Search found 5067 matches

by CABob
Mon Oct 03, 2022 11:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dan Wiener's newsletter shutting down after October 2022 issue
Replies: 35
Views: 10260

Re: Dan Wiener's newsletter, The Independent Adviser for Vanguard Investors,

No mention of the fact that the Bogleheads provide better information at less cost.
by CABob
Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance to grandchildren
Replies: 15
Views: 1947

Re: Inheritance to grandchildren

Perhaps a more basic question is which take precedence between the provisions of a trust, the provisions of a will, or the terms of an individual account.
by CABob
Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance to grandchildren
Replies: 15
Views: 1947

Inheritance to grandchildren

Is there a preferred way to have money bequeathed to grandchildren? Our children will essentially receive all of our money through the terms of our family trust and we assume that our children will "share" some of that with their children but we are wondering if it might be advisable to have something that the grandchildren will inherit directly. Grandchildren are currently teenagers and we expect (hope?) that they will be adults by the time we pass. We are wondering if this is advisable and what might be the best way to accomplish it. Things we have thought about are separate accounts with grandchildren named as beneficiaries or to somehow make provisions in our trust the provide to grandchildren.
by CABob
Tue Apr 26, 2022 11:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215591

New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

[Title clarified to reflect discussion of fees charged to brokerage accounts as well as mutual fund platform accounts. See https://investor.vanguard.com/client-be ... count-fees - Moderator Kendall.]


I received an email from Vanguard urging me to convert my mutual fund account to a brokerage account. This email sounds as if they are really pushing for this conversion. Makes me think that if I don't take action VG will take some action. I know many on this forum have indicated that the conversion is painless and there have not been any issues with the brokerage account. I have resisted the change since I see no advantage to me.
by CABob
Thu Apr 21, 2022 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best books to read (investing and finance)
Replies: 15
Views: 2768

Re: Best books to read (investing and finance)

If you haven't already done so a review of Taylor's "Investment Gems" might be in order.
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Taylor_ ... tment_Gems
In them, Taylor has highlighted a number of key items from each of the books.
by CABob
Fri Apr 08, 2022 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Toothbrush Replacement Recommendations?
Replies: 76
Views: 8902

Re: Electric Toothbrush Replacement Recommendations?

I've had the same oral B for about 15 years. But, I thought you were suppose to change brush heads every 6 months. Am I right or am I wasting my money? Those things are expensive.
[/quote]
I change my brush head every 6 months or shorter.
by CABob
Thu Apr 07, 2022 11:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Toothbrush Replacement Recommendations?
Replies: 76
Views: 8902

Re: Electric Toothbrush Replacement Recommendations?

I use a Sonicare and have done so for probably 8 years. I bought a package of two toothbrush heads and have started to use the second head probably 4 years ago which is still going strong. The first one was still operating without problem when I went to the second. I suspect that I may have a problem getting the brushes that fit at some point and may have to get a later model head.
by CABob
Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Three-fund portfolio - appropriate asset allocation?]
Replies: 5
Views: 921

Re: [Three-fund portfolio - appropriate asset allocation?]

My question is once I decide what my appropriate allocation is for each fund do I change the allocation as I get older? I've read that one way is to deduct my age from 110 to get the desired mix. A reasonable starting point for an allocation but not right for all people and circumstances. So do I do this every year or just stick with the original AA? A change yearly is probably not suitable for all and may in fact encourage you to "tinker" with the portfolio more than appropriate. It is pretty much a personal decision. I will tell you what I did which does not make it right for everyone but it worked for me. I started out with a portfolio that was probably about 65%/35% stocks and bonds. I had a spreadsheet that I updated quarter...
by CABob
Thu Mar 31, 2022 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Widowed with Funds
Replies: 27
Views: 3555

Re: Widowed with Funds

Firm one

Firm two
I suggest you consider door number three and spend some more time on this forum picking a few brains and ideas including the three fund portfolio.
by CABob
Sun Mar 27, 2022 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard transfer to bank account
Replies: 13
Views: 2061

Re: Vanguard transfer to bank account

UpperNwGuy wrote: Sun Mar 27, 2022 8:38 pm
HomeStretch wrote: Sun Mar 27, 2022 8:12 pm Is the money market fund (MMF) your settlement fund (VMFXX) or another MMF? The latter adds a day to the transfer.
This is an important question. Hope OP responds.
This is in an "old fashioned" mutual fund account so I guess it it not a settlement fund. It appears that if I was concerned about how fast the deposit was made I should have made it a wire transfer.
by CABob
Sun Mar 27, 2022 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard transfer to bank account
Replies: 13
Views: 2061

Re: Vanguard transfer to bank account

quietseas wrote: Sun Mar 27, 2022 8:00 pm They will process the withdrawal request after close of business on Monday, so it is there two days later.

Yes that's typical for an ACH transfer.

A wire transfer would have been faster.
Thanks for the information. When would a wire transfer be made? On Tuesday?
by CABob
Sun Mar 27, 2022 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard transfer to bank account
Replies: 13
Views: 2061

Vanguard transfer to bank account

It's Sunday 3/27 and I just requested a withdrawal from a VG money market fund of a fairly large amount for deposit to my bank checking account. VG says that the transfer will be credited to my banking account on Wednesday 3/30. To me that seems like a long time for a transfer. Is it typical?
by CABob
Sun Mar 20, 2022 8:00 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Why Did You Choose Your Username and Avatar?
Replies: 377
Views: 19657

Re: Why Did You Choose Your Username and Avatar?

My user name goes back many years. It was one of my usernames on AOL (remember the trial discs that we received in the mail?) accessed on a 1200 baud dial up modem with a long telephone cable run from my land line phone jack.
My avatar is a bit newer and is a picture of a sunrise through a smoke filled sky. There was a wildfire in my area that at times surrounded the area I was in.
by CABob
Sat Mar 19, 2022 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD question
Replies: 10
Views: 861

Re: QCD question

No, you shouldn't sign the check anyplace. Hopefully you have something (form, letter, etc.) so that the charity will know who the donation is from. This is how Vanguard handles QCD's.
You don't really know when the check clears other than an acknowledgement from the charity.
by CABob
Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Personal Financial Advisor
Replies: 12
Views: 1357

Re: Personal Financial Advisor

retiredjg wrote: Fri Mar 11, 2022 10:18 am Here is a previous discussion that contains many advisors that Bogleheads might recommend. Most are people who give advice, not manage your money, so it may not be what you are looking for.

Welcome to the forum. :happy
Was there supposed to be a link to a prior conversation with this post?
by CABob
Sun Mar 06, 2022 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: investment guide for beginnners
Replies: 10
Views: 1266

Re: investment guide for beginnners

Perhaps it was "If you can" by William Bernstein.
http://efficientfrontier.com/ef/0adhoc/ifyoucan.pdf
by CABob
Fri Mar 04, 2022 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Arizona National Park Vacation in Summer
Replies: 62
Views: 5306

Re: Arizona National Park Vacation in Summer

A number of years ago we visited Arizona and included a visit to Canyon de Chelly National Monument and found it very interesting.
https://www.busytourist.com/things-to-d ... t-arizona/
by CABob
Thu Feb 24, 2022 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Popcorn Mastery
Replies: 155
Views: 15506

Re: Popcorn Mastery

ekid wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 2:38 pm Did anyone say lard?

It's the only answer.
Not lard but the solid Crisco shortening. I think this stuff was one step from lard and did have to be melted in the popper before adding the corn.
by CABob
Thu Feb 24, 2022 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Popcorn Mastery
Replies: 155
Views: 15506

Re: Popcorn Mastery

I have been a popcorn fan for my entire life. As a young child my father was the popcorn chef but I took over later in my life. Some times we would have to shell the corn from the cob prior to making. The "recipe" remained the same but the only thing that is measured is the 1/2 cup of popcorn just because a measuring cup is convenient to get the popcorn from its canister. My preference is for the small white kernels but Jolly Time or Redenbacher's brands are fine. I have a Whirley popper but prefer to use my vintage Aladdin popper . I start with some Canola oil in the popper and add popcorn. When popped put into a bowl and add butter and salt to taste. This has worked for me for over a half century so I am unlikely to find any imp...
by CABob
Fri Feb 18, 2022 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fee for electronic CA tax filing
Replies: 14
Views: 1269

Fee for electronic CA tax filing

I was recently talking with a friend who had recently had his California state taxes done by a CPA for electronic filing. Along with the return copies he received from the CPA was an indication that a significant (like ~ $1000) fee was being charged by the Franchise Tax Board for electronic filing. Has anyone had a similar experience or know what that was all about?
by CABob
Tue Feb 15, 2022 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can you be a billionaire investing in VTI/VTSAX alone?
Replies: 32
Views: 3731

Re: Can you be a billionaire investing in VTI/VTSAX alone?

Yes you can, but it will depend on amount invested and for how long.
by CABob
Sat Feb 05, 2022 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: RMD Strategies?
Replies: 15
Views: 2030

Re: RMD Strategies?

Do you really need a monthly RMD? That sounds like a lot of effort for the RMD. I do see some advantages to using the mutual funds rather than ETFs in your case.
by CABob
Fri Jan 21, 2022 1:13 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: "Reply" options only on top and bottom of page
Replies: 5
Views: 849

Re: "Reply" options only on top and bottom of page

livesoft wrote: Fri Jan 21, 2022 12:19 pm
NewOldGuy wrote: Fri Jan 21, 2022 12:11 pm I haven't visited in a few months, but today I notice I can't reply to a remark, I can only reply to the thread. In other words there's no reply button to a specific remark so I can't quote and reply specifically. I can add remarks to the thread using the reply buttons at top and bottom of page.

Hope this is clear. Thanks.
If you click on the quote button, what happens?
Image

I think you will not see the quote button unless you are logged in.
You will still be responding to the entire thread rather that specifically to the poster you are quoting. This is fine for my purposes but I think the OP is looking for something different.
by CABob
Fri Jan 21, 2022 1:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity or Morgan Stanley
Replies: 8
Views: 1786

Re: Fidelity or Morgan Stanley

livesoft wrote: Fri Jan 21, 2022 12:57 pm Pros work for Fidelity.
Cons work for Morgan Stanley.
+1 :twisted:
by CABob
Wed Jan 19, 2022 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Package delivery location
Replies: 34
Views: 2468

Re: Package delivery location

It shouldn't be rocket science, but our storm door clearly opens outward, from the right, so leaving a package on the right side of our stoop is the obvious location to leave a package (so we can simply open the door, reach out, grab package).

Instead, at least 75% of the time, packages are left on the far left side of the stoop (and usually somewhat towards the steps, not towards the house), so we have to step out close door behind us, grab package, re-open door and come back in.
How about leaving the package on the right side close to the door so you cannot open the door without moving the package? Not a problem with a small light weight package but frustrating for a heavier package.
by CABob
Wed Jan 19, 2022 12:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dan Wiener's newsletter shutting down after October 2022 issue
Replies: 35
Views: 10260

Re: Dan Wiener's newsletter, The Independent Adviser for Vanguard Investors,

It seems as if there use to be a number of Wiener inquiries on the forum but not so much recently. Doing a search for Dan Wiener produces a number of past posts. link
by CABob
Fri Jan 14, 2022 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need recommendation on Landline phones
Replies: 13
Views: 1740

Re: Need recommendation on Landline phones

I have had a Panasonic for a number of years without any problems. I don't know its model number but I suspect it is an earlier version of this one.
by CABob
Sun Jan 09, 2022 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is the minimum allocation in a fund to have a real tilt/effect?
Replies: 11
Views: 954

Re: What is the minimum allocation in a fund to have a real tilt/effect?

I have often read on this forum and I generally agree that a 5% allocation should be the minimum to have a significant effect on ones portfolio.
by CABob
Fri Jan 07, 2022 2:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone Move from DIY to Target Date?
Replies: 18
Views: 1943

Re: Anyone Move from DIY to Target Date?

My initial thought is questioning why you have 6 or 7 accounts and none of them taxable. But I'm sure you have your reasons. For many years I maintained a "lazy portfolio" with a limited number of funds and did not find it difficult to manage. Later I moved it to a TDF and find I enjoy having a "hands off" portfolio. I guess it depends on how much "fun" you have managing it.
by CABob
Fri Dec 17, 2021 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help to determine withholding for YE distribution
Replies: 8
Views: 701

Re: Help to determine withholding for YE distribution

CrazyCatLady wrote: Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:45 pm
CABob wrote: Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:17 pm
CrazyCatLady wrote: Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:06 pm I’m thinking of withholding 30%. Does sound that reasonable?
Yes I think that is reasonable, but I would be inclined to withhold 20%.
That’s lower than I expected. Why that amount? I’m afraid that would make me have to write a check in April.
It sounds like you have more information than what you provided in your OP. That being the case 30% is probably reasonable.
by CABob
Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help to determine withholding for YE distribution
Replies: 8
Views: 701

Re: Help to determine withholding for YE distribution

CrazyCatLady wrote: Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:06 pm I’m thinking of withholding 30%. Does sound that reasonable?
Yes I think that is reasonable, but I would be inclined to withhold 20%.
by CABob
Wed Dec 15, 2021 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electronics for young kids on long car ride
Replies: 31
Views: 2068

Re: Electronics for young kids on long car ride

Thinking back to my kids younger days as well as my own, we didn't have or therefore relied on electronics. I recall looking for animals on the route (white horses were a special), looking for license plate numbers or states, highway billboards or signs.
by CABob
Sat Aug 21, 2021 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recommend easy to read book for beginner investors
Replies: 17
Views: 2495

Re: Recommend easy to read book for beginner investors

My favorite is perhaps "Personal Finance for Dummies" by Eric Tyson. https://www.amazon.com/Personal-Finance ... 861&sr=8-2
by CABob
Fri Aug 20, 2021 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where is your "Walden Pond"?
Replies: 51
Views: 6417

Re: Where is your "Walden Pond"?

For the past year or so my Walden Pond has been at home. With isolation, separation, etc. home can provide a lot of it. Years ago it would have been a trout stream or small lake in the mountains or even a night out in the open in the desert.
by CABob
Sun Aug 15, 2021 10:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: In Dream was Told To Invest in Dividend Stocks with Increasing Dividend
Replies: 40
Views: 4818

Re: In Dream was Told To Invest in Dividend Stocks with Increasing Dividend

Anybody else get financial advice in their dreams? :confused :shock:
Suggest you pass up spicy burritos in the evening. :mrgreen:

But you might consider VIG or SDY.
by CABob
Tue Aug 10, 2021 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jury Duty Questionaire
Replies: 6
Views: 1216

Re: Jury Duty Questionaire

I'm curious what the nature of the questions were. I have served and received jury summons a number of times from two counties and have never been asked questions that I thought were too invasive or out of line.
by CABob
Mon Aug 09, 2021 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does becoming a Vanguard [Flagship] Select Client offer me anything?
Replies: 24
Views: 3909

Re: Does becoming a Vanguard Select Client offer me anything?

nalor511 wrote: Mon Aug 09, 2021 12:12 am
CABob wrote: Sun Aug 08, 2021 9:45 pm Wasn't made aware of free Turbo Tax yet, I'll ask.

Wait until December to ask.
Do you have to ask the first time or is it automatic
I would expect that you would hear about it through correspondence from broker or on their web site. Besides there will most likely be some conversations on this forum on the subject when it happens (along with notices of the best deals from software companies).
by CABob
Sun Aug 08, 2021 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does becoming a Vanguard [Flagship] Select Client offer me anything?
Replies: 24
Views: 3909

Re: Does becoming a Vanguard Select Client offer me anything?

Wasn't made aware of free Turbo Tax yet, I'll ask.

Wait until December to ask.
by CABob
Thu Aug 05, 2021 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: rebalancing with target date funds
Replies: 14
Views: 1601

Re: rebalancing with target date funds

Is there a target date fund with a bond allocation of less than 10%?
In answer to your question I can think of no good reason to make any transition in increments.
by CABob
Tue Jul 20, 2021 11:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Life expectancy lowered [U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020]
Replies: 10
Views: 2424

Life expectancy lowered [U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020]

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronaviru ... w-ii-covid
I see that the life expectancy has been decreased. I wonder if this might affect the RMD requirements? Probably not.
by CABob
Sun Jul 11, 2021 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalance Taxable with Each New Deposit or Don't Bother?
Replies: 40
Views: 4016

Re: Rebalance Taxable with Each New Deposit or Don't Bother?

I've toyed with the idea of just dividing each deposit up 80/20 I agree with this part and then never worrying about rebalancing, but not this. I suggest you review all of your investments quarterly and rebalance as required to maintain your desired asset allocation.
by CABob
Sat Jul 10, 2021 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Give a credit-card company a heads-up for an unusual charge??
Replies: 29
Views: 3473

Re: Give a credit-card company a heads-up for an unusual charge??

SmileyFace wrote: Sat Jul 10, 2021 10:55 am If its citi - yes. If its BAC or CapOne - No. If its Elan, Chase or TD - maybe.
It sounds as if you have had some specific issues or experiences with these cards. Would you care to provide some additional background?
by CABob
Wed Jun 30, 2021 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Counting EF as part of asset allocation?
Replies: 33
Views: 3057

Re: Counting EF as part of asset allocation?

It doesn't make much difference as long as you don't forget it. I lean toward including it in your AA for net worth calculations however an EF is generally established as a desired dollar amount rather than a percentage of a total portfolio so I would be inclined to ignore it when determining amounts to rebalance to maintain a desired AA.
by CABob
Tue Jun 29, 2021 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Getting a “certification of funds” letter from Vanguard for a house purchase offer
Replies: 16
Views: 8046

Re: Getting a “certification of funds” letter from Vanguard for a house purchase offer

Kookaburra wrote: Mon Jun 28, 2021 8:06 pm In some instances of making an all-cash offer on a home, the sellers agent may request proof of funds in the form of a certification letter from the bank (similar in concept to how those with a financial contingency provide a pre-approval letter). If one’s intended funds were assets held at Vanguard in a taxable brokerage account, how does one obtain such a certification letter? Has anyone requested or obtained one from Vanguard? Is there a standard template for this letter of certification of funds?

Thank you
Wouldn't a copy of a recent monthly statement take care of it.
by CABob
Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Hypothetical -- Selling stock to a friend
Replies: 13
Views: 1940

Re: Hypothetical -- Selling stock to a friend

Let's say I owned 5,000 shares of Random Public Company Traded On Any Of The Typical Public Exchanges, Inc. that I decided I wanted to sell. My friend decided he was interested in buying shares of stock in that company, so we decided, "Hey, why don't I just sell mine to you!"
Why would you or your friend want to? I don't think you will save any money on the transaction and would be adding some confusion and complexity to the transaction.
by CABob
Sat Jun 19, 2021 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does it make sense to hold an individual stock that is already in an index fund you hold?
Replies: 15
Views: 1932

Re: Does it make sense to hold an individual stock that is already in an index fund you hold?

Whether to own an individual stock and a specific holding in an index fund you own are two separate questions and in my mind are unrelated. One should not be dependent on the other.
by CABob
Thu Jun 17, 2021 10:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What Is Your Longest-Held Investment?
Replies: 147
Views: 15504

Re: What Is Your Longest-Held Investment?

I'm not positive but I suspect it is McDonalds bought in 1995.

Edit: And then there are some EE bonds that have reached 30 year maturity that I have cashed in in recent years. I'm going to miss that 4% fixed income interest.
by CABob
Wed Jun 16, 2021 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: RMDs and Taxable accounts
Replies: 7
Views: 1307

Re: RMDs and Taxable accounts

Hopefully you have a desired allocation plan with percentages for stocks, bonds, and perhaps cash. When funds come out of a tax deferred account they should be redeployed in a manner considering tax efficiency and maintaining your desired allocation. A broad based index fund would be typical and recommended. If the funds must be put into fixed income probably something like a municipal bond fund should be considered.
by CABob
Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best book for 25y/o w/ limited investing experience?
Replies: 34
Views: 2938

Re: Best book for 25y/o w/ limited investing experience?

My favorite for a beginner is Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson. Tyson also has a number of other books in the "Dummies" category.