Search found 252 matches

by B. Wellington
Tue Jun 08, 2021 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone regret paying off mortgage early?
Replies: 2483
Views: 291432

Re: anyone regret paying off mortgage early

Doctor Rhythm wrote: Tue Jun 08, 2021 12:52 am I wouldn’t say that I regret it, but in retrospect, it wasn’t the financially optimal decision. But that’s the rub - everything is obvious in retrospect, but at the time, there was a lot more uncertainty, including an adjustable rate mortgage and having just experienced a 50% drop in stock prices.

In the end, there wasn’t any meaningful consequence to the decision, so no regrets.
+1

FWIW...Original mortgage was 7%+ before refi's.
by B. Wellington
Thu Apr 29, 2021 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Were Your Regrets after Retiring? (serious question)
Replies: 334
Views: 57023

Re: What Were Your Regrets after Retiring? (serious question)

I retired at 60.5 and I have no regrets. One thing that I "knew" in the abstract, but not in terms of hard, cold reality, is that my excellent health was a thing that wouldn't last forever. In fact, I'm going through some very serious health issues at age 66, so I am very, very thankful that I had over 5 years of health almost indistinguishable from how I felt in my 40's. I was able to be very active: hiking, cycling, camping, learned to ride a motorcycle, etc. I may be able to work through some/most of my health issues, but it is uncertain. We discuss risk in so many ways on this forum, but the risk of being able to continue to enjoy life as you always have may be the biggest risk of all. I've also learned that I can adapt, and ...
by B. Wellington
Thu Apr 29, 2021 4:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement and ACA insurance costs? 60-65 yo.
Replies: 26
Views: 3520

Early Retirement and ACA insurance costs? 60-65 yo.

60 yo couple hoping to call it quits from the workforce. We need to "bridge the gap" until 65.

Would any retirees care to share the real world costs of their health insurance?

Any other information would be greatly appreciated.

Monthly premiums? Silver or Gold plans? Total yearly costs after factoring in tax deductions etc.?
by B. Wellington
Thu Apr 08, 2021 7:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: who here is tempted to pullback on stocks?
Replies: 238
Views: 56214

Re: who here is tempted to pullback on stocks?

To answer the original question, yes, I do think about de-risking at some point. However, this is a function of personal net worth rather than market prices. The market going up so rapidly has surely brought a lot of people closer to their ultimate financial goals. So, we have much more to lose by a market crash than from chasing further gains. Exactly. Don't make changes based on the market... Make changes based on your own personal situation. Yes, a bull market is indeed more likely to change your personal situation, but recognize why you are changing your Asset Allocation. Not because you are predicting what the market will do in the short-term, but because your need, ability, or willingness to take risk has changed. I hit my number las...
by B. Wellington
Wed Apr 07, 2021 6:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your contrarian/alternative play?
Replies: 102
Views: 11083

Re: What is your contrarian/alternative play?

I believe that staying the course is contrarian. It is the opposite of what the majority of investors do, which is to try to duck and weave. I don't know how to "be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful," but if I just keep going straight down the center, then when others are fearful I will be more greedy then they, and when others are greedy I will be more fearful then they. I never not invested in alternatives. Traditional securities--stocks and bonds--both offer a good risk-adjusted reward, and an easy intuitive explanation of how they make money and might be expected to keep making it. By choosing an asset allocation I can tune the risk to anywhere within the range suitable for me . The case for al...
by B. Wellington
Tue Mar 30, 2021 4:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Useless Investment Books
Replies: 217
Views: 26246

Re: Useless Investment Books

Why would anyone on this forum read books about investing when they have access to regular posts from such investment gurus as nisiprius, grabiner, livesoft, Kevin M, Taylor Larimore, Rick Ferri, and others? Good information on investing was VERY hard to find 25-30 years ago. Thanks to Mr. Bogle and others, the small investor now has access to that information to make sound investment decisions on their own. FWIW...My bookshelf still has a copy of the Wall Street Money Machine. Which another poster pointed out that the Author spent time in prison. As well as a old copy of the Given's book...Who BTW was sued by a family in my home town and won for misleading and damaging information. Also on my bookshelf is a small booklet, The Triumph of I...
by B. Wellington
Fri Mar 26, 2021 4:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If I can be in equities when I’m in my 20s and 30s why shouldn’t I hold all equities until the day I die?
Replies: 72
Views: 7853

Re: If I can be in equities when I’m in my 20s and 30s why shouldn’t I hold all equities until the day I die?

I’m relatively new to the bogleheads approach. I’m 30 years old with retirement accounts worth $95,000 all in VTWAX. Additionally, another $14,000 in VTSAX. Isn’t the logic that as this grows you will be able to ride out market down turns in your 60s, 70s, and 80s? Why switch bonds? Someone please tell me why this is a horrible plan. It's not if you can continually stomach the volatility. Most people cannot. The S&P dropped 66% in the 2008-09 bear market. If you were 70 years old and a similar bear market occurred and you watched your rollover IRA drop from 1.2mm to 400k would you be able to sleep at night, and would you panic and sell low? I often share the story of my retired neighbor who did exactly this^^^^ Sold EVERYTHING at the w...
by B. Wellington
Sun Dec 06, 2020 6:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2119984

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

CurlyDave wrote: Sun Dec 06, 2020 1:09 am
Keenobserver wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 11:31 pm
CurlyDave wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 11:15 pm
Keenobserver wrote: Sat Dec 05, 2020 10:49 pm Ok. Share your exact numbers and we stop being vague then :D
As soon as my kids were old enough to begin to understand money (early high school) I taught them that "if you can count your money exactly, you clearly don't have enough."

Which quickly leads to stock and ETF investing...
Getting more clues about age then $
I am not the person whose age you wanted to know. I have posted in other threads. I am 75. Two heart attacks and cancer twice. Toughest old geezer in this neck of the woods. :mrgreen:

I don't tell people on the internet the size of the Curly Family Portfolio.


:beer

(Last quote) If I told my family and friends, they would want to know where I bought the lottery tickets... :happy
by B. Wellington
Sun Dec 06, 2020 6:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Massive outflow of S&P500 ETF VOO
Replies: 68
Views: 10431

Re: Massive outflow of S&P500 ETF VOO

Rob5TCP wrote: Fri Dec 04, 2020 10:40 am A couple of hours ago a story ran on Yahoo Finance of a 7 billion dollar outflow (4%) out of VOO.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mystery- ... 53460.html
Full disclosure: I was one of the sellers of VOO.

At my age I don't need or have the willingness to take on anymore risk. YMMV.
by B. Wellington
Tue Dec 01, 2020 7:05 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Silliest Investment Mistakes?
Replies: 176
Views: 21053

Re: Silliest Investment Mistakes?

Very early in my investing career, I "invested" a small amount in silver and collector coins. ( I used to be an avid collector as well.)

Every time I see a posting on the forums or listen to a weekend radio program touting "rare" coins, silver, or even gold, I look back to those early days. The gold bugs will be right every once in awhile, however you may have to wait years for a decent return.
by B. Wellington
Mon Nov 16, 2020 7:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Share proof that no one knows nothing
Replies: 68
Views: 8549

Re: Share proof that no one knows nothing

Ramjet wrote: Mon Nov 16, 2020 7:23 am Waiting for someone to start the "somebody knows something" thread

"...in late 1999, concerned about the (obviously) speculative level of stock prices, I reduced my equities to about 35% of assets, thereby increasing my bond position to about 65%..."

-Jack Bogle
Tech stocks. Everyone Is Getting Rich!

Money magazine cover May 1999. :shock:
by B. Wellington
Sat Nov 14, 2020 12:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: You’ve won the game, now what? 45-55 how to allocate assets?
Replies: 98
Views: 11059

Re: You’ve won the game, now what? 45-55 how to allocate assets?

shamhouse wrote: Sat Nov 14, 2020 10:24 am I wonder if this is a sign of the way 2020 has gone. I am 54 have retired twice, but love to work. Trying to find work that is satisfying and gives me the opportunity for extended time off has proven elusive.

I have set a level of liquid assets (cash/cd's) that allow me to sleep at night knowing I can walk away whenever I am ready. I have kept everything else at 70/30 and intend to keep that mix into my 70's.

I also see my daughters spending time in the sun and surf and wonder why I don't join them.

Best of luck on the next step. Would love to hear how it is going after 1 year.
59 yo. FI, with a 60/40 allocation.
by B. Wellington
Fri Nov 13, 2020 7:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Financial freedom or....?
Replies: 32
Views: 3419

Re: Financial freedom or....?

Hi All. I am in a mental quandary. I have been goal focused on financial freedom. As a CFP myself, I am looking for some outside views. The rundown: 40yo husband and wife. max out 401k’s, plow another 1200+ a month into NQ. Another few thousand in backdoor Roth. Cars paid off. No other debt except $110k mortgage on house we will likely spend 20 years in. Can’t benefit from interest deduction. From small inheritance I have an extra 250k in cash. My mortgage rate is 3.1% on a 30 yr fixed. It’s hard to dump that money in the market. Granted, history would show I can earn more but I need to go equities at this time. I would need to earn 3.1 to break even. Bonds won’t do it. I sometimes look at paying the house off as a 30 year bond that pays 3...
by B. Wellington
Sat Nov 07, 2020 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: About to retire- Asset Allocation
Replies: 19
Views: 1896

Re: About to retire- Asset Allocation

Welcome to the forum! An author and financial planner who I respect (he wrote the book: “All About Asset Allocation”) has said that the “sweet spot” for a retiree portfolio is 30% stocks. It is low enough to damp volatility but high enough to keep up with inflation. In today’s ultra-low interest rate environment I would argue that 40% may be appropriate. You appear (tax deferred + cash) to be around 11.8% stocks. At that AA, your portfolio will be losing purchasing power every year. +1 I agree with David, anything from 40% to 60% stock may be appropriate for (most) retirees. That said, the OP obviously has a high net worth as well as a high income from a working spouse. Is there any reason to take on any more risk? Are we missing anything?...
by B. Wellington
Wed Nov 04, 2020 11:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2119984

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

Not just US stocks, but FTSE 100 up today albeit not nearly as much % wise.

Also 10 year treasuries way up. Not only are many buying stocks, but (do I dare say it) bonds as well.

My apologies. I know this is a stocks thread.
by B. Wellington
Sat Oct 31, 2020 7:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where would you be if you had invested like a Boglehead from the beginning?
Replies: 107
Views: 9990

Re: Where would you be if you had invested like a Boglehead from the beginning?

I would be way behind. I "foolishly" just invested in 100% equities for decades. Had I known more about asset allocations, emergency funds, etc. I would probably still be working.... :P With a strange turn of events, I probably fall more into this line of thinking with what little records I have kept. In the early years, Index funds were not fully understood, were heavily criticized by many, and only a couple were available to the retail investor at the time. Good information about investing was rare and you had to search out whatever reading material you could find. That said, I was heavily weighted in aggressive funds during the go-go years of the 1990's. Vanguard Health Care, Janus, as well as Vanguard's 500 trust fund, among ...
by B. Wellington
Wed Oct 28, 2020 11:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: first million [in your retirement portfolio]
Replies: 253
Views: 58976

Re: first million

viewtopic.php?p=3560569#p3560569

B. Wellington shared this in 2017
by B. Wellington
Fri Sep 18, 2020 10:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Books/websites for a 12 year old to learn about investing
Replies: 14
Views: 1066

Re: Books/websites for a 12 year old to learn about investing

Website: Humble Dollar. Jonathan Clements and other authors have a world of information on the site. Not just about investing, but life goals, behavior, saving, real life experiences, just to name a few.

Great place to start for anyone, at any age.
by B. Wellington
Fri Sep 18, 2020 6:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Market timers thread
Replies: 301
Views: 28882

Re: Market timers thread

But in reality, I couldn't care less whether we label something as market timing or not. The phrase has become akin to a swear word around here, despite the forum's namesake unquestionably having done it himself in a big way at least once. He technically didn't really market-time because he never switched back. He just made a big one-time adjustment to his AA, because he realized his need to take risk had changed. Yes, he looked at the current market conditions, and said "Jeeze, bonds are returning a lot, and stock prices are really getting high..." But he also had a health scare, and, at his age, and looking at his portfolio, he realized he had no need to have so much in stocks, so he changed his Asset Allocation. And he never s...
by B. Wellington
Mon Sep 14, 2020 4:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?
Replies: 223
Views: 52622

Re: Indexing beats Wellington and Wellesley right?

bighatnohorse wrote: Sat Feb 29, 2020 9:07 am Current performance of Wellington and Wellesley, now and into the near future should be interesting.
What if someone put half of their principle into the W&W funds and half into an index fund on Feb 01 - then one year later took a look at their performance.
It should be interesting.
When comparing the W&W funds to "an index fund", I'm hoping one is suggesting a Balanced Index of some sort as a benchmark.

That said, one year later, the performance will probably be a wash. IMHO, the difference will be very small.
by B. Wellington
Thu Sep 10, 2020 4:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: DCA, Lump sum, or...
Replies: 19
Views: 1443

Re: DCA, Lump sum, or...

Actin wrote: Thu Sep 10, 2020 12:16 am Lump sum is mathematically superior 2/3 of the time, and DCA is superior 1/3 of the time, and that's pretty much based on luck.

I did DCA with an inheritance I received for two years. I eventually upped it to DCA larger amounts and eventually put the entire rest of it in. It's completely fine for someone nervous and new. DCA until you are comfortable.

The market will crash many more times before we retire. Get comfortable with it at your own pace.
+1 Agree. With many years ahead of you before you may need the money it probably won't matter much. The important thing is to find YOUR comfort level to the point where you won't panic during one of those corrections and stay invested.

Welcome to the forum. :beer

B. Wellington
by B. Wellington
Fri Sep 04, 2020 9:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Assessing your investment behavior during the pandemic
Replies: 35
Views: 2722

Re: Assessing your investment behavior during the pandemic

1) Started buying in taxable during the downturn.

2) Held steady in 401(k) accounts and IRA's

3) I did sell a small amount on the upturn. Why?

DW's small business was shut down. My work running 50%, and we are still planning on retiring in the very near future. Also home repairs etc.
by B. Wellington
Fri Sep 04, 2020 4:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651777

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Enzo IX wrote: Fri Sep 04, 2020 1:47 am It was much needed, hope it falls fast and hard, flush out all the easy money day traders.
+1000 :twisted:

This past week I have watched coworkers who have NEVER been in the market on their trading apps./phones all day and sharing stock "tips".....Just silly... :oops:
by B. Wellington
Thu Sep 03, 2020 4:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Boglehead diversification
Replies: 34
Views: 2892

Re: Boglehead diversification

JoMoney wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2020 6:22 pm REITs are equities, and the publicly traded ones are held at market weights in broad-market index funds. Non-traded REITs are high in fees and problematic, disclosure issues, liquidity issues, and more... and uneccessary when you can get exposure to the same asset with publicly traded ones.
Gold isn't an investment, it creates nothing, and costs you to store it and trade in it. Some people here do own it. You can find lots of threads discussing it.

Most 'alternative' investments are easily dismissed for their high-fees and usually higher risk(s).
^^^^^This!
by B. Wellington
Thu Aug 27, 2020 7:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I survived the 'sequence of returns risk'
Replies: 42
Views: 4190

Re: I survived the 'sequence of returns risk'

tennisplyr, other members (new and old) might find it helpful if you could share your "income strategy" if any, during those years. Average WR, AA, any pensions, and/or SS. Harvesting dividends and/or capital gains. :beer
by B. Wellington
Sat Aug 22, 2020 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset Allocation - From Brand new member
Replies: 6
Views: 712

Re: Asset Allocation - From Brand new member

Stinky wrote: Sat Aug 22, 2020 5:19 am Welcome to the Forum!

Congratulations on being retired, and still being able to save $40,000 per year. Your rate of spending is well below your income, and that's just great.

It sounds like your current 70/30 allocation has gotten you to this place, and you have been comfortable with both the growth of your portfolio and the volatility of your portfolio's market value as things move up and down. If that's true, I'd just leave your allocation at 70/30.

There's no reason to fix what's not broken.
+1 Agree. And a US Government pension and SS as well?

Unless we are missing something this sounds reasonable to me. Welcome aboard and congratulations!
by B. Wellington
Fri Aug 07, 2020 4:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Selling an index fund (VTSAX)
Replies: 8
Views: 1075

Re: Selling an index fund (VTSAX)

The short answer. When you need the money.

For many that would mean very close to retirement or already in retirement. Or possibly for a major purchase such as a house. Another reason would be to re-balance into less risky assets within their desired AA.
by B. Wellington
Tue Aug 04, 2020 12:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2119984

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

CurlyDave wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 12:37 pm
lostdog wrote: Tue Aug 04, 2020 12:06 pm Nasdaq profit taking today.
All indices are green on my screen. Not a lot of green, but some. :D
I confess, we took some chips off the table (after holding for years.) Stocks are up and 10 year treasury is up some ~8% last time I checked.

Full disclosure: We watched a lot of our friends and coworkers get buyouts or laid off this past year. We are still hoping to call it quits in the near future as well.
by B. Wellington
Tue Aug 04, 2020 8:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: So the stock market is forward looking. How forward?
Replies: 23
Views: 2454

Re: So the stock market is forward looking. How forward?

tre3sori wrote: Mon Aug 03, 2020 11:43 am I read "The stock market is looking forward 18 months." in some business newspaper. There you have it! :D
Over the years I have read similar quotes, "the market is looking out 12-18 months" etc.

Tomorrow it will be doing something similar as well as the next day and the day after that and so on.

Outlooks will change daily (hourly) hence, changing prices.
by B. Wellington
Wed Jul 29, 2020 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are Higher Stock Allocations the Only Option for Retirees?
Replies: 94
Views: 8150

Re: Are Higher Stock Allocations the Only Option for Retirees?

Of course not. Another available option is exploring one's ability to have a "comfortable" retirement on less money than you had formerly planned. The only experience I had with a retirement expert was the long session I had with a CFP at Fidelity, as part of the no-cost "annual retirement checkups" offered with my 401(k) plan. Before we even got into the Fidelity Retirement Income Planner, he was talking about my "goals" and such, and I felt then, and I felt know, that he was actively pushing me toward high aspirations. Encouraging me to think about travel abroad, new cars, and such. Similarly, some retirement book, nominally written by Charles R. Schwab himself has some throwaway remarks urging people to pla...
by B. Wellington
Sat Jul 25, 2020 8:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees, share your epiphanies..
Replies: 126
Views: 17386

Re: Retirees, share your epiphanies..

Your time is your own. Greatest thing, no alarm clock. My wife and I were working on one of our rental units yesterday (about 10am) and I looked at her and asked the big question..."would you prefer to be here doing this or on a conference call"? We always seemed to have 10am conference calls , just a thing I guess. You will always be doing something, you just get to choose it mostly. You can decide when to go somewhere when you want. Don't have to worry about vacation time or what mayhem "Johnny" at work will cause while you are gone. I certainly don't miss performance appraisals (ex HR director), reporting to people whom I can't respect, following policies that are ill thought out ...so ...my time is my own. We previo...
by B. Wellington
Wed Jul 22, 2020 6:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees, share your epiphanies..
Replies: 126
Views: 17386

Re: Retirees, share your epiphanies..

I have always found it interesting when people get together and the conversation leads to "what type of work do you do?" How is work going? etc.

A good friend reminded me of what really is important and if later in life you are unable to answer those types of questions in a positive light that you should try to reconnect with family and friends. Reconnect with "old" hobbies that you may have not engaged in when *work* became your major focus or start engaging in new ones. Volunteer and/or get a pet. Retirement will be here before you know it. Enjoy today. :beer
by B. Wellington
Wed Jul 22, 2020 5:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees, share your epiphanies..
Replies: 126
Views: 17386

Re: Retirees, share your epiphanies..

I'll share this post of mine from 2015, hoping it may be helpful: by protagonist » Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:39 am I'm 63. Last week I had a heart attack on the way to the airport to play music abroad. I'm 6'1" and I weigh 162. I work out regularly (rode 30 miles on my bike the day before the incident). My blood pressure has never been above 110/70. My total cholesterol is 190 with a high HDL fraction, which puts me in the low risk category. No significant family history. I never smoked. No diabetes, substance abuse, or other medical problems. Nobody I know would call me a "Type A personality". My doctor told me I have the body of a 35 year old. My only risk factor (not at all insignificant) is being male. I was fortunate (for a h...
by B. Wellington
Mon Jul 20, 2020 5:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Biggest regrets and advice for newbies.
Replies: 62
Views: 10548

Re: Biggest regrets and advice for newbies.

Probably best to read through the wiki but: 1. Even when money is tight, try never to pass up the matching money your employer (hopefully) gives you. 2. Money taken out of the paycheck and invested is money you can't easily spend. 3. Try not to keep up with the "Joneses" 4. Avoid try to hop on the latest craze, usually it is too late by the time you find out. 5. Be reasonable with buying cars. I don't buy used ones but try to keep my car a good decade and avoid expensive ones. 6. Enjoy life it goes by too quickly. Money can buy you possessions or freedom so choose carefully. Most of us can't do both. 7. If you are young just invest and forget it since you have decades of accumulation to go. 8. Slowly build up an emergency fund be...
by B. Wellington
Tue Jul 14, 2020 6:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Wellesley Income fund is incredible
Replies: 716
Views: 177096

Re: Vanguard's Wellesley Income fund is incredible

willthrill81 wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2020 8:42 pm
youngpleb wrote: Mon Jul 13, 2020 8:39 pm Call me crazy, but I have recently come to the conclusion that I will be using Wellesley for what I view as the second tranche of my emergency fund. 12 months cash in a high yield savings account, then 6 months in Wellesley.
I did the same thing back when we still had an emergency fund (2/3 in Wellesley, 1/3 in cash).
+1

Everyone views the markets differently. I often hear some posters say that they have 3+ years in "cash" and/or C.D.'s. It works for them. Today I now view Wellesley much in the same way as above. 1/3 "cash" and then 2/3 Wellesley. (3-4 years of expenses in total.) :sharebeer
by B. Wellington
Tue Jul 14, 2020 6:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's Wellesley Income fund is incredible
Replies: 716
Views: 177096

Re: Vanguard's Wellesley Income fund is incredible

abuss368 wrote: Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:25 pm I knew of someone who put everything into Wellington years ago.
:beer
by B. Wellington
Wed Jun 24, 2020 6:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Malkiel weighs in on passive investing and alternatives to the 60/40...
Replies: 39
Views: 5736

Re: Malkiel weighs in on passive investing and alternatives to the 60/40...

Seems like ridiculous yield chasing advice, but what do I know really? Still. He’s concerned about inflation. If only there were some safe bond like instrument that was indexed for inflation... No, nothing like that exists I guess so off to any of the standard yield chasing bond substitutes that have burnt people in the past. :? He’s concerned about the low returns in bonds in general and so it is off to the sub-junk, covenant-non-existent land of poorly understood risks in preferred stock. Whatever happened to the view of “total return” of the portfolio instead of trying to juice components of it to the point they aren’t even doing the job they are suppose to do? Switch to TIPS if worried about inflation and increase the stock AA to offse...
by B. Wellington
Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Life advice from ungrateful?
Replies: 25
Views: 2474

Re: Life advice from ungrateful?

There are frequently conflicts between what we are taught that increases achievement motivation positively and eventually efforts to define goals in terms of achieving a balanced life. From my perspective, the teaching or learning from another source that says to maximize your capability vocationally is generally well-meaning and motivates toward achievement as it obviously has for you. You have done very well and "Know" you could do even "better." There are phases of life that appear as we age, our interests change, we marry, have children, introspect regarding what is important, etc. Personally, finances have been an important part of life and having financial stability has provided a base for a solid life, but only a...
by B. Wellington
Fri Jun 12, 2020 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Work Suspended 401K Match
Replies: 33
Views: 3246

Re: Work Suspended 401K Match

mnsportsgeek wrote: Fri Jun 12, 2020 7:24 am I'm in the same boat. I just continued to contribute as normal, but I've already got an IRA maxed out.

If you aren't maxing out an IRA or Roth IRA, I'd shift to prioritizing that and then invest the rest of your income in the 401k.
+1
by B. Wellington
Fri Jun 12, 2020 5:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with a lump sum right now?
Replies: 11
Views: 1108

Re: What to do with a lump sum right now?

Hi everyone. Let's say I have a lump sum equal to seven times what I typically put into the market each month (above and beyond 401k etc. accounts). Without going into details, this lump sum must go into the market, or sit on the side as cash but I cannot use it in any other way. What is the best strategy at this moment: Enter it all into the market immediately, or dollar cost average it over time? I've researched this and entering it all immediately seems the consensus preferred strategy, but not sure I can stomach it with this much money especially in this market. But, if I keep it on the side I could be losing out of course. Thoughts? Sounds to me that your risk tolerance may be an issue and DCA might be right for you depending on your ...
by B. Wellington
Mon Jun 08, 2020 6:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reinvesting Dividends in Taxables: Arguments for and Against?
Replies: 15
Views: 1438

Re: Reinvesting Dividends in Taxables: Arguments for and Against?

Hi all, I'm trying to get the lay of the land re: reinvesting dividends in taxable accounts: Are there any rules of thumb? Here are some starter questions: 1 ) What are the typical situations/scenarios that warrant one approach over the other? 2 ) Do you reinvest dividend in your taxable account? Why? 3 ) Have you ever switched from not-reinvesting to reinvesting (or vice-versa)? Why? Thank you! :happy Cranberry44, just a couple of personal experiences that may help. 1) Age. As DW and I approach retirement I am NOT reinvesting in taxable. Reasons are car replacement, home repairs, insurance, vacations, just to name a few. (I was actually planning on (FIRE) soon before the market and other circumstances made me delay that for now. We are st...
by B. Wellington
Wed Jun 03, 2020 11:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2119984

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

I saw a blurb from Barron's that this current surge is being driven by bears covering shorts, but I couldn't read the article because it is behind a paywall. Who's buying other than the automatic purchases in 401k accounts? I’ve been doing my automatic 401k, but with my reduced spending I found myself with $7,000 to invest a little over a month ago. I pushed it into our Roth, money market, and waited to pull the trigger during the inevitable drop. At S&P 2,900. Today, I just pushed it all into VTSAX. I’m not cut out for this market timing, and “missing out” on the 7% gain over the last month has caused me too much stress. Hopefully I never have to manage a large windfall! ;) (Of course, my finger hovers over the cancel button all day.....
by B. Wellington
Wed May 27, 2020 11:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why did you change your investing approach?
Replies: 36
Views: 2626

Re: Why did you change your investing approach?

Ferdinand2014 wrote: Sun May 24, 2020 5:19 pm When I realized Jack Bogle and Warren Buffett were a lot smarter, more experienced and offered a simpler, better plan than my random investments.
I probably have to agree with this as well. A handful of individual stocks here and there. Sector funds. Some timing moves both good and bad. As well as some lackluster Real Estate bets. I read as much as I could to find a more simple way with far less stress.

Any future changes if any, will be because of retirement and age.
by B. Wellington
Thu May 21, 2020 7:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moved all Retirement Plans to Cash Last Wed Based on Tepper's Call
Replies: 95
Views: 13910

Re: Moved all Retirement Plans to Cash Last Wed Based on Tepper's Call

bgf wrote: Thu May 21, 2020 6:00 am Come up with a more conservative portfolio allocation (but not so conservative that when stocks rip up you'll bonds to buy more stocks) and implement it. ASAP.

Waiting builds inertia and makes it harder to buy back.
Agree. I moved to a more conservative portfolio years ago which has helped me from my worst enemy, myself. Everyone is different, however there have been many studies which has shown that balanced AA's have served small investors well by "keeping them in the game."

Bogle's advice: Be balanced. Don't peek. And "tune out the noise."
by B. Wellington
Fri Mar 20, 2020 7:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: For 50-55 Year olds/ What Are you thinking?
Replies: 46
Views: 6350

Re: For 50-55 Year olds/ What Are you thinking?

52 years old....corporate technology job in financial Industry...7 figure retirement portfolio (still) originally at 65/35 now floating around 58/42 with ~20% losses off the high. I have college for two teenagers on the horizon, so plan has always been another 10 years or so. From my point of view, it’s all about staying employed through this event and continuing acquisition according to my plan. I pivoted my 401K and Roth investment to all securities to start rebalancing back to my target 65/35 AA. Goals: 1. Get through the pandemic event with a minimal loss of human life. 2. Get through the economic event retaining my employment. 3. Stay employed long enough to see the economic recovery and reap the benefits of acquisition of assets whil...
by B. Wellington
Wed Mar 18, 2020 5:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Updated 3/18 - "You can't hide in bonds" article
Replies: 183
Views: 12292

Re: "You can't hide in bonds" article

Hello, Here is a link to an article, "You can't hide in bonds" dated March 17, 2020, at terrysavage.com. https://www.terrysavage.com/you-cant-hide-in-bonds/ Based on the details of the article, her position is: "....But stop thinking that you’re “safe in bonds.” That’s just not the case. Bond fund prices can fall too, for the reasons listed above. The “safe” money alternative in your retirement plan is a money market fund if there is one, or a stable value fund, or a short-term U.S. government bond fund." My question is: For investors who are already in retirement and own a fund(s) that includes a diversification of bonds (gov, corporate, other), for ex, an aggregate bond or target date fund what do you do if you agree ...
by B. Wellington
Fri Mar 13, 2020 6:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I can't believe I am thinking this [Panic and Survival 2008-09]
Replies: 526
Views: 467840

Re: I can't believe I am thinking this [Panic and Survival 2008-09]

Unladen_Swallow wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 3:02 pm
Sheepdog wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 2:43 pm
xxd091 wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 1:34 pm Sheepdog rides again!

We owe him a great debt of thanks
xxd091
Thank you for the nice comment. But this 14 year old continuing thread had many more educating comments from many other Bogleheads. I wish to thank all of them as well. Perhaps what happened to me and how everything progressed will help others in this bear market.
I think this thread has been incredibly educational to assess our own emotions and strategies. And to be very realistic of our own circumstances and manage expectations.

Thank you.
+1

I felt that this ongoing thread deserved another bump...Cheers! :beer
by B. Wellington
Fri Mar 13, 2020 5:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Real Estate Right Now
Replies: 13
Views: 1212

Re: Real Estate Right Now

knpstr wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 9:18 pm No noticeable changes.
+1 Any home that goes up for sale in my neighborhood is usually sold in DAYS.

Inventory is low in a medium priced area. Everyone I know who is in the trades has more work than they have time (or help) for.
by B. Wellington
Thu Mar 12, 2020 7:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I can't believe I am thinking this [Panic and Survival 2008-09]
Replies: 526
Views: 467840

Re: I can't believe I am thinking this [Panic and Survival 2008-09]

One thing I learned from 2008 is you should expect that a major market downturn could happen at any time, and your portfolio should be constructed accordingly. Yes, I also learned that from 2000 and 2008. I also learned that there's no guarantee of a V-shaped recovery from Japan. I just learned, through others experience, that TMF can misbehave. I am continuously learning that I was right where I wanted to be with a bond-heavy portfolio by age. If there is a sharp recovery and I miss an opportunity for a tactical rebalance, that's OK, I'm just where I want to be. I'll get to the finish line in spite of "markets", through saving/spending practices. I'll continue to purchase equities every two weeks without fail, and maybe look for...