Search found 1152 matches

by vv19
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster
Replies: 170
Views: 15831

Re: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster

What's more likely? 1. Emerging markets don't work anymore. They will permanently return just above inflation in the future forever. 2. The US will just keep cranking out 12, 13, 14, 15% returns per year in the future with only some short-lived drawdowns of a couple of years at most. 3. The US stock market will continue to provide excellent returns for the long-term investor (10.17% annualized since 1926) and do so without the additional risks, costs, and tax-inefficiency of emerging markets. https://www.officialdata.org/us/stocks/s-p-500/1926#:~:text=Stock%20market%20returns%20between%201926,%2C%20or%2010.17%25%20per%20year. So, once we achieve the 100 years of stock data for one country, that's it, we are done, we've reached some level o...
by vv19
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage
Replies: 16
Views: 1136

Re: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage

KlangFool wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:34 pm OP,

A) If the 6+% mortgage bother you, you should not buy the house.

B) No. You should not put additional money into the house. It is not safe to tie up more of your money on the house.

C) The mortgage should not affect your asset allocation.

D) Unless you are financially independent, aka you can stop working tomorrow, you should not pay down your mortgage.

KlangFool
It is not a matter of 6.5% mortgage bothering me financially, we are comfortable with the monthly payment even at this rate - I think it is more to do with the psychological aspect of that rate and weighing the pros/cons of investing in taxable vs paying extra every month.

At a 3% mortgage rate, keeping the loan was a no brainer, things are not that simple now.
by vv19
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage
Replies: 16
Views: 1136

Re: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage

WhitePuma wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:18 pm My question would be: if you have a 6.5% mortgage, should you reduce your allocation to fixed income (which yields < 6.5%)? Specifically, should you sell bonds to pay down your mortgage?
I don’t have any bonds but have 10% of my AA in CDs and cash. I think it provides my family a safety cushion and I would be hesitant to part ways with it to reduce the loan amount - specially since we are able to comfortably afford the monthly payment.

The 6.5% rate still stings, mind you!
by vv19
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage
Replies: 16
Views: 1136

Re: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage

I'll toss in my ingorant $0.02 I'll also go way out on a limb and dare to disagree with Klangfool. Paying down the mortgage is a guaranteed 6.5% return. That is very good return on your money. I've looked at it pretty simply in the past. If I could make more money by paying down the loan I'd do it. If I could make more money by using that money elsewhere, I would. You need to figure out what other investment options you have as alternatives. Do you have tax-advantaged accounts that aren't being maxed out? Are you able to deduct mortgage interest from your taxes and at what marginal rate? Those are pretty easy to figure out. However, you need to be sure that you won't need access to that money that you are using to spend down the mortgage. ...
by vv19
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire?
Replies: 41
Views: 4741

Re: Can I retire?

Surely this is a troll post? I can give up on any hopes of retiring if this question needs to be asked. VV, it’s hard to turn off the mentality of accumulation, especially if you are still able bodied and likely in your highest earning years. And especially if you worked and saved all your life. Yes, OP has large numbers, but suffers from the same uncertainty lots of us have when we are about to turn it off before we absolutely have to. If OP and others state everything in terms of percentages, and calculation assumptions, you would see lots of commonality amongst all net worths. And you would not have the chance to pass judgement. You are simply clouded by the amount, unnecessarily, but I’m willing to bet your networth has the same percen...
by vv19
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Seeking recommendation for personal tax filing
Replies: 1
Views: 322

Seeking recommendation for personal tax filing

This is probably a stretch, but does anyone have recommendations on a tax professional to file taxes with? If it matters, I am in the state of GA. Please feel free to DM, thanks.
by vv19
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I retire?
Replies: 41
Views: 4741

Re: Can I retire?

Surely this is a troll post?

I can give up on any hopes of retiring if this question needs to be asked.
by vv19
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage
Replies: 16
Views: 1136

Asset allocation while having a 6%+ mortgage

We recently bought a home and closed with 6.5% APR. Until now, we have regularly investing in a taxable account after contributing to our 401s. With a 6.5% mortgage, though, does it make sense to allocate those dollars to pay extra every month towards the principal? Curious to know how other BHs think of their asset allocation with a higher mortgage rate. Thanks.
by vv19
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster
Replies: 170
Views: 15831

Re: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster

TimeIsYourFriend wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:39 pm What's more likely?

1. Emerging markets don't work anymore. They will permanently return just above inflation in the future forever.
2. The US will just keep cranking out 12, 13, 14, 15% returns per year in the future with only some short-lived drawdowns of a couple of years at most.
If I was a betting man, I would bet on #2 being more likely. I invest my $s accordingly.
by vv19
Fri Feb 23, 2024 6:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Replies: 174
Views: 27374

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

SMCI is a good shout.

I bought 200 shares when the stock was around $80 and sold when it got to $200. Thought I was a genius. Today it trades at close to $1000.
by vv19
Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Question, why does one NEED to stay the course with 100% US if they experience a downturn? If somebody allocated to 100% US experiences a downturn, and then VXUS starts to fare better, and they start new DCA buys from that point onward at 70% US and 30% VXUS, how are they going to fare poorly? I understand this is market timing, but putting that aside, how would one’s returns be that bad by doing this? Because markets react quickly and you’ll never know if it’s a new long term trend or not Setting an allocation allows you to have peak exposure and less mental headache of trying to successfully time something we know is an impossibility I agree with less mental headache and peak exposure for sure. I was just wondering if a 100% US holder st...
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

And you know that how? By getting in my mind? Maybe you could tell us why you did it? I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7608349#p7608349 From those reasons, it seems like you're more comfortable with the risk of US equities than the risk of exUS equities - perhaps partially because past exUS returns haven't been worth the risk to you (and that's totally valid when making a personal risk/return assessment). Is that correct? To an extent that is correct. I am more comfortable wit...
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Beensabu wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:36 pm
vv19 wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:27 pm And you know that how? By getting in my mind?
Maybe you could tell us why you did it?
vv19 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:45 am I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward.
viewtopic.php?p=7608349#p7608349
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Or you could look at the longer term data of 80 years which shows similar returns, only sometimes in those micro periods US does poorly and exUS does well and vice versa Again, your test will be 1966-1990, not the last 4 years. You say you can stay the course better with US only, but more probably you can only stay the course with what appears to have done best most recently If only investing was as simple as just looking at old data and then investing based on what you see. That’s what you did when changing allocations in 2020 And you know that how? By getting in my mind? Don’t need to get in your mind at all. Recency bias is a common behavioral investor error. Why couldn’t you handle 30% exUS? If exUS had doubled or tripled the gains ver...
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

4 years is not a lot of data. VTI has about 3% annualized more than VT You’ll have to be prepared to hold only US when times are bad, like 2000-2012. It’s easy to hold things when they are going up I said 4 years because I have only invested in US equities just for that time period. I was holding 30% exUS prior to that. If 4 years is not good enough for you, you can look at past decade and half worth of data. Or you could look at the longer term data of 80 years which shows similar returns, only sometimes in those micro periods US does poorly and exUS does well and vice versa Again, your test will be 1966-1990, not the last 4 years. You say you can stay the course better with US only, but more probably you can only stay the course with wha...
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward. Seems to be holding up really well with almost 4 years worth of data now. 4 years is not a lot of data. VTI has about 3% annualized more than VT You’ll have to be prepared to hold only US when times are bad, like 2000-2012. It’s easy to hold things when they are going up I said 4 years because I have only invested in US equities just for that time period. I was holding 30% exUS prior to that. If 4 years is not good enough for you, you can look at past decade and half worth of data. Or you cou...
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 3:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward. Seems to be holding up really well with almost 4 years worth of data now. 4 years is not a lot of data. VTI has about 3% annualized more than VT You’ll have to be prepared to hold only US when times are bad, like 2000-2012. It’s easy to hold things when they are going up I said 4 years because I have only invested in US equities just for that time period. I was holding 30% exUS prior to that. If 4 years is not good enough for you, you can look at past decade and half worth of data.
by vv19
Thu Feb 22, 2024 3:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

vv19 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:45 am I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward.
Seems to be holding up really well with almost 4 years worth of data now.
by vv19
Fri Dec 22, 2023 4:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

1. Historically false 2. Historically false What you have stated is impossible has happened in the past 👍 thanks for your amazing insights to this debate as usual. It’s not hard to look throughout history and see both claims are false, but that seems to be a consistent feature of the 100% US crowd - ignoring inconvenient truths within its own history that conflicts with their arguments Your only argument here is that something has happened in the past and will continue to happen in the future. Good luck with that approach. I am done feeding the troll, happy holidays! That critique could be applied to both sides Past performance isn’t really a basis to take a forward looking position in anything (Including stocks, generally) I agree. In tha...
by vv19
Fri Dec 22, 2023 11:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Welcome to the thread, vv19. And since our ultimate goal is to compile a comprehensive list of Arguments to help others also make a decision they can stick with, I'm sure we'd all like to know if the Arguments for your above decision are sufficiently captured on page 1 of this thread....? Think point 1 on the first page more or less captures my thinking. In simplistic terms: 1. Even if exUS equities outperform US equities, I don’t think the difference would be substantial enough to make a tangible dent in the returns - specially not in r/r terms. 2. If US equities head into a bear market, exUS won’t be immune from it, so I am not even getting the benefit of diversification. 3. I am much more comfortable holding US equities and sleep at nig...
by vv19
Fri Dec 22, 2023 9:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward. Welcome to the thread, vv19. And since our ultimate goal is to compile a comprehensive list of Arguments to help others also make a decision they can stick with, I'm sure we'd all like to know if the Arguments for your above decision are sufficiently captured on page 1 of this thread....? Think point 1 on the first page more or less captures my thinking. In simplistic terms: 1. Even if exUS equities outperform US equities, I don’t think the difference would be substantial enough to make a tan...
by vv19
Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 279
Views: 56359

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

runner26 wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:46 am It appears much less than had planned. I retired at 56, an am now 73. My accounts are now approaching 5x what they were at retirement. That includes a move from a central CA home to a much more expensive CA coastal home. I am overly frugal I surmise.
I see this happening a lot. Sounds like we all overestimate how much money we need and keep working to save more even though we have crossed the threshold at which retirement would be comfortable if not lavish.
by vv19
Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward. Welcome to the thread, vv19. And since our ultimate goal is to compile a comprehensive list of Arguments to help others also make a decision they can stick with, I'm sure we'd all like to know if the Arguments for your above decision are sufficiently captured on page 1 of this thread....? Think point 1 on the first page more or less captures my thinking. In simplistic terms: 1. Even if exUS equities outperform US equities, I don’t think the difference would be substantial enough to make a tan...
by vv19
Thu Dec 21, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5210
Views: 828542

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

I sold all my international holdings and started investing only in US equities (VTI and QQQ) following the March 2020 crash - best decision I have made and more importantly, something that I am more likely to stick with compared to VXUS going forward.
by vv19
Sun Nov 05, 2023 6:52 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Metro Atlanta Bogleheads Local Chapter
Replies: 150
Views: 77992

Re: Metro Atlanta Bogleheads Local Chapter

Hello, is this group still active? I recently moved here from ATL and would love to be involved and meet other BHs. Thanks.
by vv19
Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deposit in Vanguard MM fund
Replies: 2
Views: 700

Deposit in Vanguard MM fund

We are selling our house and we will be parking the proceeds in Vanguard Money Market fund for a few months after we close. Is there a way to get that money deposited directly into Vanguard after close escrow? Not sure if that’s a possibility, or do we need to go via the escrow -> bank account -> vanguard route? Just trying to eliminate getting the money into my bank account and then immediately moving to Vanguard if possible. Thanks.
by vv19
Mon Jun 05, 2023 10:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is the S&P 500 still diversified?
Replies: 118
Views: 8843

Re: Is the S&P 500 still diversified?

Yes, you are. Why would anyone think otherwise?

I am surprised this question comes in often on this board.
by vv19
Thu Jun 01, 2023 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Jobs and 401k Contribution over the limit
Replies: 1
Views: 353

Re: Two Jobs and 401k Contribution over the limit

I was in a similar situation, this thread should help.

viewtopic.php?t=400626
by vv19
Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

Cash is King wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:29 am
vv19 wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:17 am
faanger101 wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:55 am Be very careful with housing in such areas. It’s not Bay Area but supply can grow literally indefinitely because of new development and flat landscape. Do not overpay :sharebeer
Is there a lot of development happening in the South Forsyth/Johns Creek area?
OP,
You said in your first post that you accepted a job and will be relocating to Atlanta. Do you have an agent? Have you had chance to go to Atlanta, and look at areas/ homes? If you have an agent, is he/she sending you listings in your desired locations?
Not yet, we plan to stay in a short term rental while we look for houses. If you have any referrals for a real estate agent, please PM me.
by vv19
Thu Jun 01, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

faanger101 wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:55 am Be very careful with housing in such areas. It’s not Bay Area but supply can grow literally indefinitely because of new development and flat landscape. Do not overpay :sharebeer
Is there a lot of development happening in the South Forsyth/Johns Creek area?
by vv19
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

OnceARunner wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 9:40 am
TheCaptain67 wrote: Thu Jun 01, 2023 8:49 am
vv19 wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 6:38 pm Can someone tell me what areas in Gwinnett County should be avoided? Specifically want to know about the area east of Buford City and South of Duluth.

Also, in Forsyth county, is it safe to say that the area south of hwy 20 is better than the northern part?
I would use this ranking tool if you want to compare high schools from different areas in the Atlanta Metro area:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-h ... a/rankings
FWIW, as a teacher, SchoolDigger is the best of the bunch to me. Much better than GreatSchools.
Thanks for sharing - could you expand on that? What is the difference?
by vv19
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

Can someone tell me what areas in Gwinnett County should be avoided? Specifically want to know about the area east of Buford City and South of Duluth. Also, in Forsyth county, is it safe to say that the area south of hwy 20 is better than the northern part? Avoid for what reason? And “better” how? I don't know what you are getting at, but some schools are better learning environments than others. Some schools have more issues with bullying or drugs or poor performance or poor leadership. You know it when you see it. And sometimes it is the more affluent schools that should be avoided because drugs and bullying are a big issue. Can't speak to Forsyth schools, but Gwinnett schools in general have a pretty good reputation. Their government of...
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

Can someone tell me what areas in Gwinnett County should be avoided? Specifically want to know about the area east of Buford City and South of Duluth.

Also, in Forsyth county, is it safe to say that the area south of hwy 20 is better than the northern part?
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

Currently live in Cobb County and know the area well. There is definitely a lack of housing supply, as current homeowners do not want to move unless they have to or they have a lot of cash on hand to move up. North Fulton and Alpharetta/Milton area also seems to have some pretty good schools that you might want to check out. If you want to move further out to get more for your money and you are not regularly commuting, Woodstock and Acworth are potential areas to check out. In (East) Cobb County, the high schools of note are Wheeler (great magnet program but other part of school can be a little rougher), Walton (outstanding academics, but can be an unhealthy pressure cooker), Lassiter (great school) and Pope (great school, a little smaller...
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

What ballpark is your housing budget in? I have not been in the housing market recently so I do not know a lot about it but my impression is that there is not a lot of inventory and a good house will sell fast but I have not hear much about there being any bidding wars to buy houses. For a long time any lower priced home would often be bought by investors to convert to a rental but that seems to have eased up some. For a while I was getting several letters or phone calls a week with people wanting to buy my house but those are rare now. I don't know the schools in the areas but the areas around Acworth, Cherokee County and Cumming would be worth looking into for the next tier of housing. Once you get into the outlying areas figuring out th...
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

TheCaptain67 wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 10:26 am
What are some of the other school districts that we could target that might not be equally good but are a tier down from those schools?
You might want to look at western gwinnett county. Schools like Brookview are rated pretty high….Not sure if houses there are much cheaper though…

Also Gwinnett County has a provision where taxpayers above 65 (I think) do not pay school taxes (no income restrictions). That will save 50-70% off your property taxes.
Thanks, will look into the Brookview area. Any thoughts on Eastern Gwinnett (Mill Creek HS area)? Buford High School is great as well but seem to have 0 inventory in our budget.
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

What ballpark is your housing budget in? I have not been in the housing market recently so I do not know a lot about it but my impression is that there is not a lot of inventory and a good house will sell fast but I have not hear much about there being any bidding wars to buy houses. For a long time any lower priced home would often be bought by investors to convert to a rental but that seems to have eased up some. For a while I was getting several letters or phone calls a week with people wanting to buy my house but those are rare now. I don't know the schools in the areas but the areas around Acworth, Cherokee County and Cumming would be worth looking into for the next tier of housing. Once you get into the outlying areas figuring out th...
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

Currently live in Cobb County and know the area well. There is definitely a lack of housing supply, as current homeowners do not want to move unless they have to or they have a lot of cash on hand to move up. North Fulton and Alpharetta/Milton area also seems to have some pretty good schools that you might want to check out. If you want to move further out to get more for your money and you are not regularly commuting, Woodstock and Acworth are potential areas to check out. In (East) Cobb County, the high schools of note are Wheeler (great magnet program but other part of school can be a little rougher), Walton (outstanding academics, but can be an unhealthy pressure cooker), Lassiter (great school) and Pope (great school, a little smaller...
by vv19
Wed May 31, 2023 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Re: Atlanta suburbs

Thanks all, appreciate the responses. My main question, like everyone who moved to ATL, is housing. From what I have read/researched online, the housing market in South Forsyth, East Cobb, Johns Creek, Suwanee is extremely competitive because of the amazing schools. We will try to find a house in those school districts but given the craziness in the market, I don’t know if we will be able to given our budget (and my unwillingness to overpay just to win a bid). What are some of the other school districts that we could target that might not be equally good but are a tier down from those schools? We have 2 elementary school going kids and want a family friendly neighborhood to live. Commute is not an issue - I will need to go to the office (in...
by vv19
Tue May 30, 2023 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4220

Atlanta suburbs

It is probably a long shot, but are any members here reside in the Atlanta Metro area - specifically the northern suburbs? I accepted a job offer there and would be relocating with my family. Would be great if I can bounce off some questions with someone who is a resident there.

Thanks in advance.
by vv19
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099R form [Overcontributed to 401(k)]
Replies: 12
Views: 688

Re: 1099R form

Since the distribution happened this year you will likely get that 1099-R next year. Box 7 on the 1099-R will have a code in it telling you and the IRS the reason for the distribution. Below is a link with all the distribution codes. You may want to call the 401kk provider and ask what code they intend to put in Box 7. My guess it will either be "8" or "P". This will tell you which year to make the correction. https://support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015900291-What-do-the-distribution hi-codes-in-Box-7-of-my-1099-R-mean- To be clear, you mean since the first excess contribution is going to be reversed in 2023, I will get the 1099R in 2024? But, I need to do the reporting as you described above with my 2022 tax...
by vv19
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099R form [Overcontributed to 401(k)]
Replies: 12
Views: 688

Re: 1099R form

Since the distribution happened this year you will likely get that 1099-R next year. Box 7 on the 1099-R will have a code in it telling you and the IRS the reason for the distribution. Below is a link with all the distribution codes. You may want to call the 401kk provider and ask what code they intend to put in Box 7. My guess it will either be "8" or "P". This will tell you which year to make the correction. https://support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015900291-What-do-the-distribution hi-codes-in-Box-7-of-my-1099-R-mean- To be clear, you mean since the first excess contribution is going to be reversed in 2023, I will get the 1099R in 2024? But, I need to do the reporting as you described above with my 2022 tax...
by vv19
Tue Mar 21, 2023 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099R form [Overcontributed to 401(k)]
Replies: 12
Views: 688

Re: 1099R form

Since the distribution happened this year you will likely get that 1099-R next year. Box 7 on the 1099-R will have a code in it telling you and the IRS the reason for the distribution. Below is a link with all the distribution codes. You may want to call the 401kk provider and ask what code they intend to put in Box 7. My guess it will either be "8" or "P". This will tell you which year to make the correction. https://support.taxslayer.com/hc/en-us/articles/360015900291-What-do-the-distribution hi-codes-in-Box-7-of-my-1099-R-mean- To be clear, you mean since the first excess contribution is going to be reversed in 2023, I will get the 1099R in 2024? But, I need to do the reporting as you described above with my 2022 tax...
by vv19
Tue Mar 21, 2023 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1099R form [Overcontributed to 401(k)]
Replies: 12
Views: 688

1099R form [Overcontributed to 401(k)]

Hi all, while doing my taxes, I realized that I over contributed to the 401k in 2022 by around $90 over two different plans. I spoke with my HR and 401k provider with my current employer and was told that they will deduct the excess contribution and send me a 1099R form but will not issue an amended W2.

Can someone please let me know how to handle this situation? I have not filed by 2022 taxes yet (processing with TurboTax) and not sure where and how the 1099R information need to go. Thanks in advance!
by vv19
Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why do I need international stock
Replies: 199
Views: 22334

Re: Why do I need international stock

GRP wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:46 pm
vv19 wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:32 pm
GRP wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:50 pm Owning international is not about diversifying against a 2008 style market crash, it’s for diversifying against the inevitable decade plus period of stagnant US performance while international shoots the lights out.

It’s one thing to say you’re not going to tilt, it’s another thing to say you’re not owning international, which is an unequivocally foolish idea.
How do you know ex US is not going to do even worse in that hypothetical decade?
How do you know it is? :)
I don’t. I don’t invest in Internationals for variety of reasons and am at peace with it. If that comes with a decade of stagnation, so be it.
by vv19
Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why do I need international stock
Replies: 199
Views: 22334

Re: Why do I need international stock

GRP wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:50 pm Owning international is not about diversifying against a 2008 style market crash, it’s for diversifying against the inevitable decade plus period of stagnant US performance while international shoots the lights out.

It’s one thing to say you’re not going to tilt, it’s another thing to say you’re not owning international, which is an unequivocally foolish idea.
How do you know ex US is not going to do even worse in that hypothetical decade?
by vv19
Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why do I need international stock
Replies: 199
Views: 22334

Re: Why do I need international stock

Is your belief is that U.S., over the long term, will always outperform international, and therefore there is no need to own the latter? No, it is not. My belief is that the returns between US and ex-US would not vary much going forward so I don't see the point of having international in my portfolio. With such a high correlation between the two asset classes, you don't even get the benefit of diversification. So you don't fear a Japan style lost decade being all in on one nation? It is certainly a possibility here in the US but that’s a low probability risk. Also, if it happens, international markets won’t be immune to the downturn either. Am I wrong in this assessment? Maybe. But I am willing to invest accordingly and it lets me sleep at...
by vv19
Fri Feb 17, 2023 9:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why do I need international stock
Replies: 199
Views: 22334

Re: Why do I need international stock

America has had a pretty good record recently for outperforming the world but we are still only 4.25% of it. I have 30-35 years until I retire and for me personally, it kinda feels a little conceited to imagine a future where the other 96% of the world doesn't make a significant impact compared to us. Even if that's true, why do you think that would result in an outperformance of ex-US equities compared to VTI? Especially on a risk-adjusted basis. Is your belief is that U.S., over the long term, will always outperform international, and therefore there is no need to own the latter? No, it is not. My belief is that the returns between US and ex-US would not vary much going forward so I don't see the point of having international in my portf...
by vv19
Fri Feb 17, 2023 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2904
Views: 515014

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

Things were absolutely dead here in the Sacramento Metro area last fall. In January, things started to pick up and the house across mine sold with 2 cash offers within 7 days. I suspect things will slow down again since the rates have crept up in the last 3 weeks.
by vv19
Fri Feb 17, 2023 7:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why do I need international stock
Replies: 199
Views: 22334

Re: Why do I need international stock

Why would one want to have any equities in a WW3 or other doomsday type scenario? Most everything would get clobbered. There are various other reasons to have international that don't involve doomsday. That was my point in saying that the potential benefit beyond a Japan ('80s, not '40s) scenario isn't worth considering. America has had a pretty good record recently for outperforming the world but we are still only 4.25% of it. I have 30-35 years until I retire and for me personally, it kinda feels a little conceited to imagine a future where the other 96% of the world doesn't make a significant impact compared to us. Even if that's true, why do you think that would result in an outperformance of ex-US equities compared to VTI? Especially ...