Search found 38 matches

by GregV
Thu Mar 31, 2016 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experience with Honda airbag recall?
Replies: 154
Views: 45948

Re: Experience with Honda airbag recall?

My dealer has an arrangement with Enterprise for a long term rental at Honda's expense...paid for by Honda corporate, I think. You have to sign a waiver that you will not drive your vehicle. If you do (they check the mileage, apparently) you are on the hook for the rental cost. The car can be stored in the towing company's lot (outdoors) or at your house. The problem is that my auto insurance only covers rentals up to 21 days. I'm working with them on having longer coverage because this is a unique situation, but am still in negotiation. Honda pays for one rental contract, so multiple 21 day contracts are not an option. If my company won't extend coverage for the total rental term (maybe as long as 5 or 6 months), my choices are to rent for...
by GregV
Thu Feb 18, 2016 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Dealing with legacy Merrill Lynch advisor with high fees
Replies: 21
Views: 4590

Re: Dealing with legacy Merrill Lynch advisor with high fees

I've had a similar situation with my Mom and her ML managed account. While the fee is not has high (1.25%) as you mentioned, it's still too high, but going to another brokerage and making all the changes was too big a leap, too stressful, for her. I am able to be sure the funds are no load with reasonable expense ratios and no inappropriate alternative investments (hedge funds, etc) are in the portfolio. Also, if I would take over responsibility for her investing, it's possible that there could be problems with both Mom and 4 siblings if the market is down resulting in poor returns The advice of others to be very cautious of accepting responsibility for the investments is spot on. A better return, if accompanied by family strife, is ultimat...
by GregV
Fri Sep 04, 2015 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP Rebalancing
Replies: 9
Views: 2188

Re: TSP Rebalancing

TSP rebalancing is straightforward. In my case, I rebalance my portfolio, part of which is in TSP, annually. Invariably, over the past year, the allocation among the TSP funds will have drifted from my target percentages. I make an interfund transfer request to allocate account at the target percentages, and it happens that day...TSP will buy and sell enough shares among the funds to complete the transaction. If I understand your concerns, what may be troubling to you is the method TSP uses to make withdrawals. If you are using the partial withdrawal option of equal monthly payments, you cannot choose how TSP takes money out of your funds to generate that payment, They will always take the money across all your funds in proportion to how mu...
by GregV
Mon Jun 29, 2015 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three devices = redundancy
Replies: 45
Views: 10895

Re: Three devices = redundancy

I find my 3 devices (iMac, iPad, iPhone) work together very well and each has their use. For serious document creation/editing or for activities that need a large screen, the iMac is my choice. For travel, reading books, casual browsing, email, watching media, etc the iPad is great. When I'm out and about, the iPhone is the right device for phone, text, email, navigation, keeping on track with my tasks and searching for info. Data flows seamlessly among all 3 devices. For me, while there can be overlap in capabilities and use, each has their niche and the combination works well.
by GregV
Thu Jun 25, 2015 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Allocation for TSP
Replies: 12
Views: 2234

Re: Allocation for TSP

Since the L Funds are an actively managed combination of the basic TSP funds, you should not expect that combination to match the market like an index. The TSP site has a link to an L Fund info sheet that explains that the company designing the L Funds attempts to keep their recommended allocation model on the Efficient Frontier per Modern Portfolio Theory. If you are still putting together your Investment Strategy, doing research, etc, the appropriate L Fund allocations are a good place to start. If you eventually decide to mirror the Total Market as best you can or take implement another strategy such as tilting to Small Cap and/or International equities, etc you could then easily readjust the individual fund allocations to match your plan.
by GregV
Sun Dec 21, 2014 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transfer everything to TSP?
Replies: 9
Views: 2163

Re: Transfer everything to TSP?

TSP is an excellent program and, though the fund choice is not extensive, it covers the most important investment areas. TSP's expenses are also the lowest you will find. Despite these pluses, I have about half my retirement assets in TSP and half in IRAs. Here's my rationale. The main weakness in TSP (for me) is the very limited options for withdrawal. While you can set up a monthly amount, it can only be changed once a year. Also, you can take a partial or full lump withdrawal on a one time basis, but you have no ongoing option to withdraw money from TSP in irregular amounts over the long term. So, for me, I take a constant monthly amount from TSP I can plan on and the IRAs provide money in chunks for purchases, vacations, urgent needs, e...
by GregV
Fri Jul 18, 2014 8:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP G as treasury holding
Replies: 10
Views: 1500

Re: TSP G as treasury holding

The G Fund is a great option, particularly in times of rising rates since it is insulated from that risk. Returns are modest, but consistent and it is an important component of my portfolio. However, if you also want a stake in the total US bond market, the F Fund works well, tracking the same index as ETFs AGG and BND. I understand why folks may want to avoid the Total US Bond area in this environment, but don’t understand some of the posts that pan the F Fund specifically. It has beaten its index each of the past 5 years and the ER is outstanding. Both G and F serves their purposes admirably, but neither is a silver bullet. Over the past 10 years, return for F has exceeded G six times with one tie. So..I’m not saying to use F vice G, but ...
by GregV
Mon Jun 02, 2014 3:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social Security at 66 vs. 70: A Bird in the Hand?
Replies: 54
Views: 6559

Re: Social Security at 66 vs. 70: A Bird in the Hand?

Some additional perspective...nothing new that hasn't been mentioned before in many threads. The decision isn't just about total payout. For example, health or financial situation may dictate taking SS as early as possible. In my case, the goal of leaving my Spouse the maximum survivors benefit possible makes waiting to 70 to take SS a good option for me. So...analysis of your personal needs/goals, along with the numbers, are part of the overall process. Sounds like you've given examination of your options plenty of time and effort.
by GregV
Thu Apr 17, 2014 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a new coffee maker, any recommendations?
Replies: 66
Views: 19523

Re: I need a new coffee maker, any recommendations?

Don't know if the Cuisinart heats the water to 200 degrees...all I can say is it's hot and flavorful enough for me. Lots of interesting suggestions in the thread. If shopping is really half the fun, you should have a great time choosing your appliance.
by GregV
Thu Apr 17, 2014 4:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I need a new coffee maker, any recommendations?
Replies: 66
Views: 19523

Re: I need a new coffee maker, any recommendations?

I like the Cuisinart Grind and Brew. Put whole beans in the hopper and the appliance does the rest. It will make from a couple of cups to an entire pot. I've had a few different models through the years...they've held up well and (for my taste) make great coffee. One disadvantage is a bit more cleanup than some of the other choices.

Coffee's important...best of luck on your selection.
by GregV
Fri Feb 28, 2014 4:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Hard Sell From Fidelity about a Rollover to the TSP
Replies: 26
Views: 4453

Re: Hard Sell From Fidelity about a Rollover to the TSP

Here’s my perspective as a FERS retiree with about half of my portfolio in TSP and half in a Fidelity brokerage account. You have access to more types of investments and greater flexibility in withdrawal strategies in a brokerage account. With a 3 Fund strategy the additional flexibility may be irrelevant. The TSP funds adequately cover the areas needed for a 3 Fund approach and TSP is regularly explores whether to expand their fund choices. Even though Fidelity has some mutual funds and ETFs with excellent expense ratios, neither they, nor any other fund company, will be able to match the extremely small ratios for TSP funds. TSP withdrawal options are very limited...best to read them on the site. You can’t just tap the account at various ...
by GregV
Thu Feb 13, 2014 9:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Own Bonds at All?
Replies: 492
Views: 50911

Re: Why Own Bonds at All?

First...I have enjoyed reading the points of view in this thread and have found them interesting and educational. Second…I think the OP’s question basically got answered “Why should anyone own bonds in their retirement account?” To quote claver, “…The only argument I heard for holding bonds that I thought made sense was for purposes of fairly immediate liquidity. I can see that. I can also see that if one has no assets in fixed income--no social security, no real estate with a big equity stake that can be accessed for short term bridges in income, no pension, no capacity to continue generating income from work at some level during the early years of retirement, then having some smallish proportion in bonds made sense. Personally, I can't se...
by GregV
Sun Feb 09, 2014 1:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Own Bonds at All?
Replies: 492
Views: 50911

Re: Why Own Bonds at All?

I have not heard of the PE10 method of estimating a supportable withdrawal rate from retirement savings. Do you have more info on the mechanics of this method or some references I can look through to get background and understanding of this methodology? Thanks.
by GregV
Sat Feb 08, 2014 11:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Own Bonds at All?
Replies: 492
Views: 50911

Re: Why Own Bonds at All?

I believe I understand your view. I probably have a more conservative approach and, of course, my own goals and priorities which would not match yours. To me, a vital decision for the individual investor is the magnitude of liquidity needs. Is 2 years of expenses, 5 years, zero...or based on other criteria? You must know your risk tolerance and use your best judgement on the length of time it potentially takes your portfolio to weather a market downturn based on the best info we have (historical returns, though history may not repeat itself, it's what we have) in crafting a strategy...one you can maintain in good times and bad. As an earlier poster mentioned, (to paraphrase) while it's true, historically, equities offer the highest return (...
by GregV
Sat Feb 08, 2014 10:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Own Bonds at All?
Replies: 492
Views: 50911

Re: Why Own Bonds at All?

Claver, if your expenses will be completely covered by Pensions/SS (and I assume that is also true if/when there is one surviving spouse), then you are in a very different risk situation than someone who must rely on investment returns for a large portion of their required income. That's a new bit of info that's very important to this discussion. Even later in retirement when working a few extra years is not an option to recover from a market downturn, large losses in your portfolio do not affect your ability to pay for essential needs. Your immediate liquidity requirements from your investment portfolio will be zero. A person using investment returns for expenses of daily living has immediate liquidity requirements that would probably be b...
by GregV
Fri Feb 07, 2014 11:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Own Bonds at All?
Replies: 492
Views: 50911

Re: Why Own Bonds at All?

I haven't used the Vanguard tool, so I won't venture an opinion on its usefulness. The results you show in the OP are not a surprise, however, based on using other, similar, products. The role of fixed income in my portfolio has depended on age and work situation. There was not one right answer for all times in my life. For much of my investment life, having a long term horizon, I was 95%-100% equity, much like the asset allocation you favor in the OP. As I approached retirement I transitioned to a balanced portfolio. I am now retired and at 50/50 Equity/Fixed Income. At my current stage of life, a balanced portfolio fits well with my risk tolerance ("reasonable" estimate of 25% max drop in portfolio during a serious bear market) ...
by GregV
Wed Feb 05, 2014 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime Increase
Replies: 185
Views: 17442

Re: Amazon Prime Price Increase

We've gotten good value from Amazon Prime as we shop at Amazon often and watch a lot of stuff on the Prime Instant Video. For the streaming content, we've found more TV shows (often British) than movies to view regularly on Prime. We have both Netflix and Prime and, so far, get enough value and different content from both to make having multiple services worth the money.

I just renewed Prime at the $79/year level, so I would deal with a price increase next year. What would be the level to make me drop the subscription? Not sure...however I would look at dropping Netflix (~$95/yr) as an option before getting rid of Prime.
by GregV
Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Post-retirement web needs
Replies: 12
Views: 1325

Re: Post-retirement web needs

For DSInvestor, I found a glitch with the "no contract" cellular for the iPad, at least with AT&T. Though you can end the plan at any time, doing so deactivates your iPad's Sim Card. If/when you want to activate a plan later, you have to get another Sim Card and have it activated. I had envisioned just activating and deactivating cellular when traveling, but with activation fees and the hassle of getting another Sim Card each time, that doesn't appear to be as convenient/cost effective as I first thought.
by GregV
Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Post-retirement web needs
Replies: 12
Views: 1325

Re: Post-retirement web needs

I'm an Apple kinda guy and here's our tech lineup. We share an iMac, I have an iPad v4 (LTE) and an iPhone 5, My Spouse has an iPad Mini (WiFi only) and an iPhone 5.

The longer we have the IOS devices, the more of our daily life exists on them...calendars, notes, calls, messages, navigation, etc. The desktop (a laptop would do fine as well) is handy when creating a lot of content or when managing investments using spreadsheets, etc. The iMac with a larger screen and "real" keyboard is also better as I work on digitizing my records to the max extent possible. All the devices being able to seamlessly interact each other is also nice.

Hope this helps...
by GregV
Sat Feb 01, 2014 6:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Social Security spin......
Replies: 48
Views: 4151

Re: Another Social Security spin......

Different strokes...the "right" choice depends on your reasons and priorities. For me, waiting is the way to go to maximize my spouse's survivor benefit and overall income...assuming I depart first.
by GregV
Thu Jan 23, 2014 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Nuvi equivalent ?
Replies: 32
Views: 3502

Re: Garmin Nuvi equivalent ?

Garmin has IOS apps that give the Nuvi interface (if you like it, which I do) and operate on your iPhone and/or iPad. I haven't checked lately, but there were a couple of flavors. One depends on cell coverage to give map info, but the other (more expensive and demanding of your device storage capacity) stores the maps on the device. I have had the version with maps on the device for several years and really like it.

Only needing to take one device on trips for phone calls, navigation and entertainment is convenient. Remember that using the GPS capability of your iPhone uses the battery up much more quickly, so using a power adapter when the smartphone is also acting as your navigator is a good idea.
by GregV
Tue Jan 21, 2014 7:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do you benchmark your portfolio.
Replies: 78
Views: 7658

Re: How do you benchmark your portfolio.

I track annualized rate of return and compare against a similar asset allocation of the total stock and bond markets. Since I've been doing it for a while, current effort to update the numbers(s) is minimal. The purpose? To be sure that I am doing a good job of tracking the indexes and to allow me to have my actual rate of return when forecasting withdrawals (I am currently retired).

Another point brought up earlier is also valid...how can I profess to meet/exceed the return from a financial advisor/firm and not need their services if I don't evaluate my performance? Measuring holds me accountable.

I'm not telling someone else it would work for them. To each his/her own...
by GregV
Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pre-retirement analysis and advice needed
Replies: 15
Views: 2419

Re: Pre-retirement analysis and advice needed

...meant to include that, in the event of your death, social security would also decrease by the Spousal amount your wife would receive. She would only get your SS amount.
by GregV
Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pre-retirement analysis and advice needed
Replies: 15
Views: 2419

Re: Pre-retirement analysis and advice needed

You've already had great advice on your questions. Being a current Federal retiree, I have a couple of thoughts from my perspective. I agree that you can treat your Civil Service Annuity like a salary. Just remember as you make long term financial commitments against that stipend that your Spouse will have 55% of that amount as her "salary" if you die first. On this forum you can get asset allocation recommendations for your situation ranging from mostly/all fixed income to mostly/all equities depending on whether the writer believes you should be conservative since you've "already won the game" or more aggressive since you have an excellent foundation of guaranteed income based on your annuity/social security and foreca...
by GregV
Sat Dec 14, 2013 7:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP Survey on Self-Directed Mutual Fund Window
Replies: 35
Views: 5295

Re: TSP Survey on Self-Directed Mutual Fund Window

I supported the mutual fund option, but with no extra fee. The companies who manage those funds would already be compensated through the funds' ERs.

My rationale is that the investor should have the widest range of investment options available.

Having a company under contract supporting TSP is nothing new. If I remember correctly, Blackrock manages the current TSP program for Uncle Sam and the limited offerings and their ERs are excellent investment choices. It just would be nice to have more on the menu.
by GregV
Mon Nov 18, 2013 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 161
Views: 18596

Re: [Can you recommend]A spectacular movie, and a terrible m

So many to choose from, good and bad:

Good: Hoosiers, maybe my favorite sports movie

Bad: Drive, can't believe I watched the whole thing
by GregV
Thu Oct 17, 2013 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Savannah or Charleston
Replies: 12
Views: 2523

Re: Savannah or Charleston

I've been to both, both are great, but I prefer Charleston...feels a little more intimate. However, if you haven't spent much time in Savannah, this is your chance to give it a look. Another option in the same general area is Beaufort, SC...smaller than the other two places but some really nice shops, restaurants and historical area as well.
by GregV
Wed Oct 02, 2013 11:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP Time to fly to Safety in G Fund?
Replies: 54
Views: 8441

Re: TSP Time to fly to Safety in G Fund?

TSP is a great benefit for Federal employees. IMO, "fleeing" to the G Fund establishes a bad habit. When do you return to your target AA? If the market whipsaws and you regret your move, you have limited opportunities per month to move your TSP monies among the funds and "undo" any perceived errors. Assuming some drop in the markets because of our DC troubles, if you have significant time for your TSP monies to grow, a decline in the funds' NAVs means that your biweekly investments buy more shares. Long term all should work out OK. As mentioned many times on this site, have a plan to invest taking into account your risk tolerance and invest using the plan with consistency and discipline. As to F and G, F or G, F vs G for...
by GregV
Tue Aug 13, 2013 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP vs managed account with Wells Fargo
Replies: 9
Views: 1658

Re: TSP vs managed account with Wells Fargo

TSP would definitely give you a better opportunity to increase your return over the WF account with it's expenses. While the number of funds are limited, you can cover the major asset areas and manage risk within your tolerance through appropriate fund allocation. However, the withdrawal options are limited so you need to be sure they can meet your needs either alone or in combination with other accounts/IRAs.
by GregV
Sat Jul 13, 2013 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transfer Traditional IRA to TSP
Replies: 12
Views: 1799

Re: Transfer Traditional IRA to TSP

I'm a big fan of TSP, but be sure that you are not over constrained by the limited TSP withdrawal options if this rollover puts most or all of your retirement assets in TSP. You have much greater flexibility in how you make withdrawals from an IRA than from your TSP.

In my case, my retirement accounts are about 50/50 TSP and IRAs with both halves allocated in a similar fashion. I keep it that way because the accounts complement each other...I have a constant monthly amount coming from TSP which can be augmented when needed by additional sums from the IRAs.

Just a thought...
by GregV
Mon May 13, 2013 3:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: For those who have TSP accounts, how often do you rebalance
Replies: 15
Views: 1717

Re: For those who have TSP accounts, how often do you rebala

I rebalance as part of my total retirement portfolio when the whole package is outside of my bands. TSP is ~50% of the portfolio value and I keep the total portfolio, and each of the two major parts (TSP and Brokerage IRAs), at my desired AA. My rationale is that I withdraw money from TSP first and do not want it skewed very differently from the overall AA...so that dictates I keep the other half at about the same AA as well.
by GregV
Sat May 04, 2013 10:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Military SBP--Gotta make the decision soon
Replies: 12
Views: 4544

Re: Military SBP--Gotta make the decision soon

I like that SBP is COLA'd and supports the surviving spouse for the rest of their life, whether or not the market is doing well. If you don't need the additional SBP money should you survive your spouse, then it's no big deal either way...no SBP and spouse predeceases you, you're financially OK. Take SBP and, since your financial situation is good, the reduction in the military annuity is no cash flow problem. If you're concerned about an uncertain future, taking SBP is a good risk reduction play. If inflation and/or tough times for your investment nest egg occur, the additional SBP money would be a valuable foundation for your finances as you get older and may give you more flexibility in handing your investment portfolio..."longevity...
by GregV
Wed Mar 27, 2013 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turning Word file into PDF
Replies: 18
Views: 2595

Re: Turning Word file into PDF

If you're using MAC OSX, you have the option to "Save as PDF" from any print dialogue box. You can also use the OS built in program "Preview" to rearrange/delete pages and merge PDF files/insert files from another PDF document.
by GregV
Mon Mar 25, 2013 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency Fund really necessary in retirement
Replies: 19
Views: 4357

Re: Emergency Fund really necessary in retirement

It's a personal choice...whether you call it cash reserve or emergency fund. Having an amount of ready cash for emergencies...whether home/car repair, health, etc allows these types of events to minimally impact your overall investment and withdrawal plans or at least give your time to adjust them in a deliberate manner. If we are going to make large purchases in the near future, we'll also have that cash on hand. In our case, pensions are an important component of retirement income and my spouse loses almost 50% of that income if I die first...and she has to report my demise, apply for the survivor benefits, etc to get her future income flow in place. Part of the rationale behind, and decision about the size of, our cash reserve/emergency ...
by GregV
Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone use iPad or iPhone for auto navigation system?
Replies: 77
Views: 8654

Re: Anyone use iPad or iPod for auto navigation system?

If you like the Garmin interface, the Garmin iPhone apps work well and come in many flavors at different prices for various geographical areas. The app for US that I use includes the maps on the device. I've had it for a few years and, combined with a bluetooth wireless hands-free device, the iPhone works well as a single tool for communication, navigation and entertainment while traveling. As many folks have mentioned, both IOS and Android have many great choices, free and paid, for navigation apps.
by GregV
Sun Oct 28, 2012 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini
Replies: 97
Views: 7880

Re: Confession + POLL: I succumbed to an iPad mini

The iPad Mini is a nice looking piece of technology, but my iPad 2 works OK for me.
by GregV
Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1564863

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Just finished 1491 by Charles Mann. After a short detour to read Black List by Brad Thor, I'm currently reading Mr Mann's followup book, 1493. Interesting and entertaining.
by GregV
Tue Oct 23, 2012 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's Your Favorite Hot Sauce?
Replies: 84
Views: 6984

Re: What's Your Favorite Hot Sauce?

Scorned Woman Original Hot Sauce...good flavor, good heat.