Search found 6695 matches

by Random Musings
Thu Mar 28, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Underspending Paradox
Replies: 33
Views: 3172

Re: Underspending Paradox

Sounds like the OP needs a written investment plan for deaccumulation. With no lineal heirs, good cash flow from pensions and SS, and a mindset that isn't probably going to change too drastically from the accumulation phase, you may want to consider charitable gifting from tax-deferred plans which are tax free and reduce RMD's (if applicable). May also want to consider gifting to nieces/nephews at a reasonable level (or fund 529s if they are thinking about secondary education). Big picture, you have to decide what you WANT to do, you have the means and if your health is good, waiting not only just builds up your net worth that you won't touch but your "window" in the go-go years just gets shorter. Not that you most likely will mov...
by Random Musings
Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Faith-based Investment Options, Tools, and Resources
Replies: 66
Views: 8658

Re: Faith-based Investment Options, Tools, and Resources

I would never partake in faith based investing. It sounds gimmicky and an attempt to prey on people's vulnerabilities. Like any other product one buys, you have to do your homework. I'm glad the Mag 7 never sells products or services that directly or ultimately prey on certain people's vulnerabilities. So do many of the push/pull marketing strategies. Looking at some of the products being discussed, they are lower cost products using specific criteria to screen (of course, subjective). Are these products as diversified as TSM or will they track reasonably close? No (and not designed to be) and most likely not. Would I use them? No. Don't think they are gimmicky though, low cost products that fill a need for faith based investors that align...
by Random Musings
Wed Mar 27, 2024 8:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AVUV vs SCHG
Replies: 32
Views: 1508

Re: AVUV vs SCHG

TimeIsYourFriend wrote: Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:11 pm We are at about 1999 levels as far as the spread between growth and value.
All you have to do is click your heels three times and say "It will be different this time."

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Mar 27, 2024 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Continuous Glucose Monitor
Replies: 13
Views: 809

Re: Continuous Glucose Monitor

Technical considerations when purchasing a CGM:

There are occasional times where they get wonky and one has to calibrate old school and CGM's (like Dexcom) do state that you should test with strips when the blood sugar is too high or too low. Not sure if the OP wants to consider calibration issues.

One other technical issue is that the failure rate of the Stello appears to be similar to the G7 (both statistically higher than the larger sized G6). I'm sure they are working on that.

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday
Replies: 12
Views: 2559

Re: Trump Media & Technology Group Corp begins trading on NASDAQ as DJT on Tuesday

Unless one puts a meaningful bet on this stock (long or short, when allowed), this is a non event in regards to anyone's portfolio. Is this thread really actionable?

• It’s possible to short an IPO once it starts trading on the public market, with some limitations.

• IPO stocks are heavily regulated and it can be difficult to borrow the shares needed to do a short sale.

It will be interesting to see how much will be out there to short initially (my guess, very little) and what the borrowing cost will be (my guess, very high)

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 25, 2024 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 144
Views: 10606

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

I will have to go to one (at a really good restaurant close to me) after I retire for the "experience". As I ignore commercials, on-line ads and the rest, they ain't going to create enough "fear" or whatever for me to buy something from them. I survived the 87 crash, the 2000-2002 high tech debacle, the big 2008-2009 bear, the 2020 COVID crash and the more recent bond market bear.

If they annoy me enough, I'll walk the ...... out. Same if they push some lower grade food.

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
Replies: 67
Views: 5747

Re: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund

...If interim volatility is something you can't handle, then you can buy i-bonds, however, there are limits to what you can buy per year, per person... I can handle interim volatility with a fixed end-date just fine. But I'm thinking the real problem may be that I bought a bond fund , not a bond. I read that as, there is no end-date, because the rate and maturity of the constituent holdings change constantly, so there is no fixed "2 x n -1"; instead there's a never-ending treadmill of changing ones. Hopefully I'm drastically wrong in that interpretation, but I haven't discovered the error on my own. And if I'm not wrong, then I'm even more tempted to bail and eat the loss, because I have no confidence that rates (and bond fund-de...
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
Replies: 67
Views: 5747

Re: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund

Lee_WSP wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:12 pm
Random Musings wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:44 pm However, with respect to the OP, my concern is that switching from nominal to real bonds could result, again, in buyers remorse if nominal outperforms; we just don't know. A solid written investment plan where you stick to that plan is the key, otherwise one could just be performance chasing bonds. If keeping up with inflation in his bond component is one component of their goals, then a TIPS ladder is one serious option to consider.

RM
Underperformance is always going to be an issue regardless of what you choose. If that's the root issue, it's unsolvable.
That's why it seems best to diversify at your need of risk and generally sit on your hands. Less is typically better.

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
Replies: 67
Views: 5747

Re: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund

PS, back to "Looking for advice..." Virtually my entire fixed-income position is in this VG Short Term Bond fund, which has been underwater since 2022. The 2x duration - 1 is useful, but what happens if rates make a run higher while waiting for the formula to bring you back to even? If I change horses now I lock-in the current losses, and if I stand-pat waiting for the formula to work I may compound it. Is eat-the-loss-and-move-on still the only sure-fire way escape this dilemma? This is the core of my ongoing unhappiness with this investment. "All I want from my fixed income allocation is for it to keep up with inflation, period. I now get the impression that even a short-term bond fund is no guarantee of this, especially i...
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
Replies: 67
Views: 5747

Re: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund

What you want is a TIPs ladder combined with I bonds. If you hold the each individual TIP ladder component to duration, you know what you will receive in respect to published inflation numbers. I-bonds are the same unless one exits before the five year holding period. Otherwise, a three month penalty. However, with respect to the OP, my concern is that switching from nominal to real bonds could result, again, in buyers remorse if nominal outperforms; we just don't know. A solid written investment plan where you stick to that plan is the key, otherwise one could just be performance chasing bonds. If keeping up with inflation in his bond component is one component of their goals, then a TIPS ladder is one serious option to consider. RM
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 7-day Colorado with teens, ideas?
Replies: 20
Views: 1544

Re: 7-day Colorado with teens, ideas?

2 people on average die every year on Longs peak. 10-18 hour round trip, there are easier and prettier 14ers for visitors. Yes, it is challenging. The teenagers will like the challenge. Maybe turn around at Chasm Lake? The comment about altitude sickness is important. Many people are not affected, but many people are, so be aware of that. And for the OP, the question is what is the max altitude each member of the family has experienced (without problems)? We will be hitting RMNP this summer, we know we are good to go at 12,000 ft, so we plan to be a little higher this vacation. Remember acclimatization is important, we plan to be in Breckenridge before RMNP, our first hike in RMNP will be the Four Lake Loop Trail (10,200 max with the 800 f...
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I really really afford a 3 million mortgage?
Replies: 104
Views: 9029

Re: Can I really really afford a 3 million mortgage?

I heard there are some upscale vans down by the river in that area only going for $1.2MM.

Seriously, with home pricing trending well above inflation (similar to 2005ish) as well as mortgage rates about 6.75% in CA for $2MM plus mortgage, 25% down, and 800 plus credit score, I'm thinking no right now.

I'd rent for now, with your busy careers, how much time are you really going to enjoy in that trophy condo, ignoring sleeping?

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ethan Allen Furniture
Replies: 32
Views: 3655

Re: Ethan Allen Furniture

I have some 50 year old Ethan Allen furniture passed down from my grandparents. Still in good shape with minimal wear. However, the Amish furniture I bought 15 years ago is of higher quality.

If I am in the market for furniture in the future, I am leaning towards buying "used" furniture - I think the price/quality value is better than buying new furniture in many cases.

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: M43rds digital camera vs Iphone 13 pro max?
Replies: 101
Views: 4973

Re: M43rds digital camera vs Iphone 13 pro max?

It appears from the comments on this thread that 98+% of people taking pictures would be better served using a phone with a high quality lenses. Ease of use.

I have come to the same conclusion; my Pixel 7 takes good pictures so I typically bring my 32x optical zoom camera when I know I'll be taking outdoor distance shots (wildlife and such).

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Mar 20, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5833
Views: 591214

Re: What are you listening to now

Genesis album "A Trick of the Tail"

RM
by Random Musings
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?
Replies: 210
Views: 23863

Re: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?

If you're "well prepared", the probability of running out of money will be on the low side, but there are always cases in the distribution curve of financial life when snake eyes are thrown.

That's why you should be really well prepared. :oops:

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any thoughts on sector rotation - March 2024?
Replies: 20
Views: 1172

Re: Any thoughts on sector rotation - March 2024?

Freeman2025 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 1:36 pm Curious as to what sectors people think we should be rotating into (or out of) at this phase of the cycle (March 2024). Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Are you looking for the Robinhood forum?

Just as an FYI, when posting, just don't start asking about cryp............. That's a no-no.

RM
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?
Replies: 312
Views: 30005

Re: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?

.... on the exec side they keep talking about eliminating most of the staff in some AI utopia world of max profits and mass unemployment. Who knows, but it does not sound like a world I would particularly like to live in if these 20 year projections come to fruition. I guess maximizing profits in conjunction with a optimal unemployment rate. I just don't see how a reasonable subset of the human population who ends up with limited "self-worth" by not being allowed to contribute to or be involved in society is going to work out without some serious social unrest. Fantasies about a life of leisure and having AI/robots do our work for us may not pan out if AI decides that people who are an economic burden in society (cash flow negati...
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Awesome Portfolio: 20% Stocks..20% Bonds..20% Cash..20%Real Estate, 20%Gold
Replies: 53
Views: 6575

Re: Awesome Portfolio: 20% Stocks..20% Bonds..20% Cash..20%Real Estate, 20%Gold

quattro73 wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:59 pm Swap out you REIT for MCD. It is a a partial REIT anyway.
That's a pretty hefty bet on one individual stock - I would pass on that. The academics at the business school I attended back in the late 90's would put no more than 5% in individual equities (play around with money) - rest was index/passive.

Don't care for the 20 x 5 model. Back testing always works until it doesn't. I bet something else will work out better over the next 50 years but no one knows what it will be.

RM
by Random Musings
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the appeal of Robinhood
Replies: 85
Views: 6530

Re: What is the appeal of Robinhood

But they did that by literally cheating their customers on Payment for Order Flow. The SEC fined them $65 million for stealing from customers and lying to them. As the SEC pointed out, Robinhood made a big deal out of zero commissions, but were silently making it up on the back end from PFOF fees -- unusually high payment for order flow rates -- as the SEC says. From 10 to 100 times normal payment rates. And they lied to customers promising on their FAQs that they were getting "execution quality matched or beat that of its competitors." So, yes, it's a lot easier to pioneer zero commissions when you are cheating your clients on the back end to finance it and lying to them about it. https://www.sec.gov/news/press-release/2020-321 ...
by Random Musings
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15763

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

$5MM and $200k a year?

Cry me a river.

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 11, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasuries - Up or Down rest of 2024
Replies: 20
Views: 1877

Re: Treasuries - Up or Down rest of 2024

I can say with confidence that treasuries will be up and down the rest of 2024.

RM
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 10, 2024 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: moving from ~600k to ~1.5M income
Replies: 74
Views: 12190

Re: moving from ~600k to ~1.5M income

Yes, you can I'm looking for both financial/ tax planning advice, as well as guidance on maybe loosening the reigns on lifestyle spending a bit. With $6MM in net worth and $1.5MM pre-tax coming in this year (which is more of a known), the only thing I would be careful about is to be slightly conservative in the future income years when doing your projecting. At a 50% tax bite, you are looking at a roughly $450K increase in cash flow for current year. Perhaps take half of that towards "loosening the reigns", as you put it, and then reevaluate future years when those incremental cash flows are known. At a certain point, when you are in the top 3% or so in your age bracket for net worth, you should be in excellent shape for the futur...
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1516

Re: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]

When our kids were that young, we brought the pack-n-play for them to sleep, a good stroller and the basic stuff you need for small children (thermometers, creams and so on). Don't worry about the "unknown" as that can occur anywhere. Have fun on the island!

RM
by Random Musings
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 336
Views: 30457

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

For four people, excluding restaurants, $500 to $625 a person per month seems on the high side specifically towards food. And we also buy a lot from Costco in a MCOL area (some Walmart and grocery store as well). Same family size, one athlete.

Motostash mentioned that 30% of food is wasted and thrown out. I can say we are at most 5%, so that keeps food costs in check. Can't argue that recent inflation hasn't helped matters with respect to monthly food expenditures.

We do like fresh fruits and vegetables, but we don't go the organic route, not sure what percentage is truly organic anyway. We also have a basement freezer to buy items we like when they are on sale.

RM
by Random Musings
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Am I okay spending on wants?
Replies: 13
Views: 1756

Re: Am I okay spending on wants?

Yes. Getting some reasonable wants in now is better than defering as life has no guarantees. Run some analysis, if you had to work full time a year or two more, is that truly a deal breaker?

RM
by Random Musings
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: feeling stuck with kid expenses and this phase of life
Replies: 61
Views: 7550

Re: feeling stuck with kid expenses and this phase of life

With your early level of savings before children, you go a huge head start compared to most people. With kids, and I'm in the early college/late high school years, comes a great deal of expenses. But we wanted kids, so the trade off is to save less during these years. There is no value that can be placed on having children, far better than having more money. IMHO, life is about experiences, and having children is one of those experiences. Material goods are needed at some level in order to live a comfortable life, but as one grows older, very few people reminisce about that aspect of life.

RM
by Random Musings
Fri Mar 08, 2024 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure
Replies: 63
Views: 4738

Re: Drop Homeowner Ins- Self Insure

I would shop rates and perhaps go with a higher deductible. Think about your location and weather risks - a hailstorm hit our area and every house on our street got new roofs. Over a 24+ year timeframe, taking that claim into consideration, net homeowners insurance payments are equal to 2.1% of house value (less if you include contents in home). Of course that money could have been invested to grow but I'm insuring against the small probability a very large claim. No different than carrying umbrella - and in those cases insurance companies get involved because they want to manage their payouts.

RM
by Random Musings
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry
Replies: 81
Views: 10165

Re: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry

Condemnation of the Financial Industry is just another form of prejudice or bias. There are good guys and bad guys in most industries. Just because one restaurant is closed by the board of health does not mean all restaurants are unsanitary. I don't think it is prejudice or bias when the largest financial players in the world -- JP Morgan, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs among others -- have paid literally hundreds of billions in fines and penalties for their crimes including securities fraud, consumer fraud, price fixing, money laundering, sanctions violations, bribery and forgery. Either the institutions themselves are corrupt or the industry tends to attract the most pathological of personalities, or both. Hund...
by Random Musings
Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
Replies: 48
Views: 3863

Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college

Our goal is to provide our children a reasonably close amount of financial support, be it for college, trade school, investment portfolio, whatever. And I tell them that I am not going to financially favor either of them. Why create resentment between siblings? RM shouldn't cause resentment if a child chooses not to go to college. As parents, we chose to pay for our kids education up to 4 years in college. If 1 didn't choose to go to college, they certainly weren't getting an equivalent lump sum $ amount. But it's not just about "college" . Just as an example, if child 1 goes to a four year and $100k is provided for them, while child 2 gets a trade degree for $35k and down the road needs $65k to buy tools/equipment to start their...
by Random Musings
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: National Parks Tour Company
Replies: 3
Views: 790

Re: National Parks Tour Company

Especially for the Yellowstone/Teton area, there are a ton of companies that provide guided tours. However, as you said you are a healthy, active couple, the question is what sort of package are you looking for? One with a fair amount of hikes? How many miles a day and how much vertical? Hotels, camping or glamping? Tour guides who specialize on history, wildlife or geology? What size group do you want to be in? Do you want a tour that provides both of you time away from the group to explore on your own (tougher to find in NP tours)? Lotta product out there these days. Personally, I'm a DIY as the flexibility is the greatest, it is far more cost effective, and I like to research the areas before I go. That, and I don't mind driving. IMHO, Y...
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 04, 2024 10:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip from KC to Bozeman
Replies: 41
Views: 2928

Re: Trip from KC to Bozeman

In terms of navigating the park is Gardiner a good entrance point vs west entrance? Hotels are cheaper in Gardiner. I just want the best experience and the hotel price is not that big of deal. If price is not that big of a deal, then stay in the park. It is a large park. We have stayed in the park and in West Yellowstone. In the park saves a lot of time. Traffic moves very slowly in the park. The speed limits are pretty low, and people are going slowly to look for wildlife and to enjoy the scenery. If the bison get on or near the road, traffic will come to a dead stop. Don't be in a hurry when driving in the park. It won't help. I would stay near Old Faithful if possible because it is centrally located. There is food and gas in the park. Y...
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
Replies: 48
Views: 3863

Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college

Our goal is to provide our children a reasonably close amount of financial support, be it for college, trade school, investment portfolio, whatever. And I tell them that I am not going to financially favor either of them. Why create resentment between siblings?

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Mar 04, 2024 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip from KC to Bozeman
Replies: 41
Views: 2928

Re: Trip from KC to Bozeman

In terms of navigating the park is Gardiner a good entrance point vs west entrance? Hotels are cheaper in Gardiner. I just want the best experience and the hotel price is not that big of deal. If price is not that big of a deal, then stay in the park. It is a large park. We have stayed in the park and in West Yellowstone. In the park saves a lot of time. Traffic moves very slowly in the park. The speed limits are pretty low, and people are going slowly to look for wildlife and to enjoy the scenery. If the bison get on or near the road, traffic will come to a dead stop. Don't be in a hurry when driving in the park. It won't help. I would stay near Old Faithful if possible because it is centrally located. There is food and gas in the park. Y...
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip from KC to Bozeman
Replies: 41
Views: 2928

Re: Trip from KC to Bozeman

Hi We are flying into KC beginning of June and planning an 11 day trip to drive through Nebraska to Sioux Falls, Mt Rushmore and end in Bozeman. Looking for any recommendations and ideas because we are totally unfamiliar with area. Is the drive difficult? I believe a lot of it is flat and my wife hates mountain roads. Also how difficult will it be to see some of Yellowstone around June 15. We are not in our early 70’s and walk a lot but not interested in hikes. Thanks. Are you just driving via Sioux Falls or spending time there? My thoughts: Make sure you have your senior NP pass. You can stop at Mitchell to view Corn Palace, it's a 15-20 minute photo stop. There are also a bunch of restaurants in that area. My kids always want Culver's. R...
by Random Musings
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip from KC to Bozeman
Replies: 41
Views: 2928

Re: Trip from KC to Bozeman

In the Black Hills area, visit Mount Rushmore at night. Consider visiting Custer State Park, one of the best state parks in the country. Can take the wildlife loop which is flat, but the Needles Highway is a favorite of mine. Sylvan Lake is at one end, you can at least take a stroll on the left side and return back to the parking lot. Flat as a pancake. If you take the full loop, there is a some minor elevation changes at the back. I really enjoyed my visit to Custer State Park, especiallly the burros. You can get out of your car and go right up to them. https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/blog/2018-09-13/special-friends-custer-state-parks-begging-burros-beckon-you-back-slobber-and-all We took Iron Mountain Rd from Custer to Mt Rushmore and...
by Random Musings
Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip from KC to Bozeman
Replies: 41
Views: 2928

Re: Trip from KC to Bozeman

Hi We are flying into KC beginning of June and planning an 11 day trip to drive through Nebraska to Sioux Falls, Mt Rushmore and end in Bozeman. Looking for any recommendations and ideas because we are totally unfamiliar with area. Is the drive difficult? I believe a lot of it is flat and my wife hates mountain roads. Also how difficult will it be to see some of Yellowstone around June 15. We are not in our early 70’s and walk a lot but not interested in hikes. Thanks. Are you just driving via Sioux Falls or spending time there? My thoughts: Make sure you have your senior NP pass. You can stop at Mitchell to view Corn Palace, it's a 15-20 minute photo stop. There are also a bunch of restaurants in that area. My kids always want Culver's. R...
by Random Musings
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Replies: 372
Views: 36471

Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

This retirement announcement seemed to come out of the blue. With no immediate CEO replacement, makes me feel the Board wanted him out. If that's the case, can't argue with that decision, except for the fact it took too long. An uninspiring CEO, to say the least.

RM
by Random Musings
Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12278

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

illumination wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:51 am I've literally heard about homeless people being gifted timeshares as a loophole in unususual situations where you just can't "quit" one.
Like that one.

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?
Replies: 312
Views: 30005

Re: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?

KlangFool wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 9:08 pm
Random Musings wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:50 pm

Humans are flawed creatures.
Random Musings,

I disagreed. Humans are perfect as per human beings. The flawed is in assuming human beings as something else. Wrong expectation is the problem.

KlangFool
I'm not being a misanthrope. I can't argue that humans are "humans", and I firmly believe that most people are cooperative; and flaws are just part of being human. Therefore, there is no perfect human in my eyes, but that is more of a philosophical debate.

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "How much should I have in my 401k" article for various ages - thoughts?
Replies: 45
Views: 6376

Re: "How much should I have in my 401k" article for various ages - thoughts?

Most people, if they saved at the rate discussed in the article, would be in very good shape for retirement. This site is typically on the right tail on saving for retirement compared to the average American.

RM
by Random Musings
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?
Replies: 312
Views: 30005

Re: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?

RichIn7Years wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:15 pm The internet didn’t fundamentally change things, it just created new ways to process and distribute information. AI has the promise to fundamentally change everything and the ultimate goal is to create minds as good as or smarter than humans. I think AI has much loftier goals and a potential to achieve them. There is also a lot more money involved this time and the players are the most profitable companies in the world.
Let's just hope all their intentions are good. And if so, for all of society and not just for a limited subset of society.

I have my doubts. Humans are flawed creatures.

RM
by Random Musings
Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?
Replies: 312
Views: 30005

Re: Dot.Com Era/AI Era?

There are solid companies out there with great cash flows - perhaps a little bit overvalued.

However, some of those hyped stocks have very unreasonable multiples.

RM
by Random Musings
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4453

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

Your child will be moving out end of semester and will have nothing to do with her in the future.

Ultimately, the "cheating" will catch up with her in the future, unless critical thought will come down to spewing data from AI, which is at the mercy of programming which can contain bias.

The same thing will occur at work, where certain employees don't pull their weight but stay on due to various factors.

Move on, there is a risk of retaliation if the roommate finds out who reported her. And that could be a dangerous risk.

RM
by Random Musings
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can you do better than BND?
Replies: 278
Views: 35857

Re: Can you do better than BND?

To be clear, I'm not suggesting someone with a 30 year horizon put the entirety of their fixed income portion into a 30 year TIPS. Someone who targets an expense in 30 years likely has similar targets for each year leading up to that point, and any rung of that ladder could be tapped in case of an emergency that exceeds their emergency fund. I agree that exactly balancing interest rate risk with reinvestment risk isn't for all investors, but surely some amount of matching makes sense - I do not think long-term bonds should be avoided by default. I personally think LMP is overrated. I just don't need so much safety when I already have SS, it's a duration matching tool by design. Most people already have the rungs set for them by SS, how muc...
by Random Musings
Wed Feb 21, 2024 12:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Digital Advisor has "A proven track record with active"
Replies: 16
Views: 2378

Re: Vanguard Digital Advisor has "A proven track record with active"

Do they really benchmark correctly, taking into consideration market cap weighting and value/growth tilts or do they just approximate? Let alone dealing with style drift. I say no, just approximations.

And if used in taxable, actives are less tax efficient. Perhaps their programming tries to avoid that.

If I went this route, I would go index.

RM
by Random Musings
Wed Feb 21, 2024 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4802

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

AlwaysLearningMore wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:57 pm
Random Musings wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:55 am
AlwaysLearningMore wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:28 am
bob60014 wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:26 am
SevenBridgesRoad wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:21 am

But we use ours only at knight.

I won't be a pawn in this conversation.
Wow, you all live like royalty.
That's how is rolls when you live in a castle.

RM
Must be so cool when the local Bishop stops by.
It is! Last time, he was talking about the new church that was being built, but mentioned, en passant, that he just took up oil painting as a hobby.

RM
by Random Musings
Tue Feb 20, 2024 1:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Newbie friendly NPR article summarizing Swensen and Boglehead approach
Replies: 32
Views: 4371

Re: Newbie friendly NPR article summarizing Swensen and Boglehead approach

A straight-forward summary, seems close to an ideal read for newbies: https://www.npr.org/2018/12/12/676158680/your-cheat-sheet-for-smarter-investing Pretty significant error in the article: it lists the expense ratio for Vanguard total stock market fund at 0.14%. It's actually 0.04%. "Swensen said to buy a slice of the entire stock market using low-cost, broad-based index funds. The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund, for example, buys just about every U.S. public company for a very low annual fee of 0.14%." I guess journalism and proofreading ain't what it used to be. This article is from 2018. Expenses ratios have been slashed in recent years. OTOH, it appears that the number of authors per article has gone up in recent ye...
by Random Musings
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4802

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

AlwaysLearningMore wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:28 am
bob60014 wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:26 am
SevenBridgesRoad wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:21 am
Gort wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:13 am
SmileyFace wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:07 am

Was it purchased at a pawn shop? Maybe a place in Queens?
Czechmates is the king of refrigerators.
But we use ours only at knight.

I won't be a pawn in this conversation.
Wow, you all live like royalty.
That's how is rolls when you live in a castle.

RM
by Random Musings
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4802

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

livesoft wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:22 am
Random Musings wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:14 am Also have a chess freezer in the basement. With a family, the freezer upstairs does not have enough space and can also buy items when on sale.

RM
The freezer model is the Grandmaster, right?
No, as it opens in a unusual way, it's called the Bongcloud.

RM