries, high yield, and investment grade at approximately 35%/40%/25%. This mix should provide a solid level of diversification and decent yields without moving beyond your risk threshold. By the time each rung is within a year of maturity, this mix should not produce a drawdown in excess of 5%.
Does it make more sense to reinvest the dividends into the current rung or to role them into the longest ladder rung?
by investor.saver1
Mon Oct 19, 2020 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convince us to buy our first luxury car!
Replies: 193
Views: 14190

Re: Convince us to buy our first luxury car!

There's a lot of good advice posted above. Most of the folks on this blog are older. Most have lived a conservative lifestyle which is why most are well off at retirement. It's a lifestyle choice and most here made it earlier rather than later in their lives. I've never owned a luxury car brand although I own nice cars. I like gadgets on my cars. I like leather appointments. I purchased a Ford Escape a couple years ago with every option I could get. I can't tell you the amount of joy I got the first time I wanted to parallel park and pushed the button to have the car park for me. I love the nice appointments. You get it.....it's a luxury car without the luxury tags. I paid about $36000 for it. It'll run a couple hundred thousand miles just ...
by investor.saver1
Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard ETF 3-fund Portfolio through Schwab
Replies: 26
Views: 3188

Re: Vanguard ETF 3-fund Portfolio through Schwab

"My question is as follows - is there anything wrong, foolish, or disadvantageous about building a traditional vanguard 3-fund portfolio with ETFs(VTI, VXUS, BND) using Schwab as my brokerage?"

It's perfectly fine. I like ETFs and trading them is indeed free at schwab. It would be fine as well to use Schwab's Index funds. Some folk here like mutual funds better ... mostly I think because they like familiar
by investor.saver1
Sat Oct 17, 2020 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Try Out Verizon While Keeping T Mobile Active?
Replies: 7
Views: 1118

Re: Try Out Verizon While Keeping T Mobile Active?

I've had performance issues with Verizon mvnos in the past. Voice was OK, Text and Data were sketchy. The deal is that Verizon prioritizes its premium data above everything else. And there appears to be a pecking order of priority with the mvnos falling at the bottom. MNVOs won't tell you about the prioritization issue but for sure it's an issue. If you don't mind slow data during congested hours, you probably won't have an issue. If you are located in an urban area where there's lots of people on Verizon's towers you will most assuredly experience slow data. Your idea of buy a month of service and taking a new number is a good one.
by investor.saver1
Fri Oct 16, 2020 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Epoxy Garage Floors
Replies: 11
Views: 1884

Re: Epoxy Garage Floors

Why don't you go to a store that sells inexpensive small throw rugs for door mats. Buy one for each wheel and simply park the car on the rugs. They are pretty cheap ... walmart, Menards, some discount homegoods retailer. I don't get the 1000 mile wait so I'd be checking more on that one. Call anoather epoxy coating installer and just ask them the question.
by investor.saver1
Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visible wireless. Any experience?
Replies: 30
Views: 5141

Re: Visible wireless. Any experience?

Visible sounds great on paper! I transferred two phones lines with phone numbers to them four months ago. The transfer process out of Verizon was flawless. I had good coverage thanks to the Verizon towers. BUT>>>>>>>Visible customers' data usage is "prioritized" lowest on Verizon's system. Data was so incredibly slow during daytime hours. SLOW!!!!!!! Not just a little slow but a lot slow. I transferred back to Verizon after just a couple of weeks because I couldn't tolerate how slow data service was. The process of transferring numbers back to Verizon was torturous! I spent the better part of two days getting the numbers our of Visible and back to Verizon. It turns out there are just a few representatives at Verizon the have any e...
by investor.saver1
Tue Oct 13, 2020 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maximum percentage equities in retirement?
Replies: 13
Views: 1484

Re: Maximum percentage equities in retirement?

I've set a maximum dollar amount for equities rather than a percentage. I've never been a risk taker and see no reason to extend risk beyond my comfort level even though I have resources beyond my future needs. That isn't the rational approach I realize but it works for me. My suggestion for the OP is that he/she take a thoughtful moment to consider how it potentially will feel to see 40% of his investment portfolio disappear during retirement. If that probable significant reduction is not concerning, then the rational approach today would be to increase his equity position. If it is concerning, then a more conservative might just be the way to go.
by investor.saver1
Tue Oct 13, 2020 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IPhone SE has been around a little while now, so what's the verdict?
Replies: 46
Views: 4719

Re: IPhone SE has been around a little while now, so what's the verdict?

I have had the SE (updated version) for almost a year now. It's just a terrific phone. The camera is good although not quite as good as the 11. I take a bunch of photos with it while I'm on the go and they are great. I think unless you are a photographer and actually print you photos, you'll be ecstatic with the quality. The battery holds a charge all day. Reception is good. Voice quality is great. I love the smaller size to carry around. Except for the ego boost and bragging rights folks get by owning the top of the line Apple product, there's really not much inferior about the phone. I think you'll like it yourself if you decide to get one. Oh...it doesn't have 5g capabilities if that's important to you ... but again 5g is more about brag...
by investor.saver1
Wed Sep 30, 2020 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?
Replies: 91
Views: 8195

Re: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?

If I can find a quality demonstration video on YouTube of the task I want to complete and watch it a couple times I find I can do almost anything (within reason). I replaced a head on a Briggs Stratton engine as an example. And I've completed plumbing projects using the same process. It's fun to identify something that needs to be repaired and then learn how to do it right from the video and then do it. I've have a few failures where I've had to call in a professional, but really very few. Just curious does your engine work translate to doing head gasket change in car? those cost a lot but youtube makes it look fairly doable If I could view a video for the specific engine, then yes ... I'd give it a try. Head gaskets really shouldn't be al...
by investor.saver1
Tue Sep 29, 2020 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?
Replies: 91
Views: 8195

Re: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?

If I can find a quality demonstration video on YouTube of the task I want to complete and watch it a couple times I find I can do almost anything (within reason). I replaced a head on a Briggs Stratton engine as an example. And I've completed plumbing projects using the same process. It's fun to identify something that needs to be repaired and then learn how to do it right from the video and then do it. I've have a few failures where I've had to call in a professional, but really very few.
by investor.saver1
Mon Sep 28, 2020 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?
Replies: 91
Views: 8195

Re: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?

I think the DIY gene runs through the Boglehead member list. Just today I figure I saved myself at least $200 doing odd job stuff around the house. I noticed a lawn irrigation sprinkler was not rotating ... a while back a website was running a special on lawn sprinklers so I bought a few just in case ... today was the day. We have an upstairs bedroom that doesn't cool well unless we super-cool the entire house so for energy efficiency reasons we have a window type unit. I took it out today now that fall temps have settled in. The tab for hiring out little jobs would have be at least $200. And today was a pretty typical day. Maybe it's recreational. Maybe it's being frugal. Or maybe it's just the way I was taught when I grew up. At any rate...
by investor.saver1
Mon Sep 28, 2020 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?
Replies: 91
Views: 8195

Re: DIY life style. Typical Boglehead?

I think the DIY gene runs through the Boglehead member list. Just today I figure I saved myself at least $200 doing odd job stuff around the house. I noticed a lawn irrigation sprinkler was not rotating ... a while back a website was running a special on lawn sprinklers so I bought a few just in case ... today was the day. We have an upstairs bedroom that doesn't cool well unless we super-cool the entire house so for energy efficiency reasons we have a window type unit. I took it out today now that fall temps have settled in. The tab for hiring out little jobs would have be at least $200. And today was a pretty typical day. Maybe it's recreational. Maybe it's being frugal. Or maybe it's just the way I was taught when I grew up. At any rate,...
by investor.saver1
Fri Sep 25, 2020 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: new physician looking for investment advice?
Replies: 21
Views: 2703

Re: new physician looking for investment advice?

Here's another financial blog you might want to check out.

https://www.fiphysician.com/blog/

I'm not a physician but I've found the articles here to be excellent.
by investor.saver1
Fri Sep 25, 2020 12:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Myths of international investing - Fidelity
Replies: 202
Views: 16205

Re: Myth's of international investing - Fidelity

lostdog wrote: Fri Sep 25, 2020 6:47 am If a young investor is reading this, please consider some of the comments from members above are arm chair experts that suffer personal biases and over the top idolatry of Jack Bogle and Warren Buffet. There is no place for over the top hero worship and human emotion in investing. Stick with a Lifestrategy or Target Retirement fund if you feel the need to tinker when you see these comments.
+1
by investor.saver1
Sat Sep 19, 2020 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need direction_understanding MYGA(multi-year guaranteed annuity
Replies: 69
Views: 9462

Re: Need direction_understanding MYGA(multi-year guaranteed annuity

I don't have an opinion nor do I know much about MYGA annuities. If I were considering one here's the track I would take. You'll be lending your money to an insurance company for a stipulated term. They typically have severe penalties if you need to cash out. Be certain you know the terms of the annuity contract. What is the credit rating of the insurance company? If the insurance company goes bankrupt, you may have difficulty getting your money back. States typically have insurance against this situation. You'll need to check with your state to verify the insurance company you buy from is approved by the state insurance agency and what the limits of coverage are. High rates of interest are a flag in my opinion. Some insurance companies are...
by investor.saver1
Thu Sep 17, 2020 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Throwing In The Towel on Portfolio Management
Replies: 61
Views: 9252

Re: Throwing In The Towel on Portfolio Management

iamblessed wrote: Thu Sep 17, 2020 11:59 am Read this viewtopic.php?t=287967
Thank you for the link iamblessed.