Search found 451 matches

by staustin
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When should I start changing my stock and bond ratios?
Replies: 40
Views: 6258

Re: When should I start changing my stock and bond ratios?

We implemented Bernstein's recommendation of 20 / 25X in safe assets, the balance in a risk portfolio. That's translated into a very conservative allocation but we're comfortable with it.
by staustin
Tue Nov 28, 2023 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switching from bond funds to individual bonds - timing does not matter?
Replies: 68
Views: 6950

Re: Switching from bond funds to individual bonds - timing does not matter?

Interesting discussion. I'm considering tax loss harvesting a bond fund and working with Schwab to build an individual ladder. My only hesitancy is the point raised earlier about management should something happen to me. The DW would not be in a position to continue to maintain the ladder.
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

You’re probably fine. I retired at about the same age with similar assets. You will need to understand your spending though, and your kids will need to understand that they’re now adults, responsible for their own lives, and you can’t afford to keep doing the $20k here and $40k there thing with them. Agreed. And my I ask how long you've been retired? No regrets? 7 years. Absolutely no regrets. The first couple of years, persistently concerned about finances. Should I have worked another couple of years? Are we spending too much? And so on. Eventually, I realized that I wasn’t going to go back to work, so things are what they are, the finances seemed to be okay, and that settled down. My situation is a little different, since my wife was al...
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

quantAndHold wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:53 am You’re probably fine. I retired at about the same age with similar assets. You will need to understand your spending though, and your kids will need to understand that they’re now adults, responsible for their own lives, and you can’t afford to keep doing the $20k here and $40k there thing with them.
Agreed. And my I ask how long you've been retired? No regrets?
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

Our estimate of expenses was just that, rough estimate. I think you can retire and be fine, but I suggest your next step should be exploring what your current (and anticipated) expenses are. I've been weenying out on this; downloading all my checking account and credit card transaction for a year and importing them into a spreadsheet. Looking at the prices of automobiles; which models would interest me and how many years I would expect to keep them. What a long-term estimate for home maintance would be (perhaps 1-2% of the appraised value/year?). Property taxes, insurances. Telecommunications (cell, internet, cable). Funding for trips I would enjoy taking. What health insurance would cost before and after I qualify for medicaid, and IRMAA ...
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

So your wife is going to continue working and earning $78K (not 78m as stated in post) per year, presumably with health insurance benefits? Seems a common theme these days that husband is going to quit a high paying job and wife is going to continue working lower paid job. No judgements, just an observation that's hard to miss in these threads. Maybe rather than never working again you could figure out a way to earn some part time income to avoid withdrawals for another 5-10 years to lower risk (and eventually give some gifts and leave more to heirs if that is an objective). You are probably fine, but if you expect you and your wife will live long lives you might want more buffer. All comments and input appreciated. Yes, 78,000. Golden han...
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

OP, I don't believe that your expense estimate of 80K to 100K per year is accurate. With your income level at 35% marginal tax rate, it is unlikely that your annual expense is 80K to 100K per year. KlangFool Why would you say this? May be less likely in Boglehead-world, but to say you don't believe it? The average US household spends $65-$72k per year, depending on the source of information. He spends 20-40% more than the average US household. At 55 with $2.6M ($3.2M with home equity) saved, they haven't regularly been saving 50%+ of an income taxed at 35%. As such, they may be overestimating how much less they will spend as the kids become independent by hoping to spend $100k or less. It is definitely something OP needs to scrutinize. Cle...
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

flyingaway wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:02 am Do you like your work? If not, do you have something to retire to? If yes, then do it.

Financially, you are on the borderline. However, you can retire if you really want to, because your spouse will be working, which beats the best withdrawal strategy. In a few years, your spouse can ask the same retirement question. At that time, it will be much more clear.
I despise it.. extreme burnout
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 8:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

So your wife is going to continue working and earning $78K (not 78m as stated in post) per year, presumably with health insurance benefits? Seems a common theme these days that husband is going to quit a high paying job and wife is going to continue working lower paid job. No judgements, just an observation that's hard to miss in these threads. Maybe rather than never working again you could figure out a way to earn some part time income to avoid withdrawals for another 5-10 years to lower risk (and eventually give some gifts and leave more to heirs if that is an objective). You are probably fine, but if you expect you and your wife will live long lives you might want more buffer. All comments and input appreciated. Yes, 78,000. Golden han...
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

KlangFool wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:16 am OP,

I don't believe that your expense estimate of 80K to 100K per year is accurate. With your income level at 35% marginal tax rate, it is unlikely that your annual expense is 80K to 100K per year.

1) What is your gross household income?

2) What is your annual savings and investment?

3) What is your taxes?

Gross income = Annual Expense + annual savings + Taxes

Please use this formula to verify your annual expense.

KlangFool
I suppose I stated this incorrectly. Our current income is 400+. Our income going forward will be my wife's salary and income from the portfolio. Our estimate of expenses was just that, rough estimate.
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

Have you included lumpy expenses (roofs, Rennovations, tuition, weddings, dental, medical,) in your annual spending estimates? I’d go for it. I retired in similar situation at age 50 but went back to work at age 53 as I was a little bored and the money never hurts, I went back to my old job for 6 more years until 60 and almost doubled my 401K. That has made retirement spending easier to manage duh (imagine that). I’d leave myself an out if possible in case you want to go back to work for yourself or money. Can you take a leave of absence or go part time. My boss let me go part-time when I retired the last time. Large mega Corp and I didn’t know it was an option. Congrats on your savings and retirement prep! Thank you for your comments and ...
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

FiveK wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 1:56 am Any pensions in the picture?

Social Security PIAs for each of you (in other words, what SS benefits would you each get if the lower earner started at age 62 and the higher earner at age 70)?
No pension. Thank you for pointing out ssa. $2,500 monthly if early, $3,650 full.
by staustin
Thu Oct 12, 2023 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Re: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

It looks like you excluded your $233,000 in cash from your investment total. Cash is an investment, albeit a lower earning one. To answer your question, yes, if your lower end of your stated expenses ($80,000) would provide you a suitable retirement lifestyle then you should have enough to call it a career. If you push the higher end of your range then you’re going to have to really pay attention and perhaps cut spending. That said, the longer your wife works, the better your chances. Someone here recently called that SpouseFIRE since she’ll allow your investments to mostly be left untouched as long as she’s willing and able to earn income. Conclusion? The math is pretty easy. A 4% withdraw rate on $2,500,000 is $100,000 and your numbers l...
by staustin
Wed Oct 11, 2023 11:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?
Replies: 37
Views: 4083

Another retirement thread - would you be comfortable?

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc] Emergency funds / cash $223 Debt: No debt, house paid off (House is worth a bit over 650 but no plans to move short term) Tax Rate: 35% this year federal, 0 state. High income earner one last year State of Residence: Texas Age: me / her both 55 Taxable / including emergency total $1,345 Combined taxable retirement accounts (401k, traditional IRAs, small 403b total: $1,275 Total: $2,620 investments. No debt, one car 10 years old 95k miles a second car 4 years old 50k miles. No Roth conversions to date due to high tax backet For at least the next few years wife intends to work. Salary 78m Expenses 80 to 100 Two grown children, one a senior in college planning on a 2-3 years graduat...
by staustin
Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buying Mazdas? They are on the car lots
Replies: 153
Views: 21761

Re: Anyone buying Mazdas? They are on the car lots

Perhaps a lemon, but our last experience with a Mazda wasn't a good one. We own Subaru's and Toyota's.
by staustin
Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723931

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Currently reading David Brooks The Road to Character and Religion and Nothingness by Keiji Nishitani. The latter, in particular, I have found fascinating.
by staustin
Wed Jul 05, 2023 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Aldi supermarket?
Replies: 106
Views: 11293

Re: Aldi supermarket?

Personally a big fan of the Aldi business model; two frugal brothers operating small stores, reduced hours, private brands, meats purchased through regional suppliers, not charging for shelf space, focus on sustainable sources etc. we're happy to buy staple items from them.
by staustin
Tue Jul 04, 2023 9:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What allocation did you or are you going into retirement with and why
Replies: 87
Views: 8807

Re: What allocation did you or are you going into retirement with and why

55 this september.. planning on retiring in the next six months, wife will continue to work (same age).

no debt, simple lifestyle, currently 35% equities, moving towards 30/70. In today's interest rate environment, dividends and interest payments will likely be such that we won't draw down the principal. it works for us.
by staustin
Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What does this mean? "Fed will flood the market"
Replies: 23
Views: 2890

Re: What does this mean? "Fed will flood the market"

The FED doesn't issue securities, they buy them or sell ones they hold (bought previously). What is it with that they are going to "flood the market"? I am going to guess you misread the article. The Treasury will flood the market with new issue Treasury bonds. They haven’t been able to issue what they wanted due to the debt ceiling. Now they have to make up for lost time. correct. flooding the market with new issuances to fund the deficit. and the larger concern is the impact of these continuing large debt issuances on overal liquidity levels in a market where money supply is decreasing / slowing (which ultimately impacts the economy and equity prices). reuters i believe recently had an analysis article estimating the impact of ...
by staustin
Sun Jul 02, 2023 10:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32860

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

I think the difficulty of sticking with a large equity allocation might also become more difficult overtime as the total size of the portfolio grows, for most people. I've seen some data from studies that claim the average investor in the S&P500 only earns a fraction of the return of the S&P500 over that same time frame. From personal experience, I didn't flinch in 2008 because at the time my portfolio was tiny. In 2020, I still stuck with our allocation, but with our investment portfolio being 20x what it was in 2008 it was not not fun at the time. There were days when the daily portfolio change in value was more than our annual gross income. I can only imagine how much more difficult a similar situation would be 10 years from now...
by staustin
Thu Jun 29, 2023 9:29 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Help with FIRE Europe Plan
Replies: 42
Views: 5429

Re: Help with FIRE Europe Plan

Fascinating thread. valuethinker's contributions to the board in general and this subject in particular are amazing..

the DW has always romanticized about a european retirement, specifically Spain. We've visited numerous times. But, as others have noted, we don't speak the language. And, after about 10 days, with the exception of England (which i dearly love) the novelty begins to fade and i find myself ready to return.

Perhaps those that are currently retired abroad could further reply to this person as to their experiences thus far.

again, these threads are so fascinating and appreciated.
by staustin
Wed Jun 28, 2023 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do you read / watch the financial news? Daily? Never?
Replies: 109
Views: 6988

Re: Do you read / watch the financial news? Daily? Never?

I find this thread most interesting. I'm now determined to limit my consumption of financial news and most news in general. I don't act on news but I check Bloomberg almost hourly. Once again appreciating the wisdom found daily on this site.
by staustin
Sun Jun 25, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iphone vs Android
Replies: 181
Views: 11125

Re: Iphone vs Android

Years ago switched to a Motorola Android phone and never looked back. Much prefer it to my prior iPhones - both the phone itself and the android operating system. Swiping from the side to return to the prior screen has become addictive.. The rest of my family have iphones. I'll use of them periodically and, each time, reminded how much I enjoy my moto. Android operating system is excellent.
by staustin
Tue May 30, 2023 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you do on holidays/ time off?
Replies: 87
Views: 7671

Re: What do you do on holidays/ time off?

I use my vacations exclusively to travel, almost always abroad. I like being active and seeing the world. I enjoy planning the itinerary, finding hotels/airbnbs in the best places, checking out restaurants at which we might want to eat, figure out the various ways to get around, what to explore while there. Just opening the map of a city I have not been to gets me all excited. The anticipation of the trip is already part of the trip for me :) While finding the best flight connections can be a bit of a chore I do it as early as I can, so it doesn't matter if I start searching for flights and then give up for that day; the next time am usually successful (our itineraries are often multi-city with somewhat flexible dates so there are so many ...
by staustin
Tue May 30, 2023 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you do on holidays/ time off?
Replies: 87
Views: 7671

Re: What do you do on holidays/ time off?

Vacations have historically been a time to rest / recharge for my wife and I; a trip to the mountains to hike, golf, read a book, sit in nature. Recently, as we're getting older, we're attempting to check off a few international trips. This year it's Italy. I have to say, as with others, the entire planning process has left me mentally drained / exhausted, to the point that i'm no longer looking forward to it. Starting next year, it's back to driving to the mountains.
by staustin
Sun Apr 02, 2023 9:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: This month's "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast is an enlightening conversation with Dr. Daniel Crosby
Replies: 8
Views: 2205

Re: This month's "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast is an enlightening conversation with Dr. Daniel Crosby

I found the 'media diet ' very interesting as well as the Dr's description of evolutionary behavior and it's impact on decision making.

An interesting discussion , very appreciative!
by staustin
Fri Mar 10, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]
Replies: 2482
Views: 214049

Re: Silicon Valley Bank

insured deposits have been transferred to a new entity controlled by the fdic called Deposit Insurance National Bank of Santa Clara. Uninsured deposits are to be determined per fdic.
by staustin
Fri Mar 10, 2023 7:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Bank failure discussion mega-thread]
Replies: 2482
Views: 214049

Re: Bank stress from bond holdings - SVB

SVB specialized in venture capital / tech related loans which has come under severe strain. The run started when Peter Thiel and the like instructed their portfolio companies to withdraw cash / move to larger institutions after the silvergate failure. Bank was forced to sell bonds to meet cash drain requirements. The run gains momentum resulting in Bank announcing it needs to raise 2 billion immediately or risk not being able to continue.

This issue was more specific to tech market conditions / bank loan portfolio to unprofitable tech venture companies and not bond portfolio.
by staustin
Sun Mar 05, 2023 7:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MUST LISTEN "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast with financial historian Edward Chancellor
Replies: 165
Views: 23145

Re: MUST LISTEN "Bogleheads on Investing" podcast with financial historian Edward Chancellor

have very much enjoyed all the podcasts to this point. and, do always enjoy any kind of historically framed discussion. as such, this one is on my list for the commute tomorrow. thank you for hosting and publishing such an excellent program.
by staustin
Mon Feb 27, 2023 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 15 year old to europe - cash options
Replies: 80
Views: 6957

Re: 15 year old to europe - cash options

Consider a wise debit card. It can be linked to apple pay

https://wise.com/us/card/

And a no fee credit card as an emergency backup.
by staustin
Sun Feb 26, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attempting self imposed $500 annual discretionary spending challenge
Replies: 235
Views: 20178

Re: Attempting self imposed $500 annual discretionary spending challenge

[Inappropriate comment removed. Moderator Pops1860]

i'll be curious to track your progress!
by staustin
Sun Feb 26, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The job was okay. The money was nice. But you retired anyway. How did it go?
Replies: 173
Views: 25448

Re: The job was okay. The money was nice. But you retired anyway. How did it go?

Hubby retired at 59, and it took a good 2 years for his brain to accept that “retired” was his new identity (I was still working.) Once it kicked in, he loved it. He has many hobbies/activities to fill his time, both physically and intellectually. He’s going on 8 years of retirement now and never looks back with regret. I’m 11 years younger and worked until Jan 2021. Retired then at 53 and took to it like a duck to water. Loved all the free time and my various hobbies more than kept me busy. Then, after moving to a new state, I foolishly thought I wanted a part-time job for socializing and to get me out of the house. That lasted 5 months and I knew 2 months in it was a bad idea to go back to work (search my posts for more details.) I only ...
by staustin
Sun Feb 26, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Financial advisors - pros & cons
Replies: 41
Views: 4588

Re: Financial advisors - pros & cons

I've never contemplated the thought of an asset manager until just recently; experienced a sudden, weeek long health issue. The DW is not involved in the planning and would be completely lost, though I've tried often to discuss with her.
by staustin
Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082005

Re: Share your net worth progression

something north of 3, though we don't specifically track. This year was significant in that we funded two kids in college, helped an older child with a home purchase (the downpayment) and purchased a starter car for another child who graduated in december. we also took two significant vacations.
by staustin
Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: did you beat the index in 2022?
Replies: 50
Views: 6730

Re: did you beat the index in 2022?

entered the year with bond portion all short term, 20% cash position, the rest in equities. Down 7% for the year.

More lucky than smart as we're in the process of moving our portfolio towards retirement construction.
by staustin
Wed Dec 28, 2022 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab Treasury Ladder question
Replies: 3
Views: 538

Re: Schwab Treasury Ladder question

your question is probably best directed to the schwab bond desk, through either a call or chat. its impossible to answer without more detail on the individual instruments in your ladder.

https://www.schwab.com/fixed-income/pricing
by staustin
Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flight attendant travel tips
Replies: 193
Views: 22969

Re: Flight attendant travel tips

Some have reported that they never check baggage, even though they may away on weeks-long trips. How is this possible? There is simply not enough room in my roll-aboard to fit my athletic shoes, etc., along with daily diverse clothing required to keep me warm and/or cool. Are you folks who are away for three week trips without checked bags washing your undies in the sink nightly, or reusing them until you get ugly looks in the office? :) Seriously, how do you do it? I'm one of these people. I usually travel with a single, normal sized backpack. Once in a while I'll take a rolling carry-on bag, but it's rare. This is just my preference; I've traveled in the distant past with checked bags, but after doing what I do now, I have no desire to g...
by staustin
Wed Dec 28, 2022 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flight attendant travel tips
Replies: 193
Views: 22969

Re: Flight attendant travel tips

I was a 50%-75% business traveller for about a decade. I would echo these two most discussed: --Never fly Southwest. It is just not conducive to stress free travel for a lot of reasons. --Never check bags. It is just not necessary. Like others, I have done three week excursions in Asia with a carry-on and a nice backpack. Agree, always take the first early flight. Mostly business flyers who know how to travel take the earliest flight. Agree, get the app. Bottom line is you want to travel as much as you can with professional travelers. Not the amateur families who are lugging non-wheeled luggage, show up at 9am cuz 6am is too early, and try to chance a Good Samaritan is going to give up their seat so their family to be together. Get an assi...
by staustin
Thu Dec 01, 2022 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: lincoln 403b mult-fund variable annuity
Replies: 3
Views: 389

Re: lincoln 403b mult-fund variable annuity

Most insightful and helpful! Sincere thanks.
by staustin
Wed Nov 30, 2022 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: lincoln 403b mult-fund variable annuity
Replies: 3
Views: 389

lincoln 403b mult-fund variable annuity

A simplistic question perhaps.. my wife's employer, a local private school, is in the process of converting their retirement plan to a 403b variable annuity through lincoln financial. she's probably 5 years from retirement. the prospectus details fees, more fees and excessive surrender charges. interestingly though, the school is offering a match up to 4%. As i read the prospectus, the balance post 59.5 can be rolled.

My inclination is simply to avoid and make tax deductible contributions to her Vanguard IRA instead. Wisdom / Insight into such a vehicle appreciated.
by staustin
Tue Nov 22, 2022 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 151237

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

nothing to contribute, commenting only to say how i do love these type threads!

2014 infinit q50 with 88k miles today. in 5 to 10 years i'll report back to this thread
by staustin
Fri Oct 07, 2022 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto Insurance: worth it self-insure?
Replies: 44
Views: 4049

Re: Auto Insurance: worth it self-insure?

I wouldn't skip physical damage insurance I would just use a higher deductible which will save you a lot. I carry $1,000 physical damage deductibles but you can have them at $5,000 if you want. Comp and Collision is not expensive vs. replacing an entire car. This has been another insightful bogleheads discussion. As for us, we pay cash for all our vehicles and are fine with dents and dings as well. The wife and I ultimately decided to maintain full coverage on all our vehicles, but increase all deductibles to 5,000. Two of our vehicles are still relatively new and lower mileage. We added uninsured motorists after twice having been incurred damage by another party that was uninsured. We view most all insurance now as catastrophic only.
by staustin
Tue Oct 04, 2022 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to get tires? (Disappointed with Costco Tire Center)
Replies: 142
Views: 20708

Re: Best place to get tires? (Disappointed with Costco Tire Center)

Gort wrote: Sun Sep 25, 2022 12:36 pm
staustin wrote: Sat Sep 24, 2022 11:33 pmTirerack
Tirerack is owned by Discount Tire.
had no idea!
by staustin
Tue Oct 04, 2022 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: United Airlines flyers (or cc holders): Mileage Plus still valuable?
Replies: 32
Views: 3421

Re: United Airlines flyers (or cc holders): Mileage Plus still valuable?

We've maintained a Chase United Explorer card with a related Mileage Plus account and have found it useful. We use it for hotels and restaurants given the extra points. United also awards us 2 united club passes annually, free checked bags and a fee offset for tsa etc. Am Ex cash back for everything else. This past summer we used points for two domestic trips and also to upgrade into business class for a european trip next summer. No doubt prices are up but overall we've found it to be useful as part of our larger CC strategy. United is convenient to destinations from our home.

In isolation, i don't think it'd be particularly valuable.
by staustin
Fri Sep 23, 2022 10:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: At this HIGH LEVEL of interest rate, home prices must come down!
Replies: 72
Views: 7566

Re: At this HIGH LEVEL of interest rate, home prices must come down!

Powell agrees with you. He said the following this past Wednesday:

“For the longer term what we need is supply and demand to get better aligned, so that housing prices go up at a reasonable level, at a reasonable pace, and that people can afford houses again,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday. “We probably in the housing market have to go through a correction to get back to that place. From a sort of business cycle standpoint, this difficult correction should put the housing market back into better balance.”
by staustin
Fri Sep 23, 2022 12:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: POLL: Peak to Bottom S&P 500 [percentage] Drop ?
Replies: 38
Views: 3391

Re: POLL: Peak to Bottom S&P 500 % Drop ?

Reasonable to think equity prices will continue to drop until such time as the fed hiking cycle ends, the dust settles, and there's an understanding of where the economy stands, resulting p/e ratio's. Powell seems intent on putting economy in the deep freeze so we'll see.. i'd venture a 45 to 50% drop as a total guess.
by staustin
Fri Sep 23, 2022 10:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Really Bad Day - 09/13/2022
Replies: 141
Views: 24317

Re: Really Bad Day - 09/13/2022

Abalyon wrote: Fri Sep 23, 2022 9:57 am Russell 2k back to pre-COVID levels. Great time average in to small caps, especially with a strong dollar. Dow less than 2% away as of now. SPY is about 10% away. Yeah, it's getting ugly.
These days are the reminders about only allocated $'s to equities for which an investor is comfortable being down 50% for a decade. We may test that thesis over the next 5 to 10 years.
by staustin
Thu Sep 22, 2022 8:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [60 year old - anxiety over market downturn]
Replies: 181
Views: 22188

Re: 60 year old professional anxiety

After suffering through 2008, and thanks to the work of the good Dr. Bernstein, we have an asset allocation that allows for restful sleep.

The era of zero interest rates and qe ending has and will continue to impact asset prices.
by staustin
Wed Sep 14, 2022 6:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IS it time to buy long term bonds?
Replies: 146
Views: 12992

Re: IS it time to buy long term bonds?

JayB wrote: Tue Sep 13, 2022 8:02 pm It's a wonderful time to buy and hold to maturity zero coupon 20 year Treasury bonds. At around 4%, the YTM hasn't been this good in many years. I'm buying, and have liabilities to match at maturity.

Very much agree with this statement.