Search found 41 matches
- Tue May 08, 2012 11:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best book, intro to economics
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6862
Re: Best book, intro to economics
Thanks for everyone's suggestions! I did a quick cut-n-paste to help me organize and summarize the suggestions. I'm still happy to receive more suggestions or insight. I'll update this list as more suggestions come in. General intros: Economics for Dummies Economics: A Very Short Introduction The Little Book of Economics: How the Economy Works in the Real World New Ideas from Dead Economists: An Introduction to Modern Economic Thought Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science Poltical Bent: Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell Economics in One Lesson by Hazlitt John Quiggin's 'Zombie Economics Robert Heilbroner's 'The Worldy Philosophers'. Paul Krugmans 'The Return of Depression Era Economics' Text books: Samuelson's Economics Principles o...
- Mon May 07, 2012 11:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best book, intro to economics
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6862
Re: Best book, intro to economics
Thanks for everyone's suggestions, and I hope for more!
Please let's keep the politics out. I'd love to gather a good list of beginner books from multiple perspectives. I'll probably read several.
SAM, can you suggest another book that would help give me a balanced education?
Thanks,
Darby
Please let's keep the politics out. I'd love to gather a good list of beginner books from multiple perspectives. I'll probably read several.
SAM, can you suggest another book that would help give me a balanced education?
Thanks,
Darby
- Mon May 07, 2012 8:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best book, intro to economics
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6862
Re: Best book, intro to economics
Thanks for the suggestion, Jake46. But the 744 pages and the $182.36 price tag makes this the opposite of what I am looking for.Jake46 wrote:I know you said no textbooks but Samuelson's Economics is the best introduction to the field.
http://www.amazon.com/Economics-Paul-Sa ... 254&sr=1-1
- Mon May 07, 2012 7:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best book, intro to economics
- Replies: 54
- Views: 6862
Best book, intro to economics
I'm looking for a gentle introductory book on economics (no textbooks).
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Darby
EDIT: Please keep politics out of this discussion. Also, I'm interested in multiple perspectives and will likely read more than one book.
EDIT: Here is a summary of the recommendations I received.
Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Darby
EDIT: Please keep politics out of this discussion. Also, I'm interested in multiple perspectives and will likely read more than one book.
EDIT: Here is a summary of the recommendations I received.
- Sun Apr 22, 2012 12:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vanguard index question
- Replies: 9
- Views: 1412
Re: Vanguard index question
Hi and welcome!
Don't get too frustrated. Bogleheads will help you through it!
You should probably edit your post with details of your situation. Click here to get more info.
Be sure you consider your portfolio as a whole, no matter what accounts they happen to reside in.
I would definately move your 403b to Vanguard, if they allow it. If you want Vanguard funds there is no better place than at Vanguard.
If you don't have enough money to buy all of the funds you want, consider Vanguard Life Strategy or Vanguard Target Retirement. Either of these are very difersified and include US, international, and bonds. Later you can include other funds if you want.
Don't get too frustrated. Bogleheads will help you through it!
You should probably edit your post with details of your situation. Click here to get more info.
Be sure you consider your portfolio as a whole, no matter what accounts they happen to reside in.
I would definately move your 403b to Vanguard, if they allow it. If you want Vanguard funds there is no better place than at Vanguard.
If you don't have enough money to buy all of the funds you want, consider Vanguard Life Strategy or Vanguard Target Retirement. Either of these are very difersified and include US, international, and bonds. Later you can include other funds if you want.
- Sun Apr 22, 2012 11:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
- Replies: 3372
- Views: 1565251
Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Marxism, Fascism and Totalitarianism: Chapters in the Intellectual History of Radicalism by A, James Gregor
- Sat Apr 21, 2012 11:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Change Asset Allocation?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 667
Re: Change Asset Allocation?
Thanks for the responses!
- Sat Apr 21, 2012 5:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Change Asset Allocation?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 667
Re: Change Asset Allocation?
Edited above to 70% total bondtludwig23 wrote:And the other 10%?darbyzz wrote:Proposed:...
- Bond 34% (Total 60% TIPS 30%)
- Sat Apr 21, 2012 3:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Change Asset Allocation?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 667
Change Asset Allocation?
After a lot of reading and thinking, I'm considering changing my asset allocation from a simple three fund portfolio (held for 10+ years) to one that includes REITs and TIPS. Current: Total Stock 40% Total International 26% Total Bond 34% Proposed: Total Stock 36% Total International 23% REIT index 8% Bond 34% (Total 70% TIPS 30%) Reasons to change: Greater diversification Many well-regarded advisors recommend It's fun and interesting Reasons not to change: Am I simply following the crowd? Well-regarded advisors recommend the 3-fund When I look at the two portfolios: Ultimately not much difference, savings rate is much more important than getting the "perfect" portfolio. Both seem simple enough. Given all this, I might as well cha...
- Sat Apr 21, 2012 12:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you have a 'bucket list'?
- Replies: 75
- Views: 12350
Re: Do you have a 'bucket list'?
I've always wanted to take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Beijing to Moscow.
- Sun Apr 15, 2012 10:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do I mend my attempt to time the market?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1452
Re: How do I mend my attempt to time the market?
Hi vuduthmb,
You don't need to do anything immediately. In fact it would probably be a mistake to quickly take advice on this forum without really thinking it through. You've already proven to yourself that you can too easily be influenced by those around you.
Slow down. It's time for you to really understand yourself and what kind of investor you want to be. You don't want to be making the same mistake in 2, 5 or 10 years.
You should reread Mr. Bogle's book, or another one from the recommended list.
After that, make your plan then implement your plan.
Then when your friends encourage you to time the market or follow the latest fad, you can just smile and tell them "Thanks, but I'll just keep following my plan."
Good luck!
You don't need to do anything immediately. In fact it would probably be a mistake to quickly take advice on this forum without really thinking it through. You've already proven to yourself that you can too easily be influenced by those around you.
Slow down. It's time for you to really understand yourself and what kind of investor you want to be. You don't want to be making the same mistake in 2, 5 or 10 years.
You should reread Mr. Bogle's book, or another one from the recommended list.
After that, make your plan then implement your plan.
Then when your friends encourage you to time the market or follow the latest fad, you can just smile and tell them "Thanks, but I'll just keep following my plan."
Good luck!
- Sat Apr 14, 2012 4:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: To REIT or not to REIT
- Replies: 39
- Views: 6245
To REIT or not to REIT
I currently have a classic, simple, three-fund portfolio (US, international, bond).
Adding a REIT fund to my current 3 funds would not seem significantly more complex.
Most highly-regarded advisors (Malkiel, Ferri, Schultheis, Bernstein, Armstrong, Swenson, others?) recommend holding a REIT fund. Even Boglehead's Taylor, the champion of the simple three-fund portfolio, holds a REIT position.
John Bogle is less enthusiastic, suggesting it is unnecessary. But he also concedes that holding up to 10% of one's portfolio is not inappropriate.
Given the near-consensus, why shouldn't everyone own a REIT index fund?
Why are so many people (including, apparently, myself) reluctant to own REIT funds?
Adding a REIT fund to my current 3 funds would not seem significantly more complex.
Most highly-regarded advisors (Malkiel, Ferri, Schultheis, Bernstein, Armstrong, Swenson, others?) recommend holding a REIT fund. Even Boglehead's Taylor, the champion of the simple three-fund portfolio, holds a REIT position.
John Bogle is less enthusiastic, suggesting it is unnecessary. But he also concedes that holding up to 10% of one's portfolio is not inappropriate.
Given the near-consensus, why shouldn't everyone own a REIT index fund?
Why are so many people (including, apparently, myself) reluctant to own REIT funds?
- Tue Apr 10, 2012 4:04 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Return on Investment based on Asset Allocation?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1724
Re: Return on Investment based on Asset Allocation?
On page 178 of Swedroe’s The only Guide to a Winning Investment Strategy You'll Ever Need there is a table titled "Need to Take Risk" which provides a recommended equity allocation versus the required rate of return.
Rate of Return / Equity Allocation:
2% / 0%
3% / 20%
4.5% / 40%
6% / 60%
7.5% / 80%
9 % / 100%
Rate of Return / Equity Allocation:
2% / 0%
3% / 20%
4.5% / 40%
6% / 60%
7.5% / 80%
9 % / 100%
- Sun Apr 08, 2012 9:53 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Understanding AA
- Replies: 8
- Views: 626
Understanding AA
Almost no one advocates a perfectly weighted world market; everyone recommends some rational deviation. For stock allocation, hold no more than 80% and no fewer than 20%. Same with bonds. Hold anywhere from zero international stocks and up to 60%. Hold just one fund, or as many as half dozen or so for slice and dice. You can pick an AA and more or less stick to it; or start "aggressive" and become more "conservative" as you approach retirement. The difference in performance between allocations of 60/40, 50/50, and 40/60 is probably not that significant. Within these ranges there are many many rational portfolios. If you choose any of them--and follow through--you are likely to outperform the majority of activley managed...
- Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Vgd Target Retirement--tracking AA
- Replies: 4
- Views: 533
Vgd Target Retirement--tracking AA
I'm considering replacing my classic 3-fund portfolio with a Target Retirement Fund, for simplicity's sake.
As I understand it, I would choose the fund that fits my current AA--in my case TR 2020. Then gradually over the next 5 years my AA will arrive at TR 2015.
When you own this fund, is it easy to see this gradual change to AA?
I mean, if I look at my TR AA today, and then again in a year, will it be easy for me to see the change in AA over that time?
How would I know what my AA is after 3 years of owning a TR fund?
Thanks!
As I understand it, I would choose the fund that fits my current AA--in my case TR 2020. Then gradually over the next 5 years my AA will arrive at TR 2015.
When you own this fund, is it easy to see this gradual change to AA?
I mean, if I look at my TR AA today, and then again in a year, will it be easy for me to see the change in AA over that time?
How would I know what my AA is after 3 years of owning a TR fund?
Thanks!
- Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Moonlighting for old employer over weekends/nights
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2154
Re: Moonlighting for old employer over weekends/nights
Hi moonshine, It seems like you'd be releived if your new job has a policy against moonlighting... I'd advise against doing it if the only reason is the guilt (life is too short; time too precious). All companies have to deal with employee turnover. It's your employer's job to ask you to moonlight. But if you say no, then it will be your employer's job to find a successful replacement. This is just business. I work in IT (tech writer) and I don't see anything improper about working weekends and evenings at another job--as long as it dosen't interfere with your new job. I've done it, lots of people I know do it. I understand your hesitancy to bring it up with your new employer--it's awkward when you want to present yourself (and apperantly s...
- Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Should I pre-pay my mortgage?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1628
Re: Should I pre-pay my mortgage?
This is a very personal decision. I don't think there is a right answer.
Some people are able to make a cold calculation: mortgage interest rate vs. potential earnings from investments.
I went with the more emotionally satisfying option (for me), which was to pay off the house in full. Nothing more satisfying (for me) than owning my own home--a wonderful feeling of security. All the money that was going towards the mortgage is now going towards investing.
Good luck making your decision.
Some people are able to make a cold calculation: mortgage interest rate vs. potential earnings from investments.
I went with the more emotionally satisfying option (for me), which was to pay off the house in full. Nothing more satisfying (for me) than owning my own home--a wonderful feeling of security. All the money that was going towards the mortgage is now going towards investing.
Good luck making your decision.
- Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Movie night in recommendations
- Replies: 269
- Views: 29436
Re: What is your favorite movie?
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
- Mon Apr 02, 2012 2:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Play the mega-millions lottery for Free
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1928
Re: Play the mega-millions lottery for Free
Actually, your chances of winning increases significantly if you buy a ticket...bertilak wrote:I simply do not buy a ticket! Even without a ticket I figure my chances are about the same as for those who do buy tickets!
- Sun Apr 01, 2012 2:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: FIRECalc and AA
- Replies: 4
- Views: 683
FIRECalc and AA
When I use FIRECalc.com to evaluate my current retirement plan (14 years out), I get a 100% success rate.
On the "Your Portfolio" tab, I chose the "Total Market" option and entered my current AA of 66% stock holdings.
I wondered how low I could go on the stock allocation and still get 100% success. Here are the tests I ran:
%Stocks %Success
66 = 100
50 = 100
45 = 99.1
40 = 99.1
35 = 97.4
30 = 96.6
20 = 91.4
15 = 87.1
00 = 70.7
What should I make of this? It seems to imply that I am currently taking unnecessary risk. According to FIRECalc, I could immediately drop to a 50/50 stock/bond split and still succeed 100%.
Any thoughts?
Does it make sense to make AA decisions based on FIRECalc?
Thanks,
Darby
On the "Your Portfolio" tab, I chose the "Total Market" option and entered my current AA of 66% stock holdings.
I wondered how low I could go on the stock allocation and still get 100% success. Here are the tests I ran:
%Stocks %Success
66 = 100
50 = 100
45 = 99.1
40 = 99.1
35 = 97.4
30 = 96.6
20 = 91.4
15 = 87.1
00 = 70.7
What should I make of this? It seems to imply that I am currently taking unnecessary risk. According to FIRECalc, I could immediately drop to a 50/50 stock/bond split and still succeed 100%.
Any thoughts?
Does it make sense to make AA decisions based on FIRECalc?
Thanks,
Darby
- Fri Mar 30, 2012 10:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Late contributions to tIRA for 2011, Tax implications?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 361
Late contributions to tIRA for 2011, Tax implications?
Please help me understand this.
I'm qualified to max out my traditional IRA for full deductions. I have yet to contribute fully for 2011. As I understand it, I have until April 17 to contribute for 2011.
If I do this, what are the tax implications? Can I use the deductions for my 2011 taxes, or are the deductions used for the 2012 taxes, or do I have a choice?
I'm hoping that I can cut down my 2011 tax bill by contributing to the 2011 tIRA.
Thanks!
I'm qualified to max out my traditional IRA for full deductions. I have yet to contribute fully for 2011. As I understand it, I have until April 17 to contribute for 2011.
If I do this, what are the tax implications? Can I use the deductions for my 2011 taxes, or are the deductions used for the 2012 taxes, or do I have a choice?
I'm hoping that I can cut down my 2011 tax bill by contributing to the 2011 tIRA.
Thanks!
- Fri Mar 30, 2012 3:19 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How you got to be a Boglehead, with a twist
- Replies: 42
- Views: 4336
Re: How you got to be a Boglehead, with a twist
I naively started investing at the top of the tech bubble. I thought I knew a lot because I'd read "The Gorilla Game" (a strategy to pick tech stocks). I realized that I didn't know anything about investing, and I'd just lost $<unspeakable > amounts. I didn't start investing again until after I found Bogle-style investment advice. I learned a valuable lesson, but not a cheap one.
- Thu Mar 29, 2012 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Starter IRA for grown stepchildren
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1416
Re: Starter IRA for grown stepchildren
Thanks for the feedback. I needed a reality check.
- Wed Mar 28, 2012 11:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Starter IRA for grown stepchildren
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1416
Starter IRA for grown stepchildren
Hi,
I'm wanting to encourage my three stepchildren to invest for their future.
They are all grown and out of the house (ages 26-32). None of them are financially ambitious. They're artsy and mildly counter-cultural. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Anyway, I want to offer to match their $500 and help them open a $1000 Vanguard Target Retirement Fund. I'll also offer to match their next $500.
I assume that using a Roth IRA for this would be best. But I guess I don't know. Does anyone think otherwise? Any other suggestions or things I should consider?
Thanks,
Darby
I'm wanting to encourage my three stepchildren to invest for their future.
They are all grown and out of the house (ages 26-32). None of them are financially ambitious. They're artsy and mildly counter-cultural. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Anyway, I want to offer to match their $500 and help them open a $1000 Vanguard Target Retirement Fund. I'll also offer to match their next $500.
I assume that using a Roth IRA for this would be best. But I guess I don't know. Does anyone think otherwise? Any other suggestions or things I should consider?
Thanks,
Darby
- Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Help with retirement assumptions
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2356
Re: Help with retirement assumptions
You're so right! I just ran the numbers again and got 100%. Thanks!dbr wrote:You expect to withdraw $6000/year from a $300K portfolio. That is a 2% rate of withdrawal which will surely score at 100% successful in FireCalc.
- Mon Mar 26, 2012 8:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Help with retirement assumptions
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2356
Re: Help with retirement assumptions
Thanks for all the previous comments. I've taken the feedback and done some more thinking. Here's the second version from a different approach and more detailed. I'm 48 and my wife is 54. We're finally getting really serious about retiring; we wonder if we'll be ready in 14 years (at ages 62 and 68). This plan is trying to articulate our minimum requirements for retirment, thus it's conservative. All numbers are in today's dollars. Asset Allocation = 66/33 (Stocks/Bonds); 60/40 (domestic/inter.) Current portfolio: classic 3-fund, mostly in tax-advantaged Vanguard accounts (inherated IRA 48%; rollover IRAs 19%; Roth IRAs 32%; 401k 1%) We have no debt. We own our house. We currently have $116,000 in retiement funds. EDIT: Current combined inc...
- Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:08 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2239
Re: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
I appreciate all the responses and advice. I'll enjoy thinking about it all over the next while.
Thanks!
Thanks!
- Fri Mar 23, 2012 12:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Funding IRAs and 401k
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1542
Re: Funding IRAs and 401k
Thanks, that's what I do now, and am leaning towards. I'm still interested in Kevin's ideas about funding the 401K instead of the TIRA.dickenjb wrote:Put 6% in your 401(k) in Fido Total Mkt Idx. Think of everything as one big portfolio and the Fido as equivalent to VTSAX. Put the rest of your savings in traditional deductible IRA's.
- Fri Mar 23, 2012 11:57 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Help with retirement assumptions
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2356
Re: Help with retirement assumptions
Thanks everyone for your continued comments and advice.
Darby
Thanks, I hadn't thought of this.bobcat2 wrote:Also if you are retiring before age 65 how will you pay for medical insurance between your retirement year and age 65?
My idea was to prepare for the worst now, and then enjoy it when I save more money than I planned. What do you think? I am starting to look at what I need to save, given different rates of return.bobcat2 wrote:Like at least one other poster has noted I don't understand why you are assuming very low rates of return on your investments, but are apparently heavy in equites (according to what you posted on your other thread). If you are that conservative about the outlook for returns, why are you heavily in equity?
Darby
- Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:12 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Funding IRAs and 401k
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1542
Re: Funding IRAs and 401k
Thanks Kevin. Good information. I'll definitely reconsider my 401k options.
I'm having a hard time understanding why, after obtaining my employer's matching funds, you would recommend I continue funding my 401k instead of a Traditional IRA. They seem to work essentially the same. But in the TIRA I have access to Vanguard funds.
Can you explain your reasoning?
Thanks,
I'm having a hard time understanding why, after obtaining my employer's matching funds, you would recommend I continue funding my 401k instead of a Traditional IRA. They seem to work essentially the same. But in the TIRA I have access to Vanguard funds.
Can you explain your reasoning?
Thanks,
- Fri Mar 23, 2012 7:03 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2239
Re: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
With regards to the actual swings in the stock market, I don't think I'm very emotional. During the "big crash of 2008" I don't remember even looking at my portfolio balances until months after.Khanmots wrote: For example, if you allow yourself to adjust AA on the fly, then during 2008 would you have decided that being more conservative is a good idea? If so, you'd have locked in losses instead of re-balancing into stocks.
Sometime after I read an article that quoted Burton Malkiel suggesting a stock/bond of 66/33. I decided to follow his advice and INCREASED my exposure to stocks, thus buying some extra at discount.
Thanks,
- Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2239
Re: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
Thanks for the responses so far.
Just to be clear. My drifting is almost all about reading investment books and reading this forum. It's about reading a good argument for one and then reading a good argument for another.
Thanks again,
Stan
Just to be clear. My drifting is almost all about reading investment books and reading this forum. It's about reading a good argument for one and then reading a good argument for another.
Thanks again,
Stan
- Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:54 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 2239
Do I have to be strict with asset allocation?
Asset allocation recommendations range widely. I find myself getting tugged this way and that way every time I read a respected investor give a different recommendation than the last. What I want to know: What is the real harm if I choose a stock/bond split of 70/30 and then in a couple of years I feel more conservative and move towards a 60/40. And then in a couple of more years I feel persueded that I need more stocks and move to 66/33. Same goes for International stocks. How much should I hold: 30%, 40%, 50%? Many very respected investors disagree. What is the real harm if my portfolio drifts (by adding new money) across the accepted range of asset allocations? Is there a harm? FYI, my current asset allocation is 66/33 (stocks/bonds) and...
- Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Help with retirement assumptions
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2356
Re: Help with retirement assumptions
Thanks for everyone's help. I really appreciate it.
Darby
Darby
- Thu Mar 22, 2012 6:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Funding IRAs and 401k
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1542
Re: Funding IRAs and 401k
Thanks for everyone's response. I appreciate it. Kevin, I have the full range of fidelity funds in my 401k: FID BLUE CHIP GR FID CONTRAFUND FID DIVERSIFD INTL FID DIVIDEND GR FID EQ DIV INCOME FID EQUITY INC FID EXPORT & MULTI FID FIDELITY FUND FID FIFTY FID GROWTH COMPANY FID GROWTH STRAT FID LARGE CAP STOCK FID LOW PRICED STK FID MID CAP STOCK FID OTC PORTFOLIO FID OVERSEAS FID REAL ESTATE INVS FID SM CAP DISCOVERY FID SMALL CAP VALUE FID VALUE STRAT FID VALUE SPTN EXT MKT IDX ADV SPTN TOT MKT IDX ADV FID FREEDOM FUNDS FID PURITAN FID INTERMED BOND FID INVST GR BD FID SHORT TERM BOND FID RETIRE MMKT I got the expense ratio for the funds that seemed relevant as replacements for my three Vanguard funds (Total Stock ER 0.07%, Total Inter...
- Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:07 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Funding IRAs and 401k
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1542
Re: Funding IRAs and 401k
I hope this helps. Thanks.
Emergency funds = 6 months
Debt = none
Tax Filing Status = Married filing jointly
Tax Rate = 15% federal 9% state
Ages = me 48, wife 54
Asset Allocation = 66/33 (Stocks/Bonds); 60/40 (domestic/international)
Current retirement savings: $116,000
Current portfolio: classic 3-fund at Vanguard all tax-advantaged accounts plus 401k (inherated IRA 48%; rollover IRAs 19%; Roth IRAs 32%; 401k 1%)
New annual contributions: 10-14k
Funds available in 401k: only one worth using is FTSMX (Fidelity's Spartan Total Market)
Emergency funds = 6 months
Debt = none
Tax Filing Status = Married filing jointly
Tax Rate = 15% federal 9% state
Ages = me 48, wife 54
Asset Allocation = 66/33 (Stocks/Bonds); 60/40 (domestic/international)
Current retirement savings: $116,000
Current portfolio: classic 3-fund at Vanguard all tax-advantaged accounts plus 401k (inherated IRA 48%; rollover IRAs 19%; Roth IRAs 32%; 401k 1%)
New annual contributions: 10-14k
Funds available in 401k: only one worth using is FTSMX (Fidelity's Spartan Total Market)
- Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Help with retirement assumptions
- Replies: 15
- Views: 2356
Help with retirement assumptions
EDIT: After recieving feedback and thinking some more, I've prepared a second effort. This can be seen below at http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=93241&p=1347233#p1347233 . My wife and I haven't been big earners. But we are out of debt (house paid for) and have accumulated about $116,000 in retirement savings (in a 3-fund Vanguard account). Our monthly expenses are around $2600 and we live a lifestyle that we would be happy to continue during retirement. We have about 15 or so years to retirement. Using the online Social Security estimator, we conservatively estimate that we'll get about $1600/month from them. That means we need to come up with an additional $1000/month, or $12,000/year. I figure if we withdraw 4%...
- Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Funding IRAs and 401k
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1542
Funding IRAs and 401k
My wife and I are in the 15% tax bracket and assume that this won't change in retirement. We'll retire in 16 years, at the soonest.
I have a 401k. My employer matches 50% up to 6% of income. I'm contributing this 6%. (Of the available funds, Spartan Total Market Index is the only one I'm comfortable with.)
My wife and I each have a rollover IRA and a Roth IRA.
We will be able to save between 10-14k a year.
Questions:
Where should we put our new monthly contributions? 401k, Roth, Traditional?
Should we convert our rollover IRAs to Roth IRAs?
Thanks so much!
I have a 401k. My employer matches 50% up to 6% of income. I'm contributing this 6%. (Of the available funds, Spartan Total Market Index is the only one I'm comfortable with.)
My wife and I each have a rollover IRA and a Roth IRA.
We will be able to save between 10-14k a year.
Questions:
Where should we put our new monthly contributions? 401k, Roth, Traditional?
Should we convert our rollover IRAs to Roth IRAs?
Thanks so much!
- Mon Mar 19, 2012 10:03 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Thoughtful critiques of boglehead investment style?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1077
Thoughtful critiques of boglehead investment style?
I've been a 3-fund vanguard investor for about 15 years. I have no plans to change.
Every few years I recommit to (and re-evaluate) my investment plan by selecting a couple of recommended books that I haven't yet read. I'm also on the lookout for that "perfect" book to share with friends and relatives.
Now I'd like to challenge my boglehead education by reading critiques of the boglehead strategy. I'm not interested in loud-mouthed ranters (such as Michael Dever). Rather, I'm looking for authors that you respect but disagree with. I'm looking for mature, thoughtful critiques of my 3-fund plan (books or articles).
Do any exist?
Thanks!
Darby
Every few years I recommit to (and re-evaluate) my investment plan by selecting a couple of recommended books that I haven't yet read. I'm also on the lookout for that "perfect" book to share with friends and relatives.
Now I'd like to challenge my boglehead education by reading critiques of the boglehead strategy. I'm not interested in loud-mouthed ranters (such as Michael Dever). Rather, I'm looking for authors that you respect but disagree with. I'm looking for mature, thoughtful critiques of my 3-fund plan (books or articles).
Do any exist?
Thanks!
Darby
- Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:19 pm
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Topic deleted without explanation
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1061
Re: Topic deleted without explanation
Sorry. I'll send a message to the email listed.
Though I don't consider my post a complaint or a plea for reactivation. Rather I'm trying to understand why my post was deleted, and how to prevent it in the future.
Thanks,
Darby
Though I don't consider my post a complaint or a plea for reactivation. Rather I'm trying to understand why my post was deleted, and how to prevent it in the future.
Thanks,
Darby
- Mon Mar 19, 2012 8:06 pm
- Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
- Topic: Topic deleted without explanation
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1061
Topic deleted without explanation
Hi, First, thanks to all the admins and moderators for the work they do. I really love this site! I started a new topic with the title: "Jackass Investing" by Michael Dever There were half a dozen constructive responses to my original question (has anyone read this investment book that criticizes some boglehead ideas?). I'm assuming that the title of the book was offensive to one of the moderators. But I don't know. Could someone please let me know if this was the case? Also, is there any acceptable way to discuss this book since it has an off-color title? For example, would "Jack*** Investing" work? Is there anyway to reactivate this topic by editing the title? Also, I would suggest that moderators send a simple message...