Search found 398 matches

by goldendad
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?
Replies: 94
Views: 15624

Re: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?

I’ve been with Schwab for 20+ years with no major issues. They did start changing things a while back. The only complaint I have is the research format. It was better before.
by goldendad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When brand names matter and when they don't
Replies: 193
Views: 11754

Re: When brand names matter and when they don't

Coffee - yes it matters
by goldendad
Sat Mar 23, 2024 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 252
Views: 18170

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

Every motorcycle I have owned.
by goldendad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 9:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Basket of Stocks
Replies: 34
Views: 3047

Re: Basket of Stocks

VOO, VTI, VIG, or SCHD
by goldendad
Sat Mar 16, 2024 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 219
Views: 25594

Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")

Live below your means, make and live on a budget, reading A Random Walk Down Wall Street, don’t time the market (you’re not smarter than everyone else), term life insurance, avoid timeshares, Toyota and Honda, the Golden Rule
by goldendad
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many are holding cash right now?
Replies: 203
Views: 31410

Re: How many are holding cash right now?

What cash I have is in 6 month to 1 year T-Bills. Some in a money market fund.
by goldendad
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?
Replies: 207
Views: 15480

Re: How Much Cash Do You Keep In Your Home?

Generally no more than about $300.
by goldendad
Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 56489

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

About 25 years ago I bought a $20 Weatherproof jacket from Walmart. Still wearing it.
by goldendad
Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 187
Views: 20510

Re: What is your favorite book?

The Bible
by goldendad
Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What got you out of poverty?
Replies: 111
Views: 13087

Re: What got you out of poverty?

Never really impoverished but, always employed, spent less than we earned, always saved money, invested the rest in conservative investments.
by goldendad
Tue Feb 27, 2024 10:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to deal with/spend too much money?
Replies: 91
Views: 9040

Re: How to deal with/spend too much money?

We have the same situation. We are paying for better schools for all the grandkids plus a college education for each of them. At some point we may upgrade our cars. Also, going on some nice vacations in better hotels. We also give to our church.
by goldendad
Mon Feb 05, 2024 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4runner vs. Highlander?
Replies: 109
Views: 27852

Re: 4runner vs. Highlander?

My wife drives a 2004 Highlander FWD that we bought new. It has 235k miles on it. Still runs great. Good in the snow. Might buy another new one in a year or so. We’ll see what the car market looks like then.
by goldendad
Thu Jan 11, 2024 9:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oil change frequency on older Toyota (w/ 140k)
Replies: 64
Views: 7883

Re: Oil change frequency on older Toyota (w/ 140k)

Have a 2004 Highlander with 235k miles. Been using regular oil and changing it every 5k the whole time. Bought it new.
by goldendad
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:02 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Am I the only investor allocating more towards Bonds in 2024?
Replies: 149
Views: 32012

Re: Am I the only investor allocating more towards Bonds in 2024?

My bond allocation is not changing, but with interest rates higher, as some T-Bills mature I am putting the capital into BND.
by goldendad
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is Your Biggest "Good Problem to Have"? [Financial]
Replies: 97
Views: 13988

Re: What is Your Biggest "Good Problem to Have"?

Having First World problems - large capital gains, high maintenance house, high real estate taxes, moving up a tax bracket, more expensive Medicare premiums, insurance and upkeep on several cars, etc. I am very Blessed and have little to complain about!
by goldendad
Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Medium Duration Bond ETF Recommendation
Replies: 12
Views: 1586

Re: Medium Duration Bond ETF Recommendation

the_wiki wrote: Sat Dec 23, 2023 11:48 pm BIV is probably the most popular.
The duration of BIV and BND are similar.
by goldendad
Thu Dec 21, 2023 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How often do you check up on your investments?
Replies: 81
Views: 9075

Re: How often do you check up on your investments?

I check the portfolio most days and deploy cash as is appropriate. Almost never sell anything.
by goldendad
Mon Dec 18, 2023 10:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Winning the game and Dry Powder
Replies: 157
Views: 26226

Re: Winning the game and Dry Powder

I do have some dry powder - currently in the money market and T-Bills. I sleep better.
by goldendad
Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone Bored in Retirement ??
Replies: 131
Views: 30345

Re: Anyone Bored in Retirement ??

Been retired 3 years. Not bored one minute yet.
by goldendad
Thu Dec 14, 2023 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How did having children change your perspective of money?
Replies: 58
Views: 11081

Re: How did having children change your perspective of money?

It added another factor to my financial planning - providing for my kids to include a good education.
by goldendad
Thu Dec 14, 2023 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiring at age 40 with $2.4M
Replies: 210
Views: 143974

Re: Retiring at age 40 with $2.4M

I would not be comfortable with that amount of capital and that withdrawal rate. I would work some more years and reevaluate. Right now there are too many variables and unknowns.
by goldendad
Mon Dec 11, 2023 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?
Replies: 657
Views: 134496

Re: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?

Years ago bought an individual stock (Tellabs) based on someone’s recommendation. Took a significant loss. That was the last time I ever did that.
by goldendad
Sat Dec 09, 2023 10:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723793

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

“Napoleon” by Roberts. Just finished it. Good book.
by goldendad
Thu Nov 02, 2023 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College Applications - Why is Essay Even Relevant?
Replies: 48
Views: 4084

Re: College Applications - Why is Essay Even Relevant?

To see if the applicant can use the English language and string together more than a single thought. Since I graduated from college I have probably written at least 1000 documents, with a lot of them read by 100s of people. It helps if you know the difference between to, two and too, in addition to the meaning of your and you’re. Communication skills are important.
by goldendad
Fri Oct 20, 2023 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just laid off - Do I take the severence?
Replies: 45
Views: 7949

Re: Just laid off - Do I take the severence?

I would not take the severance.
by goldendad
Fri Oct 20, 2023 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you buy tires?
Replies: 70
Views: 5864

Re: Where do you buy tires?

Discount Tire
by goldendad
Tue Oct 17, 2023 10:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723793

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

East of Eden by John Steinbeck
by goldendad
Tue Oct 17, 2023 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Small Drip Coffee Machine
Replies: 77
Views: 8585

Re: Best Small Drip Coffee Machine

Been using a 5 cup Mr. Coffee for many years. Works fine. Just clean it once in a while and buy good coffee.
by goldendad
Tue Oct 10, 2023 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is AAA membership worth it?
Replies: 197
Views: 27412

Re: Is AAA membership worth it?

We have it so each of us can call for help if needed.
by goldendad
Tue Oct 03, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?
Replies: 67
Views: 5856

Re: Home Security Cameras - Worth it?

Bought a Blink wireless system a few years ago. Easy to install. Works well. Allows me to check on house when out of town.
by goldendad
Fri Sep 22, 2023 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How are you self-insuring for long-term care?
Replies: 167
Views: 22000

Re: How are you self-insuring for long-term care?

We are just self-insuring through investments.
by goldendad
Fri Sep 22, 2023 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Who has the LOWEST Stock Allocation??
Replies: 85
Views: 10198

Re: Who has the LOWEST Stock Allocation??

When my father died he was 96 and didn’t need the money from his investments. He was about 90% stocks and had been for many years. It was mostly in the S&P500. The heirs got it all. It is helping pay for college expenses for great-grandchildren, among other things.
by goldendad
Wed Sep 13, 2023 10:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085552

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

The Great Waldo Pepper
by goldendad
Wed Sep 13, 2023 10:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is anyone buying 10-year treasuries now?
Replies: 10
Views: 2155

Re: Is anyone buying 10-year treasuries now?

No, but I am buying 3 and 6 month T-Bills
by goldendad
Tue Sep 12, 2023 10:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27740

Re: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth

Not sure about huge growth, but I think BRK-B will continue to see steady growth.
by goldendad
Fri Sep 01, 2023 10:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to pay for a new vehicle with cash?
Replies: 80
Views: 7292

Re: How to pay for a new vehicle with cash?

I always pay cash and have generally paid with a personal check (or two). I have put $5000 of it on a credit card once. I will only discuss one number with the dealer - the total amount I write the check for (keep it simple). I tell them that if that number goes up for any reason the deal is off. One dealer tried to add a security device charge once ($250) and I got up to leave. They backed down. Do your homework first and [if possible] don’t go in needing to buy a car that day. Be willing to walk away.
by goldendad
Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Individual tech stocks
Replies: 73
Views: 6893

Re: Individual tech stocks

Most of my holdings are index ETFs - VTI, VEU, SPY, VIG, SCHD, QQQ, BND, VCSH - acquired at various times depending on market conditions and the current level of interest rates. Have owned AAPL, MSFT, and META for many years. Don't plan to sell anytime soon. They will probably be inherited by our kids. Lately, when it looked attractive, I have bought the QQQ as a long term holding. Buffett seems to think AAPL is a good idea. I have also owned BRK-B for many years. I would consider buying AAPL or MSFT again if they fell to low valuations. Would also consider GOOG at the right price. When bonds were paying very little I used META and QQQ for Covered Calls (others also but those are the tech securities I used). Worked out very well - generally...
by goldendad
Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considering buying an 18 unit rental property
Replies: 32
Views: 3578

Re: Considering buying an 18 unit rental property

I haven't read the whole thread, so forgive me if this has already been mentioned. Be sure and understand the local laws about eviction of tenets who are not paying rent. You may end up providing housing for free for longer than you think.
by goldendad
Wed Aug 23, 2023 6:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What motivated you to save money?
Replies: 232
Views: 28385

Re: What motivated you to save money?

Both of my parents grew up in the depression. I grew up lower middle class in New Orleans - no TV or air conditioning until I was around 12 (or so). We lived very frugally. It was just the way I was raised. Having savings provides some security.
by goldendad
Mon Aug 21, 2023 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much of your financials are you sharing with other family members?
Replies: 139
Views: 16867

Re: How much of your financials are you sharing with other family members?

My wife and I know our financial situation. No one else does.
by goldendad
Sun Aug 13, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is RAV4 Prime really available?
Replies: 37
Views: 7785

Re: Is RAV4 Prime really available?

The lot of the Toyota dealer I use has been mostly empty for a couple of years. They do sell various used cars. They tell me the new cars they get are sold before they arrive. Their service dept is very busy. The Toyotas I see advertised in the area are [mostly] for MSRP and above. I do wonder how long this will go on. We are considering replacing my wife’s 2004 Highlander. Fortunately we are not in a hurry.
by goldendad
Thu Aug 10, 2023 10:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Career Regrets
Replies: 114
Views: 15550

Re: Career Regrets

Spent 20 years as Naval Officer. With your education level, if you want to join the military, I would suggest you look at officer programs.
by goldendad
Sat Jul 29, 2023 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where are you holding your cash right now?
Replies: 75
Views: 11487

Re: Where are you holding your cash right now?

3 and 6 month T-Bills depending on rates.
by goldendad
Fri Jul 21, 2023 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What role has generosity played in your wealth building?
Replies: 160
Views: 13972

Re: What role has generosity played in your wealth building?

We have tithed our entire adult life. Never missed the money.
by goldendad
Wed Jul 19, 2023 10:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How often do you check the market?
Replies: 91
Views: 7626

Re: How often do you check the market?

Several times a day. I enjoy watching the markets react to current economic and financial news releases.
by goldendad
Sat Jul 15, 2023 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bogles in 40s and 50s, how should I spend 30s
Replies: 91
Views: 15238

Re: Bogles in 40s and 50s, how should I spend 30s

Don’t negligent your spouse and family. That has long lasting consequences - personal and financial.
by goldendad
Thu Jul 13, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 20 year old central a/c and furnace - should i proactively replace after summer or wait ?
Replies: 29
Views: 3216

Re: 20 year old central a/c and furnace - should i proactively replace after summer or wait ?

If you travel a lot in the winter, and are worried about frozen pipes, I’d replace it. Peace of mind has some value.