Search found 88 matches

by matthylland
Sun Jan 18, 2015 4:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE bonds vs iBonds
Replies: 39
Views: 7423

Re: EE bonds vs iBonds

I will also vouch for EE bonds. Today the 30 year treasury bond is yielding 2.44%... you can get a 3.52% over 20 years with an EE bond ( 3.98% without considering taxes if you can use if for a qualified education expense).

I don't know you and your wife's situations, but As a 27 year old, almost positive the money will go to educational expenses...its hard to find a better, safer savings vehicle for after tax dollars
by matthylland
Sun Mar 23, 2014 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to start investing? Almost 28, 52k in bank, no debt...
Replies: 11
Views: 2664

Re: Where to start investing? Almost 28, 52k in bank, no deb

Welcome hunter. Nice job with the savings. 52k puts you well ahead others your age I am sure. Your questions: 1) Yes you are correct, in order to maximize your match, contribute at least 5%. Setting up your 401k and setting contributions at 5% (or higher obviously if you can) is very important because you are wasting the opportunity for free money (via your company's match) every paycheck. 2)Fidelity should have some great low cost options for you, but it depends what funds you have available to you. Get the account set up, and post back on here what funds are available to you. The simplest thing would be a lifecycle fund, which automatically invests in all sorts of stocks/bonds and even international stocks for you and adjusts the asset al...
by matthylland
Sun Mar 09, 2014 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How Are We Doing?
Replies: 10
Views: 1397

Re: How Are We Doing?

Out of curiosity, why such a low emergency fund? That seems way to low when you have 2 cars, a house, (kids?), etc. That is a lot of stuff that can break.

If it was me, my first priority would be to add at least $10,000 to that emergency fund, then go back to saving heavily for retirement and paying down debt.
by matthylland
Thu Mar 06, 2014 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 25 - Making sure I'm on the right track
Replies: 4
Views: 1187

Re: 25 - Making sure I'm on the right track

For 1) and 2) Its hard to answer questions on AA. I think a lot of people would say to someone who is 25 years old to be more in stocks (~80%+), but really that is up to you ultimately on what level of risk you can deal with. I would say that, in my opinion, if you really want to retire in 15-20 years you will need to most likely be in more stocks, save much more and be very lucky. Out of curiosity, how much money are you planning on needing to be able to retire at age 40? for 3) I think that is making the best use out of the funds available. In my opinion, you are doing just fine. What I really wanted to comment on was #4: Yes, you need 6 months in cash. Roth's and other investment accounts are able to be withdrawn from, but it should gene...
by matthylland
Wed Mar 05, 2014 7:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 27 and Risk Averse - Investment Options
Replies: 12
Views: 1516

Re: 27 and Risk Averse - Investment Options

Ok here is what I am having a hard time putting together... -"I'm Extremely Risk Adverse" -"I want to invest in stocks instead of mutual funds" -"I am young and can afford to make mistakes." You acknowledge that you are young and can afford a loss, but you are too risk adverse to be investing in the stock market, but you want to choose a much more risky investment of individual stocks rather than diversified mutual funds or ETFs. Please explain your situation a little better, because I guess I just don't understand what is holding you back. As far as real estate vs stocks. I am sure other here can speak to experience much more than myself. I have never been a property "investor", only own my house. Bu...
by matthylland
Tue Mar 04, 2014 6:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Much Do Individual Investors Underperform the Market?
Replies: 30
Views: 3618

Re: How Much Do Individual Investors Underperform the Market

JP Morgan reports over the last 20 years, the average annualized return for individual investors is 2.3% in their "Guide To The Markets" report. The chart I am looking at is on slide 65 here: https://www.jpmorganfunds.com/cm/Satell ... ityWrapper
by matthylland
Tue Feb 25, 2014 4:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to Get Data for Funds?
Replies: 2
Views: 417

Re: Where to Get Data for Funds?

Welcome/ This may require an extra step on your part, but it is better than nothing....and I really don't have any sources of vast historical return data....

What about just using something like yahoo finance's database of historical prices (for example: http://finance.yahoo.com/q/hp?s=VTSMX+Historical+Prices), selecting monthly prices and downloading that data into excel? From there, just use a simple formula to calculate the return. Should be able to get monthly returns for any fund you want then.
by matthylland
Mon Feb 24, 2014 6:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: historic returns by AA
Replies: 5
Views: 1134

Re: historic returns by AA

I have put together this calculator here: http://www.begintoinvest.com/historical-asset-allocation-calculator/ Its limited right now, the fixed start date keeps it too basic. I am brushing up on some dynamic charts/tables for excel and hopefully it will be much better in the near future. I can add cash returns pretty easily. I guess the return would be the opposite of inflation values. Would you think that seems fair? If inflation was 5%, the return on cash would be -5%, and so on? For now, it does have 3 month treasury bills on there, hopefully it wont skew results you are looking for too bad. If this is what you are looking for, let me know...give me a day or two and I'll add cash returns on there as well. That would be handy, don't know ...
by matthylland
Sat Feb 22, 2014 3:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dividend strategy popularity sowing seeds of disappointment
Replies: 10
Views: 2147

Re: Dividend strategy popularity sowing seeds of disappointm

mathyland First, a high dividend approach, or low p/d, is nothing more than a value strategy, which is a low price to some metric be it, p/e, p/cf or p/b. Clearly since we know that valuations predict future returns, lower prices relative to the metrics have monotonic relationships, then clearly the higher div strategy of SDY has now quite a bit lower expected returns, Second, yes VIG is more a growth strategy, also with poor expected returns given the high valuations. That was the point I was trying to make. The popularity of these strategies, for IMO illogical reasons which I'll be writing on shortly, just finished the piece today, has driven up valuations so they are now virtually doomed to relatively poor returns Larry The dividend yie...
by matthylland
Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Would you invest an emergency fund?
Replies: 30
Views: 4404

Re: Would you invest an emergency fund?

Would it be a bad idea, after a certain point, to have a minimal EF, and have a large retirement savings in Roth, 401k, and other areas? If an emergency would arise, money can be taken from a retirement account after paying tax, penalty or both, but over time would the earned interest make that a more acceptable transaction than simply keeping an EF in a bank? The one thing i hate about that is, for me, the most likely scenario of me needing an emergency fund would be losing a job and needing to be able to pay the bills. That is mostly likely to happen in a bad economy, which most likely means the stock market is down, which means I am selling at a low point. Which may mean taking a Significant loss. If you are really worried about it, kee...
by matthylland
Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dividend strategy popularity sowing seeds of disappointment
Replies: 10
Views: 2147

Re: Dividend strategy popularity sowing seeds of disappointm

I certainly agree with you on some of the "high yield" efts, which have attracted a ton of attention for the yield alone. But I think you pick a few bad examples and don't really prove a point. You compare a couple of regular "dividend" market efts to 2 value efts...of course the value ETFS are going to have a lower P/E, P/B etc than a value fund...that is their job, to find stocks that are cheap on those metrics. Can I write a hit piece on your value ETFS because they have lower earnings growth than growth companies? Or a hit price that it has underperformed those funds you list over the past 7 years or so? Of course not, you buy an index fund for the index it tracks. If you want to buy stocks cheap on a P/B metric, you...
by matthylland
Tue Feb 18, 2014 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Could use advice investing for the first time
Replies: 19
Views: 1962

Re: Could use advice investing for the first time

Sam, I posted this in another thread, but it seemed applicable here too: "Can you imagine how you would have performed over the past 50 years if your NEVER invested when the market was near an all time high. 50 years ago the S&P hit an all time high in the mid 80s. Of course, it was at an all time high, so it must have been a bad time to invest, right? The S&P is over 1800 today. Was it "expensive" at 85? How many all time highs has the market had over the past 50 years?" Being in your mid 30s means this money has at least 40 years to work, more than likely. Plus, you will be adding to it for the next 20 years or so, so what you are investing now will pale in comparison to 20-30 years of contributions. Once upon ...
by matthylland
Wed Feb 12, 2014 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 29-yr old starting to invest
Replies: 5
Views: 1000

Re: 29-yr old starting to invest

You can't really go wrong with a simple target date fund. Low cost, easy, no hassle investing.

As far as 3) .... Can you imagine how you would have performed over the past 50 years if your NEVER invested when the market was near an all time high. 50 years ago the S&P hit an all time high in the mid 80s. Of course, it was at an all time high, so it must have been a bad time to invest, right? The S&P is over 1800 today. Was it "expensive" at 85?

How many all time highs has the market had over the past 50 years?

You are 29 years old. This money you invest today will most likely still be in the market 50 years from now. Dont make the mistake of investing based on a short term outlook.
by matthylland
Sun Jan 05, 2014 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Good expense ratio savings calculator?
Replies: 14
Views: 17102

Re: Good expense ratio savings calculator?

happyisland wrote:Nice gadget, matthylland! I like the way you have the results displayed in costs - it's eye-catching. I'm going to forward this to a close friend who is financially indifferent to hopefully help him figure out that his managed investments are too expensive.
Thanks happyisland! Hope it can help steer him in the right direction. I just made it a few days ago, so I am not 100% sure if all the "bugs" are out of it. Let me know if you run into any problems with it.
by matthylland
Sun Jan 05, 2014 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Good expense ratio savings calculator?
Replies: 14
Views: 17102

Re: Good expense ratio savings calculator?

Hey nyinca,

I have made a little calculator on my website that does exactly what you are looking for I think, here: http://www.begintoinvest.com/expense-ratio-calculator/

It allows you to enter 2 different expense ratios, an initial contribution, additional annual contributions, set the return rate and the investment duration.

Let me know if it is not what you are looking for, hope it helps!
by matthylland
Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Emergency Fund Opinions Needed
Replies: 12
Views: 1428

Re: Emergency Fund Opinions Needed

CD ladder will get you slightly better returns. You will need to keep I bonds for a year....just keep that in mind.

But personally, I am willing to sacrifice a small amount of yield for a feeling of safety and some convenience that a checking account, or cash can provide.

Try a search on here. I know there have been some big discussions on this issue.
by matthylland
Sat Dec 31, 2011 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to Publish Electronically?
Replies: 20
Views: 1346

Re: How to Publish Electronically?

I believe Clark Howard was talking about this recently on his show.

I found this googling real quick.....he may have more on his site if you look

http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clarkho ... uide/nFbX/
by matthylland
Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Decision Paralysis re Short-term Investing
Replies: 6
Views: 852

Re: Decision Paralysis re Short-term Investing

In my personal opinion, because of the nature of possibly needing that money relatively quickly. I would think a money market/"high yield" savings maybe a better choice. Something that you can write a check against at a moments notice if you need to.

Any credit unions available to you? mine pays .8% for money market, which isn't bad after you consider what your effective yield on a CD may be after the penalty. i don't have any experience with an online high yield account... I am guessing they give checks for the accounts.

In the end, it seems like a very small difference in yield, and having your money outside of a CD seems (to me) less hassle for little cost.
by matthylland
Thu Dec 15, 2011 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage rates at all times lows
Replies: 67
Views: 8619

Re: Mortgage rates at all times lows

This cannot be sustainable given a current inflation rate of 3.53%. When you compare inflation to my after-tax effective interest rate of 2.26%, you've got to wonder how much longer rates can stay like this.
It can go on for a while...look at the history of interest rates in Japan. Low interest rates for a decade (and counting)
by matthylland
Sat Dec 03, 2011 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Easy to read finance book?
Replies: 11
Views: 1119

Re: Easy to read finance book?

The category of "financial books" is pretty vague, anything more specific? Monetary policy? Personal investing? Historical?
by matthylland
Sat Dec 03, 2011 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For those of you who tinker in stocks...
Replies: 8
Views: 924

Re: For those of you who tinker in stocks...

I use Excel to import data from yahoo/google finance and use some nifty conditional formatting and models.
Also just have some basic rules such as profitability, growth rates, positibe cash flow etc etc
by matthylland
Fri Dec 02, 2011 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Med student investing trust?
Replies: 24
Views: 2462

Re: Med student investing trust?

I think it would probably be best then to obey the parents and do a 50/50 split. 50% in a general stock index fund, the other 50% that your parents want you to keep as an emergency fund is in CDs/Ibonds/Money Market.
Count this in your overall AA as you age, and you can be a little more overweight stocks with "your money"(401k, IRA, etc) later in life that your parents don't have say over.

We are about the same age, personally I really like the idea of a good chunk of that money being somewhere like Cds/Ibonds/money market anyway. You have a big head start, capital preservation is important too.
by matthylland
Wed Nov 30, 2011 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Treasury Direct Payroll Savings Plan
Replies: 3
Views: 825

Re: Treasury Direct Payroll Savings Plan

I use it for automatic I-bond purchases. Set it up a little while ago, so don't remember exactly, but don't remember having any problems. Never had an issue with it in the slightest.
by matthylland
Wed Nov 30, 2011 5:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can Someone Suggest a Quality Politics/Economics Forum?
Replies: 16
Views: 2069

Re: Can Someone Suggest a Quality Politics/Economics Forum?

A couple of my favorites are:
pragcap.com
zerohedge.com
reading various articles on seekingalpha.com
by matthylland
Fri Nov 25, 2011 10:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: One Fund or ETF for a 20 something child in IRA?
Replies: 11
Views: 736

Re: One Fund or ETF for a 20 something child in IRA?

Any other info we should know? Is this your first investment of any kind? Any other investments at all?

With the limited info, I would say a 2050 target retirement fund.
by matthylland
Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Betting against
Replies: 19
Views: 1769

Re: Betting against

My advice to you would be that IF you are so confident about this to put your money somewhere safer, rather than risking it all betting things will go down.

To me, a much more rational response to your fear would be reducing your AA% in stocks into safer investments....CD's, bonds, etc etc. Rather than buying some inverse ETF, or put options and risk actually losing money.
by matthylland
Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I know... Don't try to time... But...
Replies: 35
Views: 4508

Re: I know... Don't try to time... But...

How about making several purchases over the next few months?

Personally, If I were in your boat I would feel the exact same, hell I second guess about just a normal bi-weekly contribution these days. But i figure that if everything drops, I'll buy in lower in a couple weeks...and so on and so on.

You could do something like that with this money. Each month put in 25% (or however much) and leave the rest in something else. I am not saying it is a perfect plan, but if you are scared to be invested, I don't think it is wrong to be "too conservative" for a few months while you build back your Asset Allocation in stocks.
by matthylland
Wed Nov 09, 2011 5:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: a what rates does borrowing money to invest make sense?
Replies: 51
Views: 3902

Re: a what rates does borrowing money to invest make sense?

Good timing, The Wall Street Journal today had an opinion piece "Should Young Investors Borrow to Buy Stocks?" http://blogs.wsj.com/totalreturn/2011/11/08/should-young-investors-borrow-to-buy-stocks/ The author makes some points that investors in their 20's should invest on margin in stocks. As a young 20's investor I have to say I would be scared to be on margin and won't be following this Yale professors advice. I really have learned to hate the "You can afford to lose money when your young, because you have time to make it back". I fell into that trap when I first opened up a trading account at 18. I had $5000 given to me by my grandparents. I am ashamed to say that almost all of that is gone because I was way, way to...
by matthylland
Wed Nov 09, 2011 4:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 12yo son's investing class at school driving me nuts
Replies: 46
Views: 10330

Re: 12yo son's investing class at school driving me nuts

Dougk,
I thought of this topic today as i saw GMCR is currently down ~32% in the after market tonight after releasing earnings.

Just another lesson for your son. All of a sudden -4% in SPY doesn't seem quite as bad.

Staying the course and sleep at night...might miss the GMCR upside once in a while. But you certainly miss the -33% days like today. I know some won't sleep well tonight.

Link incase other are interested in GMCR's earnings: http://seekingalpha.com/currents/post/100446
by matthylland
Mon Oct 24, 2011 4:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. Government considers new debt security
Replies: 24
Views: 3041

U.S. Government considers new debt security

Thought this article was a little interesting. Would you be interested in a floating rate treasury? I am wondering the impacts this would/could have on a boglehead portfolio. In contrast to normal fixed-rate Treasuries, which pay the same coupon throughout their lifespan, the payment to investors from floating-rate notes would go up or down as the Federal Reserve changed short-term interest rates. That could make them attractive to investors who think that Treasury yields have hit a floor and are set to rise in the coming years. “We think the case for diversifying the Treasury’s funding sources by introducing [floating rate notes] is very strong in light of the prospect of persistently large budget deficits in the years ahead,” said Lou Cra...
by matthylland
Sun Oct 23, 2011 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: GroupOn IPO
Replies: 42
Views: 4710

Re: GroupOn IPO

Personally, Any time I see a over hyped IPO like this, I know its time to get away. Linkedin (LNKD) is an example from earlier this year. It was so over hyped because it was the first IPO of any social media site. Shares went up to $120 that first day, and a month later were $60, then $100 again, then 80 again. Too wild of a ride for me. Pandora radio also has been on a roller coaster. That IPOed around $15 i think, and dropped to $8 after very little time. It has bounced back since, but how many people got scared seeing -50% and sold out? Groupon has been under some criticism over how it handles its books also, they were recording their revenue as the amount the get from selling all the groupons before sending the stores half the money. So...
by matthylland
Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any rock climbers here?
Replies: 12
Views: 1093

Re: Any rock climbers here?

I am no personal trainer, but I think you would want to be looking at doing body weight exercises with a high amount of reps. Body squats for legs, lots of pull ups and pushups for arms/back/forearms.
Maybe something you can bring to work would be something to improve your grip. I don't know what to call it, something that is hard to squeeze and you can do it all day at your desk to improve grip strength. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Cathe-Sta ... 008&sr=1-3

You will have a blast climbing. I moved to a big city last year from somewhere I was able to go climbing quite often and miss it. Great way to enjoy the outdoors
by matthylland
Thu Oct 20, 2011 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I giving correct advice for this situation?
Replies: 1
Views: 398

Am I giving correct advice for this situation?

My girlfriend has a relatively new job, and after building up savings and getting on her feet she is in a position to start saving. Though, her situation is a little different than the "usual" and I want to make sure you all would agree with the advice I have been giving her. She has a 401k with the company (with vanguard), the company does not do a traditional match to her contributions, instead it is based on the company's profit share which is given once per year. It amounts to a one time 10% contribution of her salary into the 401k and the rest as a bonus check (not in 401k, and taxed like income). The contribution from the company into the 401k is not based on her contributions at all. If she put in 0% every paycheck, she wou...
by matthylland
Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Alpine Dynamic Dividend Fund And Foreign Tax Credit
Replies: 2
Views: 376

I held that fund for a long time. It was the very first thing I bought when I was 18 and opened up an account at scottrade. In fact, I think my first post here where I asked about my portfolio includes ADVDX. It's gone now though.

I never had a Foreign Tax Credit when owning this fund.
by matthylland
Sun Oct 16, 2011 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Kindergardener's merit award [how to invest it]
Replies: 17
Views: 1640

I like the i-bond idea myself. Get a paper bond while you still can, so she can see it. I think it would be a good opportunity for a first lesson on saving and interest.
by matthylland
Sat Oct 15, 2011 4:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How are you doing YTD?
Replies: 68
Views: 6186

roughly -4% looking on mint.com....not including ibonds

that is 55% stock, 25%bond 20%cash
by matthylland
Sat Oct 15, 2011 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Poll: What percent of your investable assets are in Roths?
Replies: 57
Views: 4940

age 24 - 17%
by matthylland
Sat Oct 15, 2011 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How are TSPers planning to use the Roth option?
Replies: 21
Views: 2233

Waiting to see the details on it. Are there any out? I assumed it would be the same funds as in the TSP....Which isn't a bad thing, but there are a few other holdings I like to have, that makes a ROTH nice to have at a regular brokerage. Maybe a split between them both.
by matthylland
Sat Oct 15, 2011 7:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If you are buying individual stocks, what are you buying?
Replies: 15
Views: 1765

VOD and PX are the 2 stocks in my portfolio, along with some LEAP calls on a couple stocks and JPM preferred shares .

VOD. PX and the JPM preferreds (JPMpI) are the start of my dividend portfolio i am starting. Sounds like I am trying to get something like l2ridehd has....

A couple long term calls (jan 2013) on a couple small beat down biopharms and DRYS.

All that accounts for ~17% of my AA, the rest is very boglehead'ish'
by matthylland
Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Corporate Bond or LQD for my extra cash?
Replies: 3
Views: 934

What is this money for?
To me, money in a money market is there for a certain reason, I am willing to accept lower return for safety.

Look at LQD. On a 10 year chart I see a low price of ~$75 and a high price of ~120. That volatility is way too much for money I have in a money market account.

If you need that 100k to certainly be at least 100k in 5 years, LQD is not the way to go.


100k in a single company bond seems too risky as well, unless your net worth is something like $10,000,000+

Its boring, but something like a CD/CD ladder depending on what the money is for seems best to me.
by matthylland
Mon Oct 03, 2011 5:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to get rid of cable, but watch sports
Replies: 16
Views: 3876

I am in the same boat as you. Canceled everything, but was missing sports badly.

I canceled cable to save ~$60/month if i remember correct
To replace that I have
Hulu+ ($8/month)
Netflix streaming ($8/month)

espn3.com (free)...well need internet which is $35/month, but don't think that counts towards this.

And a 1 time $35 purchase for an HDTV antenna, which allows me to watch football on Sundays.
by matthylland
Sun Oct 02, 2011 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 28. Government Employee - Clueless, but would love to learn.
Replies: 40
Views: 5192

You are doing good with the 5% into your TSP, that is the amount you need to put in to get the full match. https://www.tsp.gov/planparticipation/eligibility/agencyContribution.gif Talk to your supervisor about signing up for the program to have the government help pay off your student loans. In my case (i am not sure if it differs from agency to agency) the amount you get per year is based on how many people apply. In my case it was "only" a couple thousand dollars a year because so many people applied. But, that is a couple thousand in "free" money, so take advantage! GS 12 you are making very good money, just be smart with it and you will be in great shape. My priorities if I were you would be: -5% in TSP -Get ~3months...
by matthylland
Sat Sep 24, 2011 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Shopping for a family SUV Round#2: Kia Sorento vs GMC Acadia
Replies: 16
Views: 3541

My parents recently bought a 2012 KIA sorento about a month ago. So far, they have nothing bad to say about it, except that maybe they should have bought the one with the turbo for a little more power.

I haven't driven it, but did check it out last time I was home a few weeks ago. It has a lot of really nice features, seems very decked out. Keyless entry/start, bluetooth, back up cam, heated and cooled leather seats, 2 sunroofs, etc etc. Really impressed.

They said it rides very nice, and doesn't at all feel "cheap". So far so good. Good warranty and financing also.
by matthylland
Sat Sep 24, 2011 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: APMEX - buying precious metals
Replies: 28
Views: 4312

Maybe this is too late to be helpful to the original poster...but I can also say only good things about APMEX, had 5 purchases from them over the last 4 years or so, and have no complaints.
by matthylland
Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any good water charities?
Replies: 14
Views: 1488

At a wine tasting event I was at there was a company called wine to water there. They sell wine and a portion the profits go to getting water to people who need it.

I am not sure it is as practical (or helpful) as just a check written to a charity, but in addition to that check, maybe next time you are buying wine give this brand a try.

Here is the organization's website (I have no affiliation, just passing it on): http://winetowater.org/

And there is a button to send a donation to the organization, without ordering the wine.

just another option...
by matthylland
Sun Sep 18, 2011 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Investor Portfolio Questions
Replies: 20
Views: 4449

What funds are available for you in your 401k? Then we can have a better idea of what to tell you to do.

Also, with emergency funds in your vanguard account...how easily accessible is that? To me, invested in a Vanguard account that means 1 day to sell, a day for the funds to settle, and a day to get the money into your bank account (if doing it electronically, otherwise ~3days to get check in the mail). That's fine for a portion of your e-fund, but personally I like having my emergency funds more accessible. Maybe your account is set up different than what i am thinking.

I agree with the poster before me, those ER are too high! Hopefully we can find you some better choices in your 401k.
by matthylland
Sat Sep 17, 2011 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Depleting e-funds to buy I-bonds?
Replies: 6
Views: 1024

thechoson wrote:
natureexplorer wrote:Great idea, just make sure you understand that you have to wait 1 year before you can redeeem I Bonds.
This isn't sarcasm, is it? :D

Most of the internet forums I hang around on, if someone starts a message with "great idea", it's usually sarcastic.
I can't speak for him, but I don't think it was sarcastic. Seems like a good idea to me.
You are going to have a few years until all that cash is going to be finally into the roth....so might as well get that into something else. just be sure you have enough cash for the next year in liquid investments just in case.
by matthylland
Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is portfolio too conservative?
Replies: 28
Views: 4435

elgaeb051,
I am not a professional money manager by any means...but I see nothing wrong with that AA given your age and unemployed status. I would not be calling you too conservative with that.
by matthylland
Thu Sep 15, 2011 6:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIP Funds - Short Duration or Intermediate?
Replies: 8
Views: 1926

Only my opinion, But if I had 200k that needed to be put into TIPS I would use treasury direct and stay in the short duration bonds.

Nothing scientific in my reasoning, I just don't see the risk of buying a 30year bond worth it at 3% interest. Sure you may make out better for a few years, hell even a decade....but why not just ladder shorter term bonds and not worry about it?

You will be protected against inflation at any duration, and if you need better return, diversify a little into something else.
by matthylland
Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Beer
Replies: 1071
Views: 202995

I brew my own! Maybe just a touch cheaper than buying at the store, but even if it ends up costing a little more, I love it.