Search found 438 matches

by brainstem
Tue Feb 06, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Does Flagship and Flagship Select Levels Get You These Days?
Replies: 49
Views: 6581

Re: What Does Flagship and Flagship Select Levels Get You These Days?

. I know gone are the days of an annual session(s) with a CFP, but what can I realistically ask my rep to do?
You have a consistent person who can help you navigate the system and connect you to others as needed. I can go for quite a while without needing this assistance but in the last year, I reached out for assistance in carrying out some specific activities.
by brainstem
Mon Jan 29, 2024 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you retire when you love your work?
Replies: 163
Views: 13214

Re: How do you retire when you love your work?

https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Its-D ... B07CX58L5T

Retirement and its discontents

a brief book on why people like to keep working -- often in cognitive professions in jobs with a fair degree of independence for setting personal agendas
by brainstem
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: QCD from TIAA Trad
Replies: 31
Views: 2418

Re: QCD from TIAA Trad

I have just gone thru a little bit of this indirectly. Depending on the contract, if you are over 591/2 - you can take the TIAA trad personal contributions (not employer match) while you are still working and move it to another firm and a non-Roth IRA -- if you are 70 1/2, you could then do a QCD from the IRA. Here is the rub - a few years ago, I tried to set this up for my spouse and was told on the call center, that such a transfer was not allowed. Recently, talked to an in person rep and was informed that such advice was wrong and that the 800 number reps are often new hires and not all that reliable! So my advice is to find out who is a local TIAA rep who has been around for a while and make an appointment. I currently moving funds to V...
by brainstem
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Could AI break voice identification security?
Replies: 43
Views: 5552

Biometrics and AI ...

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

Schwab uses voice recognition technology to log into its call center.
"At Schwab my voice is my password."
With spam calls and AI - can our voices be highjacked to defeat this biometric?

(aka just because I am paranoid, it does not mean folks aren't trying to get me - my wife and I got spam facetime calls the other day and got me to wondering about AI highjacking)
by brainstem
Mon Mar 20, 2023 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Preventive medical testing
Replies: 15
Views: 1257

Re: Preventive medical testing

Same with a lot of non-invasive cardiac testing like an echocardiogram or a stress test. I'd like to have those done regularly and have a history of those tests on file for analysis as I get older, but that is not the recommendation for the masse
Beware of asymptomatic stress tests -- there are more false positives than true positives -- it is not a good screening test.
by brainstem
Tue Feb 21, 2023 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab won’t deposit check into inherited IRA
Replies: 30
Views: 3315

Re: Schwab won’t deposit check into inherited IRA

I have an inherited IRA and an inherited KEOGH
The IRA is not a problem
But the KEOGH is a confusing mess -- I cannot do much with it and went round and round with staff at Vanguard and Lehman and its successor.
Sometimes, it is best to leave it alone and take the distribution until it is exhausted
Taking RMDs from more than one account is no big deal
by brainstem
Tue Feb 21, 2023 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab won’t deposit check into inherited IRA
Replies: 30
Views: 3315

Re: Schwab won’t deposit check into inherited IRA

you can't make deposits into an inherited IRA .....
or if the problem is the distribution - just have the IRA cut a check to her and make a deposit into an account of your choice
by brainstem
Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Wellness visit rules
Replies: 10
Views: 1307

Re: Medicare Wellness visit rules

it is an odd benefit
technically - it is to review your risks (falls, social supports), immunizations, implementation of advanced directives
It is not supposed to be about managing your chronic conditions
most docs, if they do these visits, treat it as an annual assessment - and think the framework is a mess
But in reality, it is an add on for preventive services and not for managing ongoing care.
by brainstem
Mon Jun 06, 2022 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 6 gallon bucket of golf balls
Replies: 31
Views: 3027

Re: 6 gallon bucket of golf balls

give them to a 12 yo to sell for 50 cents a piece - (pocket money for him/her)
or
donate them to first tee
or
take up golf (you will never worry about losing a ball while learning)
by brainstem
Tue Sep 28, 2021 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inheriting $4M, not sure what to do
Replies: 52
Views: 12127

Re: Inheriting $4M, not sure what to do

5. There is a point of learning more about finance and estates and all that but that doesn't mean you have to decide things "now" or do things "now". Take time to internalize all of that. There will be a point where it becomes simple and the correct decisions become obvious and have no stress to it. Wait for that to happen.
Had something similar happen years back --- stopped and read for 6 months:

Winning the loser's game
Against the Gods (all about risk)
Bill Bernstein
David Swenson
Beyond the Grave

Achieved a comfort level to make decisions going forward
by brainstem
Mon Aug 09, 2021 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to learn golf
Replies: 69
Views: 8142

Re: Best way to learn golf

Learn how to hit a 9 iron or a pitching wedge -- a key for bogey golf

When getting a lesson - try to get 1 or 2 key things to change at a time -- too many mechanical changes just freezes your swing
by brainstem
Mon Feb 01, 2021 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Scottish Single Malt vs Domestic Blend Scotch Recommendations
Replies: 39
Views: 4474

Re: Scottish Single Malt vs Domestic Blend Scotch Recommendations

For some reason the Macallan 12 yr double cask is cheaper
and for good reason -- not nearly as satisfying as Macallan 12
by brainstem
Thu Jul 30, 2020 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do You Have Check Writing Privileges on your Vanguard Brokerage Account?—You’d better check again
Replies: 47
Views: 6772

Re: Do You Have Check Writing Privileges on your Vanguard Brokerage Account?—You’d better check again

If you use VG accounts for a trust fund, it is important to be able to write checks on the trust assets to pay expenses like an accountant
by brainstem
Sun Jun 28, 2020 7:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Outlook on Muni Funds
Replies: 14
Views: 1758

Re: Outlook on Muni Funds

As they say ... you can’t invest in nothing.
In times like these, you often have to pick the cleanest shirts from the dirty laundry.
by brainstem
Fri Jun 12, 2020 10:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard alters some inv grade bond fund restrictions
Replies: 49
Views: 3478

Investment grade bond funds

[Merged into ongoing discussion -- moderator oldcomputerguy] Vanguard has announced it is increasing acceptance of more B level bonds as investment grade: Dear Shareholder: We are writing to let you know about a change to Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund, Vanguard Intermediate-Term Investment-Grade Fund, and the Short-Term Investment-Grade Portfolio of Vanguard Variable Insurance Funds (each, a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”). The Board of Trustees of each Fund has approved the removal of each Fund’s limit that no more than 30% of its assets be invested in medium-quality fixed income securities. Medium-quality fixed income securities are considered investment-grade securities. They are rated the equivalent of Baa1, Baa2, or ...
by brainstem
Sun May 24, 2020 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hertz is declaring bankruptcy
Replies: 73
Views: 9030

Re: Hertz is declaring bankruptcy

Pre COVID i tried to rent a car from Hertz in Phoenix. It was a third world chaotic experience. I eventually gave up and took a Uber. I left wondering what the heck happened to this former beacon of business travel. Compared to Enterprise, it was a shabby, threadbare consumer experience.
by brainstem
Mon May 18, 2020 12:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTs article:— New York Times article May 17, Dealing With the Dark Side of Low Interest Rates
Replies: 79
Views: 9017

Re: NYTs article:— New York Times article May 17, Dealing With the Dark Side of Low Interest Rates

Some posters are writing that rates are low because there is a huge demand for the product .....

Well not exactly --- the big customer has been the fed to the point of their purchasing of debt is called "financial repression"

https://www.forbes.com/sites/billybambr ... 7ce67a4ef0
by brainstem
Mon May 18, 2020 11:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYTs article:— New York Times article May 17, Dealing With the Dark Side of Low Interest Rates
Replies: 79
Views: 9017

Re: NYTs article:— New York Times article May 17, Dealing With the Dark Side of Low Interest Rates

Always go to Vanguard.

https://investor.vanguard.com/mutual-fu ... o-holdings
Ok -- so why are there some very long term holdings in the ultra short term list -- out to 2050 and beyond?
Is there something more to this list - like ongoing refunding?
by brainstem
Fri Apr 24, 2020 7:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If you have won the game, how much risk do you take?
Replies: 188
Views: 24145

Re: If you have won the game, how much risk do you take?

An expert that I respect immensely told me recently that if you have 33x expenses, you have won the game and why take the risk. John Bogle advised me in 2018 that if I decided to reduce my stock percentage, i could but I should not go below 30% stocks. Who knows what the correct answer is?
At the extreme -- the efficient frontier analysis (see Bernstein's first book) demonstrates that below 20% stocks, the risk/return for your portfolio actually increases as you add more bonds ---- so start at 20% as your "0" and go from there ......
by brainstem
Mon Mar 02, 2020 10:57 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: [Archived] Bogleheads community discussion - Coronavirus
Replies: 4963
Views: 304773

Re: Bogleheads community discussion - Coronavirus

Points of reference:

MERS is not especially contagious - hence its low transmission (lives in camels - avoid camel rides!)'
SARS tends to be a severe pneumonia - not much of a low grade infection - so cases can be isolated'

Covid is transmissible and causes mild infections early and in many - a great vehicle for transmission

Young people do well
Case fatality rate for 70+ yr olds is over 5% ---- over 10% in 80 yr olds

It is more lethal than the flu

Panic - no -- but would not be complacent either
by brainstem
Wed Feb 26, 2020 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What did you learn from the 2/24 sell off?
Replies: 327
Views: 28085

Re: What did you learn from the 2/24 sell off?

I learned once again that there are market inefficiencies -- namely Wall Street is complacent about the threats (of the corona virus) and when they could no longer ignore the threat, everyone rushed to the exit --
Sort of like the crash of 2008-9 when everyone ignored the warning signs of the debt derivatives
by brainstem
Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Books that changed your life]
Replies: 577
Views: 73176

Re: Books that changed your life

Winning the Losers Game
by brainstem
Sun Feb 02, 2020 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA 401(k) -> Fidelity IRA rollover
Replies: 24
Views: 1930

Re: TIAA 401(k) -> Fidelity IRA rollover

Personally I would leave them at TIAA for potential conversion to TIAA Traditional, which in mind, is a very good product. Also later you have the option of moving the institutional fund to the corresponding CREF product so that you can annuitize
everyone should be aware that TIAA has changed its interest rates going forward for the Traditional product -- was a 3% minimum - new money is now subject to 1-3% annual interest rates, to be determined annually. --- a very different set up from the past.
by brainstem
Mon Jan 13, 2020 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Frustrating PCP/insurance issue
Replies: 13
Views: 1380

Re: Frustrating PCP/insurance issue

would work through the MD office - it is his business to get paid!
by brainstem
Mon Jan 06, 2020 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Traveling to Japan for first time
Replies: 44
Views: 3942

Re: Traveling to Japan for first time

If you spend any time in Japan - must get a rail pass - great book - Japan by Rail

https://www.amazon.com/Japan-Rail-3rd-r ... 1905864396

Get the pass at the airport and it pays for the trip to and from downtown
Give you almost unlimited use of the high speed train system in the country (except for a few special trains)
And it gives you use of commuter rail system as well
We would walk up and set up a trip for the next day - lots of options for rapidly getting around the country
by brainstem
Fri Jan 03, 2020 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Death of The Stretch IRA
Replies: 153
Views: 13623

Re: The Death of The Stretch IRA

Non-spouse inheritance rollover (stretch) IRAs have only been around since 1/1/2007, I.e. for 12 of the 45 years IRAs have been around.
This is not correct -- I have had a stretch IRA since 1997 ... has been around for a long time
by brainstem
Tue Dec 31, 2019 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Zealand Train trip
Replies: 77
Views: 5124

Re: New Zealand Train trip

Queenstown and side trip to Milford Sound by bus
by brainstem
Tue Dec 31, 2019 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Zealand Train trip
Replies: 77
Views: 5124

Re: New Zealand Train trip

I just took the train from Christchurch to Picton - relaxing and picturesque
Train arrives in Picton right next to the ferry to Wellington
You can rent a car in Picton to explore the the north part of the south island or just hop on the ferry to Wellington
The TransAlpine railroad from Christchurch to Greymouth was on our to do list (one of the world's great train rides) but a landslide wiped it out for 2 weeks
Likewise you can rent a car in Greymouth to drive north to Nelson or South to Queenstown
I agree with others -- fly into Auckland -- we then flew south to queenstown and drove/trained our way back to Auckland

https://www.greatjourneysofnz.co.nz/coastal-pacific/
by brainstem
Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spending money to make travel easier and luxurious?
Replies: 85
Views: 9690

Re: Spending money to make travel easier and luxurious?

We do not go for the high end hotels
Rather we look at mid to upper mid range and then spend extra for a larger room
A large, comfortable room/suite is worth more to us than a smaller, high end room
by brainstem
Thu Nov 21, 2019 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spending money to make travel easier and luxurious?
Replies: 85
Views: 9690

Re: Spending money to make travel easier and luxurious?

Time and money are always interesting variables Mix in your age and resiliency So -- taking a 8-12 hr flight overseas -- fly business with a bed seat could mitigate jet lag and give you a more productive day on arrival (what is the value of that day to your travels?) Airport lounges - comfort, productivity, assistance with delays --- or needless extravagance? Took a 3 hour ferry ride and spent an extra $30 for a premium lounge on the boat - came with food/drinks and comforts $50 extra for a hotel room that gives you a junior suite with 30-50% more room .... can be very nice There are always ways to spend a little more - some are worth it and some are unnecessary (at least to me - to you, maybe) If you have the $$ - I find it valuable to at ...
by brainstem
Tue Oct 22, 2019 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard checking -- Use it or lose it
Replies: 76
Views: 7961

Re: Vanguard checking -- Use it or lose it

same thing happened to me -- but I did not get an email - no contact from my rep
they might have sent an mass mailing that I did not see
I did not get a direct contact from my Flagship rep
I caught the problem by being paranoid and checking to see if they had changed bank intermediaries
I was royally annoyed - not exactly Flagship service
Had to go thru the hassle of reapplying for check writing privileges
by brainstem
Fri Aug 23, 2019 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do people do with finances as they approach very old age?
Replies: 17
Views: 3389

Re: What do people do with finances as they approach very old age?

Part of the problems with cognitive deficits in aging is that the affected person is often unaware of the deficits (a blessing and a curse).
Lots of stories of aging businessmen going to work everyday and managing papers given to them by staff while others actually run the company.
Then there is the Viacom saga ...

https://alzscience.wordpress.com/2018/0 ... e-decline/

https://www.vox.com/2016/5/23/11745034/ ... lk-lawsuit
by brainstem
Thu Aug 22, 2019 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Chicago - What to see, do & eat in two days
Replies: 71
Views: 5656

Re: Chicago - What to see, do & eat in two days

Walk across the Michigan Avenue Bridge - one if the great vistas in the world

Take in Chicago Theater .. a seedbed for NY

Music clubs
Kingston Mines, old town folk center, city winery, etc

Go to Chicago Reader on line and find events
by brainstem
Thu Aug 22, 2019 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Change to Personal Adviser Services
Replies: 29
Views: 3613

Re: Vanguard Change to Personal Adviser Services

Another reason to use PAS:

You are trustee of a trust fund for a minor:
An inexpensive was of demonstrating proper fudiciary oversight if challenged at a later date
by brainstem
Wed May 08, 2019 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bandon, Oregon Golf
Replies: 10
Views: 1320

Re: Bandon, Oregon Golf

Was there last year
Not for marginal golfers (hcp> 18)
As gorgeous a golf setting you can find
Lots of walking - so ortho/copd/heart pts be aware
Caddies useful to understand greens
Tough walk if carrying or pushing cart
No electric carts
Off the grid
by brainstem
Fri Feb 01, 2019 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: We won the game, went to 50/50, but it just doesn't feel right
Replies: 108
Views: 15129

Re: We won the game, went to 50/50, but it just doesn't feel right

Remember Jack Bogle's comment in the last few months:
Half the time I think I am in too much equity, half the time I think I am in too little.... so I must be close to the right allocation.
by brainstem
Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Japan in summer
Replies: 25
Views: 3054

Re: Japan in summer

Also ..if in Kyoto consider a day trip to Nara ... very worthwhile but not for overnight .. use rail pass to and from.
by brainstem
Fri Dec 15, 2017 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Japan in summer
Replies: 25
Views: 3054

Re: Japan in summer

Ignore comment about transport in from airport
Key thing is to get your japan rail pass at the airport when you arrive ... it is good for the train to Tokyo and goes to several major stops in town.
Might also get an internet hot spot at the airport ..not very expensive and can help you navigate while touring .. google maps etc.
by brainstem
Fri Oct 27, 2017 7:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar responds to Wall Street Journal article
Replies: 23
Views: 4619

Re: Morningstar responds to Wall Street Journal article

Morningstar stars

wine spectator ratings

Meh --- marketing devices more than quality guides
by brainstem
Fri Jul 28, 2017 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: From Chi-Midway: Taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other?
Replies: 26
Views: 5282

Re: From Chi-Midway: Taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other?

One caveat --

rush hour "surge pricing" - uber can be way more expensive than a taxi -- recently wanted to go to OHare and the quote for Uber was $20 more than the average taxi ride --- I went taxi that afternoon
by brainstem
Thu Apr 20, 2017 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on Uber
Replies: 78
Views: 11454

Re: Tips on Uber

on short trips, I do not tip
on long trips, I do --- when Uber saves me 50%+ over a taxi ($20 vs $45+), I give the driver a $5 tip if the service is good - and it usually is

examples -- hotel to the airport in Orlando, DC to BWI etc
by brainstem
Wed Mar 15, 2017 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone subscribe to Barron's?
Replies: 17
Views: 5101

Re: Anyone subscribe to Barron's?

Got a year for free from airline points ... reviewed the issues ... found little information that I could not get elsewhere on the net for free.

Like Forbes, Fortune, Value Line --- their information is no longer sufficiently unique in the era of the net.
by brainstem
Wed Feb 22, 2017 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Open vanguard CD Order
Replies: 32
Views: 5144

Re: Open vanguard CD Order

This issue came up for me recently and I checked with my advisor
I think they changed their process or software -- supposedly does not now clear until the date of sale or issue
In the past, it would register immediately
Mine cleared a day or two after my call
It was/is confusing and not sure why their system is now different
by brainstem
Fri Jun 19, 2015 5:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New to Golf
Replies: 45
Views: 8051

Re: New to Golf

Advice on lessons ... Too often the teacher can overwhelm with suggestions.

My few lessons ... I asked the instructor to fix one or two elements (hip tilt, grip, downswing angle) .... Work on them and then find another one or two to work on.
by brainstem
Thu Feb 26, 2015 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: physicians [Frustrated, considering early retirement]
Replies: 132
Views: 18891

Re: physicians [Frustrated, considering early retirement]

It appears people got into medicine with unrealistic expectations. I have seen folks who power through their training and then come to realize that the work is about the same with more accountability. If you got through school and clinical training with gritted teeth, work life is bound to be disappointing. There are bad jobs in health care as there are in many fields (just read one of the threads on early retirement ... Many people dislike their job environments.) Figure out what you are comfortable doing day to day and look for the niche that accommodates that framework. Quitting the profession after years of preparation may not drain a reservoir of unhappiness. There are many options that are financially viable for mds ... Better than fo...
by brainstem
Tue Nov 11, 2014 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Your favorite classic toys for kids
Replies: 89
Views: 18946

Re: Your favorite classic toys for kids

Stratego

Old matchbox and dinky toys ....
by brainstem
Mon Aug 11, 2014 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fear of Disclosing Net Worth
Replies: 60
Views: 11664

Re: Fear of Disclosing Net Worth

Our Wells Fargo bank rep knows details of our bank account. These institutions have strong privacy rules.
jdb -- I would strongly suggest you read the privacy rules of Wells -- it probably gives them the right to share your data with business partners ---- how do you define such a strong privacy safeguard?
by brainstem
Sun Aug 10, 2014 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fear of Disclosing Net Worth
Replies: 60
Views: 11664

Fear of Disclosing Net Worth

Many on this board are worth a well over a million dollars. Lately my wife and I have considered a retirement review by TIAA-CREF - but I am reluctant to disclose our total assets to a corporate entity. All of them have vaguely worded releases that allow them to share your data. I am concerned that I would have a database somewhere that says that I am worth XYZ - a valuable piece of information for marketers, scammers, criminals etc. Granted, our credit cards and other daily activities offer up a public profile of a certain amount of wealth. Do others have these concerns about letting one party know all of your assets? Does anyone have cautionary experiences in letting such information become databased? Does this worry change if you have $x...
by brainstem
Fri Aug 08, 2014 9:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oldest age to start medical school?
Replies: 44
Views: 9061

Re: Oldest age to start medical school?

Med school is not so bad ... It is the residency that hits hard.
My residency was in the transition from the old school days ... Worked hard, the hospital supported us ... A true formative experience during the first year ... But I was 25 .... To have done that in my 30's with kids at home ... Not sure I would be so positive about what I experienced.

There was a surgical resident in my hospital who had been a former priest. He was hitting 40 during his 3rd year and started to get angina .... Switched to a less intense specialty, training experience.