Search found 3058 matches

by sperry8
Thu Mar 14, 2024 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6419

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

Call VISA directly. They can issue a temporary replacement sooner. Google "visa global customer assistance services". I checked their website and even with Visa it says they work with your financial institution and it can take "up to 3 business days". Since Schwab told me they won't do it before 3 days - can't see how Visa is going to get them to do what they won't do on their own. In any event, I can't risk it - since I'm only in a place for up to 4-5 days. If it's delayed for any reason, I'll be gone by the time it arrives. This must be a new policy. I have had a Schwab debit card overnighted to me in Germany. This was in 2013. That’s an unfortunate development if this is a new policy and not just an uninformed rep or...
by sperry8
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6419

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

whodidntante wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:13 am I'm not saying the problem is your fault, but there is a reason that I travel with ATM cards from different issuers. Stuff happens. I also don't carry all of them on me. I've had a bank freak out once and freeze my account for weeks. I won't depend on any one issuer.
I agree and that's why I too travel with different cards from different issuers. What I'm shocked by is their unwillingness to overnight a card to a customer. Especially a customer with 7 figures in their account. To me this is simply unacceptable. Their policies are as unfriendly as can be.

And I know there are people out there who travel with just one. So this is a warning to them not to do so, especially if that one card is from Schwab
by sperry8
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6419

Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

Got a call from Schwab today while traveling. ATM card was used for fraud in Japan (I'm not in Japan). Obvious fraud so card was blocked and they want to re-issue me a card. I asked for Overnight delivery as I'm traveling and need the debit card asap. Schwab said the fastest they can do for "expedited" service is 3-5 business days. I'm stunned. American Express, Capital One, HSBC, and Chase all overnight the card (or at worst 48 hours if you call late in the day). Schwab... nada. Up to 5 days (although even worse cause they process in 8 day batches!). Imagine being without a debit card for 5 days while traveling abroad with NO opportunity to get it faster whatsoever. I loved Schwab until I discovered this. Luckily as a frequent tr...
by sperry8
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to buy personal domain? Best place to host it? (for email)
Replies: 53
Views: 5481

Re: Best place to buy personal domain? Best place to host it? (for email)

GoDaddy for domains. Zoho for email. Amazon AWS Lightsail for hosting (PHP LAMP) GoDaddy is one of the most expensive domain registrars. I wouldn't recommend them if saving money is something you are interested in. Many companies offer less expensive ways to register a domain name. That is true. But I manage websites and need to access the DNS tables frequently. As an administrator I prefer the user interface of GoDaddy, plus familiarity and consistency is worth paying for. The only thing I hated is when I lost my free email accounts years ago, but I am more than satisfied with my migration to Zoho for email. There are some awful interfaces out there for sure. However there are some very good ones too. Dynadot is worth a look imo. Excellen...
by sperry8
Sun Mar 10, 2024 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution Limits Confusion for 55+
Replies: 15
Views: 2289

Re: HSA Contribution Limits Confusion for 55+

The catchup is per person. You can each contribute a $1000 catchup to your respective HSA account, for a total contribution of $9750. Her catchup needs to go into her own account, not yours, so it's a great idea to open one for her. The rest of the family contribution can be split between the two HSA accounts any way you both agree. Jumping in on this thread... if I'm 55+ but my wife is younger, then I can add the $1k contribution (but she can't), correct? And I can place the $8,300 family contribution solely into my HSA account (she doesn't have one). It doesn't need to be split, correct? Who "checks" that we have family coverage? I mean, we do - but how does anyone know we do (ever) so we're not subject to the excise tax for ov...
by sperry8
Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best place to buy personal domain? Best place to host it? (for email)
Replies: 53
Views: 5481

Re: Best place to buy personal domain? Best place to host it? (for email)

Hebell wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:48 am GoDaddy for domains.
Zoho for email.
Amazon AWS Lightsail for hosting (PHP LAMP)
GoDaddy is one of the most expensive domain registrars. I wouldn't recommend them if saving money is something you are interested in. Many companies offer less expensive ways to register a domain name.
by sperry8
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes
Replies: 20
Views: 2392

Re: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes

Hi I would like to invest in a mutual fund tracking any international growth index, but I found none. The only ETF doing this is EFG, which tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index. However, like other MSCI EAFE Index funds, you cannot get exposure to Canada and Emerging Markets from this fund. Even Vanguard does not have this kind of product. Its closest fund is VWIGX, which is actviely managed. This phenomenon is baffling to me. I'm currently in Vanguard's International Growth Fund (VWILX) and it's pretty good. yeah but im looking for a fund in my taxable accout. VWIGX distributed 13% of its assets as capital gain distribution in 2021, which does not look tax efficient to me. They had extreme gains for the few prior years... and paid them out. They...
by sperry8
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Contribution Limits Confusion for 55+
Replies: 15
Views: 2289

Re: HSA Contribution Limits Confusion for 55+

The catchup is per person. You can each contribute a $1000 catchup to your respective HSA account, for a total contribution of $9750. Her catchup needs to go into her own account, not yours, so it's a great idea to open one for her. The rest of the family contribution can be split between the two HSA accounts any way you both agree. Jumping in on this thread... if I'm 55+ but my wife is younger, then I can add the $1k contribution (but she can't), correct? And I can place the $8,300 family contribution solely into my HSA account (she doesn't have one). It doesn't need to be split, correct? Who "checks" that we have family coverage? I mean, we do - but how does anyone know we do (ever) so we're not subject to the excise tax for ov...
by sperry8
Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes
Replies: 20
Views: 2392

Re: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes

EquitiesOrGuitars wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:15 pm
I'm currently in Vanguard's International Growth Fund (VWILX) and it's pretty good.
Part of the gains compared with other international funds might be their 16% US weighting (curr). Nvidia, Tesla, Moderna, Spotify… some really exotic names in there! :D
Yup, if you look at that crazy run up (then crash) that was Tesla. I tend to ignore the craziness, I'm not day trading - in it for the Int'l allocation. It is funny they have this US allocation (as an active managed fund they are trying to beat the market). They've been a VG fund for many decades though, with many happy returns.
by sperry8
Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes
Replies: 20
Views: 2392

Re: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes

Hi I would like to invest in a mutual fund tracking any international growth index, but I found none. The only ETF doing this is EFG, which tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index. However, like other MSCI EAFE Index funds, you cannot get exposure to Canada and Emerging Markets from this fund. Even Vanguard does not have this kind of product. Its closest fund is VWIGX, which is actviely managed. This phenomenon is baffling to me. I'm currently in Vanguard's International Growth Fund (VWILX) and it's pretty good. Interesting. Actively managed. ER = 31 bp Inception 2001 Currently holds 130 stocks per link below. https://investor.vanguard.com/investment-products/mutual-funds/profile/vwilx It has beaten its index (Foreign Large Growth) for 5, 10 & 1...
by sperry8
Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes
Replies: 20
Views: 2392

Re: Why there is no mutual fund tracking international growth indexes

henryphseven wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:01 pm Hi

I would like to invest in a mutual fund tracking any international growth index, but I found none. The only ETF doing this is EFG, which tracks MSCI EAFE Growth Index. However, like other MSCI EAFE Index funds, you cannot get exposure to Canada and Emerging Markets from this fund.

Even Vanguard does not have this kind of product. Its closest fund is VWIGX, which is actviely managed.

This phenomenon is baffling to me.
I'm currently in Vanguard's International Growth Fund (VWILX) and it's pretty good.
by sperry8
Sun Feb 18, 2024 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

Are there any tips on dealing with car rentals so I don’t get ripped off? Are there any companies better to deal with. I was thinking of using my employer portal to book the car rental reasoning that they are less likely to screw a big corporation. Car rentals are a very, very, very low margin and commoditized product. As a result, it is generally a race to the bottom to save money and cut costs, which leads to bad products, bad customer service, and under-staffed locations. Go to any major airport at a busy time, and you'll see the majority of the rental desks filled with a 30-60 minute (or longer line). My point? As you read the thread, you'll hear people say "Hertz stinks" or "Avis stinks" or whatever. It really depe...
by sperry8
Fri Feb 02, 2024 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?
Replies: 38
Views: 3843

Re: Bedroom air circulation - jumper duct?

I have jump ducts from 4 bedrooms going back to 1 central duct in the hallway. The AC air handler is on a stand in a louvered door closet in the hallway and draws return air directly from underneath itself with no return ductwork. This setup works fine to allow air circulation when the bedroom doors are closed. But what I don't like about the jump ducts is they basically make holes through your attic insulation, while the flex ducts used only have R6-8 insulation. This might be okay for the supply ducts because of the velocity of the air being pushed through, but the jump ducts don't have much velocity so the air inside them gets heated up by the hot attic. In fact, I've measured the temperature in my central hallway jump duct at 95F in th...
by sperry8
Wed Jan 31, 2024 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best towns with great schools, weather, outdoor activities
Replies: 74
Views: 7088

Re: Best towns with great schools, weather, outdoor activities

Another "where should I move" thread got me thinking about living in different parts of the US. I'm looking for a unicorn but figured I'd ask. Top priorities are: - great weather, warm/hot in the summer, short (if any) winter, lots of sun (I'm not really considering the PNW, Northeast or Midwest) - top notch public schools - natural beauty with lots to do outdoors - small town or city, that's safe and great for families - close to the ocean and mountains (could settle for a large lake and large hills) Any suggestions? What you describe, if you can afford it, is Santa Barbara County. You could go down the coast, to Westlake Village CA (a family oriented town) and only 45 minutes from LA. You could consider continuing up the coast ...
by sperry8
Mon Jan 29, 2024 8:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Looking for info/advice from Californians investing with an HSA
Replies: 52
Views: 5728

Re: Looking for info/advice from Californians investing with an HSA

Let's say a CA resident moved 100% of HSA monies into BRK.B (and did this the year before they moved to CA). BRK.B pays no dividends - then the only tracking would be when you need to sell you need cost basis, correct? Would there be any reporting prior?
by sperry8
Thu Jan 25, 2024 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiring early: Health Insurance
Replies: 97
Views: 11342

Re: Retiring early: Health Insurance

I retired in my 30s... been paying for healthcare directly ever since. You do not have to deal with the healthcare.gov website if you don't want to. I buy my HC direct - currently buying direct from Blue Cross (via Florida Blue). I see no point in going the healthcare route since I'm not eligible for subsidies (being an early retiree oftentimes means your income is too high to earn subsidies). Obv if you're eligible, go through the Healthcare.gov website. I'm about the same age as you and pay just over $1000 p/mo for me and it's a PPO. You can see my healthcare costs over the years here: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7485339#p7485339 As you can see, my HC costs have gone up significantly over the years (50s is tough on th...
by sperry8
Sat Jan 20, 2024 11:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P 500 Closes at Record High
Replies: 203
Views: 26414

Re: S&P 500 Closes at Record High

Taylor Larimore wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 7:31 pm Bogleheads:

Good news for Bogleheads who stay the course using low cost, tax-efficient, broad market index funds.

Best wishes.
Taylor
Jack Bogle's Words of Wisdom: "Deep down, I remain absolutely confident that the vast majority of American families would be will served by owning their equity holdings in a S&P 500 Index fund (or a total stock market index fund)."
Welcome to today's lesson in staying the course. Tomorrow we'll be discussing letting go of fear. Next week we will get into details of not selling until you need the money. A reminder, the course is free courtesy of Bogleheads.
by sperry8
Tue Jan 16, 2024 11:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wood floor installation questions
Replies: 33
Views: 2863

Re: Wood floor installation questions

I put in engineered wide plank flooring from Legno Bastone. Not the cheapest engineered flooring around, but gorgeous. There are differences between engineered flooring. You should go look at samples of your final choices before you buy. If you can't see the difference, you can save some money. I did see a difference and went with the aforementioned company. As to installation, you can just search craigslist or google for a hardwood installer. Prices are all over the map but start around $3 p sq ft. I used someone in that range and regretted it. I'd go slightly up for your space to ensure they don't chince out on cutting and analyzing properly (my guy didn't care where the knots went for example). In hindsight I'd have paid a bit more to ma...
by sperry8
Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

Side benefit of the Bilt card for non-homeowners, is that it's the only card I'm aware of that earns miles/points when using it to pay rent. It also has a good list of travel partners for point transfers including UA and AA. I got 500 bonus points for each airline loyalty program I linked. :happy. This card seems too good to be true and I would not be surprised if they start charging soon but for now I'm enjoying it. :beer Yea, there have been some blog write ups about how much money they are losing (due to giving points on rent payments which comprise 80% of their business and for which they make no money on interchange). Unless they change their model, this won't be a long term card - but no reason not to take advantage of it while it la...
by sperry8
Mon Jan 15, 2024 12:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

I believe there are some cards with a $99 yearly fee that include rental coverage as primary. Chase Sapphire Preferred United Explorer CC too Bilt MC is free and has primary CDW (except in NY). Includes coverage for loss of use. Great find. No annual fee card as well and has primary CDW. Even better than using the United Explorer cc directly as travel purchases are 2:1 and since you'll need to use this card to get the benefit, you'll be earning more miles using Bilt for your car rentals (which you can then transfer to United). Plus you gain flexibility in case you don't want United miles (they also allow transfers to AA, BA, IHG, Marriott, Hyatt). I may apply for this card and cancel the United one! It should be noted for Bilt: Limits: Up ...
by sperry8
Thu Jan 11, 2024 1:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice regarding CPA fees
Replies: 22
Views: 2586

Re: Advice regarding CPA fees

$4k seems reasonable for a CPA, maybe not so much for an EA. Does the EA have to file any payroll taxes, sales tax, workman's comp returns? How often do you call him for advice during the year? An E'A's time is his money maker, seems reasonable to me. :sharebeer He files personal 1040s for family (joint+3 kids) and he files a 1041 and K1 for the trust. And a 1120S with k1. During the year I call him several times but mostly it's about when payments are due, paperwork, what account in quickbooks to put this under etc. Last year I needed to borrow $100K from my personal funds to meet an unexpected business expense and paid it back within days. However, I got confused and registered these transactions in the wrong lines in quickbooks. Therefo...
by sperry8
Thu Jan 11, 2024 1:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?
Replies: 94
Views: 15644

Re: Horrified by Schwab Platform -- Where to Next?

I agree Schwab's platform is rough around the edges, I have trouble sifting through it. But it's surely not a reason to pack up and leave :shock:
by sperry8
Thu Jan 11, 2024 12:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review $7.7M- Age 54, First post
Replies: 50
Views: 13712

Re: Portfolio review $7.7M- Age 54, First post

I'd pay of this higher interest loan with your investments: "Rental home 3 balance 287K, int rate 5.88%, pay off 2052"
by sperry8
Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

Are there any tips on dealing with car rentals so I don’t get ripped off? Are there any companies better to deal with. I was thinking of using my employer portal to book the car rental reasoning that they are less likely to screw a big corporation. I'm not really sure what you're asking. Ripped off? How? Do you believe venerable billion dollar companies such as Avis/Budget, National/Enterprise and Hertz are in the business of ripping off their customers? Do you believe they rip off all non-corporate (i.e., Leisure) customers? Absolutely. I've never once rented a car in the United States and ended up paying the price that was advertised to me. Europe, on the other hand, always costs what it says up front and never more. They take advantage ...
by sperry8
Wed Jan 10, 2024 1:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paying mortgage with credit/debit for rewards?
Replies: 15
Views: 3153

Re: Paying mortgage with credit/debit for rewards?

Has anyone figured out a credit/debit card for paying monthly mortgage and get points or rewards of any kind? My mortgage is with Truist. You might look into the Bilt Mastercard issued by Wells Fargo. I use it to pay rent on my apartment fee free, but I recall when I signed up their FAQ said it works on (some?) mortgages too. The trick is that they gave me a virtual routing/account number that I gave to my apartment building just for rent. It looks like a regular checking account, but it runs as a charge on the CC. The catch is that you get points for rewards (1 point per $ on rent, 2 points on travel, 3 on restaurants) and the cash value on the points is only 0.6 cents per point. The better option is probably to transfer points to a trave...
by sperry8
Thu Jan 04, 2024 11:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

However, if you are living highly frugally with an older car which does not have collision insurance then you'd have none of that coverage on the rental car if you declined the daily insurance. It's been a long time since I rented a car. What is the range of the daily fees one would be charged for this insurance? Always seemed to me like a huge moneymaker for the car rental places. 1,000% or more profit? CDW usually costs about $10-30 a day. The actuarial value of CDW is about $2-3 a day, so the profit margin is very high. The best way to avoid paying this fee is to rent with a credit card that provides CDW. There are many threads about credit card CDW on Bogleheads. Oh, yes. You are reminding me of the credit cards that take care of it. I...
by sperry8
Mon Jan 01, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 579
Views: 40044

Re: 2024 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

auntie wrote: Mon Jan 01, 2024 1:15 pm 5724 - going for a third win!
And what a win it'd be if the market hits your up 20% annualized guess!

My guess is 5591.69
by sperry8
Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dividend skipping
Replies: 23
Views: 2070

Re: Dividend skipping

stan1 wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:16 am Seems like a case of the tail wagging the dog to me.

Remember qualified dividends are already taxed at a lower rate.
Dividends pay out quarterly not yearly. I don't know what mutual funds or ETFs a Boglehead would want to own only pay dividends yearly.
This is what I learned... Qualifying dividends make many dividends act as LTCGs. So check the funds you own to ensure the bulk are qualifying, and don't worry about the small(er) remainder.
by sperry8
Fri Dec 22, 2023 1:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How can I get merchant to stop charging us?
Replies: 84
Views: 8150

Re: How can I get merchant to stop charging us?

Cancellation. You may notify us that you wish to cancel the Subscription Service by contacting us at hi@letote.com, (415) 237-7325, or the chat functionality of the Service. Once you have notified us that you wish to cancel, we will not charge further Subscription Fees and your Subscription Service will cease on your next Subscription Billing Date. Following such cancellation, you must return any Totes and Products in your possession no later than the Subscription Billing Date on which your Subscription Service ends. If you fail to timely return any Products, you will be charged the Member Price for such Products. The company went bankrupt and is now run by Saadia Group. The emails and phone #s from the old company are no longer being answ...
by sperry8
Fri Dec 22, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How can I get merchant to stop charging us?
Replies: 84
Views: 8150

Re: How can I get merchant to stop charging us?

I PMed you an email.

You might also try complaining to Saadia on the BBB https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/prof ... 1-87167560

They will most likely respond to the complaint there
by sperry8
Fri Dec 22, 2023 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can anyone recommend a mattress pad/cover that is actually cooling?
Replies: 24
Views: 3340

Re: Can anyone recommend a mattress pad/cover that is actually cooling?

Latex meh. I bought a Latex topped mattress from Saatva. Sleeps hotter than my old box spring imo.
by sperry8
Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A misguided PayPal rant [Unauthorized account activity]
Replies: 44
Views: 5429

Re: A PayPal rant

Beware of PayPal. I noticed a $90.80 ACH from my bank account to PayPal. It has been many months since I used PayPal fora anything so I don't know what that is all about. I tried to look it up on their web page but there is nothing there! They have NO activity available for December and November is blank. They don't even make the current months activity available. I submitted a ticket asking what the $90.80 was for and got back this email: We recently received your unauthorized activity case submission. Thank you for alerting us to this possible unauthorized activity. We'll review your case and then get back to you within 45 days or less. It better be a LOT sooner than 45 days! It sounds to me like a service that charges $6.99 per mo being...
by sperry8
Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Future taxes on unrealized gains as a liability when calculating net worth?
Replies: 36
Views: 3387

Re: Future taxes on unrealized gains as a liability when calculating net worth?

[Topic is now in Personal Finance (Not Investing) - mod mkc] When calculating my net worth, I've always counted future taxes on unrealized gains as a liability. As an example, suppose we make a $1M investment into the S&P 500, and over time, the investment returns 100%. We now have $2M, but if we sell the investment, we will owe long-term capital gains (LTGC) tax on the $1M of gains. If the LTGC rate is 20%, that's $200k in tax. The question is: in this scenario, should we say our net worth is $2M (the value of the invested portfolio), or $1.8M (the value of the portfolio if converted to spendable cash)? In calculating my net worth, I've always used the $1.8M number. This is to say that I will count future taxes on unrealized gains as ...
by sperry8
Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rich Author, Poor Readers - Ben Carlson
Replies: 106
Views: 40503

Re: Rich Author, Poor Readers - Ben Carlson

I've said it before on BH but it bears repeating... my friend was spooked by people like this and pulled everything out of the market after the great recession. He never got back in until circa 2017 for a short time then pulled it all out again and is out until this day. To this very day he sends me articles and videos about why Rome is burning. The amount of money he's lost is staggering. He still maintains his position is correct and I'll be sorry when the market crashes. In his defense his fear of Rome burning has caused him to put 100% of his life savings into Bitcoin which so far has made him money. Whether that continues no one knows. His rationale may be goofy, but if he's held btc since 2017, he's crushed it. Going forward, who kno...
by sperry8
Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Rich Author, Poor Readers - Ben Carlson
Replies: 106
Views: 40503

Re: Rich Author, Poor Readers - Ben Carlson

I've said it before on BH but it bears repeating... my friend was spooked by people like this and pulled everything out of the market after the great recession. He never got back in until circa 2017 for a short time then pulled it all out again and is out until this day. To this very day he sends me articles and videos about why Rome is burning. The amount of money he's lost is staggering. He still maintains his position is correct and I'll be sorry when the market crashes. In his defense his fear of Rome burning has caused him to put 100% of his life savings into Bitcoin which so far has made him money. Whether that continues no one knows. His rationale may be goofy, but if he's held btc since 2017, he's crushed it. Going forward, who kno...
by sperry8
Wed Dec 20, 2023 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AMEX platinum spend minimum
Replies: 30
Views: 2940

Re: AMEX platinum spend minimum

Thank you all for the great replies. We honestly are moving more toward debit for daily expenses, I just love the psychology of using cash real time. We have never carried a balance and are high earners, so I know this is probably widely disagreed with on the forum. I have read the terms and conditions from my credit union and visa and feel certain we will be Ok. Will still use amex for travel or other higher risk transactions. Not looking to start a debit card discussion, I have read those, and I will concede any opposing argument to my plan in advance :sharebeer I love the psychology of never having debt either. But giving up free rewards points is a mistake. Set your cc on autopay and pay it every month automatically just like using cas...
by sperry8
Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: how much do you think you need to retire?
Replies: 302
Views: 63332

Re: how much do you think you need to retire?

I'm into the retirement planning stage where I've started to think about how much I want/need to have to retire. (As opposed to when I was younger, and I was just trying to save as much as I could, and retirement seemed too far off to worry about an actual dollar amount goal). I'm just curious, what is your target/goal/"magic number" that you want or need before you retire? I'll start! After running various retirement calculators and simulations, I think I'd like to have at least $3 million. After that, maybe I'll keep working, maybe not, but at the moment I think this is my number. Let's hear yours... Different for everyone. Are you living in HCOL or LCOL? Retiring abroad? What sort of lifestyle do you want to lead in retirement...
by sperry8
Wed Dec 20, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AirBNB - good or bad idea?
Replies: 26
Views: 2959

Re: AirBNB - good or bad idea?

Hire a management company for sure. Real answer depends on the occupancy rate and price you can charge (decision would be based on net profit).

btw - there are other options aside from AirBnB. Here is one: https://www.thirdhome.com/ I haven't used them - but if your home is a luxury one you can list there. What's good about it (imo) is that it has a certain level of clientele rather than getting kids who want to use your home as a frat house.

Why would you prefer AirBnB to a full annual style of rental to a family who will care for it? (and have full occupancy)
by sperry8
Tue Dec 19, 2023 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

Are there any tips on dealing with car rentals so I don’t get ripped off? Are there any companies better to deal with. I was thinking of using my employer portal to book the car rental reasoning that they are less likely to screw a big corporation. I'm not really sure what you're asking. Ripped off? How? Do you believe venerable billion dollar companies such as Avis/Budget, National/Enterprise and Hertz are in the business of ripping off their customers? Do you believe they rip off all non-corporate (i.e., Leisure) customers? Do you mean you want to pay the lowest price? Do you mean you want to be protected in case they claim you damaged their car (when you did not)? I absolutely do believe the bolded part. I've rented dozens of cars and w...
by sperry8
Mon Dec 18, 2023 10:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

Are there any tips on dealing with car rentals so I don’t get ripped off? Are there any companies better to deal with. I was thinking of using my employer portal to book the car rental reasoning that they are less likely to screw a big corporation. I'm not really sure what you're asking. Ripped off? How? Do you believe venerable billion dollar companies such as Avis/Budget, National/Enterprise and Hertz are in the business of ripping off their customers? Do you believe they rip off all non-corporate (i.e., Leisure) customers? Do you mean you want to pay the lowest price? Do you mean you want to be protected in case they claim you damaged their car (when you did not)? I absolutely do believe the bolded part. I've rented dozens of cars and w...
by sperry8
Mon Dec 18, 2023 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips on car rental
Replies: 72
Views: 13120

Re: Tips on car rental

gavinsiu wrote: Mon Dec 18, 2023 2:18 pm Are there any tips on dealing with car rentals so I don’t get ripped off? Are there any companies better to deal with.

I was thinking of using my employer portal to book the car rental reasoning that they are less likely to screw a big corporation.
I'm not really sure what you're asking. Ripped off? How? Do you believe venerable billion dollar companies such as Avis/Budget, National/Enterprise and Hertz are in the business of ripping off their customers? Do you believe they rip off all non-corporate (i.e., Leisure) customers? Do you mean you want to pay the lowest price? Do you mean you want to be protected in case they claim you damaged their car (when you did not)?
by sperry8
Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Except that's not true. If you picked and stuck with the US 120 years ago - you'd have earned 6.6% real vs only 4.4% real if you picked and stuck with exUS only. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Of course if one starts cherry picking dates they can massage those numbers to be whatever you want. I'm sure the next response to my post will do just that. Let the cherry picking posts begin. What's wrong with 4.4% real return on equities? It's a 50% underperformance vs 6.6%. Although my response to yours wasn't to argue what are good returns vs avg returns but rather to refute what you said "If you pick and stick with some US/exUS equity allocation, the exact allocation you chose is probably not going to mat...
by sperry8
Mon Dec 18, 2023 1:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

To me there is an inconsistency of thought for value and International for many BHers. McQ has shown 2 posts with long term data: 1- This thread showing extreme small cap value outperformance over 100 years. Source https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=408502 2- Another study also bt McQ showing extreme US outperformance over 120 years: 6.6% vs 4.4% and 120 years of data. Source https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Both tilts (value and US) have had multi decade long underperformance . And yet, many BHers are arguing: 1- SCV outperformance will return. 2- US outperformance will not continue. To me, you can't have it both ways. Either you believe the century long studies and are willing to tilt toward...
by sperry8
Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

To me there is an inconsistency of thought for value and International for many BHers. McQ has shown 2 posts with long term data: 1- This thread showing extreme small cap value outperformance over 100 years. Source https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=408502 2- Another study also bt McQ showing extreme US outperformance over 120 years: 6.6% vs 4.4% and 120 years of data. Source https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Both tilts (value and US) have had multi decade long underperformance . And yet, many BHers are arguing: 1- SCV outperformance will return. 2- US outperformance will not continue. To me, you can't have it both ways. Either you believe the century long studies and are willing to tilt toward...
by sperry8
Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 10160

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

I've finally had it with our Maytag washer/dryer units. I hate discarding "working" appliances, but these things are awful. Never really cleans the clothes, and things come out smelling moldy. We've tried everything in the way of cleaning, leaving washer door open, etc. to no avail. So, our mutual "Christmas present" to each other is a brand new set. We need stackable units to fit in the laundry closet area. We were thinking about an LG "washtower" combo unit but are open to other suggestions. I've had bad luck with American appliance brands, especially GE, and now Maytag. My significant other is Korean American and has an affinity for LG and Samsung, but again open to others. She's not tall, so having both th...
by sperry8
Sun Dec 17, 2023 11:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

If you pick and stick with some US/exUS equity allocation, the exact allocation you chose is probably not going to matter much over a long enough time period. Although it has and will over shorter time periods - the argument is about potential future performance over a shorter time period. Except that's not true. If you picked and stuck with the US 120 years ago - you'd have earned 6.6% real vs only 4.4% real if you picked and stuck with exUS only. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Of course if one starts cherry picking dates they can massage those numbers to be whatever you want. I'm sure the next response to my post will do just that. Let the cherry picking posts begin. What's wrong with 4.4% real return o...
by sperry8
Sun Dec 17, 2023 11:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Do I have that right? If you pick and stick with some US/exUS equity allocation, the exact allocation you chose is probably not going to matter much over a long enough time period. Although it has and will over shorter time periods - the argument is about potential future performance over a shorter time period. Except that's not true. If you picked and stuck with the US 120 years ago - you'd have earned 6.6% real vs only 4.4% real if you picked and stuck with exUS only. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Of course if one starts cherry picking dates they can massage those numbers to be whatever you want. I'm sure the next response to my post will do just that. Let the cherry picking posts begin. What's wrong w...
by sperry8
Sun Dec 17, 2023 6:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Do I have that right? If you pick and stick with some US/exUS equity allocation, the exact allocation you chose is probably not going to matter much over a long enough time period. Although it has and will over shorter time periods - the argument is about potential future performance over a shorter time period. Except that's not true. If you picked and stuck with the US 120 years ago - you'd have earned 6.6% real vs only 4.4% real if you picked and stuck with exUS only. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Of course if one starts cherry picking dates they can massage those numbers to be whatever you want. I'm sure the next response to my post will do just that. Let the cherry picking posts begin. Just to clarif...
by sperry8
Sun Dec 17, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")
Replies: 5351
Views: 906849

Re: International (Non-US) versus US Equities (The "Arguments")

Beensabu wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 2:13 pm
KBR wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 1:52 pm Do I have that right?
If you pick and stick with some US/exUS equity allocation, the exact allocation you chose is probably not going to matter much over a long enough time period. Although it has and will over shorter time periods - the argument is about potential future performance over a shorter time period.
Except that's not true. If you picked and stuck with the US 120 years ago - you'd have earned 6.6% real vs only 4.4% real if you picked and stuck with exUS only. viewtopic.php?p=7564940#p7564940 Of course if one starts cherry picking dates they can massage those numbers to be whatever you want. I'm sure the next response to my post will do just that. Let the cherry picking posts begin.