Search found 168 matches

by FlyHi
Wed Mar 27, 2013 10:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to take money from [Purchasing a co-op, down payment]
Replies: 4
Views: 730

Re: Where to take money from [Purchasing a co-op, down payme

Johm,

None of them are over balanced. I think the CDs & IBonds will have the smallest tax consequences.
by FlyHi
Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to take money from [Purchasing a co-op, down payment]
Replies: 4
Views: 730

Where to take money from [Purchasing a co-op, down payment]

I am about to buy a co-op and will have to put 20% down. I would like to know which of the following 3 I should withdraw the money from:

1. CDs (I would have to cash in half of my CDs)
2. I Bonds
3. Mutual Funds.

Any advice would be appreciated.-
by FlyHi
Wed Mar 27, 2013 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Report
Replies: 1
Views: 406

Credit Report

Where would I get a copy of my credit report?
by FlyHi
Sun Nov 04, 2012 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is the best place to buy airline tickets to Houston?
Replies: 12
Views: 1926

What is the best place to buy airline tickets to Houston?

I am going to Houston next week and I'd like to know which is the best (price & reliability) web site to buy the tickets from.
by FlyHi
Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 8: Are you upgrading?
Replies: 67
Views: 7240

Re: Windows 8: Are you upgrading?

Windows 7 gives me everything I need so there is no reason to buy Windows 8.
by FlyHi
Tue Oct 23, 2012 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put $20k
Replies: 6
Views: 1793

Where to put $20k

My partner is 67, retired with no debt or mortgage. She easily lives off of her pension & SS and has more than enough set aside for emergencies. Her 30/70 portfolio consists of:

CD Ladder: 22@

VG Tgt Retirment Inc (VTNX): 30%

VG Wellesley Adm (VWIAX): 48%

This week she will receive over $20,000 from a CD that has come due I am looking for advice on which fund to put it into. Since I believe she should increases her equity ownership I was thinking of Wellengton.
by FlyHi
Mon Oct 01, 2012 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use Social Media?
Replies: 45
Views: 4193

Re: Do you use Social Media?

Showing German Shepherds is my hobby so when I wanted to buy one in May I joined FB to get onto the German Shepherd groups there. I have never twittered and hope I never have to.
by FlyHi
Mon Sep 10, 2012 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most reliable used vehicles?
Replies: 50
Views: 9242

Re: Most reliable used vehicles?

I had over 100,000 miles on my 2000 Camry (bought new) when I traded it in 2010 for a 2008 Toyota Sienna. The only reason I got rid of the Camry was because I needed a mini-van. I paid $15,000 (paid cash) for the Sienna which had about 50,000 miles on it. I am a Toyota fan.
by FlyHi
Thu Aug 30, 2012 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: % of your money in cash : bank deposit
Replies: 35
Views: 6532

Re: % of your money in cash : bank deposit

About 20 % in cash & equivalents. 7% in checking/savings. 9% in CD ladder. 4% in IBonds.
by FlyHi
Wed Aug 29, 2012 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: current best cash back credit card?
Replies: 55
Views: 12474

Re: current best cash back credit card?

I use the Capital One cash rewards credit card. It gives:
$100 bonus for joining
1% cash back on all purchases
50% bonus on cash back every year

Since I do my regular banking at Capital One I can just transfer money from my checking amount to pay the credit card bill.
by FlyHi
Tue Aug 21, 2012 2:58 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: We need a new forum just for retirement issues
Replies: 143
Views: 23100

Re: We need a new forum just for retirement issues

PaddyMac wrote:+1 for subtopic on retirement issues. I do view all topics but when researching threads after being offline for a few weeks, it would be nice to focus on my main interest.

OP might enjoy the Early Retirement forum.
I agree with both of PaddyMac's statements. I often research older threads and having a separate sub-forum for retirement would make that job easier.

I belong to the Early Retirement forum and I get some god information there!
by FlyHi
Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1560693

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

The Art of Intelligence (Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service) by Henry A. Crump
by FlyHi
Mon Jul 23, 2012 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My dog has to go to the hospital
Replies: 39
Views: 5524

Re: My dog has to go to the hospital

Petrocelli,

My sincere apologies on your loss. I am dealing with a 12 1/2 year old Corgi who has many medical problems and she just started to refuse her regular food so we are hand feeding her chicken, I'm sure this is nature's way of telling us her days are numbered. If you don't have another dog (or pet) I suggest you get a dog right away to ease the pain.
by FlyHi
Sun Jul 22, 2012 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My dog has to go to the hospital
Replies: 39
Views: 5524

Re: My dog has to go to the hospital

Since we have 5 dogs & 6 cats we were able to get a 10% discount from our vet. When I asked the vet to give me written persciptions so that I could order meds on line he asked for the web site's address and he matched their prices.

Good luck!
by FlyHi
Fri Jul 20, 2012 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Adopting an adult dog
Replies: 42
Views: 8231

Re: Adopting an adult dog

I am a former German Shepherd breeder & exhibitor. I recently bought an 11 month old male shepherd show dog. My partner is on the board of a Greyhound rescue club. Between us we have 5 adult dogs: 2 4 year old Greyhounds, 1 5 year old Chiuahua, 1 German shepherd Dog and a 12 1/2 year old Corgi. As a dog owner you should be able to ge a good sense of the dog when you go to see him. You can then determine if the dog is "submissive" or "shy". A GSD should not be submissive. The following is quoted from the German Sheepherd Dog standard: "Temperament The breed has a distinct personality marked by direct and fearless, but not hostile, expression, self-confidence and a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to im...
by FlyHi
Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do Bogleheads buy nice suits?
Replies: 87
Views: 12026

Re: Do Bogleheads buy nice suits?

When I retired in 2003 I stopped wearing suits, slacks, sport jackets & ties. I did keep 3 ties. Since then I lost about 15 lobs so I gave away the suits, jackets & dress shirts. If I ever have to attend an event where a suit or sport jacket is required I will buy one but until then it's Levis, shorts, tees & tank tops.
by FlyHi
Fri Jul 13, 2012 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellesley Income Fund
Replies: 29
Views: 14485

Re: Wellesley Income Fund

Wasn't the makeup of the Target Retirement Fund changed last year? If so, you really can't compare the long term past performance of this fund against that of Wellesley!
by FlyHi
Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Gone Fishin Portfolio
Replies: 9
Views: 3901

Re: Gone Fishin Portfolio

My "Gone Fishin Portfolio":

10% - CDs
4 % - IBonds
13% - VG Tgt Retirment Income (VTINX)
54% - VG Welleseley Adm (VWIAX
19% Yachtman Service (YACKX)

Sonce I don't fish this is my "Gone Reading Portfolio."
by FlyHi
Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Question for the Retired
Replies: 49
Views: 7193

Re: Question for the Retired

I retired in 2003 at age 65. My AA has decreased from 45/55 to 35/65 since then. I have no mortgage or debts and live on my pensions & social security. My emergency funds are in 2 savings accounts (1 pays 3%), a CD Ladder & I Bonds. I invest for total return and not for yield. Although I don't have a huge portfolio I feel that (without any major catastrophies) I have enough money to last my lifetime.
by FlyHi
Sat Jul 07, 2012 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is Treasury Direct so bad that I should no longer….
Replies: 39
Views: 7714

Re: Is Treasury Direct so bad that I should no longer….

I converted my paper IBonds but I can't find the accrued interest for them on the TD website. E-mailing TD did me no good as they just send me cookie cutter instructions that don't answer my problem. Does anyone out there know how I can find the accrued interest?

To the OP - don't get me wrong I still am buying IBonds every year.
by FlyHi
Wed Jun 27, 2012 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellesley Income Fund
Replies: 29
Views: 14485

Re: Wellesley Income Fund

I am a 73 year old retiree, I recently changed my 40/60 AA to:

10% CDs
5% I Bonds
12% VG Tgt Retirement Income
54% VG Wellesley Adm
18% Yachtman

I once considered using Wellesley as my only fund but was uncomfortable having all of my eggs in one basket. I feel that the 3 funds I am using give me the diveristy I am comfortable with.
by FlyHi
Mon Jun 25, 2012 12:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Mature Bogelheads: What did you wish you knew at 18 or 25?
Replies: 88
Views: 11384

Re: Mature Bogelheads: What did you wish you knew at 18 or 2

gkaplan wrote:
Those tattoos are going to looks pretty silly in a few years.
I agree; however, nearly everyone else probably will have a tattoo, so they might not look that silly.
I got my tatts when I was in my 60's and they still look pretty damned good!
by FlyHi
Sun Jun 24, 2012 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 10 Brands That Will Disappear in 2013
Replies: 19
Views: 5129

Re: 10 Brands That Will Disappear in 2013

nisiprius"]Are we talking about brands or about companies?

Something like Schwinn Bicycles is less clear. I'd say though that the brand has not disappeared, although the company surely has. But does the brand mean the same thing it used to?

According to Wikipedia Schwinn was owned by a member of the Schwinn family until 1997, it is now owned by Nautilus Inc the fitness equipment company.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwinn_Bicycle_Company

I recently bought 2 bikes and among the ones recommended to me by the bike store was Schwinn
by FlyHi
Sun Jun 24, 2012 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: portable air conditioner
Replies: 23
Views: 4143

Re: portable air conditioner

We have two portable A/Cs, an Amana and a Soleus and they both do the job.
by FlyHi
Sun Jun 24, 2012 11:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Mature Bogelheads: What did you wish you knew at 18 or 25?
Replies: 88
Views: 11384

Re: Mature Bogelheads: What did you wish you knew at 18 or 2

Don't get married young!

Wait until you grow up up before having children!

Take school seriously and go to college!
by FlyHi
Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a bike
Replies: 69
Views: 10609

Re: Buying a bike

Dieharder,

My partner and I haven't ridden bikes in about 40 years but we decided it was time to get our hearts pumping. We will use the bikes in the same way that you described. Our local bike store has a great reputation so we went by their advice. I bought us a man's and woman's Raleigh Venture (Comfort Bike) for $320 each. If the temperature ever drops below 90 we might even be able to ride them.
by FlyHi
Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying First Appliances [Stacked Washer/Dryer + Fridge].
Replies: 26
Views: 4036

Re: Buying First Appliances [Stacked Washer/Dryer + Fridge].

I had a Bosch stacked washer/dryer. Stay away from this brand, nothing but trouble.
by FlyHi
Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1560693

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished In One Person by John Irving, the best book I've read in a long time. A must read!
by FlyHi
Tue Jun 12, 2012 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: TV show recommendations?
Replies: 606
Views: 247646

Re: What is your favorite TV show?

Mad Men
by FlyHi
Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anti-Spyware & Anti-Virus Program
Replies: 34
Views: 4124

Re: Anti-Spyware & Anti-Virus Program

I downloaded both Malwarebytes & Microsoft Security Essentials on both mine and my partner's computers and they both have been running much slower since then.
by FlyHi
Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exchanging VTIAX for VFWAX question
Replies: 8
Views: 1343

Re: Exchanging VTIAX for VFWAX question

Are you changing your AA? VWIAX is 4% Non-U.S. stock and 60% bonds while VFWAX is 96.5% non-U.S. stocks, this is an apples to oranges exchange!
by FlyHi
Sun May 27, 2012 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: On growing old
Replies: 71
Views: 11984

Re: On growing old

I never felt old until recently when I realized I don't bounce back from upsetting emotional incidents the way I used to. I've had various sorts of physical problems since I was in my 20's but I accept them as part of who I am since none are debilitating. My father died when I was 10 followed 6 months later by the only one of my grandfathers that was alive. I realized then that you never know when your time is up. You can say I will live every day as if it is my last but you really just live every day as you normally would. My wife died 2 1/2 years ago and I bounced back quickly as her death was expected and not a shock. My family has lived into their 90's so at age 73 (if I inherited the right genes) I have some years to go. I recently bou...
by FlyHi
Sun May 27, 2012 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anti-Spyware & Anti-Virus Program
Replies: 34
Views: 4124

Anti-Spyware & Anti-Virus Program

Does anyone know of a good Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware program (free or otherwise).
by FlyHi
Tue May 22, 2012 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Dog - Life and Death Decision (update)
Replies: 36
Views: 3857

Re: My Dog - Life and Death Decision

We adopted a 3 year old Wheaten Terrier who developed allergies. We had scratch tests taken and they were sent to a lab in CA. He was allergic to wheat, red meat, certain grasses and other things that I don't recall. We put him on a non-wheat & meat diet. Two months ago I had to put Max to sleep at age 13, he died of old age.
by FlyHi
Mon May 21, 2012 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Wellesley or Target Retirement? Similar AA; Different Styles
Replies: 40
Views: 6934

Re: Wellesley or Target Retirement? Similar AA; Different St

I have set my retired partner's AA to be:

29% CDs
27@ VTINX
44% VWIAX

As the CDs mature I put the money into the two funds with an ultimate plan of 38% VTINX 62% VWIAX
by FlyHi
Mon Apr 30, 2012 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When do you allow yourself to buy a "Want"
Replies: 57
Views: 5228

Re: When do you allow yourself to buy a "Want"

I have no needs or wants, at least until now. I decided (at age 73) to buy a show dog. Used to own them back in the late 70's. I have the money so that's no problem.
by FlyHi
Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Shiller: No housing recovery for a generation
Replies: 80
Views: 9177

Re: Shiller: No housing recovery for a generation

According to Barclay's there are from 1.0-1.5 million homes in foreclosure. In 2011 that number shrunk by 8.3. In addition there are 4.6 million homes that are at least 90 days overdue on their mortgages. Considering the state of the economy and the unemployment problem in this country Shiller may not be so far off.
by FlyHi
Sun Apr 22, 2012 8:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If you could hold only one fund, which one would it be?
Replies: 49
Views: 6661

Re: If you could hold only one fund, which one would it be?

Target Retirement Income - VTINX or Wellesley Admiral - VWIAX. My partner's portfolio consists of these 2 funds.
by FlyHi
Fri Apr 13, 2012 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Buy I-Bond now or wait for new rates
Replies: 5
Views: 989

Re: Buy I-Bond now or wait for new rates

I also bought them this week!
by FlyHi
Tue Apr 10, 2012 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Toyota Sienna Offer - 0% or $1000 back
Replies: 10
Views: 1720

Re: Toyota Sienna Offer - 0% or $1000 back

You can save even more money by geting a 2-3 year old used Sienna. In 2010 I bought a 2008 and I've had no problems with it.
by FlyHi
Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [POLL] If you gamble, what do/did you play?
Replies: 42
Views: 3744

Re: [POLL] If you gamble, what do/did you play?

I have never been much of a gambler since my poker playing days as a kid. I have played penney a point double deck pinochle. When I traveled to the Orient I went into the casinos to pass the time and I always played blackjack. My wife and I went Vega about 20 years ago. I sat next to her whlle she played slots and I put some money into the machine. I went up to bd and she stayed on the machine until she lost her money.

A new racino , they only have, machines, just opened nearby and I plan to treat my son to a night out there.

I guess when I spend my money I want something tangible for it like a guaranteed to win mutual fund. :shock:
by FlyHi
Wed Apr 04, 2012 12:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real Return Poll
Replies: 66
Views: 5377

Re: Real Return Poll

I say 5% but I really am only concerned that I don't lose money on my investments. . I am 73, retired and living off of my pensions & SS. I am single living with a partner in a house that is paid for.The only hig expense I anticipate would be a car in about 10 years. Since that will probably be my last one I intended to buy one that I really want rather than one that is practical and I will pay cash for it. I don't have an expensive life style so my living expenses are low. Last year my living expenses exceded my plan by $2,000 only because one of my sons was out of work aa nd neded some assistance. I have a large emergency fund but as my CDs come due I put most of the money into I Bonds, short term bond fund or Wellesley. So without an...
by FlyHi
Tue Mar 27, 2012 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 Fund Portfolio -VWIAX
Replies: 10
Views: 2506

Re: 1 Fund Portfolio -VWIAX

dbr wrote:
FlyHi wrote:I am not so sure I would say a fund that is 40% stocks is "very conservative." Well, actually it is not very conservative; it is a 3 on a scale of 5 by Vanguard's own risk system. Target Retirement Income is a 2 at 30% stocks. I don't think you get to a 1 with any amount of stocks. That doesn't mean investing only in bonds is a good idea. There are more hazards to investing than volatility, which is what Vanguard is measuring.
The thing that I don't like about VTINX is that it has 25% invested in Prime Money Mkt & the TIPS fund.
by FlyHi
Tue Mar 27, 2012 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 Fund Portfolio -VWIAX
Replies: 10
Views: 2506

Re: 1 Fund Portfolio -VWIAX

Thanks for all of the replies. I dodn't mean to say that Wellesley was the only way to go and I welcome any suggestions as to other funds to use. The person (my partner) that this investment is for is 66, lives off of her pension & SS, has not debts and her house is paid for. She has one year's income in savings.

I am trying to make her portfolio as simple as possible since she has no interest in getting involved with it.
by FlyHi
Tue Mar 27, 2012 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 Fund Portfolio -VWIAX
Replies: 10
Views: 2506

1 Fund Portfolio -VWIAX

For a very conservative investor who doesn't want to be bothered taking care of a portfolio does it make sense to own only Wellesley (VWIAX)? In a comparison I did Wellesley has out performed the 3 fund Portfolio/VG LifeStrategy Consrv Gro Inv (VSCGX) & VG Tgt Retirement Income Inv (VTINX) on a 3/5/10 year basis.
by FlyHi
Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Your asset allocation, and why?
Replies: 46
Views: 6666

Re: Your asset allocation, and why?

Age 73, retired, want capital preservation and only interested in total return.

Cash 12% (CD Ladder)
Bonds 53% (I Bonds/Wellesley/TCW Core Fixed Income/VG Short Term Bond Indx Adm/Weitz/Short-Interm. Inc)
Stocks 35% (Wellesley/Yacktman/Oakmark Int'l)
by FlyHi
Wed Mar 21, 2012 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Observations with Amazon Prime
Replies: 47
Views: 6577

Re: Observations with Amazon Prime

I buy items from Amazon quite often (not a Prime member) and I get very fast delivery. Remember items (other then books) are not shipped from Amazon they are shipped from the manufacturer or wholesaler.
by FlyHi
Fri Mar 16, 2012 1:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the ER of your Equity Portfolio now?
Replies: 55
Views: 4924

Re: What is the ER of your Equity Portfolio now?

Total is 0.43%. If I am figuring correctly equity is 0.60%/bonds 0.38%. Out of 6 funds one bond fund is from VG + I own Wellesley Adm.

I wonder how the E/Rs relate to total returns.