Search found 47 matches

by Belmont
Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: House Fund - 10-12 Year Timeline
Replies: 4
Views: 453

Re: House Fund - 10-12 Year Timeline

I probably shouldn't have used the word "retirement home".

I am looking to buy a new home in about 10-12 years. We're planning to retire in it, but I won't be retired. I'm currently 38 years old and I suspect I'll be working until 55 or so.
by Belmont
Sat Jan 26, 2019 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: House Fund - 10-12 Year Timeline
Replies: 4
Views: 453

House Fund - 10-12 Year Timeline

Hello Bogleheads,

Before I start to squirrel away a set amount of money each year to save for my retirement home, I want to make sure I'm optimizing where I put the money. Right now, my emergency fund and extra cash is stored in FSJXX. I chose this some time ago on the advice of Bogleheads because I am in the highest tax bracket.

Given that this is a medium term investment, I'm not sure keeping the money here makes the most sense.

Looking for suggestions on where you might consider investing money earmarked for a new home with planned, set contributions annually. I do all of my investing with Fidelity, and I see they have a plethora of fixed income options, just not sure where to begin.

Thanks!
by Belmont
Sun Oct 08, 2017 5:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BitConnect [Cryptocurrency]
Replies: 10
Views: 1809

Re: BitConnect [Cryptocurrency]

Thanks LadyGeek, I will read through the content.

I understand the risks with BitCoin and other cryptocurrencies, but watching a friend of mine make what appears to be unrealistic returns for months on end is causing me to explore this a bit further. I would never invest/gamble more than a few % of my net worth on this, but when I see what appears to be a sane mind making tons of money on something I don't understand I want to be sure I'm not missing an opportunity.

Lots to learn.
by Belmont
Sun Oct 08, 2017 4:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: BitConnect [Cryptocurrency]
Replies: 10
Views: 1809

BitConnect [Cryptocurrency]

Hello Bogleheads,

Has anyone here extensively researched BitConnect? A friend of mine has been selling his friends and family on the merits of the platform, but it seems too good to be true. It reeks of a Ponzi scheme.

Admittedly, I don't fully understand cryptocurrency and I intend to invest the requisite time to learn it, but I'm wondering if anyone here has specific experience with this particular platform.

Thanks in advance.
by Belmont
Sat Nov 19, 2016 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fee Based FA
Replies: 2
Views: 1057

Fee Based FA

Hi,

Who are the go-to fee based advisors for Bogleheads these days?
by Belmont
Thu Dec 25, 2014 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 997

Re: Roth IRA Conversion

Hi JW,

I'm not sure I understand the question, my apologies. All I've ever done is just write a check to Fidelity for the maximum amount every January, and never really paid attention to anything more.
by Belmont
Thu Dec 25, 2014 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 997

Re: Roth IRA Conversion

Got it, so I'll just leave it alone and convert when I'm in a lower bracket.

I wasn't sure if time played a factor in that decision, but it doesn't sound like it does. Thanks!
by Belmont
Thu Dec 25, 2014 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 997

Re: Roth IRA Conversion

by Belmont
Thu Dec 25, 2014 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 997

Roth IRA Conversion

Greetings,

I am currently 34 years of age, and have a traditional IRA funded with about $75k in VNQ. I'm in the highest tax bracket and will likely remain in it for the foreseeable future. I'm trying to determine if converting to a Roth IRA makes sense for me, and when I should do it. The online calculators seem to suggest that it makes sense for me, but I thought I'd check here to see if anyone has any particular advice or considerations before I make the switch.

Thanks!
by Belmont
Mon Jun 02, 2014 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

Does anyone else have any input for me?

Thanks in advance!
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

I slightly re-phrased my reply.

I appreciate the perspective, and don't necessarily disagree with it. I'm confident in my ability to continue to earn a high income, and with very little debt and modest monthly obligations, I can scale back dramatically if needed. But for now, I'm enjoying the fruits of my labor to keep me sane and motivated to continue to excel.

:sharebeer
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

With regard to savings, I have been doing steady upgrades and renovations on the house, and I spend a lot on entertainment and toys. Is it practical? Of course not, but it sure is fun. I can easily afford to do it, and philosophically I see no reason to put 50% of my income away for retirement. I could be dead next week. That being said, my goal is to find a balance. If I can have the finer things in life and put away enough for a comfortable retirement, then that's what I will do. Also, kids aren't cheap and the vast majority of these expenses are non-repeatable, which means in a few years when these projects are finished my savings rate will continue to rise.
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

Regarding I-Bonds, it doesn't seem like a very suitable investment vehicle for me, unless I'm missing something. http://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/I_savings_bonds I Bonds redeemed when the investor is in a high tax bracket may provide little or no positive after-tax, after-inflation return, especially if they are held for shorter periods of time. For this reason, if you expect to be in a high tax bracket when you redeem your I Bonds, they may not be a suitable investment for you. Specifically, if you are in your 20s, in 30 years you may well be in your peak earning years, which means you would probably be in a high tax bracket when the bonds mature. To illustrate the point, here is the after-tax, after-inflation value of $1 invested in I bonds...
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

All,

Again, thanks so much for the different perspectives. Please keep it coming! :mrgreen:

I have some additional information that may or may not be useful to you, along with a question or two that comes to mind.

1. I have two kids, and fund a 529 for each of them in the amount of $6000/yr. Too much? Not enough?
2. My emergency fund is fully funded at $100k, however it's currently sitting at $150k to cover some home improvement projects on the docket for later this year.
3. I owe about $260k on my mortgage.
4. I do not have any other debt with the exception of automobile leases.
5. Should I leave my company stock alone? I'm tempted to sell it, but I believe it will continue to grow.
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

Several points. 4: You have international small caps, but no US small caps. I have a Russell 2000 index fund in my 401k, and I use IJS (small value) to augment that in taxable. I further add EWX (emerging markets small cap) to get to my targeted exposure to small caps across all of: US, Intl. Developed, EM. This has been a great decision, as the correlations have made these otherwise volatile investments VERY tame and VERY productive. He has a sizeable holding in taxable of FTSE All World Ex US (VEU), which does not include international small caps. I saw his International Small (VSS) holding as mostly a way to reflect the total market -- rather than an attempt to overweight/tilt. I'm guessing he bought VEU before VXUS was available -- so ...
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

Several points. 1: It seems that your savings rate is low for being in the 39% bracket. What % of gross income are you saving? 2: I did not see I-Bonds. I-Bonds are an amazing, inflation indexed, instrument for both short term EF needs (after the 1 year waiting period), and long term liability matching. I would recommend starting to buy them for you and your wife to the maximum each year ($20k). 3: I ditched REIT's a year ago. They must pay 90% of their profit in the form of dividends. They also saw a 70% decline in 2009, and prior to that had show equity-like volatility!!! With a yield under 3%, I did not view the risk as "worth it." Many feel differently on this, so take with a grain of salt. 4: You have international small cap...
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

Gotcha, so based on that I'd rather stick with your recommendation of VEXAX and just purchase some of that in taxable since I'd really like to keep the portfolio simple. Right now I have about 25k that I transferred to my taxable. Would it make sense to invest all of it in VEXAX?

Are there any other glaring issues or tweaks you might consider for my portfolio for this year?

Thank you!
by Belmont
Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

Re: 2014 Portfolio Review

Thanks for the reply. I meant to say $5500, sorry about that.

What about VSCIX? Interestingly, I have that as an available option in my 401k. Would it make sense to rebalance some of the FUSEX into this? If so, what's the recommended small cap allocation?
by Belmont
Sat May 31, 2014 4:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2014 Portfolio Review
Replies: 28
Views: 2758

2014 Portfolio Review

Hi, For the most part, I've left my portfolio alone over the past few years, but now that it's grown a bit I just want to be sure I'm still on point. I welcome any advice or tweaks you might have. For starters, I know I need to open an IRA in my wife's name. I'll get that done this year. Emergency Funds: 12 months, currently in FSJXX money market. Debt: Mortgage, 15 year fixed, 4.25% Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate: 39% Federal, NJ resident Age: 34 Desired Asset Allocation: 65/35 Intl Allocation: 30% of stocks Current Portfolio: $698k Taxable 130k - VANGUARD INTL EQUITY INDEX FD INC FTSE ALL-WORLD EX-US (VEU)(ER 0.25%) 72k - VANGUARD INDEX FDS VANGUARD TOTAL STK MKT ETF (VTI) (ER 0.07%) 27k - VANGUARD INTL EQUITY INDEX FD...
by Belmont
Sun Feb 27, 2011 4:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Life Insurance - Tax Advantaged Investment Vehicle?
Replies: 16
Views: 3339

Good information thus far, I appreciate it.

I'm certainly rethinking continuing the conversation any further based on the negative opinion and just sticking with my existing term life policy.
by Belmont
Sun Feb 27, 2011 12:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Life Insurance - Tax Advantaged Investment Vehicle?
Replies: 16
Views: 3339

Interesting, I'm looking forward to hearing the responses!
by Belmont
Sun Feb 27, 2011 12:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Life Insurance - Tax Advantaged Investment Vehicle?
Replies: 16
Views: 3339

Life Insurance - Tax Advantaged Investment Vehicle?

Through some work associates, I was referred to a gentlemen who sells life insurance amongst other things for a living at Northwestern Mutual. After discussing my investment methodology, he seemed to indicate that I was doing things the right way, which of course I knew already, being a Boglehead. However, he mentioned that many of the "rich" in this country that exhaust their 401k, IRA, etc. need additional ways to shelter money from Uncle Sam. One of the ways was to use Life Insurance as a tax free investment vehicle. I believe he used the term "non-qualified", and essentially any money you put in it grows tax free while providing life insurance at the same time. It's considerably more than term obviously, but it's bei...
by Belmont
Sun Jan 23, 2011 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2011 Portfolio Review
Replies: 13
Views: 1715

Friendly bump!

If anyone has any additional feedback to share I'd be appreciative, or even a confirmation that I'm doing the right thing (above and beyond the great suggestions above).
by Belmont
Sat Jan 22, 2011 11:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2011 Portfolio Review
Replies: 13
Views: 1715

Thanks Bob, I will do that.
by Belmont
Sat Jan 22, 2011 11:32 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2011 Portfolio Review
Replies: 13
Views: 1715

You have virtually no small cap foreign stocks with VEU for your internationa holdings. You would need some VSS to complement the VEU. Funny you mention that. I was reading an article this morning in a recent issue of Money Magazine where they indicated that this fund would be changing to be a true "all in one" International fund to capture small caps as well. Do you have any insight into that? So you have well over $400k of gross annual income. You don't say what kind of IRA, but I conclude it must be a non-deductible tIRA converted immediately to a Roth (that is, a back door Roth). Please confirm for readers. No Her IRA? I wouldn't say well over, but in 2011 I will exceed it, yes. It is currently a non-deductible IRA but I have...
by Belmont
Sat Jan 22, 2011 11:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2011 Portfolio Review
Replies: 13
Views: 1715

2011 Portfolio Review

Hello, Several years ago I was introduced to the Boglehead methodology and have been a believer ever since. One of things I realize as I learn more is how little I actually know, so as a result I'd greatly appreciate if the masters can give a few pointers on any maintenance that may need to be done or changes that should be made to my portfolio this year. Emergency Funds : 6 months, currently in FSJXX money market. Debt : Mortgage, 30 year fixed, 5.75% Tax Filing Status : Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate : 35% Federal, NJ resident Age : 31 Desired Asset Allocation : 75/25 Intl Allocation : 30% of stocks Current Portfolio : $313,610.06 Taxable 23% VANGUARD INTL EQUITY INDEX FD INC FTSE ALL-WORLD EX-US (VEU)(ER 0.25%) 14% VANGUARD INDEX FDS VA...
by Belmont
Tue Jan 05, 2010 2:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance Companies
Replies: 3
Views: 1099

Insurance Companies

Hi All,

Was curious to see if anyone has recently consolidated various insurance vehicles and what your experience has been?

It seems every insurance company is riddled with horror stories. Are any of them any good?
by Belmont
Wed Jul 29, 2009 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: That Frugal Thing You Do
Replies: 642
Views: 160482

I take a slightly different approach.

Outside of buying in bulk when possible, I enjoy life with the luxuries that many of you seem to scoff at. While you're smugly driving your 2002 Civic, I'm smugly driving my $85,000 Lexus and still putting more money away than you.

Not everyone who has nice toys is an idiot with their money. I chose to focus on growing my income as opposed to clipping coupons and cheaping out on popcorn at the movies, and because of that I have the best of both worlds. I also donate money to my favorite charities monthly.

Sorry if that seems mean or harsh, but some of you should consider putting more of an emphasis on making money as opposed to being so miserly with what you have.
by Belmont
Sat Feb 21, 2009 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is it time to abandon " stay the course " and
Replies: 53
Views: 8590

I'm a bit surprised to see these responses. Things are tough right now, but we're still a fundamentally healthy economy. 91% of the population is paying their mortgages on time. 92% of the population gets up in the morning and goes to work to put food on the table for their family. That's an overwhelming majority. I still see large corporations spending money, and in many cases hiring. It's obvious that some industries have been hit hard, and some will be forced to re-invent themselves, but to abandon ship now is the worst thing you can do. I recommend re-reading the Bogleheads book in times like these as it has helped me to shift focus from short term events and the media to the long term investing methodology that has enabled many to buil...
by Belmont
Mon Dec 29, 2008 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2009 - Rebalancing Advice Needed
Replies: 8
Views: 1687

Ok, it is non-deductable. I just spoke with a Fidelity rep.

My income is well over the limits for Roth so there's no hope for me there.

So far I have already spent the 5k for the non-deductable in 2008 for me, but haven't done so for my wife yet. Do you know if it's feasable to put one IRA in both of our names and contribute twice the amount for the sake of simplicity?
by Belmont
Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2009 - Rebalancing Advice Needed
Replies: 8
Views: 1687

Sorry, I have corrected that section as well.

No real reason other than I just haven't done it. I suppose I should considering the tax benefits.

My IRA appears to be deductable?

http://personal.fidelity.com/planning/r ... cvsr?bar=p

Also, because we file jointly am I reading this correctly that I can contribute $10,000 to this annually?
by Belmont
Mon Dec 29, 2008 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2009 - Rebalancing Advice Needed
Replies: 8
Views: 1687

Hi Laura,

I have updated the above as requested.

Because of our income we do not qualify for a Roth, so I have just been maxing out the traditional IRA instead. My wife does qualify for one, however we have not opened one in her name.
by Belmont
Mon Dec 29, 2008 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 2009 - Rebalancing Advice Needed
Replies: 8
Views: 1687

2009 - Rebalancing Advice Needed

Good Morning! I officially became a Boglehead late last year and have never looked back. I made some changes in early 2008 based on the advice of many here. http://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13543&highlight= I'm now pondering what rebalancing changes I need to make for 2009 and I'd like to get as much input as possible. Below is an update that includes current numbers. ----------------------------------- Emergency funds = Covered in cash in a MM in Fidelity myCash, not part of AA listed below. Currently 6 months of living expenses. Also have a college fund with about $4100 in it for my 11mo. old daughter. Debt: Mortgage, 5.75%, fixed, 30yr. Tax Filing Status: Married filing jointly Tax Rate: 35% Age: 29 Desired Asset alloc...
by Belmont
Mon Sep 15, 2008 6:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard & Fidelity - Safe?
Replies: 5
Views: 3848

Vanguard & Fidelity - Safe?

What kind of impact, if any, could the current financial crisis have on these two firms?

It would seem that the market may start consolidating brokerages and banks in the coming months/years.
by Belmont
Sun Sep 14, 2008 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FUSEX vs. VTI
Replies: 2
Views: 1557

FUSEX vs. VTI

Hi guys,

So I ran my portfolio through M* X-Ray tool, and I noticed some hefty overlap between these two funds in large caps, and in looking at my portfolio as a whole VTI is essentially all of my mid and small cap holdings, since I have a 4 fund portfolio.

Is this kind of overlap ideal? FUSEX is currently being held in my 401k and my taxable consists solely of VTI and VEU. I'm just wondering if it would be beneficial to look at some index funds with more of a small and mid cap focus.
by Belmont
Fri May 02, 2008 10:35 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Southern NJ/Philadelphia DH?
Replies: 1
Views: 2162

Southern NJ/Philadelphia DH?

Anything going on down in these parts?
by Belmont
Mon Apr 28, 2008 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Emergency Fund & 35% tax bracket
Replies: 18
Views: 4482

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys.

Overpar, my income is well above that, so I'm definitely in the 35% bracket.

I see a couple options for municipal money markets for my state. One is AMT and one isn't. I suppose I should go AMT?
by Belmont
Sun Apr 27, 2008 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Emergency Fund & 35% tax bracket
Replies: 18
Views: 4482

Emergency Fund & 35% tax bracket

So,

I'm a little late in building my e-fund due to investing in the market and building a portfolio, so I'm going to spend the rest of the year investing in that.

I put a few thousand in FSLXX, since I use Fidelity. It seems that in the higher tax brackets this type of MMF is not optimal and that I should be keeping the money in something more tax advantaged.

How should I research this to pick the best option? There are a ton of options to sift through.
by Belmont
Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: REIT in IRA - Fund vs. ETF?
Replies: 1
Views: 906

REIT in IRA - Fund vs. ETF?

I just realized that I have VGSIX in my IRA as opposed to the ETF equivalent. It's currently up 10% since I purchased it.

I do a once a year lump sum into my IRA for the maximum. Would I be better served selling the fund and buying the ETF for future contributions?
by Belmont
Sat Apr 26, 2008 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: UNIQUE 529 New Hampshire
Replies: 2
Views: 1521

UNIQUE 529 New Hampshire

Hi,

Does anyone here invest in this plan? If so, what's your advice for a 2027 target date?

http://personal.fidelity.com/planning/c ... shtml.cvsr
by Belmont
Mon Apr 21, 2008 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELOC Question
Replies: 1
Views: 1092

HELOC Question

I took out a small HELOC when I purchased my home and have sinced paid it off.

Typically, does that line of credit stay open forever? I like that it's there and can be tapped in the case of an emergency. Hopefully I never have to use it.
by Belmont
Sun Apr 20, 2008 8:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best Credit Card?
Replies: 15
Views: 4524

Best Credit Card?

I've been using MBNA pretty steadily for the past few years, and I think I'm going to cancel it and look for something better.

What are you guys using, and why? What's your experience been overall?
by Belmont
Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with AA
Replies: 11
Views: 3160

Weird, Fidelity won't let me buy VFWIX, it says it's closed to new investors.

Should I just buy VEU? Since I invest a set amount monthly I don't think ETF is for me, but I'm open to suggestions.
by Belmont
Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with AA
Replies: 11
Views: 3160

It almost seems too easy. :)

Certainly a different mindset than what I've read on say, The Motley Fool for example, where it seems they are always trying to beat the market.

I admire their goals, however I think this approach makes more sense to me overall. If I'm feeling passionate about a specific company, I'll just invest in them on an individual basis.

Thanks again for the logical advice.
by Belmont
Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with AA
Replies: 11
Views: 3160

Thank you for the suggestions, keep 'em coming.

What would be an ideal way to invest new taxable money?
by Belmont
Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with AA
Replies: 11
Views: 3160

Thanks!

According to my math:

62% 401k
4% Traditional IRA
34% Taxable
by Belmont
Sun Feb 24, 2008 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with AA
Replies: 11
Views: 3160

Help with AA

Hello all, I hope you guys can help me maximize my 401k, traditional IRA and taxable accounts. I appreciate your help in advance! Here's the skinny. I am in the highest tax bracket therefore I cannot open a Roth. I just turned 28 and my wife is 27. She is a stay at home mom and doesn't have a 401k or IRA. I manage our money. Emergency funds = Covered in cash in a MM in Fidelity myCash, not part of AA. Debt: Mortgage, 5.75%, fixed, 30yr. Tax Filing Status: Married filing jointly Tax Rate: I don't know exactly but it's most definitely the maximum Age: 28 Desired Asset allocation: 90/10 Current portfolio: 6 figures Taxable My taxable account is currently about 85% cash. I had a bunch of tax inefficient funds in here that I've since remedied. S...