Search found 942 matches

by Sbashore
Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Experience using Navy Fed as a hub 'bank' - esp if using Banktivity
Replies: 12
Views: 1584

Re: Experience using Navy Fed as a hub 'bank' - esp if using Banktivity

No specific comments regarding your specific questions but not a fan of the mortgage and real estate service. I used NFCU banking through 2008 until they screwed me over on a home loan (my third home purchase with them) that year in the midst of the meltdown and left us scrambling to avoid being homeless. It wasn’t until I started using other mortgage providers that I realized how smoothly the process should go. We did our first home purchase using their service for a discount and the agent was not familiar with the area we wanted to buy and it took a while to find the right place. I realize my experience is dated, but hey, it’s a data point! Exact thing happened to me with NFCU in 2010. They cancelled a closing 48 hours before it was sche...
by Sbashore
Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIPS Confession
Replies: 334
Views: 33194

Re: TIPS Confession

I started moving into TIPS in mid-2020 and by the end of the year was 100% fixed income in TIPS. My reasoning was similar to yours in that all I need at this stage of life is protection from inflation. It's served me well so far.

Thanks for the post. It's nice to have a sanity check on my reasoning. :happy
by Sbashore
Sat Jan 19, 2019 2:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack Bogle's Obituary From The Family
Replies: 48
Views: 20079

Re: Jack Bogle's Obituary From The Family

Thank you Taylor. The world could use more men like Jack Bogle.
by Sbashore
Tue Feb 13, 2018 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: G Fund in Wife's TSP
Replies: 4
Views: 1043

Re: G Fund in Wife's TSP

White Coat Investor wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2018 10:00 am Are your withdrawal plans compatible with the TSP withdrawal options? If so, keep it. If not, roll it over.
+1

I'm currently in the RMD phase with TSP. With a little planning it's not that hard.
by Sbashore
Tue Feb 13, 2018 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Did you learn anything from the market correction?
Replies: 160
Views: 17863

Re: Did you learn anything from the market correction?

No I didn't learn anything. The market corrected my portfolio did not.
by Sbashore
Mon Dec 04, 2017 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Opening a Traditional IRA Within Existing Vanguard Account
Replies: 19
Views: 1613

Re: Opening a Traditional IRA Within Existing Vanguard Account

livesoft wrote: Mon Dec 04, 2017 2:27 pm 1. Call Vanguard.
2. Ask "How do I open ....?"
3. Let them do it for you.
Or if you prefer. Call Vanguard. Tell them what you want to do. Let them walk you through it as you do it on line. Just did it a few weeks ago. You can do it all on line.
by Sbashore
Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rebalancing - Personal Philosophies
Replies: 43
Views: 5825

Re: Rebalancing - Personal Philosophies

My personal philosophy fits my personal situation. I've been retired for about 12 years. I rebalance according to bands, but have an absolute dollar threshold for selling equities. That way I keep a tight reign on my chosen equity risk exposure.
by Sbashore
Wed Aug 09, 2017 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bonds and Interest rates increase
Replies: 34
Views: 4493

Re: Bonds and Interest rates increase

BogleAlltheWay wrote:
livesoft wrote:The expected interest rate rise is ALREADY priced into bond funds.
I have been reading about the "bond bubble" and moving asset allocation into short term bonds or cds.
One example: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=224687
If I had done that when I first started hearing about a "bond bubble" (years ago) I would be poorer. Match your bond duration to your needs and stop trying to anticipate the future.
by Sbashore
Sat Aug 05, 2017 6:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Study: Who Sold Stock During the 2008-9 Crash?
Replies: 85
Views: 11201

Re: Study: Who Sold Stock During the 2008-9 Crash?

nisiprius wrote:Did the study examine the investor's stock allocation? Were the people who sold people that had been advised or otherwise noodged toward a too-aggressive stock allocation?
I have know people who for decades relied on a financial advisor. They had no idea of how much risk they were taking. They sold at the bottom.
by Sbashore
Sat Aug 05, 2017 1:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Study: Who Sold Stock During the 2008-9 Crash?
Replies: 85
Views: 11201

Re: Study: Who Sold Stock During the 2008-9 Crash?

I did not sell anything. I must confess to violating my own rules when I purchased GE @ $8. Just couldn't resist. 8-)
by Sbashore
Sat Aug 05, 2017 12:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stock market bubble
Replies: 26
Views: 4103

Re: Stock market bubble

I see no evidence of a bubble. Even if I did I wouldn't act on it. Odds are I'd be wrong.
by Sbashore
Thu Aug 03, 2017 3:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My wife is getting ready to retire from thr Federal Government.
Replies: 30
Views: 4282

Re: My wife is getting ready to retire from thr Federal Government.

hale2 wrote:Stay away! It sounds like an Equity Index Annuity. Companies like this prey on people about to retire. This company is one that focuses on retiring feds.

Just figure out what additional income you need in addition to your pensions and social security. Then come back and post with a question asking how your assets should be invested to help provide that income.
+1. You're better off taking the virtually risk free return of the G Fund. Any investment that offers to relieve risk will come at a steep price. Chances are this is an Equity Index Annuity as stated and comes with high expenses that are well concealed.
by Sbashore
Wed Jul 26, 2017 12:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How are folks handling the unprecedented rise in the market ?
Replies: 166
Views: 27618

Re: How are folks handling the unprecedented rise in the market ?

My IPS has already considered this type of market. I just stick to it and re-balance when it's appropriate.
by Sbashore
Wed Jul 26, 2017 12:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BASE INVESTMENT or What Your Ruler
Replies: 14
Views: 1538

Re: BASE INVESTMENT or What Your Ruler

I use the total stock market as my basic benchmark. Being at a target 50/50 allocation makes comparing my performance to my benchmark a simple mental calculation.
by Sbashore
Thu Jun 08, 2017 12:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: What are you doing about withdrawing?
Replies: 31
Views: 6588

Re: Retirees: What are you doing about withdrawing?

I calculate a "budget" amount I can withdraw based on average portfolio value over three years, next years estimated dividends and my life expectancy. It varies with my portfolio value, but very little given my computation method.
by Sbashore
Tue Apr 18, 2017 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "Vanguard's free RMD Service: Sign up before you turn 70½"
Replies: 23
Views: 4212

Re: "Vanguard's free RMD Service: Sign up before you turn 70½"

I have an inherited IRA from a younger spouse, so according to the IRS I get to start RMD according to her age. Vanguard doesn't seem to be able to handle this.
by Sbashore
Tue Apr 18, 2017 11:37 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Investors backing off their equity AA primarily due to 8-year bull market?
Replies: 56
Views: 7017

Re: Investors backing off their equity AA primarily due to 8-year bull market?

I'm staying the course. I do look at historical returns as a matter of curiosity sometimes. I guess we've been in a bull market, although when I look at 2011 and 2015 I'm not sure. Doesn't really matter to me since market performance is independent of my investing strategy.
by Sbashore
Fri Apr 14, 2017 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Settlement Fund / Personal Bank
Replies: 1
Views: 584

Re: Vanguard Settlement Fund / Personal Bank

I've done it both ways and always got the expected closing price.
by Sbashore
Mon Apr 10, 2017 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Confused [about investing books]
Replies: 16
Views: 2597

Re: Confused

Why don't you check this out? https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Getting_started

The videos might be helpful to illustrate some concepts before you start reading.
by Sbashore
Tue Mar 28, 2017 2:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Personal experience over time? [How far from retirement, time spent investing]
Replies: 31
Views: 4691

Re: Personal experience over time?

I retired in 2005. Have been using a passive index fund strategy since about 2000. I only have current records from when I retired. My average annual return since I retired has been 8.34 %. That's right in line with a 50/50 portfolio which I now hold, but I evolved to that from a 70/30 slice/dice portfolio that I held on my retirement date.
by Sbashore
Mon Mar 13, 2017 11:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Don't let your political views impact your investment strategy
Replies: 28
Views: 5358

Re: Don't let your political views impact your investment strategy

I have seen the impact of people's political views on investing over the years. Sometimes not understanding something leads one to have a distorted view of economics and investing.
by Sbashore
Thu Mar 02, 2017 9:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Three-Fund Portfolio Question?
Replies: 9
Views: 2245

Re: Three-Fund Portfolio Question?

Thanks Taylor. I suspected the answer, but mainly because you asked the question. :happy
by Sbashore
Wed Mar 01, 2017 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Timing the Market (just once)
Replies: 37
Views: 4555

Re: Timing the Market (just once)

Kaoboj wrote:I appreciate your level headed responses keeping me from harming myself with less-than-rational decision making.
I will stay the course with my selected allocations and re-balance quarterly as outlined in my personal investment plan.
Excellent idea. :happy

And welcome to the forum.
by Sbashore
Wed Mar 01, 2017 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Timing the Market (just once)
Replies: 37
Views: 4555

Re: Timing the Market (just once)

I know I shouldn't try to time the market. But I want to, just once. Hear me out. I just started making money last year (doctor) and I want to store up funds to buy when the market tanks. I don't think I have any special insight into when the next correction will hit, but I think it'll be in the next 5 years. So my two options, as I see it: 1. Give up this foolish notion and continue with my 5 fund 80/20 stock/bond ratio low cost indexing scheme and ride it out like the rest of the boglehead crew. 2. Invert my asset allocation to something like 10/90 stock bond ratio, giving up gains now for an opportunity to buy the market at its worst. I would set an arbitrary date of 5 years from now when, if the crash hadn't come, I'd revert to my orig...
by Sbashore
Thu Feb 16, 2017 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Stick with Vanguard Total Bond Index
Replies: 7
Views: 1662

Re: Stick with Vanguard Total Bond Index

I agree with DBR above. I'm retired and hold 50/50. Pay attention to your overall duration and you'll see that overall higher interest rates will be a benefit. I hold a combination of Vanguard Total Bond and TSP "G". My duration of all bond holdings is about 3 years so I'm not concerned. If a short term decline is something you're going to worry about, then CD's might be a worthwhile consideration. But like anything, you'll pay a price for the reduction in risk. You might want to think about matching how much cash you hold with the duration of your bond holdings. If you hold enough cash to meet your requirements for the term of your average duration you should be ok.
by Sbashore
Thu Jan 26, 2017 11:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP?
Replies: 13
Views: 2416

Re: TSP?

I consider it as a bond fund in my holdings.
by Sbashore
Mon Jan 09, 2017 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Turned 30! Women's advice for skin care??
Replies: 60
Views: 5979

Re: Turned 30! Women's advice for skin care??

Drink plenty of water.

Get plenty of sleep.

Guard against sun exposure.

Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
by Sbashore
Mon Jan 09, 2017 11:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Financial Moves You've Made
Replies: 158
Views: 27720

Re: Best Financial Moves You've Made

In my twenties as I walked my beat as a security guard, I used to mentally calculate how much I'd have in time if I saved X amount. Constantly varying the amounts, based on my ability to save. It was at a time in my life when I did not have much to save but set the stage for me as I progressed in life. That idea of being able to save as much as possible and still live a rewarding life along the way has served me well. I am now retired and enjoying the benefits.
by Sbashore
Fri Dec 23, 2016 12:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Optimal rebalancing strategy?
Replies: 7
Views: 1000

Re: Optimal rebalancing strategy?

My rebalancing strategy is optimal for my particular situation. At least I think it is. Not sure how to test it. :D
by Sbashore
Tue Dec 13, 2016 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A small new wrinkle on the old DCA vs lump sum question
Replies: 7
Views: 1056

Re: A small new wrinkle on the old DCA vs lump sum question

Your plan sounds good, given the circumstances. I understand completely. I manage a portfolio for someone else in addition to my own and am more concerned about that portfolio than my own. I don't let the feeling translate into my decision making however.
by Sbashore
Sun Dec 11, 2016 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cancelling Credit Cards
Replies: 9
Views: 1525

Re: Cancelling Credit Cards

Cancelling credit cards will increase your credit utilization percentage thus pinging your credit score a small amount, probably temporarily. That's been my experience anyway. I doubt in your situation it would make much difference. I cancelled some cards and basically it was a non-event.
by Sbashore
Sun Dec 11, 2016 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any experience with the Sleep Number bed?
Replies: 42
Views: 7741

Re: Any experience with the Sleep Number bed?

I had one ten years ago that I ended up getting rid of. The display on one of the controllers went bad, and the foam that gave the sides structural integrity kept shifting. All in all it was decent enough to sleep in, but I ended up moving and getting rid of it. My overall impression is that it was overpriced for the quality it provided. They may have improved over the years.
by Sbashore
Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is US stocks going up too fast?
Replies: 21
Views: 3507

Re: Is US stocks going up too fast?

elitistuser wrote:Just purchased my portfolio last week and its gone up a few percent already with the trump rally in US stock prices. Does this scare anyone lol
I know l'm suppose to be happy, but l thought passive investing is more about slow and progressive. I'm getting a little worried

,Les
Is it the Trump rally or the Santa Claus Rally? :happy Does anyone really know? Anyway, I just checked the S&P 500 this morning and it is up 9.9 % year today according to Morningstar. Personally I was reassured.
by Sbashore
Mon Nov 28, 2016 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Disputing fat hospital bill?
Replies: 33
Views: 5238

Re: Disputing fat hospital bill?

SimonJester wrote:Just to add, when in doubt call you insurance company AFTER you have your Explanation of benefits and have them walk you through it.

Also I don't pay any provider until I have the EOB and verify its correct.
+1. This is good advice. I've dealt with complicated health issues and ongoing huge medical bills as a caregiver. The only way to keep a handle on things is to pay off the EOB after verifying its accuracy. You'd be surprised how often medical billing makes a mistake.
by Sbashore
Tue Nov 22, 2016 10:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retreat to cash
Replies: 375
Views: 90835

Re: Retreat to cash

Your own words "essentially betting" sums up what you're doing. You're changing from a long term investor to a speculator. Not a great idea in my opinion.
by Sbashore
Wed Nov 09, 2016 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The market was off 800 points after hours! Why?
Replies: 8
Views: 2974

Re: The market was off 800 points after hours! Why?

Markets, even futures markets react to news. When something unexpected happens sometimes the transient reaction is major.
by Sbashore
Mon Oct 31, 2016 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to buy mutual fund accoutn for child?
Replies: 4
Views: 818

Re: When to buy mutual fund accoutn for child?

livesoft wrote:When this question is asked the predominant answer is "Buy now", but no one can predict the future.

So buy some now and buy some later. Since markets go up about 66% of the time, you might buy $6600 now and $3400 later. Or buy now. Investing is all about losing money, so one has to get used to that no matter what one does. That is, show me somebody who has never lost money in the stock market and I will show you somebody who has never invested longer than a year.

And your "stock market seems down right now" is amusing because lots of folks seem to think the opposite. :)
My YTD returns are up. So I'm one of those folks who think the opposite. :happy
by Sbashore
Wed Oct 05, 2016 11:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Adjusting the x% spending rule
Replies: 27
Views: 4540

Re: Adjusting the x% spending rule

I'm retired and I don't believe in following someone else's "rule".

I use a nominal percentage.

I compute a maximum withdrawal amount, call it my budget.

I consider my life expectancy and portfolio value averaged over the past two years.

Been working just fine.
by Sbashore
Tue Oct 04, 2016 10:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are implications of Jack Bogle's Morningstar interview
Replies: 39
Views: 6738

Re: What are implications of Jack Bogle's Morningstar interview

Hi Cody, Responses in your quoted post. I'm trying to wade through the future implications of the "Bogle: Tough Decade Ahead for Equity Investors" interview. I am in the withdrawal stage and, if I get it right, the interview points the way to much lower exceptions of future stock and equity growth. So what is the correlation between expected future returns and retirement withdrawal rates? I'm not sure there is a correlation. I have a plan for withdrawals based on my portfolio value and life expectancy. Since I use nominal values instead of real (inflation adjusted) values (think withdrawal rate) I'll just go with whatever my withdrawal plan provides. More specifically, if I buy the Bogle statement that real return will be about .5...
by Sbashore
Tue Sep 27, 2016 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Computer backup options
Replies: 21
Views: 3012

Re: Computer backup options

There's a product I use called Macrium. It has a free partition back-up and cloning version that is pretty robust. In the free version you can schedule periodic back-ups. Seems like a pretty professional product.

I like the quality and it's bailed me out so I know it works well.
by Sbashore
Tue Sep 20, 2016 10:26 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ETF vs. Mutual Fund
Replies: 21
Views: 4432

Re: ETF vs. Mutual Fund

I've held ETF's in the past, because I wanted to hold investments in Vanguard Funds at a non-Vanguard institution. Using ETF's in this scenario worked best for me.

When I left that institution and consolidated at Vanguard, I migrated to mutual funds because it was easier to manage and I had no need to engage in intra-day activities.
by Sbashore
Thu Aug 25, 2016 11:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Timing the Stock Market...lol
Replies: 25
Views: 3870

Re: Timing the Stock Market...lol

My IPS doesn't allow me to consider "a lot of talk" nor does it provide for "money on the sidelines". So not an issue for me. :happy
by Sbashore
Wed Aug 17, 2016 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone else getting nervous and converting to cash as a short-term move?
Replies: 116
Views: 17458

Re: Anyone else getting nervous and converting to cash as a short-term move?

Don't do anything until you have a well thought out plan. Once you have that, what to do is easy......execute the plan and stay the course.
by Sbashore
Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How often do you adjust your AA to account for your age?
Replies: 29
Views: 3814

Re: How often do you adjust your AA to account for your age?

I've been retired for eleven years. Currently my allocation is 50/50 equity/fixed. I entered retirement at 70/30 equity/fixed and adjusted to my present target which I aimed to hit at age 65. I accelerated that adjustment a bit during the run-up after 2008. I have no plans to change any more but do realize that at some point in the future I may want to go a little more into fixed.
by Sbashore
Mon Aug 15, 2016 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: US Gov vs federal contractor - medical benefits in retirement?
Replies: 35
Views: 5342

Re: US Gov vs federal contractor - medical benefits in retirement?

I'd say go with the Federal position. I've seen both sides. I'm a retired federal employee and the combination of pension/SS and medical benefits has me sitting quite comfortably, especially since I also have Medicare A and B.

I also know someone who worked, although not as a contractor, at a major corporation that began as a matter of unofficial policy to look for ways to let people go as they got older. I saw quite a few people get fired or "retired" ahead of when they wanted to go. Planning to work until 66 and getting laid off at 59 or 62 isn't fun and can disrupt plans.

Given both scenarios, I prefer the one I'm in.
by Sbashore
Wed Aug 10, 2016 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Strategic Default on Timeshares
Replies: 7
Views: 1972

Re: Strategic Default on Timeshares

powermega wrote:I think you should give the resorts the chance to take back the timeshares first. You can explain that your parents are older and are no longer traveling. There's a chance they'll just absolve your parents of any future obligations. I imagine the resorts have plenty of means to try to bill your parents and even file liens, etc.
This is how I dealt with relieving myself of a timeshare. They will most probably decline initially, so persistence is key. Sometimes telling them you plan to deed your interest to a willing third party does the trick, since they then lose control over who they may have to deal with in the future. That was actually my plan, but before I could initiate the company came back quickly and agreed to take it back.
by Sbashore
Wed Jul 27, 2016 11:00 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Traits of a successful investor
Replies: 29
Views: 3768

Re: Traits of a successful investor

In my forty plus years of investing experience, the factor which enabled me to successfully implement my investment strategy was patience.
by Sbashore
Mon Jul 25, 2016 3:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Fortitude Required of a Buy-and-Hold Equity Investor
Replies: 37
Views: 4207

Re: The Fortitude Required of a Buy-and-Hold Equity Investor

This is the first time I've seen a chart that illustrates very well my experience in the stock market since I retired in 2005 and my perception that going forward, no one really knows what will happen. We can hope though. :happy