Search found 4105 matches

by Levett
Sun Dec 03, 2017 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066938

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing. Dark Humor. Redemptive. Grotesque. Coen Bros. on steroids. (Frances McDormand is married to Joel Coen) :-)

It's no accident that a young man at the beginning of the film is reading Flannery O'Connor. ;-)

A memorable film!

Lev
by Levett
Thu Nov 30, 2017 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rational Optimism for Global Stock Returns?
Replies: 21
Views: 2809

Re: Rational Optimism for Global Stock Returns?

The view of Barry Ritholtz: "It is also why I have repeatedly argued that it isn’t the valuation of markets that is so important, but rather, which direction earnings ratios are moving. 4 When we look at the sources of market gains, earnings improvements are often a much smaller factor than multiple expansion. By my estimates, three-quarters of the gains of the 1982-2000 bull market may be attributable to rising price-to-earnings ratios. At the start of that bull market, the S&P 500 earnings in inflation-adjusted dollars for the year were $31.72 as of Dec 31, 1982; 18 years later, at the end of the bull market, they had more than doubled to 70.39. 5 But during the same period of time, the broad indexes gained 1,000 percent. The P/E...
by Levett
Tue Nov 28, 2017 8:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack Bogle Says ‘Avoid Bitcoin Like the Plague’
Replies: 324
Views: 48715

Re: Jack Bogle Says ‘Avoid Bitcoin Like the Plague’

Yes, I am an old person.

Been there; done that. :wink:

Lev
by Levett
Tue Nov 28, 2017 4:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack Bogle Says ‘Avoid Bitcoin Like the Plague’
Replies: 324
Views: 48715

Re: Jack Bogle Says ‘Avoid Bitcoin Like the Plague’

In his appearance, Mr. Bogle commented on a great deal more than just Bitcoin--comments wholly consistent with his wonderful book, The Battle for the Soul of Capitalism.

Lev
by Levett
Sun Nov 26, 2017 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The fallacy of spending money on "experiences" vs hard assets
Replies: 336
Views: 28626

Re: The fallacy of spending money on "experiences" vs hard assets

UpperNwGuy asks the pertinent question, in my view:

"Why is this an either/or question?"

The question I ask myself (and have asked for much of my adult life) is: "Am I living the life I wish to live?"

Happily, for most of my life the answer has been "yes." 8-)

Lev
by Levett
Wed Nov 22, 2017 4:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Got $1 million to retire? Here’s how long it will last, by U.S. state"
Replies: 54
Views: 17105

Re: "Got $1 million to retire? Here’s how long it will last, by U.S. state"

The important variables (assuming $1 million at 65 ) are where you live, what you spend, longevity , and how you allocate assets (including pensions, annuities, and Social security). Those with pensions (especially with COLA) have an immediate advantage.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Nov 15, 2017 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Regrets after reaching retirement?
Replies: 42
Views: 6842

Re: Regrets after reaching retirement?

Start with assessing who you are--what you expect of yourself and life.

You are just 30 years old. The odds are on your side that you will have plenty of time to weigh these questions.

I agree with others that you don't want to lead a life weighed down by regret.

It sounds like you have a sensible mentor.

Lev
by Levett
Sat Nov 11, 2017 2:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: David Blanchett: Liability Driven Investing Misapplied
Replies: 17
Views: 3442

Re: David Blanchett: Liability Driven Investing Misapplied

Really regrettable comments, Taylor.

In logic, you have committed the most basic error: argumentum ad hominem.

Read on: http://philosophy.lander.edu/logic/person.html

Lev
by Levett
Sat Nov 04, 2017 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Retirement Make You Lazier?
Replies: 87
Views: 10964

Re: Does Retirement Make You Lazier?

Joke:

Spouse to retired spouse: "What are you going to do today?"

Retired spouse responds: "Nothing."

Spouse replies: "You did that yesterday."

Retired spouse retorts: "I didn't finish!"

:D

Lev
by Levett
Sat Nov 04, 2017 5:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CREF VarAnty funds vs TIAA Access TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds
Replies: 12
Views: 3045

Re: CREF VarAnty funds vs TIAA Access TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds

A number of us old-timers used a version of jalbert's mix of options 3 & 4: namely, 75% (or 70%) CREF Stock, 15 (or 20%) Traditional, 10% Real Estate.

Of course, we eased off as we approached retirement (but that's way in the distance for your son and SO).

Really quite simple and effective in the long run.

I wish your son and SO satisfying careers.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Nov 01, 2017 4:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robert Prechter, Elliott Wave theorist, Fox Business today
Replies: 24
Views: 3400

Re: Robert Prechter, Elliott Wave theorist, Fox Business today

Years ago Barron's referred to it as the "idiot Wave."

Lev
by Levett
Tue Oct 31, 2017 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA policy regarding "clicking on email links" ?
Replies: 16
Views: 1523

Re: TIAA policy regarding "clicking on email links" ?

Is there not a local TIAA office and/or wealth manager with whom you could do the paperwork? I, too, take RMD's from TIAA, as I'm sure others who post here do. Alternatively, since this is your first RMD, why not do it from within your account--e.g., the pdf is placed in your account and you fill out the paperwork. For spousal signature (guaranteed), I have used a TIAA office which has notaries. Hope it all works out. Lev P.S. I note that you have posted the following: " What we'd expect was a way to "get" this form by logging in to our accounts, using regular methods, and "once in", then to find a form to fill in or download." Exactly. It's not impossible. I have done it repeatedly. The forms show up in the se...
by Levett
Sun Oct 29, 2017 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2017 Bogleheads Conference - Annuities: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Replies: 18
Views: 4050

Re: 2017 Bogleheads Conference - Annuities: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

I don't see any citations re the title (perhaps they exist somewhere), but the title has been used before and deserves some form of acknowledgment:

e.g., https://www.forbes.com/sites/feeonlypla ... 17e4067990

Further, I regret the co-authors pass by TIAA (a rare "participating annuity"), as in many cases (mine included) TIAA can be a great deal for participants who have built up "vintages."

YMMV.

Lev
by Levett
Sun Oct 29, 2017 4:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTs- "Why Bonds aren't Boring Right Now"- Bogle commentary
Replies: 11
Views: 2871

Re: NYTs- "Why Bonds aren't Boring Right Now"- Bogle commentary

Bogle's best reminder:

"Prudent people should temper their expectations."

Always the best advice--for those who place a high value on being prudent.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 25, 2017 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should you rebalance when you’re in your seventies?
Replies: 25
Views: 3919

Re: Should you rebalance when you’re in your seventies?

"I have about a third of my investments in stocks, with the rest in bonds. My pension covers my basic needs, and my bonds should be more than enough to see me through to the end of my days. Given this, is there any reason to rebalance into stocks during the next bear market?"

In my mid-70s here. Other than legacy (mental accounting on my part ;-)) , I can't think of a compelling reason.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 25, 2017 6:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA traditional -- How did they do that and What's the catch?
Replies: 31
Views: 4343

Re: TIAA traditional -- How did they do that and What's the catch?

jjustice wrote:

"By the way, I share in your mystification about how Traditional does so well in the low-interest environment. It is a mystery--but one that makes me happy."

I can solve some of the mystery.

Read carefully paragraph 3 of the link below. Nuveen's (higher) expense ratios flow to the General Account's bottom line, and we Traditional annuitants (and other participants with sticky versions of Traditional)--so dependent on the General Account--are the beneficiaries.

https://www.nuveen.com/Home/Documents/D ... leId=63986

It's not a secret, but it seems to have escaped notice, even though Roger Ferguson has called attention to it on occasion.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA traditional -- How did they do that and What's the catch?
Replies: 31
Views: 4343

Re: TIAA traditional -- How did they do that and What's the catch?

Beardsworth,

Your level-headedness is much appreciated.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bogle: Vanguard's size a worry
Replies: 21
Views: 5441

Re: Bogle: Vanguard's size a worry

Mr. Bogle said:

"I just don't think it's worthwhile, hyping and trying to bring in more and more money."

I couldn't agree more.

Spend some money on higher quality service.

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 23, 2017 6:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA Trouble [NY Times: TIAA pushes clients to high fee products]
Replies: 50
Views: 8941

Re: TIAA Trouble [NY Times: TIAA pushes clients to high fee products]

How shocking that a financial institution might wish to refine a rule it principally supports! Here's Ferguson in June of 2016: http://www.thinkadvisor.com/2016/06/23/tiaas-ferguson-breaks-with-rivals-to-support-obama?migration=1&slreturn=1508801703 Let's face it: among some, TIAA is the RCO (Repugnant Cultural Other). As I previously said, I have used both companies for many years. Neither company is the fount of Virtue. However, I am amused by how quickly some Bogleheads dismiss the view of their esteemed leader--JB. Read again: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/retirement/20160525_Vanguard_s_Bogle_lauds_new_fiduciary-duty_standard_for_retirement_advice.html Lev P.S. Fidelity is front page news in today's Wall Street Journal, and ...
by Levett
Mon Oct 23, 2017 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FIL Stage 4 Cancer - Next steps
Replies: 28
Views: 4599

Re: FIL Stage 4 Cancer - Next steps

Don't just get educated on estate planning. Get educated on stage 4 Melanoma. Your FIL is alive.

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 23, 2017 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: what is your weekly workout routine?
Replies: 123
Views: 16366

Re: what is your weekly workout routine?

75 yo. Lifting (3 days weekly), stretching and aerobic (6 days a week). 45-60 minutes each session. And single malt scotch at 5 p.m. :D

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 23, 2017 4:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA Trouble [NY Times: TIAA pushes clients to high fee products]
Replies: 50
Views: 8941

Re: TIAA Trouble [NY Times: TIAA pushes clients to high fee products]

As Ferguson points out, TIAA supported the fiduciary rule.

"Contrary to the false assertion in the New York Times article, we were one of the few financial firms to support the fiduciary rule. This support included testimony to the Department of Labor and seven letters of support to the department. We've proven a firm can be successful while putting clients first."

Vanguard opposed it, but John Bogle did not:

http://www.etf.com/sections/features-an ... nopaging=1

http://www.investmentnews.com/article/2 ... ry-rule-is

Oh, dear. ;-)

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 23, 2017 3:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIAA Trouble [NY Times: TIAA pushes clients to high fee products]
Replies: 50
Views: 8941

Re: TIAA Trouble [NY Times: TIAA pushes clients to high fee products]

Yep. It's there for those who wish to listen.

I've been with TIAA for nearly 50 years, and with Vanguard for 35 years.

They both work fine for me.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 18, 2017 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how long did it take to get used to retirement
Replies: 105
Views: 17813

Re: how long did it take to get used to retirement

"Do the best you can do, and then when you are through with it, don't try to live it again."

Do this and you won't have to "get used to it." You will be ready, willing and able from day one.

Who am I quoting (with complete agreement)? Sparky Anderson. :beer

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 18, 2017 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare change upcoming - preauthorization for imaging tests
Replies: 13
Views: 3966

Re: Medicare change upcoming - preauthorization for imaging tests

The following link from a cardiology website provides more specific detail on how the PA process will work in 2018.

https://www.dicardiology.com/article/cm ... ing-orders

Lev
by Levett
Tue Oct 17, 2017 6:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30th Anniversary of October 19, 1987 stock market crash
Replies: 36
Views: 4949

Re: 30th Anniversary of October 19, 1987 stock market crash

"but I'll let you old folks tell me about being invested in 1987."

Heckuva day, says this 75 year-old.

Was at a meeting in Ann Arbor, MI, and my partner and I were returning home along Main Street from a meeting when he looked up at the Schwab ticker and muttered, "That can't be true."

What could I say other than "It must be?"

It's was quite a ride home. :(

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 09, 2017 10:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: And the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences goes to [Richard Thaler]
Replies: 99
Views: 14317

Re: And the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences goes to [Richard Thaler]

It is so well-deserved.

The iconoclasm of Misbehavior is both instructive and delightful.

Here's a link to the Bloomberg announcement accompanied by a typically sardonic interview.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... mics-prize

Lev
by Levett
Fri Oct 06, 2017 6:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I'm thinking about cashing completely out of equites....
Replies: 75
Views: 11771

Re: I'm thinking about cashing completely out of equites....

"to completely liquidate ones exposure to risk"

There are many kinds of "risk," and some can't be simply "liquidated."

Good luck.

Lev
by Levett
Fri Oct 06, 2017 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Selling burial plots in Alabama
Replies: 14
Views: 2944

Re: Selling burial plots in Alabama

Americans are increasingly choosing cremation.

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 04, 2017 6:26 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog)
Replies: 94
Views: 22890

Re: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog's Experience)

I second Fallible, Jim.

Your post is a "gem."

Lev
by Levett
Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Senior citizens can lose everything [to professional guardians via court rulings]
Replies: 120
Views: 17998

Re: Senior citizens can lose everything [to professional guardians via court rulings]

Here's a local case that appears in today's morning paper.

It's the headline of the Lansing State Journal. I hope folks can get past the firewall.

There is a lot detail.

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/stor ... 712704001/

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 02, 2017 6:43 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog)
Replies: 94
Views: 22890

Re: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog's Experience)

17 years for me, Jim (July 2000).

But you go it (mostly) right:

"And, when you do retire, relax and have fun, exercise and eat well to stay healthy, invest conservatively, spend frugally, share your good fortune with others, and then you know you have done it right."

Sometimes, I have found, reward exceeds frugal--within limits. ;-)

Long life!

Lev
by Levett
Mon Oct 02, 2017 6:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Future of Active vs Index Investing
Replies: 33
Views: 4197

Re: The Future of Active vs Index Investing

What has Vanguard said? https://vanguardadvisorsblog.com/2017/04/25/why-active-vs-passive-is-the-wrong-debate/ Costs, costs, and costs Despite a seismic shift out of actively managed investments and into index funds, the whole active versus passive debate misses the point. The simple fact is, investors can succeed using both actively and passively managed funds. At the end of the day, your clients’ long-term investment success will rise or fall largely as a result of one piece of your investment strategy: costs. In an era in which returns are expected to fall short of their historical averages, costs have never been more important. Our research has shown that what investors pay for the investments they own, whether they be active or passive...
by Levett
Sat Sep 30, 2017 5:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bloomberg: Smart Beta Debate Sparks Identity Crisis at Vanguard
Replies: 15
Views: 4194

Re: Bloomberg: Smart Beta Debate Sparks Identity Crisis at Vanguard

"Vanguard says it was always a question of semantics."

It often is. ;-)

Lev
by Levett
Thu Sep 28, 2017 4:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Likelihood of a crash and lump sum investing
Replies: 32
Views: 4884

Re: Likelihood of a crash and lump sum investing

The OP wrote:

"I've only recently started to learn more about investing and economics."

Respectfully, hold off and learn more until you have some idea why you wish to invest and for how long.

It's your money, and you have to own your own decisions.

Lev
by Levett
Mon Sep 25, 2017 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lifestyle Creep
Replies: 142
Views: 17796

Re: Lifestyle Creep

Poker 27 wrote:

"Nearly all aspects of my life have crept up with my income level. I mean what is the point of making more $ if you are not going to enjoy it?"

Yes. It ain't creep; it's reward. 8-)

That's the point.

Lev
by Levett
Sun Sep 24, 2017 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lifestyle Creep
Replies: 142
Views: 17796

Re: Lifestyle Creep

Is "lifestyle creep" when you reward yourself with stuff/things/experiences you can't afford?

If so, I have avoided "creep." :wink:

Lev
by Levett
Fri Sep 22, 2017 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Age you retired
Replies: 112
Views: 13926

Re: Age you retired

Old Guy wrote:

"I now do as little as possible."

That's it: the way of Epicurus.

Retired at 58 (17 years ago) and I mean r eeeee t i r e d. ;-)

Lev
by Levett
Tue Sep 19, 2017 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling out the not so rich bogleheads
Replies: 233
Views: 39193

Re: Calling out the not so rich bogleheads

What Lady Geek observed about the "survey":

"Remember that this survey is only from those who choose to participate. We've got 41,760 members to date. Compare that to the total number participating.

There's also no way to verify the information supplied."
(posted 2 January 2015, 2:40pm).

Take the survey with a massive grain of sea salt. ;-)

Lev
by Levett
Tue Sep 19, 2017 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling out the not so rich bogleheads
Replies: 233
Views: 39193

Re: Calling out the not so rich bogleheads

Yes. It went sideways from the first response.

Too bad: it could have been productive with a little more openness.

Most of us weren't born on third base, as the saying goes.

I wish the OP all the best.

Lev
by Levett
Mon Sep 04, 2017 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2018 Subaru Outback
Replies: 65
Views: 16719

Re: 2018 Subaru Outback

I have a 2016 Outback (fourth Subie I have owned). Fits my lifestyle, as well. I don't leave home without it! :happy

Lev
by Levett
Mon Sep 04, 2017 4:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is the "safe, safe" withdrawal rate?
Replies: 38
Views: 6606

Re: What is the "safe, safe" withdrawal rate?

stlutz,

Take a look at Jim Otar's essay, "Lifelong Retirement Income: How to Quantify and Eliminate Luck." The essay appears in the book, Retirement Income Redesigned, edited by Evensky and Katz.

Of course, if you have the time and inclination you can wade through his book, Unveiling the Retirement Myth.

Lev
by Levett
Sun Sep 03, 2017 11:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LTCI Experience
Replies: 16
Views: 2652

Re: LTCI Experience

neilpilot,

Thank you for your realistic perspective. It often gets lost in the sauce.

Further, I hope my wife and I don't have to use our LTCI policies, but what has been previously noted about TIAA/MetLife and JH squares with the experience of friends and acquaintances in our community.

Lev
by Levett
Fri Sep 01, 2017 11:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Stock Market Is Always Risky
Replies: 42
Views: 4831

Re: The Stock Market Is Always Risky

As Mark Twain wrote:

"October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.” ;-)

Lev
by Levett
Tue Aug 29, 2017 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What does Medicare REALLY Cost Wealthy Seniors
Replies: 24
Views: 3748

Re: What does Medicare REALLY Cost Wealthy Seniors

On the issue of physicians who accept assignment to Medicare, see the following survey:

http://www.kff.org/medicare/issue-brief ... -snapshot/

Lev
by Levett
Fri Aug 25, 2017 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement anxiety- emotionally and financially
Replies: 55
Views: 9937

Re: Retirement anxiety- emotionally and financially

I'm glad to see some focus on your emotional well-being.

Being anxious about retirement is one thing. Going into retirement feeling disappointed and depressed is quite another.

Some effective counseling can go a long way.

I sincerely wish you and your wife the best.

Lev