Search found 307 matches

by lwfitzge
Fri Oct 25, 2013 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need to find a health insurance provider!
Replies: 10
Views: 1227

Re: Need to find a health insurance provider!

You other option for a period <1 yr is short-term insurance to fill the gap. There are limitations to the coverage, at least pre-ACA, such as no preexisting conditions, lifetime limit of $1M but it will at least prevent a big medical event from impacting you adversely. Some include wellness visit and Rx coverage.
by lwfitzge
Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Does QE Cause Equities to Rise ?
Replies: 60
Views: 5147

Re: How Does QE Cause Equities to Rise ?

purchase monetary assets from banks, expand monetary base, increasing the value of the assets and decrease their yields. This decrease interest rates, the cost of borrowing for companies and consumers and lowers their interest payments. Companies invest new capital invested in expansionary things that should create value and cash flow. Equity prices are a reflection of future cash flows (value) of a company.
by lwfitzge
Sat Sep 14, 2013 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Got fired earlier this week, now the boss wants me back
Replies: 123
Views: 20518

Re: Got fired earlier this week, now the boss wants me back

my wife is a nurse practitioner.... in our part of country...plenty of jobs for PA's and APRN's. I would walk and not look back.
by lwfitzge
Sat Sep 14, 2013 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Affording stay at home parent
Replies: 74
Views: 10868

Re: Affording stay at home parent

WE've never had a full time stay at home parent but my wife and I have taken turns over our career being part-time as home-based/employed parents. We have an 11 year old and a 16 yr old. I the last 5 years for example, my wife has exited work, gone to school part-time and worked part time in the midst of a career change. In the last year she returned full time to work and I exited corporate life to consult part-time and now looking to start up a new company and re-enter full time next year. No doubt our kids benefited from the extra time but neither us suffered professionally. We personally derive a lot of life satisfaction at least being partly employed so exiting was not an option even if financially it was possible. Second, the risk to r...
by lwfitzge
Tue Sep 03, 2013 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: NOT saving for college
Replies: 112
Views: 13214

Re: NOT saving for college

not mutually exclusive decisions, at least should not have to be for an average boglehead w an average networth of $1M according to our polls and the power of compounding. These decisions reflect more our value system and about should I fund rather than an ability to fund. So yes, my values tell me that "I should help" w education given my socioeconomic status in life and given the fact that I chose to be a parent. I've invested and saved heavily for my retirement and provided enough funding for 4 yr state school. I felt that was a fair and happy medium between my interests and those of my kids. Others can and will disagree...it's all good.
by lwfitzge
Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Careers (Business, Finance, Economics, Information Tech)
Replies: 1
Views: 592

Re: Careers (Business, Finance, Economics, Information Tech)

boglehead philosophy does not lend itself to areas of my life outside of saving and investing style. I'm a medical scientist, executive, and entrepreneur that has sought lots of change and risk in my professional life these last 20 years... not a poster child for staying the course or planning for every potentially negative outcome. I've adopted the bogleheads principles and have won the game in investing but it's not a personality litmus test that instructs all personal and professional outlooks and decisions.
by lwfitzge
Mon Sep 02, 2013 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going Back to School after all these years?
Replies: 18
Views: 2201

Re: Going Back to School after all these years?

I went back at age 44 to get my MBA from University of Michigan. I was a R&D exec in pharma w a PhD already. Was it worth it. well I would not trade the life experiences I had those two years for anything and it gave me the courage and credibility to quite corporate life and be an entrepreneur. Was it worth it in dollars and cents... I don't really care at my current financial position (i.e., hit my number), it was about new life experiences for me.

My wife also a PhD scientist and research scientist in pharma. She left got her RN at 45 and went for MSN to be a primary care nurse practitioner at 48. It was worth it financially for her as state school tuition was cheap and she landed in a hot and stable career.
by lwfitzge
Sat Aug 31, 2013 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Frustration with Vanguard
Replies: 21
Views: 6294

Re: Frustration with Vanguard

I did this completely online without any delay (like 5 min!) in the last year. It was simple, required no signatures. No form to send in. I recall my wife received an email and she had to click yes to complete and give me agent authority. I gave her agent authority on my as well. I see the biggest failure w the VG rep is why did he/she did not encourage you do it online and avoid the mess, cost, delay.
by lwfitzge
Tue Aug 20, 2013 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amex - grrr!!! [Account overdraft]
Replies: 18
Views: 4387

Re: Amex - grrr!!!

I agree...just chalk it up to a crazy rare event. AMEX is usually rock solid. Aside from overdraft protection, my bank offer overdraft sweep. Basically they link the checking account to another account (saving account) and it draws from that account if needed for overdraft for a $10 per instance occurrence. With a certain daily amount in the account, the fee is waived.
by lwfitzge
Tue Aug 20, 2013 7:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack Bogle on CNBC
Replies: 50
Views: 8139

Re: Jack Bogle on CNBC

ofcmetz wrote:
RNJ wrote:As I was being force-fed CNBC in my dentist's waiting room, I heard three guests agree, in very serious tones (and with straight faces), that we are now in a "stock-picker's market."

Poor Mr. Bogle.
I find CNBC to be very entertaining for some reason. Maybe its all the scrolling numbers and Christmas colors. I could never imagine trading individual stocks based on what I watched on TV though.

OP, Jack usually has good segments on CNBC and he is so completely opposite to everything else on the channel that it amazes me they let him on.
That's why it's called financial porn. :D
by lwfitzge
Mon Aug 19, 2013 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda CRV Purchase Price
Replies: 13
Views: 6882

Re: Honda CRV Purchase Price

try Truecar.com... I looked up CRV-EX for my region at your MSRP and Boch in Massachusetts offers at $24,813 - below invoice (including destination charge).
by lwfitzge
Sat Aug 17, 2013 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: car maintenance ... how to save
Replies: 37
Views: 4490

Re: car maintenance ... how to save

I have 3 Honda's and love their reliability. I don't love how they push what is a fairly aggressive maintenance schedule on me. For the warrantied cars I go by the maintenance clock and not the the stealership's own pre-set mileage schedule just to stay within factory defined limits for warranty. For my 10 yr 125k mile Pilot, I use my dealer still for the $19.95 oil/filter and multi-point inspection. However, I go a la carte any recommended action and it's an item I know I can get cheaper or want to price to a local garage I decline the service. For example, they pushed new tires on me before they really needed them so I waited another 6 months and when w a low cost tire center. Did the same w front brakes. The funny thing is every time I d...
by lwfitzge
Wed Aug 14, 2013 10:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dr. Wade Pfau on the 4% Rule
Replies: 124
Views: 16101

Re: Dr. Wade Pfau on the 4% Rule

RNJ wrote:
YDNAL wrote:
Flexibility, folks.
Yes. And flexibility has a price.
No such thing as free lunch, in life or life planning. Since we are throwing around Pfau a lot today. I found this paper to be a bit more thoughtful as it captures some of the themes in the thread... flexibility in spending habits and general risk tolerance of the investor need to be considered.

http://www.fpanet.org/journal/SpendingF ... awalRates/
by lwfitzge
Wed Aug 14, 2013 6:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice needed regarding changing Vanguard Flagship rep
Replies: 21
Views: 2721

Re: Advice needed regarding changing Vanguard Flagship rep

Sheepdog wrote:Out of curiosity. How often and why does someone need to talk a rep? I never talk to anyone, well almost never, and that is when someone has called me. If I need special information or have a problem, which is no more than once or twice a year, if that, it is handled by secure email.
I have used my rep twice in last 2 yrs - for help rolling over old 401ks.
by lwfitzge
Tue Aug 13, 2013 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice needed regarding changing Vanguard Flagship rep
Replies: 21
Views: 2721

Re: Advice needed regarding changing Vanguard Flagship rep

I view my flagship rep simply as customer service rep ( not a financial expert/advisor) assigned to a more focused pool of clients to provide a higher service level or a "sense" of greater exclusivity (yep, think marketing, not finance). The CFP is for financial advice.
by lwfitzge
Tue Aug 13, 2013 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: POLL: How much do you like your job?
Replies: 41
Views: 4620

Re: POLL: How much do you like your job?

I love my job. I'm self employed, work PT and and have no boss.
by lwfitzge
Tue Aug 13, 2013 8:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dr. Wade Pfau on the 4% Rule
Replies: 124
Views: 16101

Re: Dr. Wade Pfau on the 4% Rule

If the advice given around the year 2000 tells us that 4% is prudent, and then ten years later the number is revised to 3%, then shame on "them," because that 4% number was supposed to be taking into account the full range of likely future market behavior. There is nothing about known market conditions in 2013 that is outside the range of what has been seen before; not only the 1929 crash but also the 1937 stock market crashes were worse that 2008-2009; the 1966-1982 "death of equities" era was worse than the 2000-2009 "lost decade;" and there's no reason to expect that "rising interest rate environment" to be any worse than 1940-1980. Totally agree !. If 4% was supposed to cover these "worse ca...
by lwfitzge
Mon Aug 12, 2013 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Why aren't Car dealers prepared to deal?
Replies: 91
Views: 13245

Re: Why aren't Car dealers prepared to deal?

I bought a 2013 Honda Accord V6 EX-L last week from a MA dealer because he came in $1700 better than 3 others in my home state (CT). The other dealers would not deal. The dealer I went with even drove the car to my DMV and we exchanged the new car for my trade-in in the DMV parking lot. Great customer service and price.... it's pays to go to a distant dealer especially this one which was the largest (volume) Honda dealer in the New England region and in the country.
by lwfitzge
Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When did you get term life insurance? How long and how much?
Replies: 32
Views: 4168

Re: When did you get term life insurance? How long and how m

I chose a term that covers up to point in time where my wife would be fully retired and have full access to retirement savings, as well as be a point where both of my kids would be well out of college and independent. I got $1.5M coverage for 15 yrs starting at age 47. Previously when I was in corporate life, I used company provided insurance of about 3X salary. I'm an independent consultant now and just have the term coverage. My wife works FT and has a good salary and relative job stability so this seemed more than adequate for our situation.
by lwfitzge
Fri Aug 09, 2013 5:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: LinkedIn strategy?
Replies: 51
Views: 7299

Re: LinkedIn strategy?

My career is not local but has an international/national reach and footprint. Linkedin has been very useful to understanding my extended network for fostering collaborations, new consulting gigs, and job opportunities. If a person is truly peripheral or unrelated to my line of business, I tend not accept the connection, however if the person is in anyway a peer or stakeholder in my line of business I accept. In my line, if you did not have social media presence, it does not reflect too well and people would tend to judge you rightly or wrongly as a dinosaur. If I get spammed and it's legit, I don't mind. If not interested, I just ignore. I second the recommendation to restrict notifications to minimize traffic especially from groups you bel...
by lwfitzge
Thu Aug 08, 2013 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My refrigerator is doing weird things
Replies: 12
Views: 1609

Re: My refrigerator is doing weird things

I have a 6 yr old GE Profile Side by side 2 door... Our fridge would hold temp then stop cooling and then suddenly try to cool again. Fan was working, coils clean. It was the microprocessor (motherboard) in our case.... about $300 fix.
by lwfitzge
Tue Aug 06, 2013 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Extreme Early Retirement
Replies: 104
Views: 19268

Re: Extreme Early Retirement

King Tut - Remember that this is a very conservative forum, and this obviously impacts the responses. Good thing / bad thing. Very responsible, fiscally conservative (in a personal sense) population here. However, this is not the most fruitful place for early retirees or those who don't consider their life worth as inextricably tied to their employement. Post this question on a surfing forum and I'm willing to bet your responses woud be a bit different, albeit perhaps not quite as technical regarding withdraw rates. Trick is to find a balance between the two. If I had your money I sure as hell would be out of the game and living life. +1...I'm in your camp...the tendency to conservatively plan for every fiscal hardship or curve ball should...
by lwfitzge
Mon Aug 05, 2013 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Extreme Early Retirement
Replies: 104
Views: 19268

Re: Extreme Early Retirement

Agree w Livesoft... as with my case... no one restricted from ever working again if need, one can adapt either in spending or income to accommodate what life presents you with. The way I looked at it is that I can always find a way to get more money if needed, it's time I can't get back or added to my ledger. The sad reality is longevity is not always in the cards.... people die prematurely and don't make it to 65. One should factor that in their personal analysis with the same weighting as the possibility of living long enough to get Alzheimers or cataracts.
by lwfitzge
Mon Aug 05, 2013 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Extreme Early Retirement
Replies: 104
Views: 19268

Re: Extreme Early Retirement

Congrats on your accomplishment at such young ages. I reached a similar milestone at 48 years of age. For me, the choice is not work full FT or retire, it was to jump off the corporate rat race and have more time to do what I want to do. That's quite an empowered position and you should use it. This is what I did. I work PT (as a consultant, teacher) and volunteer as a BOD member for two nonprofits. I also am an entrepreneur so if my current venture takes off I will work FT perhaps for a period of time as founder and then give the reins to someone else. I spend more time than ever with my children and their activities and its paying off in terms of my relationships. My wife works full-time and covers health insurance for the family. Good lu...
by lwfitzge
Sat Aug 03, 2013 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Honda Accord v/s CPO BMW 328i
Replies: 88
Views: 23893

Re: New Honda Accord v/s CPO BMW 328i

The reason I have been driving BMWs since 1999 is because it's a drivers car and anyone that spends anytime in one on a long curvy country road understands the value proposition. I never bought one as a status symbol...there are other brands to target that audience (of course a loaded 5 or 7 series attracts more luxury buyers). I've also side by side owned many Honda's and that is to satisfy my family's need for affordable and reliable transportation. One thing not really mentioned is that since BMW targets driver excitement and experience, the 3 series especially is not designed to impress anyone with its interior luxury..it's always been a bit spartan (see entry Lexus or Mercedes if that a priority). You might be surprised by the technolo...
by lwfitzge
Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Honda Accord v/s CPO BMW 328i
Replies: 88
Views: 23893

Re: New Honda Accord v/s CPO BMW 328i

We are a loyal Honda and BMW family but its apples and oranges to me. I have owned four BMWs and currently drive a 2011 335i coupe. I also own a 2010 Honda crv and a 2003 Honda Pilot. One brand has been very reliable for me and one has been relatively horrible but ive been saved when covered under warranty. Guess which is which? I have learned my lesson not to own a BMW after expired warranty and I've personally have shelled out $2k in the 5th year when I've not sold them. I could not even sleep at night with the thought of holding a BMW for 10 years. Your experience may be different of course. I am trading in the BMW for 2013 Accord V6 EX-L in next two weeks. The incentives are great on Accord, eg below invoice pricing and I was very impre...
by lwfitzge
Mon Jul 22, 2013 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shoe recommendation
Replies: 20
Views: 3882

Re: Shoe recommendation

My absolute favorite shoe brand is ECCO. Well made (Danish) and not cheap but rewards you with comfort and durability (shoe sole and uppers last years). It's the only brand I've been buying for dress and casual shoes for last 10 years.
by lwfitzge
Thu Jul 18, 2013 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Keep going with MBA (1/3 done)
Replies: 29
Views: 3061

Re: Keep going with MBA (1/3 done)

Michigan MBA here (I'm a bit biased, :wink: ). Why not go with your alma mater or another tier 1 program (top 15/20 or so)? I agree you should persevere in any case but top MBA programs provide the greatest value and return. As most of these programs want 3-5 yrs work experience, I suspect your a bit short here based on your age 22/23? One option, as suggested, is get more experience, save some money short-term, and transfer to the PT or Weekend program at UM or another top program? If this is not palatable to you, I say continue current path.
by lwfitzge
Fri Jul 12, 2013 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: savings account in kids name
Replies: 6
Views: 913

Re: savings account in kids name

So, I've been thinking about this for a while. I have a portion of my emergency savings in an online savings account jointly held by my wife and me. Why not put it in an account that the primary SSN is my son, and joint with my wife and me. This would allow the interest income to be taxed at his rate. And from what I understand, income of less <$1800 for someone under a certain age is tax free. We could transfer this back to our account year or so before college if needed - long time to go for that right now. Any comments? Horrible idea? I'm not a tax attorney but there are definitions of tax avoidance and tax evasion and placing "emergency income" you retain for "emergencies, i.e., living expenses, could be viewed as evasio...
by lwfitzge
Fri Jul 12, 2013 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term life insurance application question, unhappy with quote
Replies: 13
Views: 2664

Re: Term life insurance application question, unhappy with q

I went with Selectquote, broker recommended best term cost/rating company which in my case was Banner Life
by lwfitzge
Fri Jul 05, 2013 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ridiculous lawn service
Replies: 55
Views: 8976

Re: Ridiculous lawn service

I was paying a ridiculous amount w a padded service contract. Mine also included tree/plant applications for insects and I was forking over $800/yr for 1 acre. I took control and did it myself - one early spring (crabgrass prevention + fertilizer), spring, early summer (fertilizer+weed prevention), summer (fertilizer+bug killer), fall/winter (fertilizer). I've recently added grub killer as the moles were have a party in my lawn without it.
by lwfitzge
Wed Jul 03, 2013 7:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid Life Crisis help!
Replies: 28
Views: 7291

Re: Mid Life Crisis help!

Your situation is not unusual. If you are in a more financially secure postion, you have options. Depending on your financial flexibility and the emotional value/meaning you assign to your career/job you can : hold on for the check and ride it out, Cut way back on expenses like MMM and semi-retire, find another career passion. At 48 yrs-old, I reached a nest egg sufficient to call the shots, not have to ride it out. At the time, I semi-retired, spend more time with family, children and self, volunteered, and consulted part-time. Full retirement was not something I wanted to do at that age. I did however choose to never work for a corporation again and be self-employed and self-directed. I recently found another passion and started another c...
by lwfitzge
Tue Jun 11, 2013 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes - Live in different State from Work
Replies: 11
Views: 1072

Re: Taxes - Live in different State from Work

I am contemplating a move that would have me remotely working in state X while living in state Y and essentially spending VERY little time physically in the work location [state X] (been generic and I know it somewhat matters the states involved). This is as a W2 employee and I would expect the position remain based in state X. - Is the withholding based on the state I am employed in or my residential state? - Would I do 2 state returns and essentially get credit for one against the other - presumably remote against home state? - If so would I end up paying the higher tax state rates? * What about the cities where they collect income taxes - IF that were to be the case in the work location? - What other catches to consider in this arrangem...
by lwfitzge
Sun Jun 09, 2013 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good place to travel in July?
Replies: 24
Views: 2355

Re: Good place to travel in July?

Last July, took my family to Yellowstone and Gran Tetons...wonderful trip and while it's a popular time for tourists it never felt crowded.
by lwfitzge
Sun May 26, 2013 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should you tip at walk-up-to-order restaurants?
Replies: 12
Views: 3810

Re: Should you tip at walk-up-to-order restaurants?

I've been to self serve buffet style places where you get your own food and they get you drinks and bus the tables. I give a smaller tip in those instances, e.g., 10% vs 20%.
by lwfitzge
Wed May 22, 2013 4:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's the point? [job frustration]
Replies: 42
Views: 6101

Re: What's the point? [job frustration]

I appreciate your position, I was there a couple years ago. I was a well compensated pharma/biotech executive at 48 that toughed it out enough to reach my number but getting there was impacting my health and my family life even more so. I was on the road, often living away from family Mon-Fri and seeing them on weekends. Did that for 4 yrs and then one day I just walked away. Now I consult 1-2 days week, and I'm an entrepreneur for new ventures that I'm passionate about. I'm the happiest I've been in years. Good luck. Your financials sound like you can make a similar leap and at your level of compensation, I'm sure you would find a way to make money if you wanted or needed to.
by lwfitzge
Wed May 22, 2013 3:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I really hope people aren't tilting US due to recency
Replies: 36
Views: 4070

Re: I really hope people aren't tilting US due to recency

where's the projections of Danish tulips? I hear they may be big again :)
by lwfitzge
Mon May 13, 2013 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire - single person version
Replies: 38
Views: 5974

Re: Can I retire - single person version

yes..congrats and enjoy!
by lwfitzge
Mon May 13, 2013 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire?
Replies: 78
Views: 10396

Re: Can I retire?

Also, I've never seen this sort of analysis, but it must exist. We talk about various sorts of risk when planning investments and retirements, like inflation risk, etc. What about "death risk"? "Disability risk"? (These being the risk of dying before you get to enjoy the retirement you're planning or becoming permanently disabled and less able to enjoy it before you do.) And so on. My point is that the risks don't all point towards working longer and saving more; many point towards stopping sooner. Over the last few years, the "death" risk has become the greatest factor in my desire to retire as soon as possible. It started as a faint drumbeat a few years ago, but now with each passing month it gets louder and...
by lwfitzge
Mon May 13, 2013 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to backup /Save sensitive information; Google Drive ?
Replies: 51
Views: 8730

Re: Where to backup /Save sensitive information; Google Driv

I use Dropbox for important files. I use Carbonite as an automatic and daily backup of my entire computer. Most receipts from vendors, CC, Vanguard, banks are keep on their site in pdf (paperless) form. My taxes are hard copied and on DVD from my CPA. That covers 100% of my electronic files and 90% of my paper sources. The rest (10% or so) paper sources, I keep in an old fashion file folder.
by lwfitzge
Sun May 12, 2013 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire?
Replies: 78
Views: 10396

Re: Can I retire?

+1! - Well said and I agree with it 100% I have been reading different blogs and forums about personal finance. It is my hobby and I do learn new things and I see others perspective on personal finance. Some of the sites/forums advocate for stash as much cash as you can, live very frugal to a point that you deny yourself and your family for basic joys, have a very large retirement portfolio yet still constantly worry about it, account for zero return on your portfolio, and completely disregard receiving any money from social security…. Enough already! Is everything doom & gloom? What is it with people who are trying control every aspects of their life? You CANNOT control everything, period! You cannot predict the future! Stop trying so...
by lwfitzge
Sun May 12, 2013 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire?
Replies: 78
Views: 10396

Re: Can I retire?

at 25X income needs, you certainly are within range but for someone a tad older than you (e.g., 30 yrs expected retirement). More is better but it's possible. You have the mortgage paid and 529's well sourced. Do you have pensions to draw on and what are your expected SS benefits? Factor that in the equation at full retirement: income needs - SS -pension X 25 as that will provide additional cushion. The medical piece is always a wildcard but you have good health to get high deductible plan which will roll into the ACA. The ACA provides subsidy that's income progressive and caps at 400% poverty level for family of 4, eg., $94K. So far they are not needs testing on assets (just income) so you would be expected to get a smaller subsidy at $80K...
by lwfitzge
Sat May 11, 2013 6:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much money do you need to retire at 40?
Replies: 90
Views: 19773

Re: How much money do you need to retire at 40?

as a starting place, I like the equation Rick Ferri' uses. I would adjust up the capital needs in your case given the especially lengthy, potential retirement.

Annual Income needs - Annual SS benefits - Annual pension X 25.
by lwfitzge
Sat May 11, 2013 5:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: College savings too conservative / risk-averse?
Replies: 7
Views: 879

Re: College savings too conservative / risk-averse?

it's different from your overall allocation but really it may not be. The thinking that got you to a retirement ISP and the current state of that retirement funds is relevant to decisions re: 529 (e.g., pay yourself and your retirement first). You can forecast expected return and monthly contributions needed to hit a target for school funding. If you are 18 yrs out of paying for college, what asset allocation would you employ if you were 18 yrs out of retirement. Ask if your risk tolerance for blowing the kids education (assuming its the principal source of funds for education) is more, equal or less than risking your retirement assuming 18 ys out and adjust accordingly. If I were 18-20 ys away from retirement, I'd beginning with a 70/30 or...
by lwfitzge
Sat May 11, 2013 7:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Nit-picking DFA's presentation of "diversification"
Replies: 16
Views: 1620

Re: Nit-picking DFA's presentation of "diversification"

Random Musings wrote:Maybe DFA just got a case of the Vapors.

They're turning Japanese
I think they're turning Japanese
I really think so

RM

lol, I got it...wondering the breakdown of BH's that got it...
by lwfitzge
Sat May 11, 2013 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I tilt small-value? EM? How?
Replies: 10
Views: 1561

Re: Should I tilt small-value? EM? How?

You can go with 3 fund simplicity or slice and dice (both camps are on this forum) either to increase diversification or to capture other risk premia. More expected return, is only expected and may not show up in your time frame and there is no free lunch re: risk/return. I am a slice and dicer and a believer of Fama-French framework so I tilt on size and value factors - more small cap weighting overall and more on value side (including international stocks), market weighting for midcap but w value tilt, and reduced large cap holdings but w value tilt. I would read the FF material and read the lengthy and frequent debates and discussion on FF on the forum w the search function, and then you decide. I also have a small emerging markets tilt ...
by lwfitzge
Fri May 10, 2013 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund Advice from Advisor - S&P500 Performance
Replies: 42
Views: 3587

Re: Fund Advice from Advisor - S&P500 Performance

1) first, apples vs oranges , different asset classes, different benchmark indexes and different risk premia... nice comparison w that shell game, NOT.
2) even if he showed you a lg cap blend that beats SP500 ... past performance does predict future, ask him if he sees the future! If he does, ask him to guarantee it!
3) compare performance of like funds after removing sales load and expense ratios.....
by lwfitzge
Fri May 10, 2013 7:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% equities, anyone?
Replies: 149
Views: 14689

Re: 100% equities, anyone?

have not been near 100% equity since the tech (and my personal) meltdown... live and learn...60/40 is my mix now
by lwfitzge
Fri May 10, 2013 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: re: First time to Boston
Replies: 31
Views: 3653

Re: re: First time to Boston

currently work and previously lived in Cambridge.. agree w other suggestions... visit Cambridge from Harvard to Kendall all on the redline T stops. Walk to East Cambridge (20 min casual walk from, Kendall stop) to visit Museum of Science and from there catch a Charles river and land tour on the famous WWII-era duck boats.
by lwfitzge
Fri May 10, 2013 7:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great "investing" article
Replies: 8
Views: 2564

Re: Great "investing" article

Thanks for sharing. I can really identify. Growing up low-middle working class in a city then poor when my Dad abandoned the family at a young age. Support and love of family can carry you through a lot and they leave indelible marks on us as adults and parents. Like the writer, I too was "saved" by a scholarship to go to a rich private school in the suburbs and more hrs worked by my overworked Mom. I have more money now that my Mom can ever fathom and it certainly not that impressive by rich standards. It's why I don't obsess over whether the 4% SWR is too liberal or whether I can get by w a $2M number vs a safer $3,4,5,M as my enduring frame of reference is so much more humble...I did get by on A LOT less, and aside from some pe...