Bogleheads.org

dolphintraveler

When our DS was born, we were almost zombies just like others had mentioned. We had really really really wanted to buy before that but the math didn't work for us. While it does work for you, we're glad we didn't. We had no idea how much what we'd want (and not want) in a house would change. For the...

dolphintraveler

"Shall I pay off my mortgage or invest instead?"
Sleep easy or increase risk and perhaps get ahead.

dolphintraveler

Do it. We did it. I was 30, DH 31, DINKs at the time. 2 years of travel. We lucked out on the timing, as we traveled where the $ went far, and came back with a higher net worth because the market was soaring. (And, we weren't buying in at the peaks). When we returned I got my job back for more $ tha...

dolphintraveler

I'm in the always flee category as well. Everything but lives (people and animals) can be replaced.

dolphintraveler

Thank you all for the advice. Really appreciate the reminder on not mixing personal and (non-profit) business funds. We will check with the other packs and see if any others have suggestions, as well as our sponsor. Paypal does seem straight forward, but trying to avoid the fees. Excellent advice on...

dolphintraveler

Hi all, I am a treasurer for a non-profit (cub scout pack). We collect money for all types of activities from the scout families that participate in those activities as well as donations to the pack. The pack is looking for an easier way to exchange money (checks it the current method) and Venmo was...

dolphintraveler

There are many sights to see in CA, but it's hard to tell what you would like to see. You mention Aquariums * Monterey Bay (a drive from Bay Area) * Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (Los Angeles) * I think even one in San Diego, which also has Sea World, and just north is Legoland which I think ha...

dolphintraveler

I've been at the same company for about 10 years, work in a small IT department at a large company. I was brought in and encouraged to innovate, received many accolades, and they were happy with my work. There has been a number of changes over the years. Several management changes and downsizings l...

dolphintraveler

1902.05

dolphintraveler

When we were traveling for personal reasons, we found the US State Department put warnings about a lot of the countries we wanted to visit. We then read on the British and Australia government sites. They can vary. For example, Indonesia was listed with numerous warnings by the US at the time. The B...

dolphintraveler

Although complicated the 72(t) / SEPP may be worth it. Also you can roll your 401k -> IRA then do it with that, instead of touching the Roth IRA's. I'd still first check about the 401k if you're no longer with the employer at 55 as simplicity is preferred. We have the same questions, but are further...

dolphintraveler

A decade ago we were in Peru in December and Ecuador in January. We had more time than you, and we did no tours. We spent 10 days in the highlands (Lake Titicaca/Cuzco). We found we could take buses and/hike all around Cuzco. It was rainy when we were there, so we were really glad we opted to take t...

dolphintraveler

This one is free and online and a great place to start:
https://www.etf.com/docs/IfYouCan.pdf

dolphintraveler

If you can slow the pace of the loan payback and focus on getting the match in your 401k and what space space you can in the Roth IRA for tax year 2016. Once those tax preferential spaces are gone you can't get them back, and the match almost doubles your money instantly. The IfYouCan PDF and Bogleh...

dolphintraveler

Agree with some of the suggestions above. We were in Europe last summer with our son, age 6 at the time. He was a picky eater already, so we didn't expect much and that went about as expected, but otherwise it went great. We didn't do museums practically at all (we'd done that pre-kid). We visited c...

dolphintraveler

[quote="seanmerron"] So...I need my taxable account to be diversified to minimize downside in case stocks are in the gutter when I plan to retire early even though they're the most tax efficient. But how do I do this without Bond Market Index and REIT Index in my taxable? /quote] Other alt...

dolphintraveler

I'll start SS at 62;my husband will file on mine but wait until age 70 for his. I'm not an expert, but I believe the social security law just changed. I thought you had to be FRA by now (April, 2016) to claim on your spouse's record and let your own accrue to age 70. It's the first bullet that star...

dolphintraveler

Depending on how long your trip is in SF/Yosemite, there are other things nearby. In SF, there is Alcatraz Island (a former prison on the rock) that is it's own experience. Fort Point, just under the Golden Gate on the SF side is a National Historic Site. The Presidio is there too. Sequoia (and King...

dolphintraveler

If you want to play yourself with the numbers this may help:
https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/AnypiaApplet.html

Getting his actual past numbers would be useful but since there are zero years you may be able to estimate deltas.

dolphintraveler

I grew up in Alaska and have visited as a tourist. Hands down, the best three "tourist" activities I've done are: # 1 A fly-in fishing trip # 2 Flightseeing around Denali on a clear day. # 3 The 26 glacier cruise out of Whittier on a nice day Driving an RV around on the highway system wou...

dolphintraveler

I live in AK we tent camped for years before upgrading to an RV. We just leave the food in the RV with no problems with bears, but we do keep a clean camp. I enjoy the AK Native Heritage Museum http://www.alaskanative.net/ in Anchorage. I would suggest, if you go to Fairbanks go up on the Parks Hwy...

dolphintraveler

I've only ever had one experience in Resurrection that I wouldn't approve for a 7 YO and that was a badly timed circumnavigation of Fox Island that left us exposed to the Gulf of Alaska. You won't be anywhere close to that with the outfits in Seward. If you truly do have concerns, take Miller's Lan...

dolphintraveler

snert31 wrote:Watching the videos here may be helpful. They even have a way around dumping - if you're willing to get your hands dirty, so to speak. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... i_WZTMD2K3

Thank you! I've watched a couple so far

dolphintraveler

As a resident, I enjoy seeing Alaska through other's eyes. Since I've driven and rode the Harley on every part of the AK road system (a few times), I have a couple of comments to add. First, absolutely get a Milepost but don't fret over the current year. You know, the roads just don't change that m...

dolphintraveler

Yes, sinks and shower go into grey tank, toilet into black. (in most RVs. Some of the newer high end ones have a single waste holding tank) We actually fill the grey faster than the black if we're showering in the RV (even with military-style showers). Dump black first then grey so grey water rinse...

dolphintraveler

Be sure to carefully check on the availability of the things you want to do up there. I looked into going up to Alaska again a few years ago and I saw several comments mentioning that many of the more popular outings are often completely booked up by large tour companies. That could be, we'll have ...

dolphintraveler

I think a smaller RV would be a lot more practical than a large one, and that you could even get by with a campervan if you didn't mind tight quarters. I'm speaking as someone who lived in a 27 ft RV with 3 others for two months at a field job - it was manageable for us, so you should be fine with ...

dolphintraveler

testing321 wrote:I spent a few weeks traveling in Alaska and I remember the mosquitoes could bite me through a brand new pair of button up Levis.

Ug!

dolphintraveler

2) How often would I likely need to dump the RV - once a week, every third day? As a long-time RVer, the answer to this one is "it depends". Size of holding tanks. Use of RV tanks vs. campground bath house/bathrooms (if showering in the RV, military style vs. letting water run). Disposabl...

dolphintraveler

We spent 4+ months in AK this past summer in a large motorhome, and highly recommend it. Few points - Milepost and Church's RV book are must haves. Have Church's RV book, will borrow Milepost from the library until the next one comes out in a few months. - If you are limited on time, skip Fairbanks...

dolphintraveler

An interesting tidbit of being in Alaska in June and July....there is very little darkness. If you golf, you can make tee reservations at 3 AM in several locations. Yes, that will be interesting. We've heard we should buy some aluminum foil to cover the windows. I'll bring sleep shades, but the foi...

dolphintraveler

Or you can use the Alaska Marine highway as your own "cruise ship" Many trip ideas on their website Here is one using the ferry from Valdez back to Whittier with your RV. http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/sample/08_anc_fai_pws.shtml That is interesting. Not cheap if we have an RV, but still...

dolphintraveler

I don't know what an "inclusive" cruise is, but an ordinary cruise today is completely unstructured, except for the times you arrive in and exit ports. The weather would be more of a controlling factor than whether you travel by RV or cruise ship. Silly me. All inclusive hotel. We spent m...

dolphintraveler

I'd also put in a plug for doing a cruise first. Here's the map of the cruise I took last July: http://www.hollandamerica.com/images/itineraryMaps/detail/A6E70S.jpg?windowUrl=http%3A//www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetails.action%3FwebItineraryIdForAudit%3DA6E70S%26fromSearchVaca...

dolphintraveler

I have always wondered about RVing in (grizzly) bear country. Do you worry about bear break ins? They certainly are capable of doing so and unlike a tent, you can't well keep all scented items (food, toiletries, etc) out of your RV. This has always made me nervous about RVing in Montana, Wyoming, e...

dolphintraveler

Camping on the beach in Homer is a plus. The "Milepost" is worth the few dollars it costs for the RV info. The Sealife center in Seward would catch a kid's interest with the huge aquariums and touch tanks. Sealife Center is on our list. The Milepost we have on hold at the library and will...

dolphintraveler

mt wrote:Things to do in Anchorage:

Anchorage Museum
Flattop hike
eat at Glacier Brewhouse (my favorite restaurant anywhere-need reservations)

Thanks! Flattop hike looks pretty cool - still have to read up on the museum.

Thanks for the tips!

dolphintraveler

I don't have any RV advice, but have spent some time in AK. Homer and the Kenai peninsula are really great, as is Denali. Homer is RV central in the summer, so may take some logistical planning to find a spot, etc...I haven't been north of Denali, but you could take an RV up to the Arctic Circle, t...

dolphintraveler

What will the RV rental cost? Alaska goes from dirt cheap in the winter to ripoff in the summer. I got this list from a friend when I first moved to Alaska. I have not done any of these, and probably never will, so can't say how good any of them are (just too far from where I'm at)- Seward- kayakin...

dolphintraveler

Just my opinion, and I'm light on the RV Alaska experience, but I'd take the cruise first. Not that RVing wouldn't be enjoyable, but I think in a few years your child would get more out of that experience. And if you haven't done RVing I'd get a less intensive taste of it nearer to home first. You ...

dolphintraveler

Toons wrote:Rent an RV

http://www.cruiseamerica.com/rent/

Thanks!

dolphintraveler

The RV with the 7 YO will probably be a plus rather than camping. If you are trying to reduce your dumping, you can work around the RV tanks for a lot of certain tasks - which for 3 people you could go anywhere from 3-7 days between dumps. As for size, you will probably be fine with as small as you...

dolphintraveler

Check out the trip planning info at http://www.greatalaskanholidays.com They are a quality company to consider renting from as well, and can answer all of the questions you ask even if you don't. If you rent, get the extra damage insurance they offer, a cracked windshield from loose gravel is a com...

dolphintraveler

Was one of the books "Milepost"? If, not, it's a must: http://www.amazon.com/Milepost-2015-Kris-Valencia/dp/189215434X We don't have it yet, looks like a great one to get - thanks! Maybe we should wait until 2016 is out in March... Because of thawing ground (otherwise known as "mud&q...

dolphintraveler

Thinking of flying to Anchorage, getting an RV and going around part of Alaska in July this summer for 2+ weeks. Two adults, one 7 year old. Just got two books, but still looking for advice. Thinking an RV under 30 feet, either 27 or perhaps 22 or 24 might be manageable for new folks. 1) What do I l...

dolphintraveler

2009.04

dolphintraveler

(1) Born – good parents, healthy, encouraging handwork, decent genes (2) Most of college paid for by parents so that 3/4 was paid, remainder loans and work study. Went to college when it was more affordable. (3) Majoring in a tech field when tech was hot, and getting a signing bonus to help pay off ...

dolphintraveler

I am not familiar with it, but there is also the SEPP (Substantially Equal Periodic Payments) / 72(t) option of withdrawing from your IRA's without penalty (or rolling a 401k into an IRA if your particular employer doesn't give the age 55 and not working option): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Subs...

dolphintraveler

Hi NC - I have the same recommendations keeping it simple with the 3 or 4 fund portfolio or for your situation in particular the even more straight forward with the Vanguard's Life Strategy or Target Retirement funds previously mentioned. I would run away from the advisor and never look back. Keepin...

dolphintraveler

I have found them useful for travel backpacks, particularly on crowded trains, metros and busses in certain countries. It helps the casual thief move on to the next target. Also locking the bag to the rack or seat when asleep. As for air travel, we've had the TSA open it using the special key and le...

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