Search found 489 matches

by robertalpert
Mon Mar 11, 2024 3:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Holding 100% stocks after FI best option for longer time horizons?
Replies: 74
Views: 8110

Re: Holding 100% stocks after FI best option for longer time horizons?

There was another Boglehead post that described a study suggesting replacing bonds with international stock holdings. Apparently, substantial international stock holdings may (perhaps) be a potential substitute for bonds to decrease portfolio volatility. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=419403 When I retired a few years ago, I went to a 60/40 stock / bond allocation. But since then, I realized that my retirement pension income exceeds monthly expenses enough that my portfolio is not really for my benefit; but will be for the benefit of my heirs. So, I went to the allocation of my heirs (80 stock / 20 bond). More recently (at age 73), concluded that my heirs risk profile is not really related to my portfolio. So, finally went...
by robertalpert
Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Role/Purpose Do Bonds Play in Your Portfolio
Replies: 55
Views: 5369

Re: What Role/Purpose Do Bonds Play in Your Portfolio

My only bond holding is VMLTX limited term tax exempt fund.

This holding is for the sole purpose of alternative redemption fund for check writing in taxable account. Portfolio allocation (97% stock / 3% bond).
by robertalpert
Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blocking callers on Iphone
Replies: 22
Views: 2143

Re: Blocking callers on Iphone

When silencing calls from phone numbers not in your contacts, the calls still reach your phone, but the phone does not ring. These unknown callers have the option to leave you a voice message.

When expecting a call from someone not on my contact list, I go to settings to allow unknown callers -- then later return to settings to silence unknown callers again.

For landline, there is a service option through Bell Telephone to require the caller to dial 9. That prevents computer-generated calls from getting through. This can also be turned off and back on by the homeowner when expecting a computer-generated call.
by robertalpert
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Soc Sec for surviving/ex spouse?
Replies: 8
Views: 1134

Re: Soc Sec for surviving/ex spouse?

The benefit amount may be more if both spouses are at least 66 years old.


https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=41&q=c ... A1&PC=HCTS
by robertalpert
Tue Feb 20, 2024 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Has anyone invested in marijuana stocks?
Replies: 92
Views: 12483

Re: Has anyone invested in marijuana stocks?

If marijuana stock is part of total stock, then you and I already have some in our total market index fund. If you want a sector fund, perhaps try Information Technology Index vgt
by robertalpert
Fri Feb 16, 2024 10:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Small Cap Value - US/International
Replies: 25
Views: 2401

Re: Small Cap Value - US/International

I vote for:

50% VTI
25% AVUV
25% VIGI --- Vanguard Intl Div Appreciation

0% international small value
by robertalpert
Sun Feb 11, 2024 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19932

Re: What is your favorite book?

Meditations - Marcus Aurelius
by robertalpert
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What's your allocation for International Stocks?
Replies: 101
Views: 6955

Re: What's your allocation for International Stocks?

My international allocation is 12% of equity, invested in VIGI held within my traditional IRA. That percentage will most likely shrink in the future as all new money goes into US index funds within the taxable brokerage account. I'm OK with that.
by robertalpert
Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My Portfolio (Need help please)
Replies: 23
Views: 3544

Re: My Portfolio (Need help please)

Simple is certainly better than complex. Each person's primary choice is asset allocation that relate to their individual needs and goals. Then choosing funds. Take special care in selecting your funds in taxable brokerage because there are tax-related costs to changing those funds. My portfolio design is probably not suited to the general investor, but it meets my needs and goals pretty well. Each person makes choices and then make adjustments when new information comes to light. Best of luck to you. My portfolio held at Vanguard: Taxable brokerage (25% of portfolio) 10% vmltx Vanguard limited tax-exempt fund 45% vtclx Vanguard tax-managed capital appreciation fund 45% vtmsx Vanguard tax managed small-cap fund Traditional IRA (25% of portf...
by robertalpert
Thu Jan 25, 2024 3:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account
Replies: 458
Views: 61828

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account

I got confirmation from Vanguard that you cannot currently open a Cash Plus Account that is owned by a trust - they are considering that for the future. And, as others mentioned in the pilot thread, if i did open a Cash Plus Account that was otherwise registered, you cannot transfer money back and forth from your vanguard brokerage account that is registered differently than your cash plus account. This is unfortunate. I also have a trust brokerage account and I am interested in the Cash Plus program. Perhaps in the future, perhaps Vanguard may allow the Cash Plus to be opened (registered) in the name of the trust --- matching the registration of the trust brokerage. Wondering when that may become available? Does Fidelity's CMA program all...
by robertalpert
Mon Jan 15, 2024 6:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Online Cash Withdrawals Challenges For New Accounts
Replies: 103
Views: 16337

Re: Vanguard Online Cash Withdrawals Challenges For New Accounts

Apply for checkwriting at Vanguard. Then the account owner can write herself a check and deposits it into her bank account. This avoids the "electronic" withdrawal issue.
by robertalpert
Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
Replies: 165
Views: 15898

Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history

Definitely go for Plan G.

Consider using AARP . United Health as your carrier as they may have community-based pricing that will not substantially increase with age.
by robertalpert
Fri Jan 12, 2024 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone else investing in "Actively" Managed Funds i.e. Vanguard's Windsor 2, Strategic Equity Funds?
Replies: 79
Views: 10328

Re: Anyone else investing in "Actively" Managed Funds i.e. Vanguard's Windsor 2, Strategic Equity Funds?

My Roth IRA is a 50/50 split between:

Vanguard active global fund: VESGX
and Avantes US small value: AVUV
by robertalpert
Wed Jan 10, 2024 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Convert VG Mutual Funds to ETF's in Tax Sheltered Accounts?
Replies: 19
Views: 1813

Re: Convert VG Mutual Funds to ETF's in Tax Sheltered Accounts?

In my vanguard account, selling a vanguard mutual fund results in losing the ability to re-purchase the same vanguard mutual fund within 30 days. But when selling vanguard ETFs, a person can repurchase that same ETF without regard to time period.

It that true / correct?
by robertalpert
Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?
Replies: 24
Views: 3915

Re: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?

I also did not see my RMD numbers at Vanguard RMD link. When I called Vanguard, they said I must first request their free RMD service. When they signed me up, I could immediately see the 2024 RMD figures. The Vanguard rep assisted with scheduling a lump sum distribution for this year's RMD.
This contact was on Thursday; The RMD distribution was in my taxable brokerage account the next day (Friday).
by robertalpert
Wed Jan 03, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?
Replies: 24
Views: 3915

Re: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?

prd1982 wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 4:13 pm
robertalpert wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 4:08 pm
Does Vanguard delay the RMD info until the December statement becomes published?
Thanks
My Dec statement was not available. Are you on the brokerage or the mutual fund only platform?
My T-IRA is on the brokerage platform.
by robertalpert
Wed Jan 03, 2024 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?
Replies: 24
Views: 3915

Re: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?

prd1982 wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2024 7:45 am Mine was on the brokerage platform on Jan 2. I was on the “dashboard” page. In the section for my IRA was a link “RMD Summary”. Clicking it took me to an old-style page giving the RMD amount and the fact that I haven’t taken any yet. The amount shown is what I calculated as well.

Thank you for your description on where to find the RMD information. My RMD was not yet showing.
Does Vanguard delay the RMD info until the December statement becomes published?

Thanks
by robertalpert
Wed Jan 03, 2024 3:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RMD 2024
Replies: 20
Views: 3282

Re: RMD 2024

Namashkar wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 2:48 pm
As of now I am intending to take in-kind transfer to my taxable brokerage account.

What is the advantage doing the RMD as an "in-kind" transfer.
by robertalpert
Sun Dec 31, 2023 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Avantis Core Municipal Bond ETF (AVMU)
Replies: 4
Views: 251

Re: Avantis Core Municipal Bond ETF (AVMU)

Does Vanguard have a long-term muni fund that is specific to your state of residence?
by robertalpert
Sat Dec 30, 2023 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTWAX or VTSAX Next 30 Years? [Vanguard Total World vs. (US) Stock Market]
Replies: 27
Views: 3042

Re: VTWAX or VTSAX Next 30 Years?

put US-only fund in taxable brokerage account

put global fund in traditional IRA
by robertalpert
Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can you purchase Avantis ETF in Vanguard?
Replies: 19
Views: 2459

Re: Can you purchase Avantis ETF in Vanguard?

OldSport wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 11:12 pm I noticed as good as the Avantis ETFs tend to perform, the corresponding Avantis Mutual Funds perform even better, where offered.

Is there some catch with the Avantis Mutual Funds, like difficult to access in Vanguard or Fidelity, high transaction fees, tax inefficient vs. ETFs, or something else like its not practical for normal people to access?
Avantis mutual funds are institutional and require $5 million minimums.
by robertalpert
Mon Dec 18, 2023 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 9927

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

For the mold problem on your current (or future) washing machine:

Run the tub clean cycle with bleach in the detergent dispenser.
Then add a small amount of bleach with the detergent with every wash load.
The mold issue will be gone.
by robertalpert
Fri Dec 15, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574899

Re: What are you listening to now

Arcangello Corelli violin sonatas OP-5 book-2
by robertalpert
Sat Aug 26, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Alternative to Federal Money Market [Vanguard Cash Deposit]
Replies: 21
Views: 4864

Re: Vanguard Alternative to Federal Money Market [Vanguard Cash Deposit]

Apparently, this cash-plus account used like a bank account from which one could schedule automated bill-payments while earning substantially more interest than a typical bank would pay. I'm considering it.
by robertalpert
Tue Mar 08, 2022 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?
Replies: 26
Views: 4296

Re: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?

retired@50 wrote: Mon Mar 07, 2022 7:19 pm


If you don't mind the tax inefficiency, I presume you'll be happy with VESGX in a taxable account.

If you can find a way to put VESGX into a protected account like an IRA or a Roth IRA, then the tax issues go away.

Regards,

Thank you for the great suggestion. I finally decided to include VESGX in my T-ira.
As for the taxable account, I am exchanging the VTWAX for VTCLX -- Tax Managed Cap Appreciation Fund.

Thank you again.
by robertalpert
Mon Mar 07, 2022 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?
Replies: 26
Views: 4296

Re: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?

Vanguard has several passive esg funds (VFTAX, VSGX, ESGV for stock funds, and VCEB for bonds) whose index passively omits certain categories of companies.

Like its indexed cousin (VTWAX), VESGX is global (US and international combined).

VTWAX is indexed; Invested in more than 9000 companies; Has large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap.

VESGX is actively managed and invested in fewer than 50 companies.
VESGX characteristics happens to match what I am seeking: global large-cap fund that omits Russia. Its lack of mid and small cap has not hampered its performance, as VESGX seems to have outperformed VTWAX during its brief 3-year history.
by robertalpert
Mon Mar 07, 2022 4:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?
Replies: 26
Views: 4296

Re: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?

Thank you for your suggestions, as they provided me with issues to evaluate. I may still go forward with purchasing VESGX to replace VTWAX in an effort balance the issues of portfolio performance with keeping it simple (fewer funds) --- and at the same time to steer clear of any present or future investment allocation to Russia. (Even with Russia's current exclusion from the indexes; they might get reinstated at some future date.)

In my view, going forward with investing in VESGX isn't perfect, but it's good enough.
by robertalpert
Sun Mar 06, 2022 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?
Replies: 26
Views: 4296

Re: Is there an ethical version of VTWAX?

I'd probably be willing to pay a higher expensive ratio if I felt it would do some good. I really appreciate the good intentions of people who consider ESG funds. However, I think you really need to ask yourself exactly what "good" would be done by owning a fund like that. To be clear, buying a stock doesn't send money to the company (except at the IPO), it sends money to another investor. The company isn't sustained by investors buying its stock on the secondary market. If it just makes you feel better to not own "company X," that is perfectly fine. Just make sure you are going into it with a real understanding of what you are (or aren't) accomplishing, and how much it is costing you. I'm considering VESGX to replace m...
by robertalpert
Fri Mar 04, 2022 1:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks?
Replies: 151
Views: 16547

Re: What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks?

I emailed the FTSE tonight asking them when Russia will be excluded from all FTSE indexes. They replied with a linked document indicating that Russia exclusion will be effective Monday March 7, 2022.

https://research.ftserussell.com/produc ... id=2603553
by robertalpert
Tue Mar 01, 2022 5:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks?
Replies: 151
Views: 16547

Re: What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks?

What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks? According to Wikipedia, Russia is classified as an emerging market by ten out of ten authorities , including FTSE, MSCI, S&P, Dow Jones, and Russell, so I would expect every emerging markets index fund to hold them. Alas, according to Wikipedia it does not seem as if Ukraine is listed as an emerging market by any of the major index providers (FTSE, MSCI, S&P, Dow Jones, Russell) and at a very quick reality check it does not appear to be included in the Vanguard European Index fund. I got distracted by apparently incorrect information in https://etfdb.com/country/ukraine/ I suppose it might be worth checking out ESG funds to see if any of them are dropping Russian stocks. My holdings ...
by robertalpert
Tue Mar 01, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks?
Replies: 151
Views: 16547

Re: What emerging markets funds hold Russian stocks?

zeugmite wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:34 pm Two questions I am not understanding at all:
1. What happens to NAV while the index and funds still hold the uninvestable assets? Mutual funds and ETF's whose underlying cannot trade both face issues.
2. When the MSCI removes the assets from the index, how will the funds dispose of the assets that can't be traded? How do they exit the funds?


Perhaps Vanguard could do charitable donation these Russia holdings to the government of Ukraine.
by robertalpert
Tue Dec 14, 2021 8:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rebalancing Bonus
Replies: 38
Views: 3915

Re: Rebalancing Bonus

Rebalancing improves the risk/return profile. If you hold asset A with an expected return of W and a standard deviation of X, and Asset with an expected return of Y and a standard deviation of Z and they are not perfectly correlated, a 50/50 portfolio of the two, rebalanced regularly, will have an expected return of more than (W+Y)/2 and a standard deviation of less than (X+Z)/2. How the benefit shows up depends on the relative values of W and Y, and X and Z. For example, if A is a stock fund and B is a bond fund, the rebalanced portfolio will have lower expected returns than A, but you get more than half the excess returns of the stock market with about half the risk. If A is a US stock fund and B is a foreign stock fund with equal expect...
by robertalpert
Wed Apr 21, 2021 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I invest in 10 Vanguard funds. How should I consolidate this mess?
Replies: 27
Views: 4375

Re: I invest in 10 Vanguard funds. How should I consolidate this mess?

Stay vigilant for an RRBD (market crash) that would reduce your capital gain. Then exchange funds for the couple funds you want to keep. In the meantime, figure out which two funds would suite you.
by robertalpert
Mon Feb 22, 2021 8:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 150794

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

Age 70 with defined benefit pension. Allocation 60% stock 40% bonds with significant mid-small-cap tilt. I consider my time horizon to be related to age of my heirs (age 40 and 42).
by robertalpert
Mon Feb 15, 2021 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recommend a Life Insurance Company
Replies: 18
Views: 2540

Re: Recommend a Life Insurance Company

Years ago I used Accuquote and ended up with policy with Transamerica occidental life. Am very satisfied with this policy.
by robertalpert
Mon Jan 04, 2021 2:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Overcontribution to 401k after-tax by $300 when future match is included, curious what employer will do?
Replies: 21
Views: 1749

Re: Overcontribution to 401k after-tax by $300 when future match is included, curious what employer will do?

I believe the employer match is not counted as part of the employee contribution limit. The employer has their own match limit that is separate (additional limit). That means you are not over-contributed.
by robertalpert
Mon Dec 07, 2020 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard index vs TSP
Replies: 39
Views: 4481

Re: Vanguard index vs TSP

Roth account at TSP is subject to Required Minimum Distribution - RMD at age 72. You can avoid RMD by rolling Roth TSP account to Roth IRA at Vanguard.
by robertalpert
Fri Oct 16, 2020 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wellcare Pt D jump from 16.70 to $54
Replies: 48
Views: 5005

Re: Wellcare Pt D jump from 16.70 to $54

I got my 2021 Social Security benefit notice yesterday, and saw where Wellcare Part D was going from 16.70 to over $54. I'm not finding any of Wellcare premiums being close to $54. Could that $54 be the annual cost of prescription medication copays under the plan? I currently have Silverscript Choice plan and have been well satisfied. But am considering a move to Wellcare-wellness plan for 2021. I would save a few bucks if my meds remain in the tier-2 level. But at Wellcare, my meds are listed at tier-1 and would represent a couple hundred dollar annual savings. I'm somewhat skeptical about whether their formulary may change and meds migrating to tier-2 level during the next year. A cautionary note about Aetna Silverscript new Smart plan w...
by robertalpert
Thu Feb 27, 2020 11:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does VTEAX have a purchase fee?
Replies: 32
Views: 2889

Re: Why does VTEAX have a purchase fee?

I noticed today that VTEAX no longer has a purchase fee.
And the ETF VTEB expense ratio has been lowered to 0.06 as compared to ER of 0.09 for VTEAX.

What to do????

I'm waiting till next week, then consider purchasing VTEAX to replace my VMLUX holdings.
by robertalpert
Mon Feb 17, 2020 12:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VTEAX Tax Exempt Bond Index Fund
Replies: 17
Views: 4573

Re: VTEAX Tax Exempt Bond Index Fund

Any guesses as to when Vanguard may get rid of the purchase fee for vteax?
by robertalpert
Fri Nov 01, 2019 8:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasury yield curve: changes for October 2019
Replies: 15
Views: 2213

Re: Treasury yield curve: changes for October 2019

October 1st is inverted yield curve and October 31st is normal / steeper yield curve in response to fed action. Any bets on when the inverted curve will return?
by robertalpert
Tue Aug 13, 2019 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long-Term Care Decision
Replies: 332
Views: 23716

Re: Long-Term Care Decision

stan1 wrote: Sun Jul 28, 2019 1:07 pm
bsteiner wrote: Sun Jul 28, 2019 9:48 am A better policy would be one where you paid the first 3 years, or the first $300,000, and the insurance company paid everything after that.
But it doesn't exist.
This was the exact proposal as an original component of ACA. But was deleted prior to passage of ACA. Perhaps it could be included next time there is future national healthcare legislation.
by robertalpert
Thu Mar 21, 2019 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Expense Ratio on Vanguard LifeStrategy Fund
Replies: 4
Views: 923

Re: Expense Ratio on Vanguard LifeStrategy Fund

The expense ratio is a weighted average of the component funds. But I wander about the fact that the underlying funds have "investor" level ERs. With those investor level funds now closed and replaced with admiral level funds; Anyone venture a guess about when will life strategy will lower its ER based on admiral level?
by robertalpert
Sat Jun 30, 2018 12:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vacation- home precautions?
Replies: 39
Views: 5928

Re: Vacation- home precautions?

If you have a reliable main valve; then shut the water to whole house.
by robertalpert
Thu Jun 21, 2018 10:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "distilled" water for wife's CPAP machine
Replies: 74
Views: 7843

Re: "distilled" water for wife's CPAP machine

My older cpap uses a separate stand-alone humidifier in which I use tap water that I change on a daily basis.

But the newer cpap models with integrated humidifier should only use distilled water (to prevent damage to the CPAP unit).
by robertalpert
Wed May 09, 2018 7:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare supplement policy G -does it offer guaranteed issue rights if insurance company goes bankrupt or ends?
Replies: 23
Views: 2940

Re: Medicare supplement policy G -does it offer guaranteed issue rights if insurance company goes bankrupt or ends?

Plan G is only guaranteed issue once in a lifetime --- when you first turn age 65. You can still apply for G anytime later, but will experience medical underwriting.
by robertalpert
Wed Sep 13, 2017 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aid 101
Replies: 95
Views: 13886

Re: Hearing aid 101

I got my first pair of hearing aids about two months ago. Initially, I was skeptical of Costco; But when my family doctor said to go there He told me he got his at Costco --- then I knew it was OK.

First went to an ENT doctor for ear cleaning. The ENT office wanted $4000 for a pair of hearing aids.


Then went to Costco. Costco brand hearing aids cost about $1600 for the pair. I needed more amplification so the Costco recommended their higher end (behind ear) hearing aids (Resound). The cost was $2600 for the pair. So far am very satisfied.