Yes, opened my first IRA in 1981, with Brown and Co., at age 30.
Two thousand dollar annual limit back then, I still own the first shares I purchased.
Search found 367 matches
- Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:47 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Any investors from the 1981 - 1984 time period here???
- Replies: 36
- Views: 4303
- Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much car can I afford?
- Replies: 114
- Views: 8998
Re: How much car can I afford?
I do not remember who it was, but one of our most esteemed posters once stated, "You can afford to buy a vehicle for the amount your portfolio increases or decreases on a typical market day."
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Undersizing whole house generator?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 4814
Re: Undersizing whole house generator?
Yes, it is called managing your load. We have 200 amp service, with a 200 amp transfer switch. Our primary standby generator is a 15kw diesel. The generator handles our entire base load - 3 refrigerators, freezer, water heater, well pump, lights, computers, and HVAC. On generator power, we turn off the hot tub, and only run 2 stove burners at a time. If we want to use the oven, we do not run stove burners. We can always run the washing machine, and when it is time to use the electric clothes drier, we turn off the water heater. The key to load management is our frequency meter. We have a display in our kitchen that shows voltage and frequency. On generator power, we typically show 61 or 62 hertz, with dips to 60 hertz under some loads. As l...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Seeking Career Advice (post-military, mid-20's)
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2389
Re: Seeking Career Advice (post-military, mid-20's)
I'm 50 years older than you are, feel free to ignore any or all of my perspective. 1. VA educational benefit now provides BAH, it is a sweet deal. Consider enrolling in a college and take whatever courses you find interesting. You can do this for 4 years, and earn a degree, or just broaden your perspective. There is no downside, and you just might find some courses that excite you enough to pursue a career in that field. 2. Consider maintaining a reserve affiliation. It does not need to be in your present branch of service, or in your present career field. You might even be eligible for a several thousand dollar bonus. If you complete 20 qualifying years (active and reserve) you will receive a nice pension at age 60, and amazing medical ben...
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TRICARE/Medicare
- Replies: 8
- Views: 981
Re: TRICARE/Medicare
Having traditional Medicare and Tricare for Life (TFL) is the ultimate coverage, nothing else comes close. The month before you turn 65, just sign up for Medicare (Part A & B), and Tricare for Life (at no cost) will automatically be there. As long as you use a Medicare provider (for A, hospital and B, outpatient), Tricare for Life pays all co-pays, deductibles, and everything else. Every Medicare provider submits the paperwork to Tricare for Life, all you do is show up for the appointment or procedure. No need to even think about Medicare Part D (prescriptions). Tricare for Life provides no-cost prescriptions at any Military pharmacy, and very low cost prescriptions at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. Tricare for Life also includes use of ...
- Tue Feb 27, 2024 3:42 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Quantify the Value of Military Retirement - Methodology Questions
- Replies: 112
- Views: 9583
Re: Quantify the Value of Military Retirement - Methodology Questions
Military retiree here. Yes, the money is great. Most military people earn far more (both taxable and tax free) than they ever could in civilian life. The health insurance is even better - if you make it to Medicare, your Tricare for Life covers everything else, if and only if you use Medicare providers. You will have no co-pays, no deductibles, no co-pay for prescriptions from any military pharmacy, minimal co-pays at Express Scripts and at civilian pharmacies. However, a military career is not for everyone. Some percentage of our population is well-suited to "do the 20," or even 26 or 30 years. Military, compared with big law, specialized medicine, high technology, has a low cost of entry. You pay with your life. It is a great ca...
- Thu Feb 22, 2024 11:19 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Using withholding on Roth conversion instead of estimated tax payment
- Replies: 86
- Views: 5887
Re: Using withholding on Roth conversion instead of estimated tax payment
I'm not at all sure whether you can "then promptly forward $45,000 from my taxable account to my Roth."
The most knowledgeable source I can recommend to answer this question is Ed Slott.
He has saved us a small fortune over the years.
His website is worth visiting, and I believe he responds to some questions publicly, to help promote his website and his tax practice.
Here is an example...
https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/rot ... -59-%C2%BD
The most knowledgeable source I can recommend to answer this question is Ed Slott.
He has saved us a small fortune over the years.
His website is worth visiting, and I believe he responds to some questions publicly, to help promote his website and his tax practice.
Here is an example...
https://www.irahelp.com/slottreport/rot ... -59-%C2%BD
- Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Etrade (Morgan Stanley) 2 Tax Statements Question
- Replies: 33
- Views: 9084
Re: Etrade (Morgan Stanley) 2 Tax Statements Question
I suggest you enter the amounts separately. The TIN is the same for both sets of 1099s (one for Q1-Q3 and one for Q4). I entered the 2 each 1099s for Q1-Q3 (self and DW, separate capacity accounts) as E*Trade Securities LLC (second address line on the 1099) I entered the 2 each 1099s for Q4 (self and DW, separate capacity accounts) as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC (second address line on the 1099) Federal return, filed online 2/11/24, was accepted immediately, amount owed to IRS was deducted from bank account 2 days later. State return, filed online 2/11/24, was accepted next day, amount owed to state was deducted from bank account 1 day later. Next year, DW and i will each receive just one 1099 for Q1-Q4 from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney...
- Sat Feb 17, 2024 7:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any recommendation of a book that chronicles the downward spiral of an ordinary person
- Replies: 102
- Views: 9197
Re: Any recommendation of a book that chronicles the downward spiral of an ordinary person
Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky.
- Wed Jan 24, 2024 10:50 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: VUSXX = 80.6% U.S. Treasury for 2023
- Replies: 67
- Views: 9735
Re: VUSXX = 80.6% U.S. Treasury for 2023
The difference is VMFXX includes a lot of "agency" obligations (bundled home mortgages) so VMFXX pays out an incrementally higher dividend.1hotjava wrote: ↑Tue Jan 23, 2024 11:46 amAtleast VUSXX was 80%. VMFXX "Federal Money Market Fund" was only 49.37% actual federal debt obligationsDontridetheindexdown wrote: ↑Tue Jan 23, 2024 11:39 am
Until last year, VUSXX was 100% Treasury, fully excludable from state income.
However, agency obligations are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury.
You can buy money market funds that have even higher dividends, based on short-term commercial debt.
For maximum stability, we prefer direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 6:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?
- Replies: 113
- Views: 8868
Re: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?
Double-wide modular home (1600 sq ft) plus outbuildings on a few acres, no mortgage or liens, assessed value = less than 3% of invested assets.
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 11:39 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: VUSXX = 80.6% U.S. Treasury for 2023
- Replies: 67
- Views: 9735
Re: VUSXX = 80.6% U.S. Treasury for 2023
You can EXCLUDE 80.6% of your VUSXX dividends from your state income.
Until last year, VUSXX was 100% Treasury, fully excludable from state income.
During 2023, they added "repos," to increase returns.
For 100% Treasury, with dividends 100% excludable from state income tax, SGOV (short-term Treasury ETF) is a good choice.
Until last year, VUSXX was 100% Treasury, fully excludable from state income.
During 2023, they added "repos," to increase returns.
For 100% Treasury, with dividends 100% excludable from state income tax, SGOV (short-term Treasury ETF) is a good choice.
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 10:58 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: VUSXX = 80.6% U.S. Treasury for 2023
- Replies: 67
- Views: 9735
VUSXX = 80.6% U.S. Treasury for 2023
Downloaded 1099 ...
VNGRD TRSY MMKT INVS / 921932109 / VUSXX
PERCENTAGE OF INCOME FROM US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
Fed Source Total 80.06% (A detailed breakdown is shown below when available)
U.S. Treasury 80.06 Fed Farm Credit 0.00 TN Valley Auth 0.00
Fed Home Loan 0.00 Student Loan 0.00 Other Dir. Fed 0.00
VNGRD TRSY MMKT INVS / 921932109 / VUSXX
PERCENTAGE OF INCOME FROM US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
Fed Source Total 80.06% (A detailed breakdown is shown below when available)
U.S. Treasury 80.06 Fed Farm Credit 0.00 TN Valley Auth 0.00
Fed Home Loan 0.00 Student Loan 0.00 Other Dir. Fed 0.00
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 6:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Ready…am I missing anything in my planning or assumptions? (Hard Analysis Needed!)
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1682
Re: Ready…am I missing anything in my planning or assumptions? (Hard Analysis Needed!)
You are good to go!
Enjoy your well-earned retirement!
For perspective: I retired at age 56, embarking on my 18th year of retirement.
Enjoy your well-earned retirement!
For perspective: I retired at age 56, embarking on my 18th year of retirement.
- Sun Jan 21, 2024 10:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Net Worth Averages in different professions
- Replies: 91
- Views: 11537
Re: Net Worth Averages in different professions
Income ("different professions") and wealth ("net worth averages") are loosely correlated, sometimes, and not at all correlated in many cases. Thomas J. Stanley's work, published as the various "Millionaire ..." books, offers some of the best examples of how and why this is so. Wealth (earned, rather than inherited) is primarily a function of personal behavior over time. Some of the highest earning professions attract people whose behavior does not lead to wealth. Similarly, many of the lowest earning professions also attract people whose behavior does not lead to wealth. If we exclude outliers at both earning extremes, "net worth" is primarily correlated with behavior, and significantly skewed by cha...
- Sun Jan 14, 2024 1:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Advice for 80yr Grandma w/ 95% AT&T Stock Portfolio
- Replies: 91
- Views: 11335
Re: Advice for 80yr Grandma w/ 95% AT&T Stock Portfolio
"What I do know: 1 Her home and vehicle is paid for. The AT&T portfolio is 1 million plus, likely in the 3 to 4 million range but suffering heavy loses (sic) the past few years. 2 Lives financially within her means, not careless or excessive." Grandma and her late husband built an income stream that produces somewhere between $70,000 and $280,000 every year. Whether held in taxable or tax-deferred, that is a very respectable income stream, especially with "home and vehicle ... paid for." Does your description of "heavy losses" refer to the decline in share price, as compared with actually having sold shares at a loss? After the sale of Warner Media, AT&T shareholders received stock in Warner Brothers Di...
- Thu Jan 11, 2024 7:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Best method to learn basic conversational Spanish
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2808
Re: Best method to learn basic conversational Spanish
Hire a native Spanish speaker as your groundskeeper or housekeeper.
Spend time with them, at your expense, enhancing their conversational English, and improving your conversational Spanish.
Bonus points if you help them navigate civic and consumer hurdles, and they help you access home-made Hispanic cuisine and other cultural benefits.
Spend time with them, at your expense, enhancing their conversational English, and improving your conversational Spanish.
Bonus points if you help them navigate civic and consumer hurdles, and they help you access home-made Hispanic cuisine and other cultural benefits.
- Fri Dec 15, 2023 9:58 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: If rates drop on TBills, MMFs etc., what are you going to invest in?
- Replies: 43
- Views: 7170
Re: When rates drop on TBills, MMFs etc., what are you going to invest in?
If your asset allocation includes obligations of the U.S. Treasury, there are 3 general areas to consider: Bills: These are short-term Treasury securities with maturities of one year or less. For example, you might buy 1-month Treasury bills, 6-month Treasury bills, or 1-Year Treasury bills. They are also commonly known as “T-bills”. Notes: These are intermediate term Treasury securities with maturities of 2 to 10 years. The most commonly referenced intermediate-term Treasury security is the 10-Year Treasury note. Bonds: These are long-term Treasury securities with a maturity of over 10 years. The most popular among these are the 20-Year and 30-Year Treasury bond. You can choose whether bills, notes, or bonds best meet your requirements usi...
- Mon Dec 11, 2023 7:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Attention Walmart Shoppers
- Replies: 81
- Views: 12071
Re: Attention Walmart Shoppers
Also use Walmart rewards credit card for 5% cash back on Walmart.com (supposedly forever) and 5% cash back on in-store purchases (for first year)!
Walmart.com offers free delivery to home ($35 minimum).
Service is excellent, usually faster than Amazon, and they ship using Fedex.
Some items on Walmart.com are delivered from a local store, our local delivery driver is a gem!
Some items on Walmart.com are for pick-up only, and our local store is a neighborhood meeting place.
Walmart.com offers free delivery to home ($35 minimum).
Service is excellent, usually faster than Amazon, and they ship using Fedex.
Some items on Walmart.com are delivered from a local store, our local delivery driver is a gem!
Some items on Walmart.com are for pick-up only, and our local store is a neighborhood meeting place.
- Mon Dec 11, 2023 6:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Attention Walmart Shoppers
- Replies: 81
- Views: 12071
Re: Attention Walmart Shoppers
Oak Leaf Vineyards box and bottle wines, amazingly good.
We especially like the Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio.
We especially like the Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio.
- Mon Dec 11, 2023 9:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Tips for first TSP withdrawal?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 844
Re: Tips for first TSP withdrawal?
My tip is to do a direct transfer to your favorite brokerage before RMD age.
You cannot do qualified charitable distributions (QCD) from the TSP.
The TSP website, and spousal rules, add unnecessary levels of friction for almost every transaction.
The TSP G Fund is great, but during the past 12 months, the Vanguard settlement fund earned 25% more, with no increased risk.
TSP is great during the accumulation phase, you will have better service and more flexibility with a brokerage during withdrawal years.
You cannot do qualified charitable distributions (QCD) from the TSP.
The TSP website, and spousal rules, add unnecessary levels of friction for almost every transaction.
The TSP G Fund is great, but during the past 12 months, the Vanguard settlement fund earned 25% more, with no increased risk.
TSP is great during the accumulation phase, you will have better service and more flexibility with a brokerage during withdrawal years.
- Tue Nov 28, 2023 6:31 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?
- Replies: 141
- Views: 26472
Re: What non-index fund investment made you a lot of money?
Altria (and its previous incarnations) since 1980.
- Mon Nov 27, 2023 8:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Thoughts on Vanguard Energy Fund
- Replies: 24
- Views: 2524
Re: Thoughts on Vanguard Energy Fund
You can buy shares of any of the VGENX holdings in your Vanguard brokerage account, with zero transaction cost.
VGENX has an ER of .46% (.38% for Admiral shares), why throw away your hard-earned dollars?
Why not just invest in the pure play?
We own 2 of the VGENX holdings as direct equity positions, almost 30% of our invested assets.
VGENX has an ER of .46% (.38% for Admiral shares), why throw away your hard-earned dollars?
Why not just invest in the pure play?
We own 2 of the VGENX holdings as direct equity positions, almost 30% of our invested assets.
- Sun Nov 12, 2023 5:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Bonds vs VG Treasury Money Mkt in IRA Account
- Replies: 5
- Views: 636
Re: Bonds vs VG Treasury Money Mkt in IRA Account
We hold a couple of 7 figures in Vanguard Treasury Money Market Fund (VUSXX) in our IRA accounts.
If in the future, we see a better way to earn risk-free returns, we are more than willing to invest our tax-deferred investments elsewhere.
Right now, there is no more effective way to earn interest with no risk.
If in the future, we see a better way to earn risk-free returns, we are more than willing to invest our tax-deferred investments elsewhere.
Right now, there is no more effective way to earn interest with no risk.
- Fri Nov 03, 2023 7:29 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: House is cold at night - need suggestions on what to do!
- Replies: 110
- Views: 11187
Re: House is cold at night - need suggestions on what to do!
Why not just turn up the thermostat until you are comfortable?
Related question, if you work, what are you working toward?
What exactly are your goals in life?
Related question, if you work, what are you working toward?
What exactly are your goals in life?
- Tue Oct 24, 2023 8:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What net worth are you targeting at age 90?
- Replies: 126
- Views: 16972
Re: What net worth are you targeting at age 90?
My extremely conservative spreadsheet projects low 8 figures at age 90.
Inflation adjusted, that would be low 7 figures today.
As always, your mileage may vary.
Inflation adjusted, that would be low 7 figures today.
As always, your mileage may vary.
- Thu Aug 31, 2023 8:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: [Offensive term removed] by FedEx…
- Replies: 49
- Views: 6045
Re: [Offensive term removed] by FedEx…
If you are unable or unwilling to track orders and deliveries, you might be better off making all purchases in person, at a physical storefront.
This is why responsible businesses employ receiving clerks, and why responsible households track every order.
The receiving clerk is charged with ensuring that all deliveries are as described, and with initiating discrepancy reports immediately.
Responsible households, likewise, ensure that all deliveries are as described, and they initiate discrepancy reports immediately.
If you cannot afford a receiving clerk, you need to act as your own receiving clerk.
This is why responsible businesses employ receiving clerks, and why responsible households track every order.
The receiving clerk is charged with ensuring that all deliveries are as described, and with initiating discrepancy reports immediately.
Responsible households, likewise, ensure that all deliveries are as described, and they initiate discrepancy reports immediately.
If you cannot afford a receiving clerk, you need to act as your own receiving clerk.
- Mon Aug 28, 2023 3:24 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Four Pillars — Metals and Commodity Producers?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2838
Re: Four Pillars — Metals and Commodity Producers?
For the record, here are the top 10 holdings in FILL:
XOM EXXON MOBIL CORP
CVX CHEVRON CORP
SHEL SHELL PLC
TTE TOTALENERGIES
COP CONOCOPHILLIPS
BP BP PLC
EOG EOG RESOURCES INC
RELIANCE RELIANCE INDUSTRIES
CNQ CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LTD
MPC MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP
1 to 10 of 273
And here is the exposure breakdown:
Integrated Oil & Gas 55.47 %
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 29.99 %
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing & Transportation 10.92 %
Coal & Consumable Fuels 2.78 %
Cash and/or Derivatives 0.84 %
Other 0.00 %
Source: https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239 ... ducers-etf
XOM EXXON MOBIL CORP
CVX CHEVRON CORP
SHEL SHELL PLC
TTE TOTALENERGIES
COP CONOCOPHILLIPS
BP BP PLC
EOG EOG RESOURCES INC
RELIANCE RELIANCE INDUSTRIES
CNQ CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LTD
MPC MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP
1 to 10 of 273
And here is the exposure breakdown:
Integrated Oil & Gas 55.47 %
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production 29.99 %
Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing & Transportation 10.92 %
Coal & Consumable Fuels 2.78 %
Cash and/or Derivatives 0.84 %
Other 0.00 %
Source: https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239 ... ducers-etf
- Sat Aug 26, 2023 8:13 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
- Replies: 174
- Views: 27371
Re: Just for fun, what single stock do you think will see huge growth
Just for fun, we recently added a pure-play to our long-term, stay-the-course, 3-firm equity portfolio.
We invested mid-six figures in Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) in an IRA.
Demand is increasing, supply is constrained.
We invested mid-six figures in Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) in an IRA.
Demand is increasing, supply is constrained.
- Thu Jun 29, 2023 9:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Smart Key on new Toyota worries me
- Replies: 146
- Views: 12697
Re: Smart Key on new Toyota worries me
When you get your second smart key, you can do as we do.
One key is on a lanyard, whoever drives that car wears the lanyard until they get home.
Other key is wrapped in foil, in a zip-lock bag, wired to the inside (top) of one of the rubber drain plugs in the rear of the car.
Every year, I pull out that drain plug from underneath the car, and swap out the key we are using for the spare key.
That way, we know the batteries in both keys are still good.
- Sun Jun 25, 2023 7:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how is the wells fargo active cash card? (2%+ rewards credit card recommendations)
- Replies: 75
- Views: 7194
Re: how is the wells fargo active cash card? (2%+ rewards credit card recommendations)
CITI CUSTOM CASH rewards 5% (on up to $500 each month), but you need a separate card for each category to make it work.Vanguard User wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 11:51 pmWhich card for back 5% on groceries and fuel? AF?Dontridetheindexdown wrote: ↑Sat Jun 24, 2023 9:01 pm WF 2% is an excellent card - excellent security, customer service, rewards credits.
We use dedicated 5% cards for groceries, fuel, home improvement stores, and Amazon.
For everything else, WF 2% is our go-to card.
Highly recommended!
- Sat Jun 24, 2023 9:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how is the wells fargo active cash card? (2%+ rewards credit card recommendations)
- Replies: 75
- Views: 7194
Re: how is the wells fargo active cash card? (2%+ rewards credit card recommendations)
WF 2% is an excellent card - excellent security, customer service, rewards credits.
We use dedicated 5% cards for groceries, fuel, home improvement stores, and Amazon.
For everything else, WF 2% is our go-to card.
Highly recommended!
We use dedicated 5% cards for groceries, fuel, home improvement stores, and Amazon.
For everything else, WF 2% is our go-to card.
Highly recommended!
- Wed Jun 21, 2023 10:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Wrong state tax withheld by employer
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1137
Re: Wrong state tax withheld by employer
This happened to me back in the previous century, when I accepted a term appointment with the federal government. My first pay statement had taxes withheld for a state in which I did not reside. I showed it to my supervisor and was told nothing could be done about it. I explained to him that if it was not corrected immediately, I would no longer be working for his agency. I received a corrected pay statement later that day. After completion of my 2-year term appointment, I was offered a permanent position with that agency, and retired 6 years later. There was just 1 other financial discrepancy during my 8-year tenure. A miscreant in the agency went on vacation, and charged it to my government credit card. Fortunately, I was working in the o...
- Tue Jun 20, 2023 8:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How would you allocate and where would you locate a home down payment 5 yrs away?
- Replies: 30
- Views: 1992
Re: How would you allocate and where would you locate a home down payment 5 yrs away?
You already have your emergency fund in VUSXX.
I would suggest place the house down payment there also, and re-evaluate going forward.
Full disclosure - we are retired 17 years and maintain 7 figures in VUSXX in taxable and deferred.
Truth be told, if DW was amenable, I would consider putting everything in VUSXX.
I would suggest place the house down payment there also, and re-evaluate going forward.
Full disclosure - we are retired 17 years and maintain 7 figures in VUSXX in taxable and deferred.
Truth be told, if DW was amenable, I would consider putting everything in VUSXX.
- Mon Jun 19, 2023 7:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How would you invest 500K taxable in fixed income Right Now?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3579
Re: How would you invest 500K taxable in fixed income Right Now?
VUSXX-Vanguard Treasury Money Market Fund yields the highest risk-free return extant. If conditions change in the future, you can readily re-allocate to equities or other securities in accordance with your investment plan. Our entire fixed income allocation at this time is invested in VUSXX (taxable and deferred) and G Fund (deferred) and we sleep well at night. Even if VUSXX "breaks the buck" (valuation drops from $1 to $.99 or $.98) we are still way ahead. Thank you for that tip - it sounds like you’ve done your research. I’m also in a Vanguard MM, but I think it’s slightly less, so I’ll switch it over tomorrow. It is a strange situation to be in where, at least in the short term, the best course of action is to just to basical...
- Mon Jun 19, 2023 5:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Advice re flying Boston/Logan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Replies: 32
- Views: 2475
Re: Advice re flying Boston/Logan to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Back in the 1960s, the flight legs to what is now HCM City included 2 or 3 transfers, with rest stops in allied countries.
We managed to land replacements in excellent physical condition, without time/jet lag, and to return our personnel the same way.
Time is the only asset that is allocated equally, we each receive 24 hours each day - no more, no less.
Consider taking a few days each way, so you can be at your best when you land.
We managed to land replacements in excellent physical condition, without time/jet lag, and to return our personnel the same way.
Time is the only asset that is allocated equally, we each receive 24 hours each day - no more, no less.
Consider taking a few days each way, so you can be at your best when you land.
- Mon Jun 19, 2023 5:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How would you invest 500K taxable in fixed income Right Now?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3579
Re: How would you invest 500K taxable in fixed income Right Now?
VUSXX-Vanguard Treasury Money Market Fund yields the highest risk-free return extant.
If conditions change in the future, you can readily re-allocate to equities or other securities in accordance with your investment plan.
Our entire fixed income allocation at this time is invested in VUSXX (taxable and deferred) and G Fund (deferred) and we sleep well at night.
Even if VUSXX "breaks the buck" (valuation drops from $1 to $.99 or $.98) we are still way ahead.
If conditions change in the future, you can readily re-allocate to equities or other securities in accordance with your investment plan.
Our entire fixed income allocation at this time is invested in VUSXX (taxable and deferred) and G Fund (deferred) and we sleep well at night.
Even if VUSXX "breaks the buck" (valuation drops from $1 to $.99 or $.98) we are still way ahead.
- Sun Jun 11, 2023 8:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: High income earner marrying someone with negative net worth
- Replies: 87
- Views: 11430
Re: High income earner marrying someone with negative net worth
Since you asked for advice: RUN AWAY FROM THIS!
- Sun Jun 11, 2023 2:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: UPS using separate inverter charger and LiFePO4 battery
- Replies: 12
- Views: 962
Re: UPS using separate inverter charger and LiFePO4 battery
Yes, converter/charger is connected to battery with #6 awg, with circuit breaker on positive side.
inverter is connected to battery with 2/0 awg.
inverter is connected to battery with 2/0 awg.
- Sun Jun 11, 2023 1:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: UPS using separate inverter charger and LiFePO4 battery
- Replies: 12
- Views: 962
Re: UPS using separate inverter charger and LiFePO4 battery
Yes, built our own UPS after several off-the-shelf UPS failed to perform to our standards.
We use an RV converter/charger across an H6 AGM battery connected to a MotoMaster Eliminator Power Inverter.
Essential computers and peripherals are always powered by the inverter, with 3 levels of isolation from line power,
We cut the power to the converter/charger and run off the battery for a few hours every 2 weeks.
Our system has been in place for several years, we would never go back to an off-the-shelf UPS.
We use an RV converter/charger across an H6 AGM battery connected to a MotoMaster Eliminator Power Inverter.
Essential computers and peripherals are always powered by the inverter, with 3 levels of isolation from line power,
We cut the power to the converter/charger and run off the battery for a few hours every 2 weeks.
Our system has been in place for several years, we would never go back to an off-the-shelf UPS.
- Thu Jun 01, 2023 8:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much money to keep at home
- Replies: 120
- Views: 9382
Re: How much money to keep at home
Five figures in $20 and smaller denominations.
We trust that paper dollars will always be accepted for property tax, food, and other essentials.
The rest of our "cash" is in VUSXX and TSP G Fund.
We trust that paper dollars will always be accepted for property tax, food, and other essentials.
The rest of our "cash" is in VUSXX and TSP G Fund.
- Tue May 16, 2023 8:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: is there a max limit on a personal check
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1589
Re: is there a max limit on a personal check
In 1999, I was 48 years old and in between jobs. I was retired military, closing in on a terminal degree, with a pending 2 year term appointment in the Civil Service. I found a house I really liked, and signed a contract to buy it. Real estate broker encouraged me to apply for a VA mortgage. I had a bond fund at T. Rowe Price with check writing privileges. Unsure about mortgage approval, I called T. Rowe Price to ask if there was a limit on the check I could write. The rep assured me that a check up to the account limit would clear. She asked me, as a courtesy, to let them know if the check would be more than $1M, so they could sell bonds tactically to cover it. We both had a good laugh when I assured her I would never pay that much for a h...
- Thu Mar 23, 2023 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mom's Heating Oil Supplier
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1550
Re: Mom's Heating Oil Supplier
"they will come out if there's an emergency repair almost right away" is the salient phrase!
How much is reliable emergency service worth to you?
How much oil does your Mom use each year?
I would be grateful to have this oil supplier and its technicians in my trusted support network.
If it was me, I would just give the oil supplier my credit card to keep on file for oil deliveries and any needed repairs.
Just tell your Mom that you can never repay her for all she did for you, and keeping her warm and comfortable is your most important concern.
How much is reliable emergency service worth to you?
How much oil does your Mom use each year?
I would be grateful to have this oil supplier and its technicians in my trusted support network.
If it was me, I would just give the oil supplier my credit card to keep on file for oil deliveries and any needed repairs.
Just tell your Mom that you can never repay her for all she did for you, and keeping her warm and comfortable is your most important concern.
- Mon Jan 16, 2023 7:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mississippi Bogleheads
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1069
Re: Mississippi Bogleheads
I spent significant time in Hattiesburg during my mid-career years.
From my perspective, living in, or within commuting distance, of Hattiesburg is as good as it gets.
If you enjoy live football, USM tickets are available and affordable, and the level of play is as good as some of the lagging NFL teams.
Whatever else you enjoy, or desire, is available and affordable locally, or within a reasonable drive.
Just my opinion, for what it's worth, feel free to PM me.
From my perspective, living in, or within commuting distance, of Hattiesburg is as good as it gets.
If you enjoy live football, USM tickets are available and affordable, and the level of play is as good as some of the lagging NFL teams.
Whatever else you enjoy, or desire, is available and affordable locally, or within a reasonable drive.
Just my opinion, for what it's worth, feel free to PM me.
- Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:27 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Structure of Vanguard - should you be worried?
- Replies: 162
- Views: 11682
Re: Structure of Vanguard - should you be worried?
If Vanguard was profiting excessively by any of the ways you cited, the costs of using Vanguard would be higher than competing firms.
My only concern at Vanguard, or at any of the corporations in which I hold shares, is whether they are making money for me.
I care not how much anyone is paid, at any firm in which I am a shareholder, or anywhere else.
My only concern at Vanguard, or at any of the corporations in which I hold shares, is whether they are making money for me.
I care not how much anyone is paid, at any firm in which I am a shareholder, or anywhere else.
- Sun Jan 08, 2023 3:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Can I buy a 80-100k car?
- Replies: 171
- Views: 12081
Re: Can I buy a 80-100k car?
Of course you can afford it.
You have gotten some excellent feedback for and against.
Here is a mature bit of advice:
Never drive anything an honest law enforcement officer could not afford.
You have gotten some excellent feedback for and against.
Here is a mature bit of advice:
Never drive anything an honest law enforcement officer could not afford.
- Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Profitable or losing investment?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 724
Re: Profitable or losing investment?
"My gut says to hold onto this 1/4 of land as long as we can make the cash rent payments "
Yes, hold onto that quarter any way you can.
This is even more important if the parcels are contiguous, or can be easily accessed using the same equipment.
Farmland is a very different investment compared with the liquid, fully fungible equities and securities that are discussed on this forum.
The best place to discuss your situation is on AgTalk, https://newagtalk.com
Yes, hold onto that quarter any way you can.
This is even more important if the parcels are contiguous, or can be easily accessed using the same equipment.
Farmland is a very different investment compared with the liquid, fully fungible equities and securities that are discussed on this forum.
The best place to discuss your situation is on AgTalk, https://newagtalk.com
- Thu Dec 08, 2022 8:05 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: We successfully tax loss harvested - Is there a need to "use up" the losses?
- Replies: 22
- Views: 3335
Re: We successfully tax loss harvested - Is there a need to "use up" the losses?
It is sometimes useful to "use up" the losses, depending on age and health status.
For married filing jointly, a relict (surviving spouse) retains 1/2 the carried forward losses, the other 1/2 disappear with the decedent.
This also applies to capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence, $500,000 for MFJ, $250,000 for single.
For married filing jointly, a relict (surviving spouse) retains 1/2 the carried forward losses, the other 1/2 disappear with the decedent.
This also applies to capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of a primary residence, $500,000 for MFJ, $250,000 for single.
- Thu Nov 17, 2022 3:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Home Stand By Generator: Generac (24kw) or Kohler (20kw)
- Replies: 35
- Views: 5455
Re: Home Stand By Generator: Generac (24kw) or Kohler (20kw)
Ratings for gaseous fueled generators are for propane.
Rating drops at least 10% when you run on natural gas.
I would recommend the 24kw Kohler, de-rated for natural gas.
There are lots of good reasons why Kohler costs more than Generac.
You can find my long essay on power generation if you search.
Rating drops at least 10% when you run on natural gas.
I would recommend the 24kw Kohler, de-rated for natural gas.
There are lots of good reasons why Kohler costs more than Generac.
You can find my long essay on power generation if you search.
- Mon Nov 07, 2022 7:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Brigham & Women's Medical Fellowship - Where to Live?
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2080
Re: Brigham & Women Medical Fellowship - Where to Live?
During my working years, the best way I found was to contact the man I was replacing, find out where he lived, and often continue the arrangement.
This worked during military rotations, contract assignments, and academic appointments.
I seriously question whether "mass transit" should even be considered during this significant, time-critical fellowship, where, as you stated, "Safety and convenience are priorities."
This worked during military rotations, contract assignments, and academic appointments.
I seriously question whether "mass transit" should even be considered during this significant, time-critical fellowship, where, as you stated, "Safety and convenience are priorities."