Search found 40 matches

by motodoc42
Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33461

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

None. I haven't used a watch since presbyopia set in and I'm 80 years old now!
by motodoc42
Fri Feb 03, 2023 2:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 152006

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

81 years old here.
50/50.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Feb 03, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from major brokerage to Vanguard brokerage
Replies: 14
Views: 1499

Re: Moving from major brokerage to Vanguard brokerage

I've been with Vanguard since the 1980's. I had other accounts at USAA,American Funds and a small independent firm that used State Street for clearing. I consolidated my holdings entirely with Vanguard in 20011. Record keeping has been greatly simplified. I pretty closely followed the Boglehead Philosophy since then until 2021 when I signed on to their PAS. I'm 80 yo and thought it's better to have help set up in advance of a need that will surely come sooner or later. Looking back, I'm very happy with my decision. I see a lot of fussing and complaining about communication and such, but I'm not one of those in that camp.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sat Jun 19, 2021 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand current Vanguard bond fund prices
Replies: 5
Views: 854

Help me understand current Vanguard bond fund prices

I hold VBIRX,VBTLX and VBLAX. I understand the inverse relationship between interest rates and individual bond prices. It seems to me that bond prices and therefore bond funds should be going down not up. It therefore doesn't make since to me why my long term bond fund went up 1.35% yesterday(largest gain in a while) and my Total bond went up 0.35%. The short term fund held steady. Please explain.
Thanks,
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Jul 05, 2019 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: question concerning Total International Bond Fund bond
Replies: 2
Views: 448

question concerning Total International Bond Fund bond

I think I have a reasonable grasp on the ups and downs of individual bonds related to coupon, rating and due date, but for the life of me I'm mystified by the why the Total International bound fund has gone up in net asset value this year considering it's yield. Please explain.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sun Jul 12, 2015 7:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convince me not to buy Porsche
Replies: 190
Views: 47711

Re: Convince me not to buy Porsche

I'd suggest getting a motorcycle. I was 50 years old when I took the beginning rider course offered my the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. I the 25 years since then I've accumulated nearly a quarter million miles. You like skiing you say. Riding a motorcycle gives you that experience and control of skiing, but you get to do it on public roads. I've thought many times how riding and skiing are similar. Anyway, much more fun than driving. The learning curve it steep for sure, but I'm sure glad I made the investment.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Apr 24, 2015 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What is safest vehicle on the road today that I can buy?]
Replies: 116
Views: 32524

Re: [What is safest vehicle on the road today that I can buy

The most important safety feature of a any vehicle is the driver behind the wheel.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Apr 24, 2015 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Motorcycles!
Replies: 36
Views: 5103

Re: Motorcycles!

Greetings, Here are few pointers I'd like to pass on to other that ride or contemplate to start. 1. Obtain professional training and get licensed 2. ATGATT (all the gear all the time) 3.Ride your own ride 4.Practice, practice, practice 5.Create space 6.Don't depend on others for your safety 7. Ride as if no one sees you 8.Keep a clear view in all directions and move about in your lane to increase your view 7 Avoid blind spots 8.Choose riding companions wisely and If they make you uncomfortable, take your exit. 9.Learn how to read pavement and manage traction 10.Slow down in town (surface streets) 11.use other vehicles as interference through intersections when possible 12.Move away from big rigs 13.On multilane highways choose your position...
by motodoc42
Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard website has Yellow Triangle over lock
Replies: 35
Views: 5745

Re: Vanguard website has Yellow Triangle over lock

The Vanguard site looks normal on my Chromebook obviously using the Chrome browser, No triangle warning. I do see a triangle on this site however.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sun Oct 19, 2014 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vegas Vacation!
Replies: 50
Views: 8739

Re: Vegas Vacation!

We are to attend a wedding in San Diego in February and I was considering flying to Vegas for a day or two and then driving to California for the wedding, then drive back to Vegas to return back home. The Grand Canyon and Death Valley are some of the things we'd like to see while in the area. Thoughts and ideas would be appreciated. Also comment on the weather that time of year.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Tue Sep 30, 2014 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cast Iron Skillet Cooking
Replies: 127
Views: 36399

Re: Cast Iron Skillet Cooking

We have various sizes of skillets that passed down to us from our parents and grandparents(not sure where they got them) The most frequent use is making cornbread. Here's how we do it. -# 5 or # 6 skillet.Seasoned -add 2-3 tbs canola oil to skillet and roll it around to coat the bottom -place in a cold oven, then preheat to 400 F -while it's preheating, place 6-7 rounded tbs of cornmeal( we use Martha White self rising or White Lilly self rising cornmeal) in a mixing bowl. -add 1 large egg -add buttermilk and mix with a spoon to get the correct consistency (like pancake batter consistency, by adding a little more buttermilk or meal if needed) -when the oven light goes off carefully remove hot skillet from oven and pour hot oil into the corn...
by motodoc42
Sun Sep 21, 2014 4:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard monthly statement availability(Website)
Replies: 9
Views: 3764

Re: Vanguard monthly statement availability(Website)

red5 wrote:I could be wrong on this, but....

I believe you only get statements during months when there is account activity (not including dividends) AND during the months of Jan, Jun, Sep and Dec. If it's August and there are no transactions then you will not receive a statement.

At least that is how it is for me. So far this year I have statements from January (roth contributions), March and June.
Your exactly right! In fact, I woke up last night and actually came to that conclusion myself. :oops: Thanks for confirming this. In the last year or two, I'd usually had some kind of account activity, but since June, none.
Motodoc 42
by motodoc42
Sat Sep 20, 2014 8:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard monthly statement availability(Website)
Replies: 9
Views: 3764

Vanguard monthly statement availability(Website)

I noticed several days ago that statements were available to view and print through June. None after. I assumed some sort of temporary issue and they'd show up in a few days. Not so. I just checked and again today they end with June. Have others noticed this? I'll call Monday and see what's going on. :?: :?: :?: :?:
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Wed Sep 03, 2014 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Symantec anti-virus] Norton Auto Renewal
Replies: 21
Views: 2621

Re: [Symantec anti-virus] Norton Auto Renewal

I gave Norton the boot this year and glad I did. I now have a Chrome Book with built in security and a Windows 8 machine that I bought via the Microsoft Store with Windows Defender installed. I'd used Norton Internet Security for years on 2 XP machines prior to that and don't miss it at all. I actually feel safer. Am l? Who knows.

Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Wed Sep 03, 2014 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas for thanking a doctor
Replies: 87
Views: 13820

Re: Ideas for thanking a doctor

As a physician (Internal medicine), I received various gifts over the years, and they were all appreciated. I would say the most memorable ones were simply personal hand written notes. It takes time and effort to do that. By the way, I'm now retired and old patients tell me frequently that they wish I was still their doctor.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sat May 17, 2014 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel suggestions Washington,DC
Replies: 32
Views: 3793

Hotel suggestions Washington,DC

My wife and I haven't been to DC in over 30 years and would like suggestions and comments concerning hotel accommodations. We plan to visit mid June. It would be nice to be able to park the car and use public transportation.

Thanks,

Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening - asparagus in particular
Replies: 25
Views: 3266

Re: Gardening - asparagus in particular

I would pick them prior to cold snap. Those under ground should be fine since the cold will be brief. If they are too little or too few of them to cook, cut up and use raw in a salad. As to where to break off: Trial and error. If it breaks clean that above the break will be tender. Come back a few days later and cut the stub flush with the ground. Actually, it probably doesn't matter how long you leave it. Use in flower arrangements: Yep, great to use. May parents were florists and they bought the stuff to use in their designs. You can too. When you let your asparagus go to fern you will have an unlimited supply. My plants grow to 6 to 7 ft tall. You can simply snip it off as needed. The plant won't miss it. Just remember, don't over harves...
by motodoc42
Fri Apr 04, 2014 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Expensive hobbies and possessions? (B/c you can...)
Replies: 126
Views: 23629

Re: Expensive hobbies and possessions? (B/c you can...)

Motorcycles: :moneybag
I'm 72 and started as a novice rider at 50. Since then I've logged almost 200,000 blue highway miles. My current ride is a Honda GL1800 that I just spent a bundle on upgrading it's front and rear suspension. Worth every penny. I've owned Honda's (CB750, ST1100A, VFR 750 GL1800), a Suzuki dl650, and my favorite of all, a 97 Moto Guzzi Sport 1100i.
Riding a motorcycle well and safely requires not only a large investment in equipment, protective riding gear and training, but a large investment of time.
Would I do it again? You bet I would.

Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gardening - asparagus in particular
Replies: 25
Views: 3266

Re: Gardening - asparagus in particular

I've been growing asparagus for about 20 years now. (And here in East Tennessee I just saw our first spear breaking ground!). It a good idea to harvest by size - as has previously been mentioned. If it's pencil/pinky size or bigger - pick and eat, otherwise leave it to feed the root system. And be sure to let the fronds stay all year long. Cut them back after they brown in late fall/early winter. The only caveat to that is if you have a variety that is producing seeds. If you let the seeds mature and drop you will have surface plants (as opposed to the deep-rooted ones you have just dug down and planted). So, I always cut those down before the seeds mature and drop. I my experience asparagus, once established, is the gift that just keeps o...
by motodoc42
Thu Feb 13, 2014 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which Chromebook?
Replies: 51
Views: 9348

Re: Which Chromebook?

You might want to look at the HP Chromebook 14. I've had one for 2 months now and like it a lot. 14" screen is nice. It's fast and easy to use. I bought it from Amazon. Check it out there.

Here are a few stats:
(Intel Celeron 2955U 1.4 GHz (2 MB Cache)
2 GB DDR3L SDRAM
16 GB Solid-State Drive
14.0-Inch Screen, Intel HD Graphics
Chrome OS
Compared to the others, I mostly wanted the larger screen. '

Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sat Dec 07, 2013 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Comfort food
Replies: 68
Views: 6790

Re: Comfort food

We just enjoyed a great winter time meal in front of a real wood fire watching the SEC Championship. Mac&cheese, slow cooked pinto beans, slow cooked mustard greens and corn bread cooked in a cast iron skillet. Good food good football!!
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Tue Dec 03, 2013 6:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Change in password rules for log in to Vanguard
Replies: 2
Views: 868

Change in password rules for log in to Vanguard

I must have missed the news about increasing allowed characters to 20, and making inputs case sensitive, as well as allowing the use of symbols. There may be others of you out there that missed it too.
by motodoc42
Sat Aug 24, 2013 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566113

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Black List by Brad Thor.
by motodoc42
Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 1249

Re: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard

ogd wrote:The first time around, I believe, much like the website remembers your computer for a while.
This is correct. To reset, so questions are asked again; go to settings, apps, Vanguard, under storage tap clear data. ( at least in my Motorola Droid Razr M)
I obviously think this adds one more level of security. I could be wrong.
Mortodoc42
by motodoc42
Wed Jun 26, 2013 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 1249

Re: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard

Security questions are used when logging onto the website .Are the questions also used in the log in procedure when using the smartphone app?
by motodoc42
Tue Jun 25, 2013 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 1249

Re: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard

It seems safe. I trust it more than a browser on a Windows computer. In fact, a little too safe. If you shut off the screen (common occurance on a smart phone), you have to re-login, which is annoying. At least they let you switch to other apps and back now. You should always do your diligence in keeping your smartphone safe, but that said there is little that Android apps can do to compromise an app like Vanguard. Off the top of my head: 1) a keyboard replacement could capture your password, so use trustworthy ones. 2) a launcher replacement could try to trick you into launching another app that looks like Vanguard. 3) an app with root privileges (if you root your phone) can do just about anything. All of these are rather conspicuous (you...
by motodoc42
Tue Jun 25, 2013 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Android Smartphone access to Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 1249

Android Smartphone access to Vanguard

Using their app, is it safe and secure? I'm new to a smartphone and I'm somewhat reluctant to log on. Your thoughts please.
Thanks,
motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sun Mar 17, 2013 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is Vanguard compatible with Mint.com?
Replies: 15
Views: 10013

Re: Is Vanguard compatible with Mint.com?

henry A wrote:
Piecake wrote:
Rosco wrote:what's it cost to use? SS
Mint is free

All you have to do is give up the passwords to your life savings! :twisted:
This raises the issue of security and safety of using such a program in the first place.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Tue Feb 26, 2013 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charitable donation from RMD
Replies: 45
Views: 4188

Re: Charitable donation from RMD

cheese_breath wrote:Well I did my first QCD, got the check from Vanguard yesterday, and noticed something interesting. The check confirmation statement has the fund number the money was withdrawn from. OK, I can live with that, but the check has my account number on it in the upper left hand side, right after the check number and date of check. Has anyone else noticed that? Hopefully the people at my (Church) charity are honest, but if they're not they would seem to have the information they need to get into my IRA. Does it concern you?
Keep in mind, that when you write a personal check, your bank account # is on the check.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Tue Jan 29, 2013 8:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where did the pie charts go?
Replies: 2
Views: 604

Where did the pie charts go?

I have the latest version of Flash, but recently my graphs have disappeared (in portfolio watch for example). It asks me to download Adobe Flash, but it's already installed. What gives?
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Thu Dec 27, 2012 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tempur-Pedic mattresses
Replies: 64
Views: 9150

Re: Tempur-Pedic mattresses

TRC wrote:Worth checking out the Serta I-Comfort as well. We bought one and absolutely love it. They claim to sleep "cooler" than the Tempur-Pedic. I also think they are significantly less expensive. We went with the medium stiffness and LOVE IT.
We've have one of the Serta I Comforts, Harmony as I recall, and are very pleased with it.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Thu Dec 27, 2012 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dishwasher not draining
Replies: 9
Views: 1849

Re: Dishwasher not draining

You might check the round float in the bottom of the tub near the front. We had a problem like yours and a measuring spoon was hiding under it preventing it from working properly.
Good luck,
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Feb 17, 2012 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: snail mail money to vanguard
Replies: 39
Views: 8086

Re: snail mail money to vanguard

I'm sorry to have to ask, but what is ACH???
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Oct 28, 2011 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Impact of Aging on Financial Mgt.
Replies: 24
Views: 2139

Re: Impact of Aging on Financial Mgt.

I missed the mortgage question as well . 90%, age 69. Haven't had a mortgage in over 20 years. I'm unsure when variable rate ones became available.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash Back Credit Cards
Replies: 53
Views: 8326

USAA VISA works for me.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Wed Sep 21, 2011 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG High-Yield - 1% Fee To Sell
Replies: 21
Views: 3419

abuss368 wrote:We prefer to take our risk with stocks. Bonds are for safety. Besides, the risks taken with stocks has the potential for better rewards.

Read Unconventional Success by David Swensen to udnerstand why he does not like Junk Bonds and prefer's US Treasury bonds and TIPS.

Start taking the dividend in cash and sell off as the one year timeframe begins. In the meantime watch the basket.
See my post above Re: The prospectus
by motodoc42
Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG High-Yield - 1% Fee To Sell
Replies: 21
Views: 3419

Tuxx wrote:Take the dividend as cash.

As shares meet the 1 year min - sale them.
According to the prospectus "Redemption fees will not apply to Vanguard fund account redemptions in the following circumstances:(1) redemptions of shares purchased with reinvested dividend and capital gains distributions; etc etc"
So, no need to worry except on the initial purchase date.

motodoc42
by motodoc42
Mon Aug 22, 2011 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investement questions regarding my American Funds
Replies: 11
Views: 1757

I moved my American Funds IRA to VG a few mos ago. Since then, I've gradually moved to 3 index funds. I had enough in my IRA MM acct so as to allow me to sell an American Fund and buy an index(s) in a similar ratio of equities/fixed income the same day. Sell low, buy low or the converse. The transfer process was straight forward. I'm glad I did it. I've already lowered my costs from about 1.21% to 0.22.
Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Sun Aug 21, 2011 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Short term CG's
Replies: 1
Views: 399

Short term CG's

Can one use short term capital losses to offset long term gains or other income?

Motodoc42
by motodoc42
Fri Jul 29, 2011 6:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Timing of the Debt Ceiling vs. Moving to Vanguard
Replies: 11
Views: 2593

Along these lines, I'm waiting on a transfer of various American Funds to find their way to my Vanguard IRA. When the get there, I plan to sell them and start indexing in a similar ratio as as they currently exist in the respective America fund. I'll try sell the American Fund and buy the appropriate Vanguard Index Fund on the same day. I'll use cash from my prime acct to avoid the settlement period. If I "sell low", I'll also be "buying low". The reverse also would be true.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Motodoc42