Search found 66 matches

by PinZabu
Sun Aug 23, 2020 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Early September Hiking/Camping Vacation. Risk smoky conditions of CO or heat and humidity of Appalachian Mountains?
Replies: 44
Views: 3806

Re: Early September Hiking/Camping Vacation. Risk smoky conditions of CO or heat and humidity of Appalachian Mountains?

Currently living in Salida, CO. The smoke from the distant fires has the vis down to ten miles. If I didn’t I’ve here, would not be coming to hike and play at the moment. Good luck.
by PinZabu
Tue Nov 06, 2018 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Christmas in Montreal?
Replies: 8
Views: 844

Re: Christmas in Montreal?

We did Christmas in Montreal a few years ago, stayed in an Airbnb. Christmas Day we went to the Jewish section for bagels and bread and for,lunch went to the Chinese section for Dim sung. It worked well for us. Other previously mentioned suggestions obviously excellent.
by PinZabu
Sat Oct 20, 2018 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla Model 3 Owners: Your experience so far
Replies: 84
Views: 15619

Re: Tesla Model 3 Owners: Your experience so far

Hi, I have never enjoyed a car this much. My husband wanted an all electric for ten years. I could have cared less, as all I want the car to get me from point A to B so who knew I would get driving pleasure from the Model 3. We have only had it for three weeks, and it is too much fun to drive and autopilot even works in the mountains of Colorado. Once you get the hang of it, you can one pedal drive, so the regenerative breaking does tons of work. No problems so far, other than new driver learning curve. Currently charging in the garage, will be moving into our new place in two months with solar panels and a SolarEdge inverter with EV charging. Obviously, I second all the positive comments of the previous posters, quiet, fast, handles beauti...
by PinZabu
Wed Dec 13, 2017 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My New Car Buying Tips
Replies: 741
Views: 205856

Re: My New Car Buying Tips

Hi, I am in the DC metro area and just spent a few weeks using the suggestions from this thread to buy at Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE. There are less hybrids out there than regular Highlanders. In my area there are at least six dealerships. I did the back and forth via email only, after figuring out which model I wanted, as I was also considering a Subaru. There was NO chitchat with the salesman. On email, I just say, 'another dealer' is willing to go xxx less than your offer, can you meet it? I never gave a VIN number. This moved things down. And it took a good week of back and forth, mostly between two dealers, after others dropped out. Interestingly after I got mine, a friend said she wanted a highlander that was a LE hybrid, even less ...
by PinZabu
Tue Jun 28, 2016 2:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Financial advisor in Washington DC metro area, need suggestions
Replies: 9
Views: 1093

Financial advisor in Washington DC metro area, need suggestions

Hi,

A friend who is retiring soon from a fed job asked for the name of a fee based financial advisor who is knowledgeable about fiancé all,planning, fed retirements etc. Of course I suggested she read this forum, but she and her spouse want some hand holding. I think they want to meet the person, in person, at least once.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
by PinZabu
Fri May 20, 2016 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Magic Android TV box
Replies: 3
Views: 876

Re: Magic Android TV box

Take a look at a DVR android service called droid tv. I never cut the cord, because we were never connected. We have android phones. We download to them or an android tablet and the can chrome cast to the tv if we want. It is a monthly service, less than 5 used. Not all shows but many.

http://www.mydroidtv.com/

And their support is great.

PM if,you want more information :happy
by PinZabu
Sun Apr 17, 2016 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on Mobile Devices in Europe
Replies: 5
Views: 925

Re: Advice on Mobile Devices in Europe

Add the texting app, What's app, before leaving. Have those you want to text add it as well. It is free and can run on wifi, so you don't have to incur data charges. There is anothe excellent nav gps app called OSM. We used it and a Garmin while driving Ireland two years ago. I pre down loaded the Ireland maps while in the states. Then flipped on only gps. It did much better than the Garmin, more accurate voice commands and more promptly done. We were using Samsung S5 Galaxy on Verizon. Will do the same for Scotland next month. I just this am typed in all the places I know we're are staying and visiting to make it easier, will add the rest as they pop up while traveling. OSM takes a little learning curve but well worth it. pm if you have mo...
by PinZabu
Wed Apr 06, 2016 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water / Impact Proof Digital Camera Recommendations
Replies: 23
Views: 2932

Re: Water / Impact Proof Digital Camera Recommendations

Hands down the Oly TG 4, or for less money the TG3.

See reviews at Steve's digicam and back scatter. The camera without a housing is both tough and waterproof to 40 Ft.

I have just shot about 2000 pictures and 100 videos with it in the last six months, these were scenics, action, close ups etc mostly in ocean and mountain locations. The quality is sufficiently crisp that I made 12 into my annual calendar, enlarged to 11 X 8 or so. I could not be more pleased.

PM for additional questions...
by PinZabu
Sun Jan 03, 2016 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much is your house worth?
Replies: 71
Views: 9576

Re: How much is your house worth?

House is assessed by county at 695,000
Zillow shows 694,000
Redfin shows 1,025,000

So it is off by 300,000.
by PinZabu
Mon Dec 07, 2015 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Verizon Cell Phone Plans
Replies: 23
Views: 3979

Re: Verizon Cell Phone Plans

My spouse and I are in the same position you are, we are heading into the end of our contract with Verizon. We have two smartphones, use about 2.5 GB of data but on an old plan have 6 per phone. I spent some time looking at alternatives including the MNVO or second-tier networks. I came across company called eco mobile, http://www.ecomobile.com They have an interesting pricing structure in which everything lives in points versus dollars. This means great flexibility, you can very vary how much data or voice use on any one month. Initially I was put off by this structure but in fact now I think it's an excellent idea. It would save us approximately $55 a month. You bring your phone with you. As well they do not throttle down the data as you ...
by PinZabu
Mon Apr 27, 2015 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Traveling light up to 2 weeks - ditch the laptop, use phone?
Replies: 54
Views: 8150

Re: Traveling light up to 2 weeks - ditch the laptop, use ph

We usually travel in country or out for four to eight weeks. Hiking, diving driving, varied depending on trip. Samsung S5 for all previously mentioned reasons and OSMand. OSMand is open source maps. Functions as a GPS, no data needed, first ten map downloads free. Better than the garmin or TomTom my spouse brought along.On last overseas trip. Simply incredible. A bit of a learning curve but so worth it when out of country. Kindle paperwhite for reading, especially nice not to disturb the spouse at night after lights out. Small tablet for previously downloaded movies. Anker battery pack and Solio solar recharge when hiking. Oh and ear plugs for said toys. Only a laptop if work related. All toys fit in a cosmetic/shave shower kit, toothbrush ...
by PinZabu
Sat Apr 04, 2015 5:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering Doing My Own Investing...but I'm not sure I shou
Replies: 49
Views: 8465

Re: Considering Doing My Own Investing...but I'm not sure I

If you are living in northern VA, or metro DC, given what you mention in your opening post about your properties, there is a bogleheads meeting every other month, and on alternate months a women only dinner meeting. If interested in either PM me for the details. I came to this site and this way of financial planning, investing, two years ago. The book reading, the wiki, the in person meetings, and this forum for asking questions have been immeasurable help.
by PinZabu
Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How would you handle this.. Contractor budget question
Replies: 7
Views: 1037

Re: How would you handle this.. Contractor budget question

The problem with giving a budget though, they will obviously price the job at that limit. Maybe do a better job for more money. Or rip one off and could have done a thorough job for less. That is the quandary we face for this and previous kinds of work.
Thanks
by PinZabu
Fri Mar 13, 2015 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How would you handle this.. Contractor budget question
Replies: 7
Views: 1037

How would you handle this.. Contractor budget question

When you are hiring a contractor who asks ' what is our budget' how do you answer? We recently met with a landcscape designer/contractor to do a revamp of our suburban front and back yard. We did our due diligence in researching the owner, his company and the quality of his work. When he asked what our budget for the job was, we deferred, saying create the design, and submit an estimate for the work and we will review it. We have paid for the design, which we like very much, but not for the install. The plant materials, however, came in 100% over what we expected. I spent several hours using a number of different online nurseries to get a sense of that the plants should cost us. His quote is twice as much. How would you proceed from here? :...
by PinZabu
Sat Jan 24, 2015 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Downsize, Reduce, Simplify.
Replies: 93
Views: 21645

Re: Downsize, Reduce, Simplify.

Wormwood, You mention a book about retirement and happiness, curious of the title. I have found myself retired when the job I went to evaporated shortly after I got there due to non profit reorg, though I was heading in that direction anyway, still after two years still feel out of place. I have hobbies, go,to the gym, hang out with friends and neighbors, travel overseas and in the USA several months a year, do volunteer work etc. but still feel something missing. We were already living in a downsized home 1250 sq ft, though with double that of basement storage, we periodically detrash, though there does seem to be more to do. We found that after painting the house, yes we did the painting ourselves, very little went back on the wall, and n...
by PinZabu
Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why is this simple for everyone else, retiree Roth question?
Replies: 13
Views: 2214

Re: Why is this simple for everyone else, retiree Roth quest

JW,

Effective tax rate, not a clue, more reading now. Just got a handle on marginal tax rate, will have to look at effective.

Thanks for your comments.
by PinZabu
Thu Nov 13, 2014 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why is this simple for everyone else, retiree Roth question?
Replies: 13
Views: 2214

Re: Why is this simple for everyone else, retiree Roth quest

I am the op. Thanks for the responses.

1. Had not considered the flexibility of a third type of account in terms of taxes, helpful.
2. And did consider social security and RMDs to push us into 28% from 25, but going from 15 to 39 is painful.

3. I will look at the math again.

4. And I had not considered whether to look at when we would be withdrawing. Hmm,,

So thanks again...
by PinZabu
Thu Nov 13, 2014 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why is this simple for everyone else, retiree Roth question?
Replies: 13
Views: 2214

Why is this simple for everyone else, retiree Roth question?

Others have not had a problem with Roth conversion decisions in retirement, what am I missing that is making this so difficult to answer the question, does a Roth conversion make sense for us? And please to not laugh. Brief personal background We are married, aged 62 and 63. We are retired with annuities/pensions and do not expect our tax bracket, 25%, to change short of death. We have taxable and traditional IRAs at VG and TSP in widely diversified low cost index funds. (We have been Bogleheads only for two years and we on program) Background on calculations below 1. We are using 50,000 to convert as that keeps us in the 25% tax bracket, and it is an easy number for me to work with. We would actually move 50,000 a year until 70. 2. We have...
by PinZabu
Sat Mar 15, 2014 2:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help moving Inherited IRA out from Edward Jones to Vg
Replies: 5
Views: 1288

Re: Help moving Inherited IRA out from Edward Jones to Vg

Thanks everyone for the support and links. She is reading these posts as a guest.

ASUgrad... Arizona or Appalachian or Anonymous. State university :D
by PinZabu
Fri Mar 14, 2014 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help moving Inherited IRA out from Edward Jones to Vg
Replies: 5
Views: 1288

Re: Help moving Inherited IRA out from Edward Jones to Vg

Thanks, thought it was easy.

Now I have to learn about unit trusts ,,urgh :oops:
by PinZabu
Fri Mar 14, 2014 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help moving Inherited IRA out from Edward Jones to Vg
Replies: 5
Views: 1288

Help moving Inherited IRA out from Edward Jones to Vg

A friend has an inherited Tradiational IRA from her dad who passed several years ago. It is currently held at Edward Jones. I have convinced her to move it to Vanguard, where she has an existing retirement account. She will simplify the holdings, selling everything but the cash and put the rest into a TargetDate Retirement Fund appropriate for her age. She has been taking RMDs as instructed. Today she spoke to Vanguard, however the process was not clear. She is an intelligent educated person, but the call left her very confused. She wants to do this move correctly. I read previous posts/threads, from those, I suggested she should just move it in kind (ie trustee to trustee or custodian to custodian, whatever the correct term is for this typ...
by PinZabu
Thu Dec 12, 2013 6:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Estimating the True Cost of Retirement
Replies: 39
Views: 4987

Re: Estimating the True Cost of Retirement

Estimating expenses, both basic and discretionary, is the real problem for a couple I know living overseas. She works for the US government and he is retired. Their housing is covered along with some other expenses like utilities and moving costs. They have been out of the country now ten years with about another five to go before she retires. The question for them, that I cannot answer, is how to estimate their expenses post retirement. Many basic categories like food, auto and housing are big unknowns as to how to estimate, either because it is currently covered or the cost will likely be different due to location or spending pattern. I have shared our expenses as a starting point. They plan to live in a different part of the country when...
by PinZabu
Sat May 04, 2013 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social security - spousal benefits
Replies: 5
Views: 822

Re: Social security - spousal benefits

Thanks everyone.

Prune, a big thanks to the details of each question answered
by PinZabu
Sat May 04, 2013 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social security - spousal benefits
Replies: 5
Views: 822

Social security - spousal benefits

My friends are a married couple. The wife is younger and still working, her primary insurance amount (PIA) will be more than his. He is retired and has not claimed yet. I have checked the SS website, obviously this forum's board and Mike Piper's book on SS and the currently active thread on the board right now about calculators. I have lots of questions which I posted at the end. Wife: Current Age: 60 Age Filing for Benefits: 70 (10 yrs from now, working until age 65 or so) Future PIA: if at age 66 $2355 Current Benefit $0 Still working? Yes Husband: Current Age: 67 Age to file for Benefits: 70 (3 years from now) Current PIA: if collected at age 66 $1079 which was a year ago, or if at age 70 $2535 Current Benefit $0 Still working? no 1. Can...
by PinZabu
Fri Apr 26, 2013 4:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Using Morningstar Instant Xray
Replies: 6
Views: 1587

Re: Using Morningstar Instant Xray

This raises a similar question, how to include a TSP holding, such as the f or g fund?
by PinZabu
Tue Apr 09, 2013 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with 40K?
Replies: 4
Views: 844

Re: What to do with 40K?

Thanks, good points all around, does he want safe or does he want growth, will ask him his primary driver.

Welcome to any other thoughts. For some reason that I cannot understand, he did not want CDs.
by PinZabu
Tue Apr 09, 2013 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What to do with 40K?
Replies: 4
Views: 844

What to do with 40K?

How to advice our adult godson As a BH for only six months, I am not sure I am advicing our godson correctly. He asked for help on what to do with 40K that he will need in 3 –5 years. The pertinents: Our 35-year-old nephew has a stable job, no debt other than his mortgage (3 % or so) and no dependents. Obviously, he is a saver, who lives below his means. He recently sold his home when the company he works for moved him to another state, a move he was very happy to make. After purchasing a new home, he has a net of 40K, representing about 10% of his investable assets. In 3 – 5 years he plans on buying a larger home, converting the current into a rental. This is not my idea, but his. He is invested in BH style, smart guy. His holdings are all...
by PinZabu
Thu Mar 21, 2013 5:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Columbia Small/mid cap value strategy??
Replies: 3
Views: 504

Re: Columbia Small/mid cap value strategy??

Thanks to both of you, very help. He was not in any large cap, and there is a vanguard option, so suggested to move the funds there' as it also as an ER of 0.04. Two birds one stone.
by PinZabu
Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Columbia Small/mid cap value strategy??
Replies: 3
Views: 504

Columbia Small/mid cap value strategy??

I'm asking this question for my nephew who works for a large corporation. One of the offerings inside his very limited 401(k) is Columbia small mid cap Value strategy. In the footnote of the listings, it states this investment is not publicly traded. States that its index baseline is the Russell 2000 value TR and described as a gross management fee, not an ER is 0.69 .

Besides the apparent high ER, the fact that it is not traded publicly, is of concern.

Does anyone know anything about this? Am I being over cautious? And yes i checked the internet first and did not get very far.

Thanks.
by PinZabu
Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: my samsung galaxy tablet won't charge
Replies: 2
Views: 1713

Re: my samsung galaxy tablet won't charge

Have had the same problem. A soft reset, 30 seconds or so, as the previous poster mentioned, using the original wall charger. Then if that does not work, pull the battery from the back. Hope that works for you.
by PinZabu
Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [recommend a leather toiletry bag?]
Replies: 21
Views: 3414

Re: What kind of toiletry bag do you travel with?

Previously only used Ziploc bags. The trip that starts today however I am adding a lunch collapsible type bag, with the zip locks inside. The plan is to put the toiletries as well as the travel snacks in that bag. It will also allow us to have a small cooler bag while we travel. It will also allow it to be hung should I want. It is quite honestly a cheap thin , meaning NOT alot of insulation, thing so if the plan doesn't work, out it goes.

Agree with others, the leather bag, too heavy, too much, space. DH travels with one of those rei type nylon hanging bags.
by PinZabu
Mon Mar 11, 2013 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To continue to fund an IRA or not?
Replies: 10
Views: 1034

Re: To continue to fund an IRA or not?

Since IRA's are funded with earned income, was the source for the IRA going to be your intermittent work? Also, the term "Backdoor Roth" usually refers to a two-step process that allows high-earners to contribute to a Roth. "Roth Conversion" is usually used for normal conversions from TIRA (401K) to Roth. So, unless you have large pensions, you probably don't need to do a "Backdoor Roth" in retirement. Yes the source of the funds would be from the intermittent work. I will need to look at the limits on conversion. Did not realize the pension amount plays into it. How does the pension amount play into it? How large a pension are we talking? Also, thanks mhc, you are right that if it is going to get invested, in...
by PinZabu
Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: To continue to fund an IRA or not?
Replies: 10
Views: 1034

To continue to fund an IRA or not?

Briefly, How do I decide if it is worth continuing to fund my IRA if retired mid 2012? Marginal tax is 25% with state 5.5 %. This is NOT likely to change due to defined pensions, see below. We are 61/60. DH retired six years ago with a COLA pension. I have a non COLA pension. Combined pensions cover our needs. Our investments more than adequately cover our lifestyle wants. We came to BHs last summer. :happy We are transitioning into all low cost index funds at VG and Fido. Briefly we are 50/50 AA. Slice and Dice 8 funds split 55% tax advantaged 45% taxable. The taxable includes 9 months cash for emergency funds. No debt, no mortgage, etc. Previously we have max funded 401K/IRAs/TSPs. I may continue to work intermittently, earning a small wa...
by PinZabu
Mon Feb 25, 2013 5:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Health Care VGHCX - why put it in tax advantage?
Replies: 6
Views: 2024

Re: Health Care VGHCX - why put it in tax advantage?

Thanks for the quick responses to my question.

I remain however confused as to the reasoning why you want taxable versus tax advantage. Does it all come down to long-term capital gains versus taxing ordinary income. Thanks
by PinZabu
Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Health Care VGHCX - why put it in tax advantage?
Replies: 6
Views: 2024

Health Care VGHCX - why put it in tax advantage?

Hi, I want to place about 5% of our total assets in Health Care, VGHCX. Due to space constraints, it would be far easier to place it in our taxable account. After having read every post on tax efficient placement of sector funds, equity funds, health care funds etc, I remain confused as to the tax consequences of the placement of this fund. :confused Yes, I know it is a managed fund with a turn over rate of 8.1% and an ER 0.3% And yes I know health care is in our total stock market fund, just a little tilting. We are in the 25% fed plus 5 % state tax bracket. We plan on using this over the next ten years to supplement our pensions before having to take RMD. What am I missing in terms of tax implications of placing the fund in our taxable ac...
by PinZabu
Thu Nov 29, 2012 6:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best reader/tablet for reading Project Guttenberg books?
Replies: 21
Views: 2957

Re: Best reader/tablet for reading Project Guttenberg books?

There must be a way to buy our without google wallet. My sister went on line and called them directly over the phone. That was when thenexus was just released a few months ago.
by PinZabu
Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best reader/tablet for reading Project Guttenberg books?
Replies: 21
Views: 2957

Re: Best reader/tablet for reading Project Guttenberg books?

Google nexus. Then you are not tied to either amazon or
barnes and noble when you do decide to buy a book. And
way easy to download from the library.

Have been using a precursor of it for two years and love it.
by PinZabu
Fri Nov 02, 2012 8:38 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Welcome back, everyone!
Replies: 52
Views: 7112

Re: Welcome back, everyone!

So what happened?
by PinZabu
Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help I am responsible, what do I do next?
Replies: 5
Views: 1080

Help I am responsible, what do I do next?

My 33 year old responsible godson, as been a boglehead and did not know it. I need help answering his question: How best to invest his savings above and beyond his 401K and Roth that he is max contributing to annually.? Background Age 34 Single Location currently Missouri, moving to Texas in 2 – 3 month due to work Debt none except for mortgage – about to sell due to move AA is 100 % stock funds (low cost at Schwab and Fidelity) (no comment on no bonds, this is his decision) Annual amount additional he can save is $10,000 and he does not know the best place. Some options he has been batting around include paying down the mortgage (5.25% rate); fund or stocks. Remember he is about to sell the house, so paying down the mortgage in his case mi...
by PinZabu
Mon Oct 15, 2012 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cable Free at Last!
Replies: 62
Views: 6473

Re: Cable Free at Last!

We just got cable - for a landline and for higher speed internet than the DSL line from Verizon. (No FIOS here) We did three years without a land line and had network extenders for the cell phones that made only the slightest difference. Never had cable TV.

TV - a time sink. Spouse hooked up the antenna in the attic a few weeks ago when the country went digital, we get the majors and two PBS channels, that is all we need. We amuse ourselves with something called books. Oh and beer :beer
by PinZabu
Sat Oct 13, 2012 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity offers a promotion to bring your money
Replies: 36
Views: 6193

Re: Fidelity offers a promotion to bring your money

Nisprius et al,

In fact I did run virtual portfolios on M* instant xray using ALL VG (admiral), then a combination of Fido Spartan and Vg admiral. On a portfolio of 1.8M the difference is 850 $ annual expense ratios. VG 2600 and Fido wtih Vg 3500 in ER costs. In fact I only used the Fido index funds on the tax deferred side as we are planning on putting tax deferred with Fido and taxable with Vg.

I realize the difference is only 0.05% of the portfolio, but hey, even though I only found this site two months ago, likely I am a boglehead through and through. We are meeting with the Fido advisor again this week and will see that ideas she has about cost difference.
by PinZabu
Thu Oct 11, 2012 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity offers a promotion to bring your money
Replies: 36
Views: 6193

Re: Fidelity offers a promotion to bring your money

Thanks for the feedback. Agree with what you both say after giving it some additional thought. Interesting my dad always taught us about reoccurring expenses; thinking about the communications bill these days, it's not just the phone any more.

Have gotten good advice from both vanguard and fido. After attending the boglehead conference next week will fine tune and activate the retirement investment plan.

This site has been invaluable.

:happy
by PinZabu
Wed Oct 10, 2012 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity offers a promotion to bring your money
Replies: 36
Views: 6193

Fidelity offers a promotion to bring your money

Hi, We are in the process of creating our retirement accounts; likely at Vanguard and Fidelity. We spoke with investment advisors at both companies. At one point I got a call from someone from the Fidelity 'Trading desk'. I said there had to be some mistake, as we are going to go with a few broad index funds as suggested. ( on this website) I explained we would not be trading. And he said, the other purpose of his call was to let me know, if we brought over 1M we would be given a cash promotion = incentive of 2500, or if we brought over 500K than 1250 as an incentive. I was taken aback. I would rather a decrease in expense ratio than a promotion. What the heck is a fund company 'giving money away?" It almost makes me not want to put an...
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?
Replies: 11
Views: 874

Re: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?

Ok, I see the problem. In my first post I wrote "if i invested 100,000" and you all thought I had. I am comparing two different portfolio scenarios (don't know how to link that post titled Portfolio review - newly retired - new investors) and was wondering how the two different scenarios would be in terms of an income stream. Essentially none of the money is invested yet.

Thanks..
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?
Replies: 11
Views: 874

Re: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?

I am so way confused, not interested in the buy price but the dividend/yield/coupon!!
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review- new investors, newly retired
Replies: 10
Views: 901

Re: Portfolio review- new investors, newly retired

Hi,

Actually I am the wife, and my husband is on board with this all. He has an accounting and IT background but hates the planning part! My job to do the planning, his part to take it apart and find the mistakes and holes. Yes we both need to be on the same page.

I am curious as to how to judge which of the two scenarios better/worse, in terms of ease of management, returns, safety, tax issues. The whole ball of wax.

Thanks.
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?
Replies: 11
Views: 874

Re: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?

So does this math make sense based on the numbers suggested as an example of a $100,000 investment:

0.177 x 100,000 = 17,000 or 1,7000? or 170? Oh the importance of the decimal point.

Thanks for your answers
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?
Replies: 11
Views: 874

Simple question by a simple mind: Which yield?

In looking to assess which yield/interest payment/dividend of say the Total Stock (VTSAX) or Total Bond VBTLX. When I look at the information page, which yield do I look at to get a sense of the monthly/quarterly/annual - whatever - payment that will come my way should I choose NOT to re-invest, but use as an income stream? As an example if you invest 100,000 VTSAX : on the VG page for this index fund under 'distrubtions' it says: Most recent distribution 0.177 and sec yield 2.06 So if I multiple 100,000 x 0.177 or 2.06, you clearly get VERY different numbers. OR for VBTLX most recent distribtuion of 0.02295 yield 2.5 sec yield 1.70 :oops: Which one/ones do I use for the equity and for the bond funds? BTW, I am NOT looking to chase the yiel...
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review- new investors, newly retired
Replies: 10
Views: 901

Re: Portfolio review- new investors, newly retired

You both are asking questions about the choice of AA. Did not expect that question. To answer, in 2008 I was working alot and had no time to read, to understand, to think about what to do. I did not know about index funds, about Bogle, Vanguard etc. Fear of the unknown is a bigger driver than fear of the known for me. Known: Life expectancy: too long, currently 60, likely live past 100, urgh! (not pretty), given family history, genetics and life style (I occasionally get some exercise, avoid donuts and McDs, and have not seen a cigarette in decades. You get the picture) Yes I could die today, but more likely many years from now. Investing style: Index funds wow, what a realization. Previously was in high tech stocks. See you can get smarter...
by PinZabu
Tue Oct 02, 2012 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review- new investors, newly retired
Replies: 10
Views: 901

Re: Portfolio review- new investors, newly retired

John,

Thanks for asking the question, after reading for two months most of the books suggested here and this forum, spending time with vg and fido investment folks actually ready to go to an aa of 60/40, but spouse is not ready.

The quandry is the AA suggested by the fido advisor and the ladder instrument she suggested. How different would the returns, tax hit and complexity.

Hopefully others will chime in. ready to take the money out from under the mattress.