Search found 4823 matches

by Nowizard
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 137
Views: 10156

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

We went to one sometime ago. The "confrontation" was over passing out information at the dinner that involved disclosure about assets, goals, etc. with pressure to complete it prior to leaving. We did not do so and never attended another offer.

Tim
by Nowizard
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:09 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Career break to maximise time with kids?
Replies: 41
Views: 2982

Re: Career break to maximise time with kids?

This is the same issue a friend dealt with in the past. A discussion was gender related in consideration. As with you, it was the man in the household. The question was whether there would be a different reaction to a man taking what was called a sabbatical than a women. It worked out.

Tim
by Nowizard
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recently Purchased A Vehicle I Don't Like
Replies: 82
Views: 11832

Re: Recently Purchased A Vehicle I Don't Like

It may not hold now, but during the height of the automobile shortages, I experienced the same thing. Cutting the loss has been the satisfying outcome since the new vehicle is perfect. Also, doing it within a couple of months after being certain the reaction was not impulsive, resulted in a surprisingly good value for doing so when comparing trade-in for the owned vehicle and the final price of the new one on Edmunds. It helped that there was no loan on the first vehicle.

Tim
by Nowizard
Mon Mar 25, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Approaching parents about removing oneself from their estate
Replies: 35
Views: 3876

Re: Approaching parents about removing oneself from their estate

Classic issue relating to the adage of knowing about a person's character if you share an inheritance! Your position is clear, so the issue is not you but the broader one of your parents and siblings. I doubt there is enough information to appropriately share here other than anecdotal to provide a clear answer. Ultimately, it is a decision of yours that could easily be answered from a "practical" standpoint. Unfortunately, that can be accompanied by variations of "No good deed shall go unpunished." Parents, for example, may want to demonstrate a final act of love by passing on an inheritance, your siblings may be fine with your sister gaining "more," or fine with the inheritance being distributed equally among ...
by Nowizard
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22585

What are Realtors saying about the commission change?

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] We have previously rented a condo in another city from the Realtor owner before she sold it a year ago. She was a fabulous landlady, and has a sister who is an experienced Realtor herself. A couple of months ago, we contacted our former landlady to aid us in finding a condo to purchase. She is not taking new clients and referred us to her sister. We have had contact with her since, have not met her in person but regularly email with responses to possibilities he has sent. We have no contract and she has not shown us a property. She has set us up with software that sends new listings in the area based on parameters we have set. She is very responsive, though basically waits until we inquire about a...
by Nowizard
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I really really afford a 3 million mortgage?
Replies: 104
Views: 9002

Re: Can I really really afford a 3 million mortgage?

In a broader sense, you could ask yourself what are the possibilities of other "gotta haves" financially in the future? Are you certain you can live paycheck-top-paycheck comfortably with this decision? A house purchase can be probably supported, but what are the interactions with family, children, leisure time, etc.?

Tim
by Nowizard
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Paying Electric Bill With Checking
Replies: 49
Views: 3533

Re: Paying Electric Bill With Checking

Being old-timers, we generally pay most bills by check. We have had a couple of occasions over more than 50-years with problems but none in the past decade or so. Have friends who have had a check-washing issue and have had a couple of occasions where checks were delayed in the mail. Our approach includes writing all checks with a gel pen, taking them to a very conveniently located Post Office rather than putting them in our mail box, and mailing them somewhat earlier than technically should be necessary.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 8161

Re: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?

You have pointed out a huge issue for all of us in many areas, at least in my opinion. For me, the most important areas are the ones with less certainty about outcome regardless of how much we know since there is always that which is unknown. We make our choices and often have to reluctantly accept the consequence of not having made a different choice, at least retrospectively. Personal conclusion is that once an investment approach has been accepted that it is simple but that simple does not mean easy.

Tim
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 22, 2024 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling All Academics - What's Next
Replies: 35
Views: 3859

Re: Calling All Academics - What's Next

Contemplated staying in academia, enjoyed it but had similar issues. My degree allowed me to establish a small business that did not interfere with life-balance and allowed me to remain as an adjunct professor with graduate students. Best of both.

Tim
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New homeowner advice
Replies: 32
Views: 2285

Re: New homeowner advice

Insulate and don't get a tankless heater.

Tim
by Nowizard
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 238
Views: 22585

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

Numerous discussions about generalities, but is there any definitive information on how this works? Article I read said one of the key aspects is that the seller essentially pays both sides of the transaction. It suggested that the new approach, let's assume a 6% commission, would mean that the purchaser would pay 3% to their Realtor, and the seller would pay the same. These amounts would be negotiated, of course and could be lower. The article stated July 1 as the start date. Any specific information would be appreciated.

Tim
by Nowizard
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How worthwhile is Zillow to estimate home value?
Replies: 58
Views: 5237

Re: How worthwhile is Zillow to estimate home value?

Locally, Realtors feel it over-estimates value but also that sellers like it. Coincidentally, the Realtor who sold us our current home randomly dropped by and said she was going to do a market analysis and give it to us. Detailed, with comparisons to recent sales, etc. Her analysis was 7% higher than the Zestimate, and we felt it was reasonably accurate in our case. Our Realtor said in the past that Zestimates are based on a geographical area set by Zillow. Some of those are more diverse than other, leading to higher or lower Zestimates, she said.

Tim
by Nowizard
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can I retire with $1.75M at age 43?
Replies: 169
Views: 12549

Re: Can I retire with $1.75M at age 43?

If it's a job dislike, consider finding another one in an area where you would like to live. You need to figure carefully what you are going to, not just what you get away from in retirement. Though it looks like you may be fine with your current circumstances, you may be limited in some future decisions based on what you would experience in what is likely to be a substantial period of time in retirement even with longevity not apparently being in your family history.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sun Mar 17, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Surprise! Wellcare part D free drugs. And I paid DiRx. Refund?
Replies: 18
Views: 1737

Re: Surprise! Wellcare part D free drugs. And I paid DiRx. Refund?

Probably have the same policy. Things like Simvastatin are covered by plan cost, and others begin to have higher cost such as BP drugs that may be $15 co-pay for 90-day supply. Very reasonable.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4390

Re: Utilities cost?

Ours for a 4,000 sf house with two-occupants and an irrigation system averaged $107 for water, $160 for gas and electric in 2023.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4494

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

Same here. Apparently, one reason there are so many minted is that people put them in a jar and never spend or take them to a bank. I do roll them and take them as part of a major altruistic effort of avoiding minting of a few pennies that will eventually aggravate others. A related question is whether pennies seen on the ground when walking are picked up (actionable comment).

Tim
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3515

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

We have used two, large companies with extensive landscaping over the past two years, not renewing with either. Our thoughts were that a large company would be better than what amount to Two Men with a Truck. That has not been our experience. The larger companies do landscape and many other things such as hardscaping and construction, the latter being the focus. We have begun to interact with the second type after identifying someone through Next Door and asking neighbors with nice yards who they use. Just don't pay for an entire year to obtain a potential discount until determining they are appropriate for your needs. Our current guys, for example, said that many companies get a discount for the landscape products, double the standard reta...
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: moving from ~600k to ~1.5M income
Replies: 74
Views: 12176

Re: moving from ~600k to ~1.5M income

Congratulations, and it does appear the first thrust is deciding how to deal with the increase and that doing so is consistent with an attitude and history of discipline that contributes to your good fortune. Only suggestion is to also consider how to deal with the hidden aspects of this which include not only the wonderful opportunity but the changes it brings (and the accompanying stress from positive changes) as you integrate them into your overall lifestyle.

Tim
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 219
Views: 25578

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

Invest early and as rationally as possible. This continues to amaze after many years. The analytic aspect is the power of compounding.

Tim
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15692

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

I saw the title of this post and thought, "Wow, this will intimidate some first-time posters or investors with questions about a small investment," but am glad that was not the case. This amount would easily support our current, larger than needed home, a second property in another city that was rented or purchased, travel and assurance of having adequate healthcare coverage as we age. If there were an issue elsewhere, then it would not be of concern for us financially even if it meant not looking our over the ocean while drinking morning coffee.

Tim
by Nowizard
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reducing Large Inherited Holding of a Single Stock
Replies: 18
Views: 2039

Re: Reducing Large Inherited Holding of a Single Stock

Be certain and sell shares at updated cost basis, reduce the number to meet your comfort level and don't be afraid to sell items with a profit based on their past returns.

Tim
by Nowizard
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where does your [investing] inspiration come from?
Replies: 31
Views: 3115

Re: Where does your inspiration come from?

Having parents for whom no excuse was ever necessary, following a set of core values they inculcated and acknowledging being personally imperfect in many ways.

Tim
by Nowizard
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what point did you prioritize health over money?
Replies: 65
Views: 8592

Re: At what point did you prioritize health over money?

At 81 with an 86 year-old sister and a mother who died at 96, a father who died at 83 after a fall and a grandfather living to 91, there is a long history of strong genes and good health. Simply put, our family has always followed their passions and interests and thought of money as a facilitator but with an attitude that allows adjustment to whatever exists in that realm as key. The combination of efforts to maximize income by investing rather than earnings led to saving regularly, investing primarily in a successful manner. Healthy eating and exercise, though primarily exercise from an active lifestyle rather than belonging to a club, have been basically forever. As one who is now in those years you anticipate, it has resulted in what is ...
by Nowizard
Mon Mar 11, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?
Replies: 22
Views: 2662

Re: No contingency offer on land in 12 hours - how do they do it?

One factor is whether other Realtors know of upcoming listings or if they are posted. In those cases, interested parties see the property before it is listed, and the listing is only for consideration of potentially better offers. If a prior-to-listing offer is accepted, the listing may still post if submitted. We have both been disappointed and a disappointer in that regard.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "When" do you sell equities during Retirement?
Replies: 29
Views: 4519

Re: "When" do you sell equities during Retirement?

You will have some income in retirement, presumably, so that is spent first. When additional income is needed, you will eventually have RMD's. That results in assets exceeding expenditures for some which results in how to invest excesses in taxable accounts rather than how to withdraw from taxable or retirement accounts. Portfolio management in our case involves decisions based on circumstances. For example, we are likely to purchase a different house in this year, possibly purchasing before selling our current one. We have been accumulating cash by moving what has been totally in bond funds to MM funds along with any additional assets. You can turn-off any dividends in taxable accounts to accumulate cash, or you can sell taxable assets at ...
by Nowizard
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why is Vanguard so bullish on international exposure in their all-in-one funds?
Replies: 77
Views: 6894

Re: Why is Vanguard so bullish on international exposure in their all-in-one funds?

From the standpoint of consumer psychology, it is important for a huge company like Vanguard to convey that they have the ability to provide what the consumer wants in terms of reduced volatility, returns, etc. that exceeds or equals what a consumer can obtain or that fills the need of consumers not wanting to manage their own investments. That, obviously, leads to a use of analytics that provides both rational and sustainable approaches to investing and consumer comfort from what is greater knowledge and access to information than available to consumers. In my opinion, the result is offering a product that does meet the needs of many consumers but that also meets the test of being able to explain the rationale behind Vanguard's approach fr...
by Nowizard
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Replies: 156
Views: 10614

Re: Your Original Medicare Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?

Regular Medicare with Part B and D, supplement from prior employer, IRMAA payment. No issues whatsoever for over a decade, and no issues with checking annually on the governmental site to determine whether to stay or change Part d provider.

Tim
by Nowizard
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to prove that I am not losing money with bond funds?
Replies: 118
Views: 15085

Re: How to prove that I am not losing money with bond funds?

Our experience does support the common statement regarding the duration relationship to loss/gain. However, if you look at the returns over a fifteen-year period with Vanguard TB, you see an average return that pales compared to what your equity return is likely to be. For us, this supports that bond funds are for portfolio protection, not returns, and that the "loss" compared to long-term equity return is a gain in down markets where "you lose less" in your bond portion than your equity assets. Also, for us at least, we do not ascribe to the statement by some that "losses" include paper losses for assets not sold. On occasion, we have benefitted by changing our asset allocation by reducing bond percentages wit...
by Nowizard
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Replies: 254
Views: 42486

Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?

My wife for sure, and spending at least somewhat more on homes than was "necessary," something possible due to living in a LCOL area. Our homes have been a size Californians in our income category could only dream about that currently is located a mile or so from grocery stores, nice restaurants, medical care, big box shopping, walking trails, large parks, with large yard and a large house. Down part, if any, is that though we live in a very nice town with a town square voted the top one nationally in one poll adjacent to a larger city with significant issues.

Tim
by Nowizard
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When have you stopped saving for retirement?
Replies: 40
Views: 4005

Re: When have you stopped saving for retirement?

Prior to retirement, we ramped up savings, though we had done the typical diligence to determine what we thought indicated we could effectively retire. That turned out to be accurate in that we had what we thought would be "enough," what I expect is common with many who have saved in a disciplined manner. The later result is that we over saved from the standpoint that though we have increased spending in retirement, our asset totals, after expenses, have continued to exceed inflation. So, we are effectively saving for our heirs at this point. I suspect this is also somewhat common since we are clearly at a financial level well below many posting here. The common statement that starting to save early, saving regularly and in a rati...
by Nowizard
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: at what age...?
Replies: 48
Views: 5258

Re: Retirees: at what age...?

For ourselves and several friends, we held the line for about a year as we acclimated to the change from accumulation to preservation/disbursal phases of life. After that, we began to spend based on the information gleaned from spending without salaries but with whatever passive income was received, still being more conservative than necessary. Rented a property in another town, gradually became more comfortable and purchased, etc. Pandemic pulled us back on things such as travel, eating out, etc., so we reduced spending again. Ongoing issue where we are aware we can sustain greater spending, are encouraged to do so by our children but really have all we need and limited wants. In our case we will probably always spend less than we could. I...
by Nowizard
Sun Feb 25, 2024 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Adjusted Basis in House--IRS Issues
Replies: 8
Views: 1070

Re: Adjusted Basis in House--IRS Issues

Just making a quick check with an AI program for what can be added to cost-basis, real estate taxes were listed as being allowable expenses added to cost basis. This seems unlikely. Is it?
EDIT: Looking further, it appears that this applies only to real estate taxes paid that extend beyond the time of the sale that would be paid by the purchaser.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sun Feb 25, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Even real technology revolutions do not guarantee benefits for investors" #fomo
Replies: 9
Views: 3252

Re: "Even real technology revolutions do not guarantee benefits for investors" #fomo

One issue is that if one does choose a high-flyer that becomes a 2-3 bagger, people who seek that type of stock bail and move on, so the stock stops the rapid acceleration. However, that does not mean that it stops appreciating, only that it appreciates at a lower level. That is a consideration we made, much to our regret, when we held on to a high-flyer many years ago as it began to depreciate since we "knew" it would continue making "at least" an annual appreciation of 8%. It didn't, and what was a four-bagger was eventually sold for about a 8% profit.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sun Feb 25, 2024 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's the best way to have federal taxes withheld so I don't have to pay the dreaded estimated taxes?
Replies: 70
Views: 9516

Re: What's the best way to have federal taxes withheld so I don't have to pay the dreaded estimated taxes?

If your income during retirement is primarily SS, RMD's, possibly a pension, then you can have withholding made in amounts that meet expected taxation from each. However, if you have additional, taxable assets such as MM, individual stocks or funds that pay interest/dividends/capital gains, you may still have amounts requiring estimated taxes or withholding above what would be required from your base income. In our situation. We, too, just want to mess with as little as possible, but we found that setting up variable withholding on SS and a pension was just as inconvenient as estimated taxes after attempting to deal with the issue by increasing withholding on RMD's to avoid ET's. TurboTax will figure the amount, and it is not difficult to m...
by Nowizard
Sun Feb 25, 2024 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why Emergency Fund?
Replies: 80
Views: 8626

Re: Why Emergency Fund?

One way to look at it is that an emergency fund is simply the equivalent to a basket of assets that can be efficiently accessed in case of unexpected expenses.
Tim
by Nowizard
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carpet Cleaning: how often and any experience with Stanley Steemer?
Replies: 12
Views: 2146

Re: Carpet Cleaning: how often and any experience with Stanley Steemer?

Carpet upstairs, limited down. Decided to purchase a cleaner, did so, and use it about once every four months. Takes about an hour or two. Not upstairs that much, so vacuum only over the past three years.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8332

Re: How do you live healthy?

We try to keep it simple, meaning not focusing on what we "should" be doing since that would drive us crazy (crazier?) with all the possibilities, but only what we are willing to commit to doing. That means we eat a number or meals based on personal choice that are odd in a sense, but they are healthy overall. For example, maybe hummus and chips or a couple of avocadoes as the entire meal. Fish three times a week, chicken as main meat, little red meat but occasionally. No alcohol for one, wine or single drink 3-4 times a week for the other, down from 5-6 times a week. Weigh at least weekly to keep weight within a 5-pound limit with whatever adaptation needed. Include beans, salads as meals frequently, eat lots of fresh fruit. Basi...
by Nowizard
Sat Feb 24, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay the penalty estimated by H&R Block or let IRS bill me
Replies: 13
Views: 1346

Re: Pay the penalty estimated by H&R Block or let IRS bill me

Let them bill you for accuracy and because they have the choice of billing or forgiving but will inform you. Having a small error a few years ago, about $10, they forgave it.

Tim
by Nowizard
Thu Feb 22, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does the stock market go down after some bad news?
Replies: 35
Views: 3233

Re: Why does the stock market go down after some bad news?

It seems like this process is more in play today then in the past, though that is only an opinion. There are always those who feel they can predict market direction using whatever approach they use. In today's world, there are many opportunities to obtain information that may augment that opinion from sources such as this site, generally available information. If this is accurate, AI is likely to add a huge amount to this way of thinking. Today is an example with NVDA moving the entire market.

Tim
by Nowizard
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Video doorbell:
Replies: 7
Views: 1164

Re: Video doorbell:

Thank you for the posts. The metal door does have glass, and I can send texts, email from outside and from the street, 50 feet or so away. Was not familiar with at least one of the suggestions.

Tim
by Nowizard
Wed Feb 21, 2024 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
Replies: 44
Views: 5427

Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?

Going to Costco today for annual evaluation and possible purchase of second pair after five years. With HA's, the primary considerations are whether the loss is in high frequencies for the most part, as that is typical and the "simplest" loss. There are more complicated ones where an audiologist is best. My experience has been superior. For example, last week, I began to hear a sound like rushing water in one aid. Went to Costco, the specialist said it sounded like a microphone issue, took the aid and replaced the wiring and microphone on-the-spot, gave it back in about ten minutes. Then, he asked for the second, saying he was just going to go ahead and replace the microphone on it. He spent several minutes cleaning the aids, also...
by Nowizard
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Video doorbell:
Replies: 7
Views: 1164

Video doorbell:

We are considering a video doorbell. Not additional, outside cameras, just a doorbell. What suggestions would be made for a choice? There is a wired doorbell, and the door is wrought iron which brief reading suggests can interfere with the WiFi. Is wired or battery a better choice? Ring is one that first comes up with a search but that may be advertising. Are monitoring charges required? I read one thread from 2022.

Tim
by Nowizard
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those of you that bought right before the 2008 housing crash how did you cope?
Replies: 146
Views: 18989

Re: For those of you that bought right before the 2008 housing crash how did you cope?

We purchased at the peak, knowing that was likely the circumstance. Eight years later, we sold for 5% less than we paid. Have been in our current house four years. Its estimated value is 29% above what we paid, so it evens out. That has been our experience over the past 50 years, as we live in our eighth home, some sold for substantial profits, others basically breaking even. The one mentioned above is the only one with a "loss," though it was somewhat expected and enjoyable. The home we sold, to purchase the one sold for less was also sold at the peak, so whether you owned a home when purchasing another at the peak is important to figure into the equation.

Tim
by Nowizard
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Let me retire! Please?
Replies: 62
Views: 8167

Re: Let me retire! Please?

You would be very easily able to retire in our area which is LCOL to MCOL, so if you are considering moving to a lower COL of living area, you would find you are among those who have many options such as a second home.

Tim
by Nowizard
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?
Replies: 45
Views: 5794

Re: Are we a good fit for Vanguard Personal Advisor, at least for now?

As people get more involved with investing, they obviously want to learn. Years ago, when we started, we did not have this type of option, so went it by ourselves. Without recounting the experience of learning that continues with confidence after 50+ years, we did what we knew until we knew something better. Looking back, we made what now looks like quite foolish investments that, fortunately, worked out well. What you propose is definitely a newer alternative that is justifiable, though most here would also suggest that you take it over yourself as learning and confidence increases.

Tim
by Nowizard
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4800

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

We purchased a very inexpensive fridge (Roper) about twenty-years ago for holding extra items, and it serves its purpose. Ironically, it keeps chugging along while our "nice" fridges have been replaced and/or repaired.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sun Feb 18, 2024 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I be happy paying msrp for a subaru 2024?
Replies: 33
Views: 3612

Re: Should I be happy paying msrp for a subaru 2024?

Depends on the MSRP. If it is one with the frequent add-ons of wheel locks, simple detailing, "paint protection," etc., then no. Also, in our area the documentary fees run from $599 to $699 depending on dealers. With a purchase three years ago which happened to be a Subaru, by simply driving 130 miles to another dealer, the savings of over $1,000 were based on having no documentary fee and reducing the add-on costs. MSRP is just the start, and it takes a willingness to negotiate. The business model of dealers is chosen because it works in the long run with some purchases being considerably higher or lower on vehicles that have the "same" MSRP from the factory.

Tim
by Nowizard
Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Wellesley
Replies: 125
Views: 18646

Re: Vanguard Wellesley

Not sure what the comment "tough crowd" means, but will take an anecdotal shot as a retired person. Over time during the accumulation years, we looked at bonds solely as protection, and there was a general relationship that bonds held steady or moved upward some when stocks did the reverse, so they performed as expected. Over the more recent past it appears to us, as long-term investors, that bonds have increasingly been purchased with higher expectations for return with expectations for minimal volatility. Moving from accumulation to anticipating disbursal phases brings different issues into focus, specifically preservation and personal "duration" estimates. As other posters have said, bond funds are currently doing jus...
by Nowizard
Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job title advice
Replies: 31
Views: 3159

Re: Job title advice

Several suggestions make sense. A relative has/does work with large corporations in a role that leads future development and determines how new products are to be rolled out before turning them over to those who actually implement the devised process. "Manager" has often been included in the title, but the underlying meaning has most always related to "solutions," even Manager of Solutions in one case, though almost always including the word "development" in the title or "research" as in research development. Those are the concepts in his case. Perhaps, it is not necessary or used in smaller companies, but Vice President is also used, though the primary responsibility is one without management of othe...
by Nowizard
Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend on work/ dress shoes?
Replies: 86
Views: 9175

Re: How much do you spend on work/ dress shoes?

Depends on the reason for the purchase. Being retired, the key is comfort, and that involves Wide shoes, usually casual for about $125. One pair of loafers, one dress brown and black at about the same price. No need to spend a lot when the focus is on comfort. Anyone who looks at my shoes and makes a judgement about them is probably not in the same orbit since they have been picked with a single factor in mind, comfort, rather than comfort and cachet.

Tim