Search found 1716 matches

by goblue100
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?
Replies: 16
Views: 1503

Re: Social Security Break-Even Calculator That Includes Opportunity Cost of Waiting?

Thus far, all the Social Security break even calculators I've seen only factor in the amount of the benefit when calculating the break-even date. It seems obvious to me that while the benefit increases substantially when one waits to collect, there is nonetheless an opportunity cost in terms of the money that is withdrawn from one's portfolio while waiting. 1. Does anyone know a calculator that factors in both calculations? 2. Is this reasonable to consider? I thought for sure I remembered a discussion about this and someone had whipped up a spread sheet(#Cruncher?) that allowed some calculation around this topic. I did not find it by searching, though. Perhaps someone will remember it and find the link. I think it is reasonable to conside...
by goblue100
Tue Mar 26, 2024 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 20-30X income, is that the "retirement rut"?
Replies: 132
Views: 20442

Re: 20-30X income, is that the "retirement rut"?

Say you are in your 40s with a $100,000 salary with a NW of $2,000,000 or 20x Income to NW ratio You are not quite motivated to work harder in your career (e.g. staying in the office until 8pm) because your investments daily fluctuations is more than your salary. You are comfortable enough to give your boss/upper management the middle finger if he pulls a fast one on you. However, you are not quite ready to retire early yet as in today's economy, $2million doesn't carry your that far, especially in HCOL cities like NY or SF. Is that a career to retirement "rut"? I pretty much lived this, except I was in my early 50's (53,54). I had been at the same job at the same company for 25 years. The last few years the company was in declin...
by goblue100
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 8166

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

Cyath wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 5:58 pm e) Are there any schools of thought that are half and half? As in, half passive investing and half active? My research didn't turn up anything.
I think there are a fair amount of people that are 90% passive and 5 to 10 percent active, with individual stocks and other investments. You will see "fun money" posts on the forum, which allude to allocating a portion of the portfolio to going their own way. I myself have gone from owning a basket of stocks comprising around 10% of my portfolio down to just one stock. Just don't care to worry about individual stocks anymore.
by goblue100
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Improving the sound from t.v.
Replies: 29
Views: 1755

Re: Improving the sound from t.v.

AAA wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:59 am I'm updating this thread with what I ended up doing, with the help of someone who preferred to communicate in private messages.

Basically I took some components from a rarely used stereo system - the receiver and two 16" tall speakers. As my t.v. only has optical audio output I am still using the Panlong PL-DTAD decoder that provides L and R outputs for RCA cables which I feed into the Tape input on the receiver. The clarity of dialogue is greatly improved over what the t.v. speakers provide.
I would imagine all the sound is greatly improved. Good on you and the PM person on finding a good solution.
by goblue100
Mon Mar 25, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please help me organize the fixed income part of my portfolio
Replies: 130
Views: 8258

Re: Please hep me organise the fixed income part of my portfolio

Bond funds are available in a wide range of durations, so I don't know why you have a constant 7 years as the required investment horizon. But that applies to assets where you are spending principal. For bond assets that are generating income via interest, a short duration bond fund or money market is exposed to the risk of a considerable drop in interest rates and concomitant falloff in income. This could lead to spending principal whereas a somewhat longer duration would have provided for stability of income. There have always been at least a couple of schools of thought on this, at least on this forum. 1. Bond funds are just another investment that produces "returns". In times when yield curves are not inverted and yields aren...
by goblue100
Sun Mar 24, 2024 9:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please help me organize the fixed income part of my portfolio
Replies: 130
Views: 8258

Re: Please hep me organise the fixed income part of my portfolio

What's your opinion? That investing decisions that include recency bias and emotion need to be made very carefully. OP, as you learn more, reread the post bonesly made. (I definitely don’t have enough knowledge to add anything “real”) This then gets back to the core of WHY ARE YOU INVESTING IN BOND FUND? You want to put your principal at risk? take that risk in equities. If you are considering bond funds for safety (they are NOT SAFE!!), be prepared for another double digit drop. As happened between Jan-2024 and Feb-2024 (NOTHING REALLY!), simply being thwarted of expectations of a rate cut can decimate your bond fund. It is like a petulant child that throws tantrums just because he/she did not get the cookie that's expected. And it is not...
by goblue100
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Improving the sound from t.v.
Replies: 29
Views: 1755

Re: Improving the sound from t.v.

AAA wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:25 am
goblue100 wrote: Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:10 am The part I was thinking about is if there might be a sound setting on your TV that would help you but the whole article is geared to your problem of not hearing dialogue well.
Thanks but I've tried all the (few) sound settings on the tv.
They also talk about soundbars some and there is a linked article for best soundbars under $200.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertai ... under-200/
by goblue100
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Improving the sound from t.v.
Replies: 29
Views: 1755

Re: Improving the sound from t.v.

Have you read this article?
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertai ... n-your-tv/

The part I was thinking about is if there might be a sound setting on your TV that would help you but the whole article is geared to your problem of not hearing dialogue well.

I have a sound bar. I used to have my stereo receiver connected to speakers but my wife got tired of the speakers. The sound bar isn't as good but is better than just the TV speakers.
by goblue100
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:09 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 8166

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

TomatoTomahto wrote: Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:54 am I have to ignore people’s success stories with individual stocks, but that’s no more difficult than ignoring stories about gambling wins, dating successes, etc.
And you can be sure that if they have success stories about some stocks they also have some horror stories hidden in the closet.
The phrase up thread that said it best was it is simple but not easy. Everyone wants to tinker or go with the flavor of the day and can't leave well enough alone.
by goblue100
Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Controling Assets From the Grave
Replies: 31
Views: 3635

Re: Controling Assets From the Grave

Do you trust the final recipients to use the money as needed to care for your spouse? If you did, a simple solution would be to just leave that portion of the estate to them. That is of course not enforceable. I suspect there is a way to accomplish what you want, but it probably won't be simple, requiring someone to administer the trust.
by goblue100
Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cash accumulator pathology
Replies: 24
Views: 2484

Re: Cash accumulator pathology

PhinanceMD wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:27 pm I'm a cash accumulator who believes he can time the market,
You're playing the losers game.
https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Losers-G ... author_mpb

PhinanceMD wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:27 pm Overall, I'm moderate risk 4M net wealth no debt, young family, at 41yo, my desired asset allocation is 60/30/10 (stocks/bonds/cash). I currently sit at 13% cash. I've heard of band asset rebalancing, open to any suggestions.. :sharebeer
With a large net worth, it's hard to really lose, so there is that. I would set things up to invest automatically, twice a month. Autodraft from your checking account to your investment accounts.
by goblue100
Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:12 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?
Replies: 68
Views: 6422

Re: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?

lazynovice wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:04 am
goblue100 wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:43 am I think people need to remember if a topic irritates them for any reason they have the option not to read or reply to it. If you can't bear reading another SS claiming thread, then don't.
This is my point. Thank you.
You're welcome. I have threads that are my own personal Kryptonite. I have to remember my own advice above sometimes. It's hard not to be grumpy old man at times. :happy
by goblue100
Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:43 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?
Replies: 68
Views: 6422

Re: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?

I think people need to remember if a topic irritates them for any reason they have the option not to read or reply to it. If you can't bear reading another SS claiming thread, then don't.
by goblue100
Tue Mar 19, 2024 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4655

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

40 minutes will be tight. Skylink is your friend:
Skylink is a free light rail train that connects all five terminals and is the shortest route to your stop while inside of security.

Operates 24 hours a day
Trains arrive every two minutes
Average ride time of five minutes
Maximum ride time of nine minutes between farthest points
Easy access to shops and restaurants in other terminals
No ticket or pass needed
https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/plan/connect/
by goblue100
Tue Mar 19, 2024 7:59 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Courage to Invest in Equities
Replies: 57
Views: 4506

Re: Courage to Invest in Equities

Bull markets climb a wall of worry; bear markets slide down a river of hope. The market is at an all time high often.
Since the 1950s, the index has posted over 1,200 new highs, averaging more than 17 new highs per year — more than one in every 20 trading days. It's also reached multiple new highs in every decade since the 1950s, typically surpassing its previous peak more than 100 times each decade.
by goblue100
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5678

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

ruralavalon wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:42 am
goblue100 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:56 am
RetiredAL wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:36 am
lakpr wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:19 pm
I am completely soured on bond funds, and decided to NEVER INVEST A PENNY MORE in any bond fund going forward.
For me, I won't say NEVER, but I'll be very wary.
People need to quit taking the drop in bonds personally. Rates went up, bonds went down. Now we are being compensated with better dividends. My prediction is in a few years people will be complaining about the lack of returns from their stack of CD's.
The time to swear off bond funds was before the rate hikes, not after.
Yes, which I did not do. :oops: But having gone through one of the worst periods for bonds in history, I'm not going to quit playing this game now.
by goblue100
Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5678

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

lakpr wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:55 am
goblue100 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:52 am Ok, but if I don't like the offer you have to keep paying me $6 every year until I do.
I will change my mind at the 7 year mark you see, I will may start paying you only $2 per year at that time.
Or $12, we will roll a dice or use a random number generator to see. I'm starting to like this game we are inventing.
by goblue100
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5678

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

I am completely soured on bond funds, and decided to NEVER INVEST A PENNY MORE in any bond fund going forward. For me, I won't say NEVER, but I'll be very wary. People need to quit taking the drop in bonds personally. Rates went up, bonds went down. Now we are being compensated with better dividends. My prediction is in a few years people will be complaining about the lack of returns from their stack of CD's. Let me make an offer to you. Give me $100, I will pay you $6 every year, and at the end of 7 years I will return something other than $100. It will not be $0, it will not be $100, it depends on my fancy and mood at that time. Sounds like a deal? Take the emotions out of it. You are looking for better dividends right? I am offering the...
by goblue100
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5678

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

RetiredAL wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:36 am
lakpr wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:19 pm
I am completely soured on bond funds, and decided to NEVER INVEST A PENNY MORE in any bond fund going forward.
For me, I won't say NEVER, but I'll be very wary.
People need to quit taking the drop in bonds personally. Rates went up, bonds went down. Now we are being compensated with better dividends. My prediction is in a few years people will be complaining about the lack of returns from their stack of CD's.
by goblue100
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?
Replies: 66
Views: 5587

Re: How much should I leave to nieces/nephews vs. siblings vs. charity I'm passionate about?

Gradient Descent wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:24 pm It could be a very long time before you die. That token amount for nieces/nephews now in their 20s/30s could end up going to 50/60-something year olds themselves.

If you are only considering token amounts anyway, I just wouldn’t bother.
Or do it now. 15,000 in 20+ years is not nearly as useful as 10k now, to that 20 something year old. And you will be alive to see if they spent it usefully.
by goblue100
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 219
Views: 25583

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

Few things in life are expensive as divorce. A bad marriage is one.
by goblue100
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15728

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

TheTimeLord wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:50 pm
goblue100 wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:39 pm in the words of Warren Zevon, sung by Linda Ronstadt, "poor, poor, pitiful me". I only have 1.5 million to live on. I feel like I'm a step ahead of frugal.
Also the words of Warren Zevon "There's a train leavin' nightly called "When All is Said and Done"".
Love it! I've been listening to Warren's version of Steve Winewood's Back in the High Life. Seems to fit this thread, somehow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgs6eLCaN9s
by goblue100
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15728

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

in the words of Warren Zevon, sung by Linda Ronstadt, "poor, poor, pitiful me". I only have 1.5 million to live on. I feel like I'm a step ahead of frugal.
by goblue100
Sun Mar 10, 2024 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At what point did you prioritize health over money?
Replies: 65
Views: 8592

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

I never felt it was a choice of health or money. For me it was healthy or unhealthy. Did I want to smoke or not smoke? I finally chose to not smoke. Did I want to be really over weight, or just a little? (or not at all, but for me it appears a little is more realistic). At some point I understood that taking care of myself was more important than not. It started to look like the old saying of "if I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself" was coming true.
by goblue100
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1514

Re: Mackinac Island, Michigan

You can take a horse and carriage ride to sightsee. A 1 year old is generally ambivalent to their surroundings. The island won't be much different. Keep the child fed and rested and hope for good weather.
by goblue100
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?
Replies: 65
Views: 5610

Re: 16 yr old - how can I best take on high risk?

There was a whole thread on this option, PSLDX:
viewtopic.php?t=305950

I put some money into this that is earmarked for my heirs. They don't know they are taking on more risk, but hopefully it will be worth it.
by goblue100
Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Age 60+ AND retired? What's your asset allocation? What type of bonds/Fixed Inc instruments do you use?
Replies: 63
Views: 10030

Re: Age 60+ AND retired? What's your asset allocation? What type of bonds/Fixed Inc instruments do you use?

1. 63/62 60/35/5 (5% cash)
2. Intermediate bond fund, AGG. I used to have TIPs but simplified out of them around 2019.
3. AGG 100%. I have some CD's in my cash allocation.

I would say the most interesting thing is I never thought I would be as conservative as 60/40, but when the job went away I became more risk adverse.
by goblue100
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you deal with online misinformation?
Replies: 28
Views: 1782

Re: How do you deal with online misinformation?

I believe in Darwinism. People who are smart enough will soon find out the advice is bad and the others won't believe you anyway.
by goblue100
Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: at what age...?
Replies: 48
Views: 5260

Re: Retirees: at what age...?

mptfan wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:14 am
goblue100 wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:02 pm Shackles, I have a few.
But then again, too few to mention. - With apologies to ol blue eyes
You should apologize to Paul Anka, he wrote that song.
True. And he is still alive, so there is that.
by goblue100
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA question
Replies: 11
Views: 1620

Re: HSA question

sailaway wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:45 pm It sounds like your wife has and FSA, rather than HSA, based on the balance being on a debit card and the limited carryover.
I wonder if she has an HRA? The fact she can carry over $500 makes me think HRA.
https://www.metlife.com/stories/benefits/hra-vs-hsa/
by goblue100
Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:02 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: at what age...?
Replies: 48
Views: 5260

Re: Retirees: at what age...?

Shackles, I have a few.
But then again, too few to mention. - With apologies to ol blue eyes

My biggest shackle is the ACA subsidy and Roth rollovers and keeping the agi under 55,000. Luckily I'm able to spend some after tax money. I feel like the shackles will really come off in two years when we are on Medicare and don't have to worry about ACA.
by goblue100
Tue Feb 27, 2024 11:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution
Replies: 13
Views: 1730

Re: HSA Contribution

I found two useful IRS publications for anyone interested in this topic. I'll document them here on the off chance a forum search turns up this thread.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4942.pdf
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p969.pdf
by goblue100
Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution
Replies: 13
Views: 1730

Re: HSA Contribution

CFM300 wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:33 am
But I think what you're really asking is whether you have to have earned income to contribute to an HSA, and the answer is no.
This was the crux of the question that I was intending to ask. So IF I have a qualifying plan I could put money in and reduce my AGI?
And, I thank the other posters for trying to ensure I had a qualifying plan. As I said, I had assumed it was a qualifying but now I'm not sure and I'm leaning towards no.
by goblue100
Mon Feb 26, 2024 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution
Replies: 13
Views: 1730

Re: HSA Contribution

The deductible would qualify for 2023, as long as the plan provides no coverage under the deductible. So be sure there are no co-pays or $25 Dr. visits or anything like that. Generally a plan that is HSA qualified will have "HSA" in the plan name. If yours doesn't then you should probably assume that there is some disqualifying feature unless you are certain there is not. Thanks for the feedback. I had assumed (making an ass out of me) it was a HDHP but I can't find anything in the plan documents that says that. I guess I've been ok because I haven't made any new contributions since I left my job. I guess to be safe I shouldn't put anything in for 2023 and make sure to get a qualifying plan next open enrollment. To the person tha...
by goblue100
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution
Replies: 13
Views: 1730

Re: HSA Contribution

Take5Man wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 6:34 pm Does your current HSA plan have a deductible of $1,600 single, $3,200 family?
It is actually 1500/3000. It is BSW Premier HMO.
InMyDreams wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:17 am And...you're not on Medicare, right?
No, not on Medicare.
Mike Scott wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:21 pm Do you have a qualifying health insurance plan?
I believe it is.
by goblue100
Sun Feb 25, 2024 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution
Replies: 13
Views: 1730

HSA Contribution

So my wife and I are both 62 and retired. We had no earned income other than capital gains, dividends, interest and IRA to Roth rollovers. Can I contribute some of the dividends and interest into our HSA to lower our AGI? We ended up with a little higher income than I expected and losing $4850 of AGI would help but wanted to make sure it is allowed.
by goblue100
Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand my Fidelity 401(k) plan fees
Replies: 8
Views: 1127

Re: Help me understand my Fidelity 401(k) plan fees

cacophony wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 2:05 am I'm considering rolling a pretty large amount from my Vanguard IRAs to my Fidelity 401(k) plan

If there's a possibility they could add up to .2% after increasing my 401(k) holdings then doing the reverse rollover probably isn't a good idea.
I think its a bad idea. You have money in an IRA with no restrictions, why subject it to the whims of the 401k plan coordinator? If you want it at Fidelity just roll it into an IRA there.
by goblue100
Mon Feb 19, 2024 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 130
Views: 20961

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

Most of the people on this forum are investing 6 or 7 figures in VTI every day that they don't sell. Maybe Bill Gates. He is not talking about new investment he is talking about the investment you already have. Basically not selling is like buying everyday from a practical perspective because you are deciding to hold $X of that investment. I know, just having a little fun based on the way it was worded. :happy Its not the first time I've been accused of making things confusing. TheTimeLord has my meaning correct. There is no difference between someone making an initial investment or additional investment in something or holding that amount. You "buy" your portfolio every day that you don't sell it. And 6 figures could be $1,000.00
by goblue100
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 130
Views: 20961

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

Most of the people on this forum are investing 6 or 7 figures in VTI every day that they don't sell.
by goblue100
Thu Feb 08, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Are any BH's not wealthy?
Replies: 165
Views: 26455

Re: Are any BH's not wealthy?

KlangFool wrote: Tue Feb 06, 2024 2:29 pm OP,

1) Average American saves less than 5% of their gross income.

2) Average BH saves a lot more than that.

3) Hence, average BH is wealthy.

4) What is your saving rate?

5) It is not about income. It is about Live Below Your Mean (LBYM).

KlangFool
This is an interesting perspective that has been highlighted for me over the past week. Spending 2 weeks in Mazatlán Mexico with my sister in law who is still working and 66. My wife and I are 62 and have been retired two years. My sister in law has:
A life coach.
a naturopath
a stylist
a therapist

We have a paid off house.

Who is wealthy? Some will pick A, some will pick B.
by goblue100
Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do Bogleheads "Buy the Dip"?
Replies: 136
Views: 12782

Re: Do index investors "Buy the Dip"?

We feel good when we can buy something on sale, provided we can muster the courage to actually act when things are going poorly. But if we really hold cash, for say 3 or 4 years while waiting for the sale, we will likely find that our sale price is more than the entry point would have been 3 or 4 years ago.
by goblue100
Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you retire when you love your work?
Replies: 163
Views: 13208

Re: How do you retire when you love your work?

Artful Dodger wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 10:19 am I’ll go a step further and applaud you for staying in your career, following your Hippocratic oath, and benefiting others. You put a lot of time into your medical education and I think it’s great you continue finding your work rewarding.

You’re still young. Possibly you can find some ways to introduce a little more flexibility into your career and take a little more time off.
The surgeon that replaced my knee was 70, looked 60, and I had a wonderful result. I'm glad he didn't fire. OP, it's your life. Don't retire until you are ready.
by goblue100
Thu Feb 01, 2024 8:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset allocation strategy
Replies: 37
Views: 3806

Re: Asset allocation strategy

60% equities and about 40% fixed income. It has not changed since a few years before we retired and will not change going forward. I chose about 60% equities because I can compare portfolio performance to many 60/40 target risk funds. I check the portfolio composition as described in this thread: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=150267 Of course, what I do is personal to me and should not affect what you decide to do for yourself. Others may come along shortly and describe Larry Swedroe's "ability, willingness, and need to take risk." Now that I'm retired, I evaluated my need, ability and willingness to take risk and I also landed on 60/40 (actually 60/30/10). Early 40s, retired. 80-90% equities and 8-10 years of ...
by goblue100
Wed Jan 31, 2024 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Concerned my elderly parents are spending too much of retirement portfolio
Replies: 69
Views: 10569

Re: Concerned my elderly parents are spending too much of retirement portfolio

Appreciate all the advice - what I hear is 1) I shouldn’t be worried about portfolio depleting by current spending levels but 2) I should be concerned about absolute spending levels as they seem high for no go years. Thinking about #2 above a little more and my role - it’s not what my mom asked for help with and any spending investigation wouldn’t be welcomed. Another view is my Dad as a cardiologist worked his ass off until 75, built a healthy sized nest egg and I don’t have any business digging into it unless asked. I don’t have any evidence of fraud and think their spending has been around 200k per year over last decade. Is this really “none of my damned business”? Appreciate any perspective from more senior members of forum on this You...
by goblue100
Wed Jan 31, 2024 11:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The number one reason why investors fail
Replies: 94
Views: 16070

Re: The number one reason why investors fail

I failed to get S&P 500 returns because:
A. I invested in the full US stock market.
B. I invested internationally 18%.
C. I had money in REITS.

Do I regret my allocation? Not really, because my crystal ball was in the repair shop. Still is, for that matter. Still, I would have been better off investing as Warren Buffet said. Guess I should have listened to the real expert.
by goblue100
Mon Jan 29, 2024 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard login, asked for phone # to send PIN?
Replies: 40
Views: 3508

Re: Vanguard - 2FA Change

It's a little hard to see below, but this the 2FA page.

"Check your phone
We sent a security code to ***-***-1234. It expires in 10 minutes.

Six-digit security code (required)
Error: Please enter a response.
Send another code
Remember me? (required)

Yes, skip security codes when you recognize me.

No, prompt me with security codes every time I log in."


There are radio buttons to select either "No, prompt me with security codes every time I log in." or
"Yes, skip security codes when you recognize me."

The No option is the default one. Is there a chance you hit the yes option inadvertently?
For what it is worth it is working normally for me.
by goblue100
Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REITS As A Supplement to Bonds in Retirement
Replies: 77
Views: 8077

Re: REITS As A Supplement to Bonds in Retirement

...I often find myself puzzled where this "income" presumption comes from as it is a common one. Clearly it is conventional to label dividends and interest paid by assets as income to the portfolio, distinct from losses or gains in asset prices, but I don't understand why this is confused with the cash flow income in how a person raises funds to pay expenses outside the portfolio. It might be interesting to hear where this mix-up comes from... From before the end of fixed commissions on Mayday, May 1, 1975, I think! Yes, really. Before then, a typical brokerage commission for buying or selling stock was in the neighborhood of $150, plus an extra hidden fee of $0.50 for odd lot transactions. In general, it simply was not feasible ...
by goblue100
Mon Jan 29, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations needed for dental insurance for someone with no dental plan
Replies: 31
Views: 3023

Re: Recommendations needed for dental insurance for someone with no dental plan

I visit the dentist of my choice and pay out of pocket. After trying various dental plans I found this to provide flexibility in where I visit and not more expensive when factoring in the insurance premiums I no longer pay. This is what I do. I tried some insurance but once I figured out what it really covered which appeared not to be much I was just better off on my own. My dentist has a yearly plan for out of pocketers. It is slightly less than two out of pocket cleanings and x rays and I think he will give 10% off any work needed. I've done this the last two years. All dental insurance sucks. 100% - no exceptions. Don't buy it. I did not realize this was everyone else's experience as well. Makes me feel better I'm not missing something.
by goblue100
Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
Replies: 89
Views: 14720

Re: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?

I didn't have nearly as good a situation or incentive to keep working as you did. I managed to make it to 2 months short of 60 before pulling the plug. If I were you, I'd try to keep working while taking some expensive trips as vacations, if that is something you are considering once retired. It's easier to do it while you have a job and can recover some of the cash. Try a fake retirement using as much vacation as you are allowed.