Search found 163 matches

by rakornacki1
Tue Jul 25, 2017 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking Flat Fee Advisor for Retirement Planning
Replies: 2
Views: 678

Re: Seeking Flat Fee Advisor for Retirement Planning

Don't underestimate some of the free financial planning advice that they can get from a large investment company (i.e. Vanguard, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, etc.) if they are willing to allocate some of their portfolio to them. I have found this advice along with that contained within this Bogleheads forum to be sufficient to creat a long-term, risk-adjusted portfolio.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Tue Jul 25, 2017 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing Inheritance at age 24
Replies: 16
Views: 2450

Re: Investing Inheritance at age 24

Whatever your choice of investment, invest your lump-sum all at once. Don't worry about dollar-cost-averaging. Put your inheritance to work as soon as possible.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Tue Jul 25, 2017 6:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723386

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

The Whistler by John Grisham I consider this one of his bests, a great story that keeps your attention throughout. I enjoyed The Whistler and the look inside Indian casino gamling in Florida. My contemporaneous notes say "Was mildly interesting at first, then got very absorbing with all the complicated details." Camino Island on the other hand is proving the negative reviews correct. I'm halfway through and it doesn't even read like a Grisham novel. It's unremarkable -- no mystery, no suspense, no interesting conflicts between characters -- and the first part focuses on one group of characters, the next part focuses on another group of characters, and so on. I prefer following just one character or set of characters, but that's j...
by rakornacki1
Fri Jul 21, 2017 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723386

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

The Whistler by John Grisham
I consider this one of his bests, a great story that keeps your attention throughout.
by rakornacki1
Thu Jul 13, 2017 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) App
Replies: 7
Views: 1385

Re: Advice on a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) App

Thank you all for your timely, objective replies. I am hopeful that based upon your feedback, I will find & use a VOIP app.
by rakornacki1
Tue Jul 11, 2017 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k question
Replies: 10
Views: 1270

Re: 401k question

Yes, I definitely think that you should contribute to this 401k plan.
If you can contribute up to the maximimum match (6%), that would be great. If you can contribute more, even better.
Consider that the 'Compounding effect' over years of diligent saving will prove to be outstanding.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Mon Jul 10, 2017 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) App
Replies: 7
Views: 1385

Advice on a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) App

Can you please recommend a reliable app to make VOIP (Voice Over Internet Provider) voice calls?
Am currently using iOS.
Thank you.
by rakornacki1
Wed Jul 05, 2017 7:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those of you who handle all the finances, how do you keep your spouse "in the know"
Replies: 107
Views: 17682

Re: For those of you who handle all the finances, how do you keep your spouse "in the know"

Fidelity also offers their version of safe, secure, encrypted document storage, Fidsafe.
While I am not a big user, you can access it at www.fidsafe.com.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Wed Jul 05, 2017 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Two comma club - thank you
Replies: 16
Views: 5463

Re: Two comma club - thank you

Congratulations!

One way you can give back is to actively and publicly reply to this forum. Read, study, experience; then post advice (tips, tricks & traps) so that we can all learn.

Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lump sum investing in stocks vs. DCA
Replies: 55
Views: 6289

Re: Lump sum investing in stocks vs. DCA

Helpful Chinese proverb: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is today.
Put your $$$ to work for you as soon as possible.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Tue Jun 27, 2017 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723386

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

The Generals by Winston Grooms.
A very good review of three great heros who won World War II, Generals MacArthur, Patton & Marshall. Truly inspiring.
I am, however, saddened that Grooms did not include General of the Armies Eisenhower as one of the primary Generals.
by rakornacki1
Sun Jun 11, 2017 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Joint bank account w/parent or not?
Replies: 29
Views: 5747

Re: Joint bank account w/parent or not?

Assuming that you both have a very trustworthy relationship, then I would suggest a simple Power of Attorney. Easy, simple, non-invasive.
by rakornacki1
Sun May 28, 2017 8:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is it investor behavior that dooms Active Mutual Funds?
Replies: 28
Views: 2498

Re: Is it investor behavior that dooms Active Mutual Funds?

At the margin, Active Management is much less efficient than Passive Management for the true 'Investor' (i.e. The proper balance of risk-adjusted returns). However, human behavior can get in the way if one seeks to 'Chase after returns' and thus become a 'Gambler'. It takes true personal discipline to stick with your long-term Investment Plan.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Fri May 26, 2017 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cleaning of Hardwood Floors
Replies: 4
Views: 2400

Cleaning of Hardwood Floors

What is the best solution to use to properly clean hardwood floors? Frequency?
THank you.
by rakornacki1
Wed Apr 26, 2017 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG Advisory Services
Replies: 7
Views: 1272

Re: VG Advisory Services

At VG's recommendation some time ago, I did follow their advice and bought a small amount of International Bond Fund. Since then, it has out-performed their Total Bond Fund. So, while not necessary in a portfolio, I have been satisfied with its performance. A consideration for you. Good luck & great profits! What you report is just not any one of the possible reasons that one might buy that fund. I counted 108 different Vanguard funds that outperformed International Bond Fund on return since inception and 14 that did not. Recommending based on a 14 out of 122 chance of outperformance is not a very good bet. Yes, but a recommendation based upon 1 out of 2 (International Bond Fund vs. Total Bond Fund) is not bad. Good luck & great pr...
by rakornacki1
Sun Apr 23, 2017 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG Advisory Services
Replies: 7
Views: 1272

Re: VG Advisory Services

At VG's recommendation some time ago, I did follow their advice and bought a small amount of International Bond Fund. Since then, it has out-performed their Total Bond Fund. So, while not necessary in a portfolio, I have been satisfied with its performance.
A consideration for you.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Thu Apr 20, 2017 6:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: value of stock options
Replies: 30
Views: 3842

Re: value of stock options

Since the tax implications are so important to you (as they rightfully should be), I would suggest that while trying to maximize your gains you do this over 2 or 3 tax years, effectively smoothing out your tax burden.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Wed Apr 19, 2017 6:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723386

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

The Undoing Project by Michael Lewis.

A terrific read into a discovery on how two psychologists seamlessly integrated the use of statistics into value-based judgements and predictions. It also demonstrated why 'regret' is so powerful when making decisions.
by rakornacki1
Mon Apr 17, 2017 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Personal Assistants: Amazon Echo or Google Home?
Replies: 7
Views: 1244

Personal Assistants: Amazon Echo or Google Home?

Would appreciate any insight, advantages or disadvantages, of purchasing an Amazon Echo or Google Home Personal Assistant.
What is your experience?
Also, where is the preferred place to purchase one?
by rakornacki1
Mon Apr 17, 2017 6:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why invest in International Index Fund?
Replies: 39
Views: 9003

Re: Why invest in International Index Fund?

I believe that the simple answer is simply that owning an international stock fund provides for additional diversification. That's it. You can construct a 3-fund portfolio without any international exposure. However, if you would like additional diversification, then chose an intl fund, like VG Total International Stock Fund.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Sun Apr 02, 2017 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice on Long-term Health Care Insurance
Replies: 15
Views: 2501

Advice on Long-term Health Care Insurance

Would appreciate your advice (tips, tricks, traps) on purchasing Long-Term Health Care Insurance.
Thank you.
by rakornacki1
Fri Mar 31, 2017 6:38 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Master Thread - Greenville Metro Bogleheads
Replies: 13
Views: 4890

Re: Master Thread - Greenville Metro Bogleheads

Not to my knowledge. Are you interested in re-starting one?
by rakornacki1
Mon Mar 27, 2017 6:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Keep JNJ or invest everything in index funds?
Replies: 18
Views: 2490

Re: Keep JNJ or invest everything in index funds?

From my experience, Computer Shares is not at all an easy organization to work with in selling/transferring shares. Whatever your decision, take the time to talk with them upfront to save yourself some time.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Sun Mar 26, 2017 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: GEICO vs. USAA auto insurance
Replies: 59
Views: 29205

Re: GEICO vs. USAA auto insurance

USAA's Subscriber Savings Account and Senior Subscriber Savings Account may be the best loyalty bonuses that I know. Further, I have never had any problems with claims nor adjustments with USAA. They are a 'most admired' organization.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Fri Mar 24, 2017 6:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Jumping back in the market
Replies: 29
Views: 5329

Re: Jumping back in the market

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is today. - Chinese proverb
Put your money to work for you either by a lump-sum purchase or dollar-cost averaging amounts, whatever allows you sleep at night. But, in the end, stay fully invested.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Tue Mar 14, 2017 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PayPal - Any Disadvantages?
Replies: 49
Views: 10913

PayPal - Any Disadvantages?

While understanding the financial and efficiency advantages of PayPal, do you know of any disadvantages, especially those associated with security (personal or site)?
by rakornacki1
Wed Mar 08, 2017 6:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Personal Advisor service, or 3 fund portfolio
Replies: 12
Views: 3107

Re: Vanguard Personal Advisor service, or 3 fund portfolio

I would suggest that IF you feel relatively confident in your own ability to manage your portfolio that you save these expenses and manage your investments yourself.
Following Bogleheads.org is great source of personal investment advice and you can access it as frequently as you like.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Sat Mar 04, 2017 7:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Combining retirement savings accts into 1: good? bad?
Replies: 10
Views: 2229

Re: Combining retirement savings accts into 1: good? bad?

One other consideration for you is that a 401k plan is still ultimately controlled by the enterprise that sponsored it (former employer) while an IRA is controlled by you.
Thus, you must weigh the advantages of your choices in the 401k (funds, fees, etc.) with the possibility that the enterprise could make future changes to this plan. On the other hand, you have complete control over your choices (plan admistrator, funds, fees, etc.) in an IRA.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Mon Feb 27, 2017 6:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Buffett: Indexing the Best Choice for Investors Large and Small"
Replies: 16
Views: 3721

Re: "Buffett: Indexing the Best Choice for Investors Large and Small"

Despite the overwhelming empirical data which favor passive investing, I recently read that only 22% of all stock mutual funds are invested in Index Funds. Thus, my conclusion is that while growing this category is still far from being considered 'too big'.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Wed Feb 22, 2017 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723386

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Charlie Wilson's War by George Crile.
A fascinating, memorable chronology of how this Texas congressman was truly behind the scenes during the end of the Cold War through the Iraq invasion.
by rakornacki1
Tue Feb 21, 2017 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garage Floor Covering - Need Advice
Replies: 20
Views: 2299

Garage Floor Covering - Need Advice

Am considering having our garage floor covered/protected. Can anyone provide advice on either the more permanent epoxy covering or the semi-permanent 'plastic jigsaw pieces' coverings?
Primary objective is to protect our new concrete garage floor at a reasonable cost.
Thank you, in advance.
by rakornacki1
Thu Feb 16, 2017 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it reasonable to have 100% in the stock market?
Replies: 58
Views: 8544

Re: Is it reasonable to have 100% in the stock market?

With regard to 'risk-adjusted returns', yes, a 100% equities portfolio is possible. You appear to accept the downside effects to achieve the upside gains.
However, I would recommend that you not simply extrapolate your current income stream. Unfortunate events do happen in life which can derail or even obliterate your job/income today.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Fri Feb 10, 2017 6:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Need some insight into my investments - 401k/Roth Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 1351

Re: Need some insight into my investments - 401k/Roth Vanguard

Since you are investing for the long-term and desire a comfortable retirement, I suggest that you automatically eliminate all funds with an expense ration >0.20%.
High ER funds will drain your portfolio through many years of savings, more than you can imagine. Further, you do have other stellar funds that can produce good returns at a much lower cost.
Good luck & great profits! :moneybag
by rakornacki1
Sat Jan 28, 2017 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11145
Views: 2084841

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Fences with Denzel Washington.
Outstanding acting - terrible storyline.
by rakornacki1
Sun Jan 22, 2017 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rolling Over A 401K
Replies: 6
Views: 900

Re: Rolling Over A 401K

One important consideration for you is the following:
- should you leave your investments in the 401k, your former employer still 'controls' the plan (i.e. Which fund company, the types of funds available, etc.)
- should you roll over your investments into an IRA, you have control of which fund company to use, their available funds, etc.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Value of House in Planning for Retirement
Replies: 46
Views: 4487

Re: Value of House in Planning for Retirement

Whether you consider your primary residence as part of your retirement portfolio is obviously debatable. However, I believe that your projections are too optimistic. Will your current house really appreciate in value at 3% per year (every year) until you retire? Will it be easy, without costs (realty, closing, relocation, etc.), to sell your current house?
If you are confident with your assumptions, 'drive on'. If not, you may want to tone them down.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Mon Jan 16, 2017 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lease vs. Buy - Car
Replies: 5
Views: 1962

Lease vs. Buy - Car

Can you please provide some advantages/disadvantages for a lease vs. buy decision on a car?
Am doing my due diligence prior to making a decision within the coming months.
Thank you, in advance.
by rakornacki1
Fri Jan 13, 2017 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What else can I do with my job experience
Replies: 14
Views: 2245

Re: What else can I do with my job experience

I would suggest trying 'LinkedIn' as a great place to network and search for similar type of employment opportunities.
Obviously, you will have to describe your current strengths, abilities, and work history to best match what you are looking for.
Good luck.
by rakornacki1
Fri Jan 13, 2017 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: how friends can hurt you financially unintentionally
Replies: 24
Views: 4248

Re: how friends can hurt you financially unintentionally

The lines are blurring more & more between U.S. And international investments. All of the S&P 500 companies do business outside of the geographical United States. Just because their headquarters are located in the U.S. Or they are licensed here, doesn't mean that they are not affected by foreign exchange rates, countries' labor laws, foreign inflation, monetary policy, etc. Further, if a company is a manufacturer of goods, many times their sub-components are fabricated elsewhere and simply finished in a U.S. Factory.
So, while investing some of your portfolio in international funds is advised, it is not necessary to have a diversified allocation.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Sat Nov 19, 2016 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review; seeking to leave financial advisors
Replies: 20
Views: 2850

Re: Portfolio review; seeking to leave financial advisors

Your logic appears sound. I believe that you can make the switch as soon as possble. Those ERs are very high with Wells Fargo. Your asset allocation seems good, a bit conservative, but if that is your comfort zone, you can stay with it. If at a later date you don't want to manage your portfolio yourself, you can always sign up for Vanguard's 'Personal Advisory Service' which has a fee of only 0.3%.
Good luck with your decision & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Mon Nov 14, 2016 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Book recommendation to new investors
Replies: 11
Views: 2063

Re: Book recommendation to new investors

The most complete, understandable and action-oriented personal investment advice book that I would recommend is Jack Bogle's 'Common Sense on Mutual Funds (10 ed.)'.
Good luck and great profits!
by rakornacki1
Tue Sep 27, 2016 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three Full Days in Asheville, NC - Help for First Timers
Replies: 30
Views: 4939

Re: Three Full Days in Asheville, NC - Help for First Timers

I would recommend the Sierra Nevada brewery tour. It is a fascinating place with professional, down-to-earth, informative tour guides. They also have a great gift shop and restaurant with unique dishes.
by rakornacki1
Tue Sep 27, 2016 6:54 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it matter what type of college one goes to?
Replies: 278
Views: 33001

Re: Does it matter what type of college one goes to?

On the short-term, Yes, recruiters can be biased. On the long-term, No, the cream does rise to the top.
by rakornacki1
Mon Sep 19, 2016 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1723386

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Commander-In-Chief by Tom Clancy, one of his best.
by rakornacki1
Wed Sep 14, 2016 7:13 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Your Questions for the Experts Panel Q&A @ Bogleheads Conference
Replies: 52
Views: 12071

Re: Your Questions for the Experts Panel Q&A @ Bogleheads Conference

What is the panel's recommendation on the optimal range for one's equities holdings in international funds? VG is now recommending 30%-50%. Do other Bogleheads agree with this range?
Thank you.
by rakornacki1
Tue Sep 13, 2016 6:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wait to switch from active to passive
Replies: 11
Views: 1836

Re: Wait to switch from active to passive

The sooner that you make the transition to index funds, the lower will be your parent's expenses due to lower expense ratios. I would suggest that you make these moves now.
Good luck & great profits.
by rakornacki1
Fri Aug 19, 2016 6:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: index funds
Replies: 3
Views: 765

Re: index funds

Index funds, because of their low expenses and diversification, can be used in all types of portfolios.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Sun Aug 14, 2016 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Epson Multimedia Projectors for TV Home Theater - Advice Needed
Replies: 1
Views: 523

Epson Multimedia Projectors for TV Home Theater - Advice Needed

Does anyone have any experience with Epson Multimedia Projectors for use in a Home Theater System?
Specific models and any installation advice (tips, tricks, traps) would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, in advance.
by rakornacki1
Mon Aug 01, 2016 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inactive employer 401k question
Replies: 12
Views: 1544

Re: Inactive employer 401k question

When you do retire, you can transfer this portion of your portfolio into a 'Rollover IRA' with Fidelity (or whomever) which will give you the freedom to chose from a vast array of mutual funds.
Good luck & great profits!
by rakornacki1
Fri Jul 22, 2016 6:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A Well Balanced Portfolio?
Replies: 17
Views: 2911

Re: A Well Balanced Portfolio?

Yes, a well-balanced and ultra low cost portfolio.
Now, I would recommend that you stay true to it, whether you are 20 years old or 80.
Good luck & great profits!