Search found 34 matches

by cyclinggirl
Fri Mar 03, 2017 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, yes/no
Replies: 3
Views: 806

Re: Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, yes/no

Thanks, I did look them over, seems like a good idea if you're not very experienced and needed a little help. I'll check out the 3 fund portfolio and try and get invested soon.
by cyclinggirl
Fri Mar 03, 2017 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, yes/no
Replies: 3
Views: 806

Vanguard Personal Advisor Services, yes/no

I was wondering if anyone uses the Vanguard Services listed above? Have you found that it helps keep you on track, is it worth it, do you think they know what their talking about? I have been sitting on the sidelines with a lot of cash and have a good 6/7 years before collecting SS, but I am retired.
Thanks
by cyclinggirl
Fri Nov 11, 2016 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for recommendations on aerobic exercise equip.
Replies: 55
Views: 7029

Re: Looking for recommendations on aerobic exercise equip.

If you're bored with the elliptical and treadmill then the rowing machine and stationary bike will probably be boring too. If you could find a paved trail somewhere close where they keep it relatively flat that would be best, we have many jogging/biking trails here in Fl but we've found them all over the states. Even Colorado has bike trails that can be ridden by less experienced riders. Check with your local bike shop for the best gearing, they now have gears where you can climb a wall with a lot less effort. I use to only run but had the same problems you have, cycling is great.
by cyclinggirl
Thu Sep 15, 2016 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Re: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

We bought a 2017 Jayco Precept 31UL, wasn't planning on buying new but this had all the "has to haves" that hubby wanted.
by cyclinggirl
Thu Sep 15, 2016 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Re: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

We went ahead and bought the RV, picked it up Wednesday evening and headed out Friday morning on the day of Hurricane Hermine and followed it to South Carolina. What a wonderful time we had, even with the crazy winds and scary drivers we are so happy with it. Going to take it out again next weekend to Georgia for 5 days of camping. Thanks to all who said to go for it, got a great rate on the refi, even better then we first thought and will be paying almost the same amount monthly.
by cyclinggirl
Thu Sep 15, 2016 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401k question
Replies: 3
Views: 493

Re: 401k question

Forgot important information on income, his will be $140,000.00, his company was bought out and stopped matching contributions and planned on adding to an IRA but because of income limit couldn't. Just thought since he will lose his contributions for the remaining 3 months that we could do something.
by cyclinggirl
Thu Sep 15, 2016 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401k question
Replies: 3
Views: 493

401k question

Hubby has 401k with his company, he will be quitting this job Oct 1st and moving to a company that does not offer a 401k. He will be moving his old 401k to Vanguard, contributions so far this year into 401k is $4000.00 due to no matching contribution from company. Questions are:
1. He is 52, can he also make an IRA contribution this year
2. How much and can he make catch up contributions as well.
Thanks.
by cyclinggirl
Thu Aug 04, 2016 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 43
Views: 10902

Re: closet organizing system

I also used Ikea, it cost approx $1000 for 3 94" high and 7' wide builtins, put in drawers, shelves and hanging bars, came out beautiful. I put them together and hubby attached them to the wall. Friends and daughters are jealous as to how nice it holds all my clothes, shoes, purses, etc.
by cyclinggirl
Wed Jul 27, 2016 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Re: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

We could easily pay cash for the RV if we wanted to but at 2.75% and only adding 2 yrs to our mortgage we figured it was worth the refi on the house.
We are cyclists and have to drag 3 bikes all over and it's become a hassle to try and fit all our stuff in/on the SUV and then having to take it off every time we check into a hotel, we can't leave the bikes on the car. We are not campers and cannot do without a bathroom at any cost, so that won't work. Hubby is ready to get one and as they say "you're not getting any younger" so we will keep looking. Friends with RVs tell us they all come with some kinks and if you're handy you can fix most of the stuff, butt I'll make sure we do a good check over before signing on the dotted line.
by cyclinggirl
Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: EMC/Dell Tax consequences to individuals
Replies: 10
Views: 9996

Re: EMC/Dell Tax consequences to individuals

I also own EMC shares but in an IRA account, does the tax consequences still hold true for me?
by cyclinggirl
Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Re: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

Thanks to all for the replies and great info, I'll try to figure out if it's worth it in the long run. I'm retired and husband works from home so can do his job anywhere. We have plenty of equity in our home to take out the needed 70K as we've paid down our mortgage for years before the 15 yr refi. I've read that there's a lot of maintenance with RV's so we are rethinking the purchase of one. We can store at our home so that problem is solved. Not sure I can convince my hubby to not buy one but I'll have him read all the responses. Again, thanks for the suggestions.
by cyclinggirl
Sun Jul 24, 2016 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Re: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

Yes, husband does. We have decided to go ahead and buy one and if it doesn't work out we can always try and sell it. That's the reason we are buying somewhat used and not a high end brand.
by cyclinggirl
Sun Jul 24, 2016 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Re: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

Class A, probably 28-30 ft, mostly for long weekends and 1-2 week vacations, just the two of us. We looked a Winnebago and Jayco, Thor, so far Winnebago has the best reviews but there are so many other brands. Something in the 70k range, one to two years old seems to be the best value.
by cyclinggirl
Sun Jul 24, 2016 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.
Replies: 48
Views: 8227

Buying a fairly new RV, suggestions.

I've been looking at almost new RV's and boy is it confusing. Any suggestions on how to finance it, thinking about taking out a refi on my mortgage, 2.75% for 15 yrs (currently at 3.25 and have 12 yrs left) and using extra cash to purchase outright. The hard part is finding one that doesn't have reviews about how poorly they are made. Not looking to live in it, just for traveling on long weekends and vacations. If anyone has suggestions on pros and cons I would greatly appreciate your advice.
by cyclinggirl
Mon Oct 19, 2015 4:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to retire in Florida?
Replies: 165
Views: 34220

Re: Where to retire in Florida?

I grew up in Miami, moved to Gainesville then down to Venice and now live in Tarpon Springs. I would strongly suggest you rent first and for at least one year. This past month we had over a week of rains and many new homes were under water and none of these homes had flood insurance as they were nowhere near any water. I've found this area and especially St. Pete has a lot going on as far as restaurants, shows, waterfront homes and museums. We also have many trails for riding bikes, running and rollerblading. Weather is beautiful now but in the summer (June through September) it gets very hot and humid. I will say that Venice and Sarasota are also very beautiful and they also have a lot to do. Haven't lived on the other coast since I was yo...
by cyclinggirl
Fri Jun 26, 2015 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Colorado Vacation suggestions
Replies: 53
Views: 17555

Re: Colorado Vacation suggestions

I'm heading there this August for the USA Pro Challenge - it's the 17-23. If you like cycling check out some of the routes, if not then you may want to avoid those cities/towns during that week as some roads will be closed all day.
I love the hiking in Aspen and the food, driving over Independence Pass is a true heart stopper but as long as you stay away from the big cities you'll love it.
by cyclinggirl
Fri Nov 21, 2014 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid electric water heaters
Replies: 6
Views: 964

Re: Hybrid electric water heaters

I'm not sure what the charge is to run a 220 volt to the garage but we do not have it so I'll have to find out. Our bill every other year runs about $325 for just the propane, which is in a 250 gallon tank underground in the front yard. Then they charge me $150 non fuel (this is to drive the gas to my house) charge to bring it out then there's the $75 annual customer charge, that's if I buy gas. If I don't buy the gas it's just the $150 annual charge, which I do every other year. So I get charged $150 (annual chg) not to buy any gas and $225 to buy gas ($75 annual chg + $150 non fuel charge) and the $325 for the actual propane. So we checked out the GE hybrid and the Rheem hybrid, both seem to have some problems but the GE does not get good...
by cyclinggirl
Fri Nov 21, 2014 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hybrid electric water heaters
Replies: 6
Views: 964

Hybrid electric water heaters

We currently have a gas water heater, the city gas charges us $150 a year to just have them as a service provider. When we purchase gas the charge us for fuel delivery which is $150 then the cost of the gas itself. If we don't need to purchase gas for the next year that's when they charge us the $150. So no matter what we are charged $150 a year just to have them as a supplier. The main problem is there's just the two of us and we have no other appliances that are gas powered. We are pricing they hybrid electric heaters and although more costly then the regular electric we have decided to go that route. We are wondering if anyone has one and would recommend a brand? We live in Florida and read that they are more efficient since it doesn't t...
by cyclinggirl
Wed Nov 05, 2014 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard Account for Trading Options
Replies: 1
Views: 431

Vanguard Account for Trading Options

Does anyone use their Vanguard Brokerage account for trading options and if so what are your thoughts.
by cyclinggirl
Tue Jul 15, 2014 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Withdraw from 529 or FL Prepaid for tuition by grandparent
Replies: 3
Views: 714

Withdraw from 529 or FL Prepaid for tuition by grandparent

My grandson is starting college this fall, would it be better to pay the school tuition from the Fl Prepaid account or his 529 plan. Does it even matter? he is going to college not a university and his prepaid plan covers university prices so he should have excess funds. He is hoping to go to a university in 1 or 2 years when his GPA is better.
by cyclinggirl
Sun Dec 30, 2012 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years
Replies: 17
Views: 3066

Re: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years

After reading all the great advice I feel easing into the market would work best.
As of the 2nd I'll be putting $300,000 of the Vanguard IRA into VTWNX, Target 2020 fund, it appears to have the best stock/bond ratio for my age and situation.
Not sure after that first purchase the course I will take but at least I'll be in market.
by cyclinggirl
Sun Dec 30, 2012 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years
Replies: 17
Views: 3066

Re: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years

Thank you all for the great advice, I am currently checking into some of the sites recommended. I live in Florida and currently my partner is covering most expenses as we share a home together and he is covering my medical insurance. I'm hoping not to even touch the IRA until after 59 1/2 and know I can start earlier. We have agreed to partner covering our living costs until retirement as he is just starting to put funds aside for his retirement. Had 3 kids and with the last one in college he never got around to saving. I would probably like something with a little more risk then a target fund and will check out the various mutual funds at Vanguard, but the 60% stock, 40% bond mix seems best. I will try to find something simple yet offer a ...
by cyclinggirl
Fri Dec 28, 2012 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years
Replies: 17
Views: 3066

Re: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years

Got out because I lost my job and a divorce. Not a new comer to the market, was an investor for over 30 years and went through some pretty tough times, also worked in the business for 30 years. It was just one of those things where I just needed some calm somewhere in my life. This now seems pretty silly but didn't at the time. I was all over the place as far as investments, many mutual funds in Janus, Seligman, Pimco etc and pretty much no cash in the portfolio. Had a pretty balanced portfolio for my age, large cap growth and value for about 40%, small and mid for about 20% and tech funds 5%, and bonds and the positions listed for the rest. Since I now have about 5 years (or more) before I plan on taking withdrawals from my IRA I figured I...
by cyclinggirl
Fri Dec 28, 2012 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years
Replies: 17
Views: 3066

Sitting on the sidelines for 2 years

Need help getting back in the market after selling everything 12-31-2010. At that time I was almost even from the crash of 2006. But having my money in money market is ridicules so I'm finally going to do something. Here's where I stand. I'm 55 and not working, with no prospect to start. Partner has agreed to cover most bills until I can take funds from my retirement accounts which I plan on doing at 59 1/2. In my Vanguard IRA account I have the following: $590,000 in cash $7,000 in IYW, an ETF of Tech Companies $5,000 in EMC (purchased in 2000,when it doubled I sold 1/2) In Vanguard single account $60,000 in cash Bank account, single $30,000 cash Morgan Stanley IRA (previous employer) $40,000 in cash $20,000 in General Mtrs Bonds paying 7....
by cyclinggirl
Fri Oct 05, 2012 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566731

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

The Long Road To Antietam: How the Civil War Became a Revolution by Richard Slotkin
by cyclinggirl
Thu Oct 04, 2012 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do? Neighbor tree leaning over property line
Replies: 62
Views: 11908

Re: What to do? Neighbor tree leaning over property line

I live in Florida and had a neighbor behind me that had a very large dead Oak tree. I called the county and they said if it fell on my house I was responsible for the damage unless I sent a certified letter stating that if the tree fell on my house and there was damage they would have to cover the cost of fixing the house. The next week the tree came down, problem solved. They also said I had ever right to cut any part of the tree hanging over my fence. Good luck.
by cyclinggirl
Fri Jun 29, 2012 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TOD (transfer on death) versus changing to Trust name
Replies: 18
Views: 5520

Re: TOD (transfer on death) versus changing to Trust name

All my assets are in TOD accounts, you can name multiple beneficiaries.
If Florida real estate holdings cannot be in a TOD.
by cyclinggirl
Fri Jun 29, 2012 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1566731

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished,
Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy's "The President's Club: Inside the Worlds Most Exclusive Fraternity".
Enjoyed it a lot and will now read "The Passage of Power".
by cyclinggirl
Wed Feb 15, 2012 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Difference between R/O and traditional IRA
Replies: 10
Views: 5186

Difference between R/O and traditional IRA

My partner opened up a R/O IRA with Vanguard thinking he was going to move his 401k over, that could not happen, so can he just contribute to the R/O with yearly contributions or should he open a traditional IRA, is there a difference?
by cyclinggirl
Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) not allowed to move rule
Replies: 8
Views: 1005

Re: 401(k) not allowed to move rule

Thank you both, I'll let him know.
by cyclinggirl
Wed Feb 08, 2012 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401(k) not allowed to move rule
Replies: 8
Views: 1005

401(k) not allowed to move rule

My partner has a 401k with his old company, they were bought out and he is now being told he cannot move the funds to Vanguard IRA R/O because the 401k was also bought out. Does this sound legal, can they insist he move to the new company which does not contribute to the new 401k plan? Thanks.
by cyclinggirl
Tue Jan 10, 2012 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike riders with no lights at night
Replies: 60
Views: 4096

Re: Bike riders with no lights at night

As an avid cyclist (note user name) I can tell you no one in our club rides at night without lights. I live in Florida where there are many people who have no other choice but to ride their bikes at night either to or from work and cannot afford lights for them. Would it be at all possible to put yourself in someone else's shoes and be a little more patient when driving a vehicle that out weighs a cyclist by thousands of pounds. I can tell you here in Florida, where riding on roads is completely legal, even in the daylight people honk, throw things, curse and try as hard as they can to come as close as possible to us. Would it be right to do something to them to get even or put them in danger? I don't think so. It's a hobby and a healthy on...
by cyclinggirl
Tue Jan 03, 2012 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Girlfriend moving in, lots of student loan debt
Replies: 69
Views: 15278

Re: Girlfriend moving in, lots of student loan debt

I was in the same situation with my boyfriend. He had a lot of credit card debt due to his previous marriage and didn't own a home. He had a great job and made very good money but had child support payments that took up 1/2 of his monthly income with over 4 years left of those payments. We worked on several things to get his credit cards paid off, all paid for by him and we also set up monthly IRA contributions. He was not very good at saving money when we met so I had to help him out with money management. He's now debt free and we have purchased a home, car and many other things in joint name. As it turned out I ended up losing my job and am now semi-retired so you never know how things will work out, luckily for me I had a very large nes...
by cyclinggirl
Thu Nov 10, 2011 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Beatles or Rolling Stones
Replies: 70
Views: 5873

Beatles or Rolling Stones

So for those of us over 45, who would you say is your favorite of the two.