Search found 5735 matches

by Sheepdog
Sat Apr 30, 2022 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you balance your checkbook?
Replies: 200
Views: 15321

Re: Do you balance your checkbook?

Yes, every one, every entry, including checks, deposits, interest, bill paid debits...and then monthly verify my records with the bank statement.
Woof
by Sheepdog
Thu Apr 28, 2022 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift for husband
Replies: 32
Views: 4560

Re: Gift for husband

I have been married for 62 years. I have favorite desserts which she makes special....no occasion, just thinking of me. .. . A surprise reservation at our favorite restaurant. (She gets to enjoy it also.)..... Buys my special Scotch Whisky (which I won't buy for myself. (very expensive)...... She even has purchased flowers for me!....... Nice overcoat.......shoes.......and other wear...... A kiss on the cheek and saying "I love you" is special to me.
Woof
by Sheepdog
Tue Apr 26, 2022 12:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651384

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

sailaway wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:21 am
strummer6969 wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:19 am So when should we all start freaking out?
I have a crazy idea: stay calm and carry on.
I agree completely with you. (And I am a super senior ole dog living off of my investments and SS only.) It's hard, I know, but cool it.
Woof
by Sheepdog
Wed Apr 13, 2022 8:22 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Why Did You Choose Your Username and Avatar?
Replies: 377
Views: 19647

Re: Why Did You Choose Your Username and Avatar?

ResearchMed wrote: Wed Apr 13, 2022 1:10 pm
otinkyad wrote: Wed Apr 13, 2022 1:02 pm On the Internet, nobody knows you’re a dog.
Time for an appearance by Sheepdog, of course. :happy

RM
Woof Woof
I did make an appearance when this thread started (Dec. 13, 2009....Seek and ye shall find. Thanks for thinking of me.
Woof Woof Woof!!
by Sheepdog
Wed Mar 30, 2022 10:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899844

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

3/30/22
Down -2.27% 33.4% stock

woof
by Sheepdog
Fri Feb 11, 2022 7:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651384

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

retired since 1998, living off these investments ...... no panic here..... I hope you will feel the same way when your time comes 8-)
( did at one time as many of you know. Lesson learned, thank you very much :happy
by Sheepdog
Tue Jan 18, 2022 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard - Extremely long customer support wait times
Replies: 41
Views: 5038

Re: Vanguard - Extremely long customer support wait times

I was told that a big reason is shortage of staff. They can't hire and maintain adequate staff .....like all of the country today. There are many vacancies all over in my home area, including tech and manual. I would expect that Vanguard is no different than the rest of the country.
by Sheepdog
Sat Jan 15, 2022 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab
Replies: 35
Views: 5008

Re: Moving from Vanguard to Schwab

Last year i moved my wife's Traditional IRA and Roth IRA from Vanguard to Schwab as they have a local agent which she can communicate with and make account changes after I can't do it anymore. (She won't use a computer.) Her accounts contained Wellesley Admiral and Vanguard Balanced Index Admiral funds. There was not any difficulty. I even converted her traditional IRA to her Roth by moving her invested Wellesley over. There was no fees for that...they are able to just move the shares. The investments under my name remain at Vanguard. When I pass, her local Schwab agent can help moving those inherited funds over for her. ( I prefer staying with Vanguard for my accounts. Because I have been using Vanguard's web services so long, making purch...
by Sheepdog
Mon Jan 03, 2022 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What charities did you give to in 2021?
Replies: 134
Views: 8658

Re: What charities did you give to in 2021?

CRC_Volunteer wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 11:23 am Collie Rescue of the Carolinas.
woof woof woof
by Sheepdog
Mon Jan 03, 2022 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Website - Cannot Log in
Replies: 31
Views: 4957

Re: Vanguard Website - Cannot Log in

Silk McCue wrote: Mon Jan 03, 2022 12:11 pm I was successful just now at personal.vanguard.com.

Cheers
ditto
by Sheepdog
Sat Jan 01, 2022 12:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5249
Views: 899844

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

2021(... long time retired) ..9.07% total return.
Allocation 35% equities (within Wellesley and Balanced index) plus I Bonds
by Sheepdog
Sat Dec 25, 2021 7:19 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: My Christmas Present For You
Replies: 85
Views: 9866

Re: My Christmas Present For You

Taylor, I was a teenager when you was in that great Battle at Bastogne, my family would sit by our radio listening for the latest War news. When we heard of that" "NUTS" remark from your leader, we screamed and cheered.
Thank you and your comrads for preserving our country and the Free World. I love ya, Man.
Merry Christmas.
by Sheepdog
Wed Dec 22, 2021 2:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Per CDC: US life expectancy declined 1.5 years in 2020
Replies: 88
Views: 6866

Re: Per CDC: US life expectancy declined 1.5 years in 2020

Remember that no one is the average person. Everyone is special...an individual
In 1960 (my age 27 then) average men had a life expectancy of 66.6 years.
In 1998 (my age 65 then) average life expectancy was up to 76.7 years.

Well, I have reached 88.25 years, have lived past my earlier life expectancy, and still counting.

Don't make your financial plans on the average. You aren't likely to be average. Right?
by Sheepdog
Sun Dec 12, 2021 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Products that last forever
Replies: 288
Views: 29721

Re: Products that last forever

Mr.Chlorine wrote: Thu Aug 13, 2020 7:52 am Firearms. My favorite 22 was purchased by my dad ~45 years ago while he was in high school.

Interesting you mentioned that 22.. It is difficult to believe this, but true. In1948, 73 years ago, A 15 year old teenager (me) was able to buy a 22 caliber single shot 22 Remington rifle at a Woolworth 5 & 10 store in Jacksonville, Fl with all the ammunition I wanted. I didn't even ask my parents for permission. It was in the toy department (single shots only), along with the Red Ryder BB guns. No adult permission or guidance was required. I could go back there for ammunition any time Yes, I still own it. I prize it.
Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Thu Dec 09, 2021 4:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing for elderly parents
Replies: 22
Views: 2795

Re: Investing for elderly parents

At 88 I have been happy with my wife's and my 30-32% stock allocation for over the last 20 years or so with income from that and SS giving decent retirement to cover health and other spending needs and some growth (nominal, but that is all we need.) I still like Wellesley as my main income producing stock containing fund, but hold nothing against Target Income...I just have came to like Wellesley. I should add that I added some Balanced Index 3 years ago to my wife's Traditional and Roth accounts, not much, but some, for a little growth as she is a younger 81. We haven't touched her accounts for any expense needs. As part of our annual partial conversion of our traditional to Roth IRAs, to try to reduce taxes for the "kids' when they i...
by Sheepdog
Fri Dec 03, 2021 2:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The risk of DEATH ---- under-discussed on this forum?
Replies: 258
Views: 22758

Re: The risk of DEATH ---- under-discussed on this forum?

Well, nothing to discuss. I have reached 88, have money left over, have a great spouse. The kids like us. The dogs and cats appreciate us. When it comes it comes.

Talk to you later. We are going out shopping in a few minutes. then eat out. Tomorrow we will eat out again and attend a symphony. What more should I discuss?
8-)
Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Tue Nov 30, 2021 1:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651384

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

LadyGeek wrote: Tue Nov 30, 2021 11:23 am I removed an off-topic post discussing the coronavirus. As a reminder, see: Please read before posting on coronavirus/COVID-19
Thank you, LadyGeek!!! and all of the Moderators
by Sheepdog
Fri Nov 26, 2021 12:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651384

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

It is so nice not to care anymore.....
Woof
by Sheepdog
Mon Nov 15, 2021 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Helping my 90 year old mom determine AA
Replies: 22
Views: 2228

Re: Helping my 90 year old mom determine AA

At 90 she can live another decade. She needs some growth from stocks to carry her through. She needs safety though as well. I will give you my mix.
My senior allocation.......I have not been higher than 30% stock since age 72 and I am past 88 now, and my bottom line has grown since then. The earnings from that, along with SS, has supplied everything we need. That 30% stock? Where did it come from during the last 15 years ? From approximately 55% Wellesley, 20% Balanced Index, and 25% cash, money market, short term investment grade bond fund, and I Bonds. Good funds for this ole codger.
Woof
by Sheepdog
Tue Nov 09, 2021 7:40 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: U. S. Marine Corps Birthday
Replies: 57
Views: 7700

Re: U. S. Marine Corps Birthday update to 2021

ARLINGTON, Va. -- On November 10, 2021, Marines across the globe will recognize and acknowledge 246 years of service to their country, the sacrifices made to defend democracy, and the Marine Corps’ enduring legacy as America’s premier fighting force. The Marine Corps’ annual tradition celebrates the establishment of the organization on November 10, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress. Following their role in the American Revolution, the Marines were abolished following the Treaty of Paris in April 1783. Then, on July 11, 1798, Congress ordered the creation of the Marine Corps and directed that it be available for service under the Secretary of the Navy. The birthday, also known as Marine Corps Day, was originally celebrated on July 11 ...
by Sheepdog
Mon Nov 01, 2021 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1512
Views: 167363

Re: VANGUARD CUSTOMER SERVICE from bad to worse

30+ years with Vanguard. I have never had any problems. Great service for us.
by Sheepdog
Mon Nov 01, 2021 9:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What percentage does Social Security cover of your expenses in retirement?
Replies: 114
Views: 12703

Re: What percentage does Social Security cover of your expenses in retirement?

22 years retired. This year, SS covers 40% of expenses.

However, if I included my donations and gifts as expenses, the SS percentage would be less.
by Sheepdog
Thu Oct 21, 2021 2:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How many years of expenses to keep in safe assets?
Replies: 102
Views: 14617

Re: How many years of expenses to keep in safe assets?

In retirement, most of my expenses are covered by SS and SPIAs. However, I do usually will withdraw from other assets, but not usually stock containing assets.
I keep at least 3 years of "safe" assets available so that I do not have to sell any stock containing mutual funds for at least 3 years during a downturn. (I learned that in 2008-09.) For me, that "safe" money is mostly in money market funds and a little bit of short term investment grade bond fund.

I should not have to sell any stock containing assets for 3 to 5 years.

Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Mon Oct 18, 2021 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where did you "easily" Trim expenses in retirement?
Replies: 52
Views: 7753

Re: Where did you "easily" Trim expenses in retirement?

jebmke wrote: Sun Oct 17, 2021 4:58 pm Compared to pre-retirement, income taxes was by far the greatest reduction.
Same here. Outside of that, not much else initially...except not eating out lunch very often, but that was not much. I didn't have to buy clothes as much either. (I worked in a paint factory and had a lot of paint splattered on them.)
Woof. Woof.
by Sheepdog
Fri Oct 15, 2021 11:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment/Income options for my widowed Mother
Replies: 15
Views: 1986

Re: Investment/Income options for my widowed Mother

solid_snake wrote: Thu Oct 14, 2021 10:35 am
Her cousin, who is a financial planner, is recommending to put $250,000 in a 30yr annuity with a $1,100/mo payout. Is this the right path?
This is a 30 year fixed term annuity? Right? Not a life annuity? After 30 years from now, she will not have income from this? If it is indeed a fixed annuity, today's low interest rate reduces the payout considerably, and with inflation that $1100 payment won't look like much 20 and 30 years from now. Because of that, I don't like fixed annuities now.
A life annuity, inflation indexed, is more practical, although lower payout at the beginning.
by Sheepdog
Fri Oct 15, 2021 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

I still have had problems with online access with Firefox even with advice here and similar, if not the same exact advice from Vanguard.
I just received this message from Vanguard.:
Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

We apologize for any difficulty you've experienced.

A few of our clients have reported an issue with the Firefox browser, and
we're currently working to resolve it. Thank you for your patience.

.
At least I now know that I am not the only crazy one.

Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Withdraw rate for VWIAX
Replies: 41
Views: 2877

Re: Withdraw rate for VWIAX

I have been researching for quite a while where to put about 1.2 million $ specifically for retirement monthly withdrawals. This money will gradually mature from CDs and my plan is to slowly transfer this money during market downturns over the next several years. (All this money is former 401K $ all pretax). I’m absolutely sold on VWIAX. It’s track record is suburb and it seems to buffer economic downturns very well. So here are my questions: 1). Based on what I’ve read it’s best to reinvest and dividends and capital gains and just take withdrawals. True? 2). In my case from that 1.2 million $ I’d like to take $50,000 annually in $4167 monthly deposits to my checking account. I do not plan to adjust this amount for inflation. Money should ...
by Sheepdog
Wed Oct 13, 2021 10:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1202131

Re: I Bonds variable rate @ 3.54% in May

anon_investor wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 9:38 am
Sheepdog wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 8:04 am
maywood wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 7:34 am Sep CPI-U just came out.
Nov 1 six month inflation rate will be about 3.5612, for an annualized rate of about 7.12
Add that to my 3.6% bonds, I get 10.72%? I'll take that!!
How old are your 3.6% fixed rate I Bonds???
They were purchased in 6/2000 and 7 and 9 and 10/2000---- $30,000 worth total. They are worth today $100,768 with more growth to come.
Thanks Mel!
Woof

p.s. There were more purchased after those earning 3.0 to 3.4% fixed!
by Sheepdog
Wed Oct 13, 2021 8:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1202131

Re: I Bonds variable rate @ 3.54% in May

maywood wrote: Wed Oct 13, 2021 7:34 am Sep CPI-U just came out.
Nov 1 six month inflation rate will be about 3.5612, for an annualized rate of about 7.12
Add that to my 3.6% bonds, I get 10.72%? I'll take that!!
by Sheepdog
Tue Oct 12, 2021 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Looking for a desktop PC for my 75 year old parents
Replies: 45
Views: 4211

Re: Looking for a desktop PC for my 75 year old parents

squirm wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 9:46 pm 75, that's still pretty young. My parents do great in their mid 80's on a Dell all in one.
Windows is just fine for older people too, not sure why all of a sudden their suppose to switch to chromebooks after a certain age. my parents have been using Windows for decades.
At 88, me too.
by Sheepdog
Tue Oct 12, 2021 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

Ramjet wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 7:50 am Don't use Vanguard anymore but when I did this issue only happened with them :|
After nearly 35 years with Vanguard, maybe more, it would be abandoning an old friend, an old friend who has taken care of me for so long. That old friend has not hurt me ever. (I may abandon Firefox. though. :)
Thanks for the comment anyway.
by Sheepdog
Tue Oct 12, 2021 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

tibbitts wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:38 pm
That (or the opposite, generally one browser working but not the other) isn't uncommon. Have you tried clearing all your personal Firefox data (cache, cookies, etc.)? Or you could try removing and reinstalling Firefox.
insdtall
I did remove Firefox (and was a hassle for this ole codger), reinstalled it. It still will not allow me to connect to Vanguard using this computer. I am still okay with Chrome though.
I attempted to telephone my Vgd representative....impossible-- (that's another story). I left a 'secure message. It will be interesting to see how they answer (or if)
Oh well.
Woof
by Sheepdog
Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 30 year retirement
Replies: 62
Views: 9174

Re: 30 year retirement

30 year retirement? Well, I am just beginning my 24th. (I recently reported my retirement history thru the 23rd viewtopic.php?f=9&t=228860 ) You can find my withdrawal history there as well

Thru 30?, I know I will be fine economically, the rest? Will have to rely on my creators good grace and my good fortune.

Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Sat Oct 09, 2021 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics
Replies: 67
Views: 7179

Re: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics

VictoriaF wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 3:02 pm
Hi Sheepdog,

I don't have any ideas about electronics, but I recommend that your wife enrolls in a fall prevention program. Marymount university runs such a program, which during COVID is offered via Zoom. Thus, it's not limited to the local community. Check out their recent announcement at https://marymount.edu/blog/marymounts-f ... ive-years/ , and if you are interested follow up.

Best wishes to you and your wife,

Victoria
Thank you for the good idea.

Jim
by Sheepdog
Sat Oct 09, 2021 2:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

Tibbitts, I will. Thanks
by Sheepdog
Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

tibbitts wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 1:09 pm
Sheepdog wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:46 pm
tibbitts wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:22 pm No issue here.

I assume you've tried a different browser, maybe a different computer?
Hmmmmm. I went thru another computer with the same browser,,,, I pulled out my old Windows 7 laptop. I could get on from there (I didn't want to stay there from that machine because it is unsecured.) I My present Windows 10 machine still won't work with Vanguard's website. It won't even let me try to logon. It ignores me :greedy
So the win10 computer doesn't work with any of the common browsers?
I just tried Chrome on the Windows 10 and Vanguard connected, but using my usual Firefox does not???
by Sheepdog
Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

[quote=tibbitts post_id=6266358 time=1633800146 user_id=489]
No issue here.

I assume you've tried a different browser, maybe a different computer?
[/quote]

Hmmmmm. I went thru another computer with the same browser,,,, I pulled out my old Windows 7 laptop. I could get on from there (I didn't want to stay there from that machine because it is unsecured.) I My present Windows 10 machine still won't work with Vanguard's website. It won't even let me try to logon. It ignores me :greedy
by Sheepdog
Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Re: Having issue with Vanguard online access

student wrote: Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:20 pm No issue at 1:20 pm EST.
Thanks. I assumed it was just me. Guess I will have to wait till tomorrow to contact them.
by Sheepdog
Sat Oct 09, 2021 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Having issue with Vanguard online access
Replies: 27
Views: 2661

Having issue with Vanguard online access

For 2 days I have been unable to sign onto Vanguard. I try to connect on "Login" and nothing happens.....multiple times. Nothing moves. Anyone else having or had this happen?
Woof
by Sheepdog
Thu Oct 07, 2021 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics
Replies: 67
Views: 7179

Re: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics

I did. She Won't
Thanks anyway
by Sheepdog
Wed Oct 06, 2021 9:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics
Replies: 67
Views: 7179

Re: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics

BarbBrooklyn wrote: Wed Oct 06, 2021 8:51 pm There are fall alert bracelets--they've got a button you press for help. Would Lady Sheepdog consent to wear one of those?
Probably. Let me look into that.. I did not know.
Woof

Quick look on line. Best there recommendation is Bay Alarm.. Anyone out there have experience?
Woof










ba
by Sheepdog
Tue Oct 05, 2021 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics
Replies: 67
Views: 7179

Re: Senior fall and other safety help need electronics

Wonderful comments and suggestions. Somehow,....somehow I have to get assistance. My wife, as I said before, is independent (except when she falls and can't get up. :confused) . I have wanted to move to where help is available....but no...... She says, you go , I am staying here. Oh well. My sons will be here for Thanksgiving....... I realize that they have to get more directly involved on this issue, but it is a challenge from so far away.. Thanksgiving has to work. I'll even try to setup, or have them setup a zoom meeting in the very near future, just them and me. Lady Sheepdog won't know about it or else it may collapse. When they come on Turkey Day, maybe they will be prepared. Maybe not. I'll see. I love her, but damn......... (Besides...
by Sheepdog
Mon Oct 04, 2021 8:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I can't believe I am thinking this [Panic and Survival 2008-09]
Replies: 526
Views: 467837

Re: I can't believe I am thinking this [Panic and Survival 2008-09]

Sheepdog, your recent updated thread presents a decidedly rosy picture of your retirement years. So congrats on what appears to be a happy ending to this story. But for full disclosure, I am curious if you could provide a debriefing of this more somber thread as well. (You declined a request for a “cliff notes” summary earlier this year, but I’ll try again.) I understand that, by your own admission, you panicked and partially capitulated back in 2008-09. Things turned out well for you, so cheers. But I’m curious what your takeaways from that time are. I gather you don’t regret your rather conservative AA over the past bull market, so is the moral of this 500-post story that you were too aggressive for your tolerance in 2008? I hope you wil...
by Sheepdog
Sun Oct 03, 2021 10:53 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog)
Replies: 94
Views: 22887

Re: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog)

Thanks to all of you who have responded to this post.
I love everybody here.
Woof Woof
by Sheepdog
Fri Oct 01, 2021 9:07 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Retirement Class of 1998 (Sheepdog)
Replies: 94
Views: 22887

Re: Retirement Class of 1998, Sheepdog's 2021 experiences update

10/2/21 is the 23rd anniversary of our retirement. We did quite well living off of retirement funds and Social Security. Average annual withdrawal of 4.58% from a portfolio with a stock percentage mostly in the 23 to 32% range only (30.8% present). The last year when I had over 31% was 2003 and the highest before then was 56% in 1999. Investment value was $683K in late 1998 when retirement started. That figure included my pension lump sum ($225K) Present value is $1.1M. We traveled domestically and internationally in retirement. That is over now. We have enjoyed eating in restaurants every week and attend sporting events, theater, and music performances often. For example this week alone, we attended a symphony concert and ate at a good Ita...
by Sheepdog
Thu Sep 30, 2021 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Self install gutter guards - do they work?
Replies: 39
Views: 4792

Re: Self install gutter guards - do they work?

I have used Lowes gutter guards, brown plastic w/screen for over 15 years. I installed twice, the last time about 7 or 8 years ago, by myself (2100 sq ft single story home) with gutters on all 4 sides. The dark plastic tends to warp a little in sun portion. As the house became more shaded, less repair has been required. I did once again replace the very hot, unshaded, south side in 2020 because of some warp there. The other 3 sides still look okay, not perfect, but are protecting the gutter.
The gutters have hot had to be cleaned since the original installation. Really. I would replace them all this year for the sake of their age, but at my age (?) Noooo(I hate hiring help :shock: ) They will be okay though and look fine.
Woof..