Search found 104 matches

by slowbutsteady
Wed Apr 07, 2021 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Duolingo
Replies: 41
Views: 5010

Re: Duolingo

I have had a duolingo account since 2015 and am currently on a 660 day-in-a-row Spanish streak. However I've completed only 3.5 of the 8 checkpoints for Spanish, in part because you have to jump through many advertising and other hoops for each lesson. Looks like we are at a similar point. 600+ day streak in Spanish, 2 checkpoints, and duome.eu thinks I will complete the course by November of this year (unlikely). I currently do one or two new lessons per day and fix all my broken lessons (the re-learning feature). I complete all topics to “Golden” level, but usually have five or six in progress. I opted to pay, for one because I don’t want the advertising and hearts restriction, and also because I want to support the development. I am far...
by slowbutsteady
Sun Feb 28, 2021 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 fund bonds versus cash in high school
Replies: 12
Views: 1481

Re: 529 fund bonds versus cash in high school

Some may consider this reckless, but my daughter (1st of 4 kids) is a rising junior in high school and we are still 100% equity.

I think cash at your daughter's stage may be too conservative. How about 30/70?
by slowbutsteady
Sun Feb 28, 2021 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: wiFi extenders
Replies: 39
Views: 3360

Re: wiFi extenders

Have tried all sorts of extenders, even quite pricey ones. Installed Deco mesh (3 units) first thing this year and it's like a dream. No drops, strong access everywhere, solid speed, same network ID - instead of manually swapping when we had extenders, and added easy management of parental access, blacklisting, testing/diagnostics etc. BTW, I am quite surprised but pleased by the popularity of mesh in this post. I looked into mesh 2-3 years ago and seem pretty pricey and IIRC not so convincingly better. I have spent money on 3 different extenders since then and the covid working from home with kids home schooling tasked the extenders. Fast forward to December, ran into a reasonably priced mesh at our BJs, did a quick research on the spot an...
by slowbutsteady
Sun Feb 28, 2021 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity 529 "blended"
Replies: 7
Views: 1259

Re: Fidelity 529 "blended"

CT resident too and just like you, I was pleased with TIAA CHET and wondered about the change. Looking deeper, Fidelity 529 index that mirror my previous were slightly lower cost. FIDO has more funds options, but will likely never use them anyways What I like at FIDO 1) Lower cost 2) 100% mixed domestic and international equity funds vs only 100% domestic or 100% international prior Less so 1) Miss the 80/20 CHET for the 4th kid. So bumped down to the moderate, a 60/40 at FIDO 2) FIDO website more complex and took some getting used to (even though I had an IRA there...took some help to be able to schedule auto deposits for the 529s). You also have to really dig deep to locate the PDF download that provides detailed components of all the fun...
by slowbutsteady
Fri Jul 17, 2020 6:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?
Replies: 25
Views: 2423

Re: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?

Thanks for the helpful discussions. Here are my takeaways: First, on the analysis. Some divergent views and specific critique. Some question the analytics framework but I infer that many think the general methodology/frame is acceptable. It came down to the assumptions which seems overly tilted to favor WL thus diminishing the value of the conclusions: - 1% AUM, too high - non guaranteed illustration - too rosy especially in a declining interest rate environment; somewhere between guaranteed and illustrated would have been better - insurers' institutional cost advantages may be overstated But, some uncaptured value may exist - the non trivial state tax savings for individuals in high tax brackets in high tax states And there's the non-model...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 16, 2020 8:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?
Replies: 25
Views: 2423

Re: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?

Interesting to see your apparent conclusions as they are quite opposite of mine. Wade has a tendency to use very very specific assumptions so you have to be careful how you apply them. In the paper he gives multiple results that lead me to the conclusion that "it depends" is the only answer to whether an SPIA and/or Whole Life policy makes sense. There are huge number of cases that would very heavily favor term over whole using the assumptions in that paper but there are also a few that favor whole. The one certainty to me is that Whole Life policies are almost always more complicated than Term and that the fees are almost certainly higher. These two things automatically disincline me toward Whole Life. Doesn't meant that there i...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 16, 2020 7:53 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?
Replies: 25
Views: 2423

Re: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?

Second, a permanent death benefit supported through whole life insurance can be integrated into a retirement income plan by helping the retiree to justify the decision to buy an income annuity and to overcome the behavioral hurdles related to using annuities. The death benefit allows the retiree to purchase a life-only single life annuity that offers the most mortality credits to the risk pool and therefore offers the highest payout rate to the owner. The death benefit then hedges the risk of loss on the annuity due to an early death and replaces the asset for the household. Reduce behavioral problems: possible. Hedge annuity: it is my understanding that a matched annuity + WL is equal to a zero-coupon bond with a negative expected return....
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 16, 2020 7:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?
Replies: 25
Views: 2423

Re: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?

I criticize the assumptions behind this paper. First, at the most basic level, the death benefit for life insurance provides a method to meet a legacy goal using risk pooling and tax advantages that is distinct from preserving investment assets for this purpose. This can allow the retiree to potentially enjoy a higher standard of living in retirement than otherwise possible, while also ensuring that assets have been earmarked to meet the legacy goal. This implicitly assumes an infinitely high risk aversion for the bequest motive. It is my understanding that the risk aversion for your bequest motive should either be equal to your risk aversion (Merton makes this assumption), or between your risk aversion and the risk aversion of your legacy...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 16, 2020 11:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?
Replies: 25
Views: 2423

Re: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?

I sincerely appreciate the thoughful discussions. I have a few questions/comments on the responses and will revert shortly.

Incidentally, I see that Dr Pfau will be our next guest on the BH on investing podcast (thanks for the heads-up, Angie). viewtopic.php?f=10&t=320334

Should be fun. Can't wait!
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 16, 2020 11:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dr. Wade Pfau will be my next Bogleheads podcast guest
Replies: 42
Views: 4660

Re: Dr. Wade Phau will be my next Bogleheads podcast guest

Very timely as I was ruminating over the implications of his paper about Anuity+WL on our estate planning outlook. viewtopic.php?f=10&t=320308

Questions for Dr Pfau
1. Can he be more specific on they types of people this strategy be suitable for? In order words, does this expand the set of audiences who could benefit from WL in their estate planning beyond the 1-2% we generally believe should use WL
2. Why use high investment costs in models and not more more conservative and increasing accessible rates (like 0.3%)? This not only acknowledes the trend towards lower fees but also gives more credence to his mostly thought provocking analyses?
by slowbutsteady
Wed Jul 15, 2020 6:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?
Replies: 25
Views: 2423

[Wade Pfau]: More effective estate planning with SPIA+WL?

I searched and did not find this Wade Pfau's paper discussed so I'm posting with the hope of getting some pointed assessment on this paper/recommendation. I was intrigued by his reference of SPIA and Whole Life to "actuarial bonds" that could play useful roles in effective estate planning. Question is: Does this paper make a strong enough case to keep an existing WL for effective estate planning, epecially when one (like us) are evaluating keep or drop decision? Will be helpful if we go beyond the typical whole life is garbage comments. https://retirement.theamericancollege.edu/research/integrating-whole-life-insurance-retirement-income-planning Context: With some time on our hands, DW and I had some estate planning convo and our ...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 09, 2020 5:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Are You Questioning Your Foreign Stock Funds?"
Replies: 122
Views: 12579

Re: "Are You Questioning Your Foreign Stock Funds?"

RDA wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 12:40 pm Nope. I live here, work here, own property here, and invest the majority of my money here. My foreign funds haven’t been growing much recently, but its a good hedge against future US specific issues that would affect the rest of my portfolio.

Plus, the graph in this post in the recent thread about this shows the long and short of it pretty well - who knows what the next several decades will hold?

viewtopic.php?f=10&t=318974#p5343074
+1 as well as for others echoing the same sentiment. The geo diversification is crucial for us.

No questioning here. 35% of total portfolio in international (~39% of equities). Been that way and will stay that way for a looong time.
by slowbutsteady
Thu Jul 02, 2020 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1082216

Re: Share your net worth progression

I'm with e5116.

We are still below our December 2019 portfolio despite non-stop investing (even had some nice five figures dump into the market in March), and with unflinching 90/10 through it all

My guess is many of the big jumps may be from
- small biz efforts
- real estate value growth
- massive contributions (or grants) relative to portfolio or
- some nice lucky stock picks

Good to see the progression all the same.
by slowbutsteady
Tue May 26, 2020 9:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Robot vacuums
Replies: 30
Views: 3026

Re: Robot vacuums

if you have a house>1500sq feet then do ensure to buy a one with Mapping capability. I had bought eufy and it wasnt even able to finish 3 rooms in an hour. I returned and switched to roborock and since then its able to clean entire down stairs in 1 charge. Cleaning it has the same effort as emptying a bagless hand vaccum so its not that nasty. The main painpoints are :- You have to clean the rooms and remove all wires else this will get stuck You need to clean the sensors every month or so The app has some glitches The mapping app... sounds very good. Will that work if the little vac is, say, under a sofa and has run out of steam? Will it log the last location? Or might we have some search and rescue efforts if we aren't paying attention? ...
by slowbutsteady
Tue May 26, 2020 9:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Robot vacuums
Replies: 30
Views: 3026

Re: Robot vacuums

We used the a basic Roomba for 5 years and worked well. Dumb random movement but still did the work, primary the basement. Yes, you have to Roomba proof prior to cleaning as others have mentioned above. The pain is the periodic garbage disposal which could be every other tun depending the space dirt-level. Else all good as I had nothing to compare it with. We recently got a new "smart" robot - the Shark IQ after the Roomba gave up the ghost. This new one maps homes, self charges and returns, and self disposes in its garbage stand - with full app support. Cleans really well, but based on reviews/comparison, it's less smart than the equivalent self cleaning Roombas (i7 and s9). those For instance, those Roombas have sensors that let...
by slowbutsteady
Mon Apr 20, 2020 9:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: what are you doing with all the home equity?
Replies: 117
Views: 9514

Re: Retirees: what are you doing with all the home equity?

This is exactly the predicament I am avoiding with my interest-only mortgage which I intend to roll over into perpetuity. I need to model this out in Excel but on the surface interest-only mortgages seem like a good deal. For the average person they are probably bad but if you approach it the right way they seem to be a very powerful tool. Any general pointers or references you like regarding interest only mortgages? Conceptually: The value of an interest only mortgage = the value of liquidity of the principal diverted to investment portfolio + portfolio market return on that principal - interest rate of the mortgage "Value of liquidity" incorporates the volatility of the investment portfolio, the higher the volatility, the less ...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Apr 16, 2020 6:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: what are you doing with all the home equity?
Replies: 117
Views: 9514

Re: Retirees: what are you doing with all the home equity?

This is exactly the predicament I am avoiding with my interest-only mortgage which I intend to roll over into perpetuity. I need to model this out in Excel but on the surface interest-only mortgages seem like a good deal. For the average person they are probably bad but if you approach it the right way they seem to be a very powerful tool. Any general pointers or references you like regarding interest only mortgages? Conceptually: The value of an interest only mortgage = the value of liquidity of the principal diverted to investment portfolio + portfolio market return on that principal - interest rate of the mortgage "Value of liquidity" incorporates the volatility of the investment portfolio, the higher the volatility, the less ...
by slowbutsteady
Sat Apr 11, 2020 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Executive pay cut request: How to respond?
Replies: 130
Views: 15663

Re: Executive pay cut request: How to respond?

Is this a fictitious post? A $1 million a year executive asking for advise on the internet? If judgement and decision-making is not your strength, why are they paying you so much money? In megacorps that salary is approaching C-suite. This is almost exactly what I was going to say. It only is a highly paid exec asking for career advice on an Internet forum, but not even giving enough info for good advice to be given. I think something doesn’t add up here. If you are paid $700k per year, you should be able to figure out the various options or at least understand what info people need to advise you. If someone posts they have a 2 million dollar portfolio and they are asking for advice, you don't say why are you asking for advice if you alrea...
by slowbutsteady
Sat Apr 11, 2020 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How often do you login and review your investment accounts?
Replies: 68
Views: 4155

Re: How often do you login and review your investment accounts?

Varies with market situation and how busy I am with other aspects of life..

At least monthly to update my spreadsheet. But recently, it's been 3-4 times a week. Not to make any changes, but to have front row seat to the spectacle of carnage. Too easy as it's just one PC thumb click away.
by slowbutsteady
Sat Apr 11, 2020 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: More aggressive 529 with downturn?
Replies: 9
Views: 906

Re: More aggressive 529 with downturn?

Keeping the aggressive AA I had over the years. My kids range from 6 to 15. But for one with 80/20, the rest are 100/0.

I am aware of the risk of market decline about the time our first starts college in 3 year's time. It's a risk we are able and willing to take.
by slowbutsteady
Fri Apr 10, 2020 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Boglehead has strayed. How to get back in the market?
Replies: 51
Views: 6890

Re: Boglehead has strayed. How to get back in the market?

If this were me, I would

1) decide on my updated and likely more conservative AA and
2) lumpsum back in - that's because the money has been in the marker before, more like a roll over of sorts

If it this were new lump money I could consider DCAing back in and likey in equal bi-weekly sums over the next 3 months or so.

But in your case, DCAing back is fine too given the fear, shock, and doubts you are experiencing. Fortify yourself with your first hand 2000 and 2008 experience, this too shall pass; lump or DCA over a short period will likely not matter much long term.
by slowbutsteady
Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If you have a sizable portfolio, you don't need an emergency fund
Replies: 260
Views: 41539

Re: If you have a sizable portfolio, you don't need an emergency fund

We have a small emergency fund and looking to beef that up a bit. We don't consider our EF part of our portfolio, just as we don't look at residual accounts in checking as part of our portfolio.

I'm considering keeping 2 months or so in cash/cash equivalents and investing the rest in bonds/equities. But will still consider EF bucket as separate from our portfolio. As if it grows too large, will shift some to portfolio proper.

The analysis above is straightforward and expected. But as many have said, maximization is not always the goal, else why have bonds at all. Thus personalized finance.
by slowbutsteady
Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has Your Asset Allocation Strategy Changed?
Replies: 73
Views: 4715

Re: Has Your Asset Allocation Strategy Changed?

No change. Why alter what I deliberately decided on and that's working as far as I'm concerned?

Staying the course. 90/10.
by slowbutsteady
Wed Apr 01, 2020 12:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age/AA during this crisis?
Replies: 138
Views: 9263

Re: What is your age/AA during this crisis?

47
married with kids
90/10 before
90/10 during (rebalanced)
90/10 after

Have some high yield in the 10.
by slowbutsteady
Sat Mar 07, 2020 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where My 100% Equities Peeps At?!?
Replies: 387
Views: 54905

Re: Where My 100% Equities Peeps At?!?

47 years.
Started investing in 2006.

90/10 in 401ks.
90/10 in 529s
100/0 in IRAs.
100/0 in aftertax.

That's the way it is.
That's the way it will be, till IPS says otherwise.
by slowbutsteady
Wed Feb 26, 2020 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What did you learn from the 2/24 sell off?
Replies: 327
Views: 28085

Re: What did you learn from the 2/24 sell off?

I have learned (if I can call it that) that 90/10 is still the right AA for me. I agonized going down to 85/15 in 2018 as part of gradual age glide path (actually did for a week and reverted back to 90/10).

My allocations have not changed: always been 25 S&P/30 Extended/35 International/10 Bonds

It's only 2 days of 6% loss, folks. There could be much more pain down the road. As many have said,
- find your AA and stick to it (or whatever your IPS developed during calm times stipulated)
- rebalance when your allocation diverges enough
- buy more if you have cash

For context: started investing in 2006 and this 2 day loss is 6 digits. But, that's part of the terrain and expectation. Take the wins along with the losses.

All the best.
by slowbutsteady
Sat Dec 21, 2019 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Millionaire Teacher - Andrew Hallam
Replies: 70
Views: 12212

Re: Millionaire Teacher - Andrew Hallam

fortfun wrote: Wed Dec 18, 2019 10:17 pm Just got a copy and am really enjoying it. Anyone else read this book? Thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=millionare+t ... _sb_noss_2
Read the book. Enjoyed it. Given many away as gifts.
by slowbutsteady
Wed Jun 05, 2019 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Watertown, CT
Replies: 15
Views: 1787

Re: Trip to Watertown, CT

I live in CT but not familiar enough with Watertown (besides The Taft School) to suggest places to visit.

You may post the question on the CT sub-forum on city-data website or comb through for possible recommendations as someone may have asked such questions already.

Many CT cities are small, so you may want to cast your web a bit wider for places to visit in nearby towns as well.
by slowbutsteady
Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Person to evaluate whole life policies
Replies: 6
Views: 919

Re: Person to evaluate whole life policies

mhalley wrote: Thu Apr 04, 2019 6:03 pm James Hunt is the one. https://evaluatelifeinsurance.org/
Clark Howard has recommended them on his show.
Yep, that's him. Used recently. Highly recommended.
by slowbutsteady
Wed Apr 03, 2019 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: At a crossroad - Expensive House or Private School Tuition? UPDATE
Replies: 75
Views: 9366

Re: At a crossroad - Expensive House or Private School Tuition?

Agree with some earlier posts that topics about kids education are complex, multi-layered, and subjective. Other non-financial items such as values, experiences, perceptions, and aspirations hold lots of weight. That said, we weighed similar options and went with your option 1. In our case, we had always planned to send our kids to private college prep schools. But wanted the kids in the public school system through middle school for some non-entitled foundational grounding. The reality of the cost of top private New England schools hit home as the years drew closer and we toyed with moving to the more expensive neighborhoods with top notch schools (our town has very good elementary and middle school, but just good high school). We delibrat...
by slowbutsteady
Sun Mar 31, 2019 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Kitces/Pfau rising equity glide path for early retirees with NQDC
Replies: 15
Views: 2736

Re: Kitces/Pfau rising equity glide path for early retirees with NQDC

The type of non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) that I have is a private sector Section 409a "top hat" plan. I love the tax deferral, but there's no way I would hold bonds in it. The problem is, in the event of corporate insolvency, the plan is an unsecured creditor of the company. It's a calculated risk to use the plan, but a risk nevertheless. What's more, in the unlikely event of a corporate bankruptcy, it's more likely than average that other stocks are down as well, which is precisely when I'd want to have bonds. There are other types of NQDC plans, though, so I'm not sure whether this is applicable or useful to you. Good luck. Not following - no way would use bonds, but if disaster strikes that is when you would want...
by slowbutsteady
Fri Mar 22, 2019 1:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 plan question: When did you change to more conservative AA?
Replies: 36
Views: 3211

Re: 529 plan question: When did you change to more conservative AA?

We have 529 for four kids, first will soon turn 14. Three accounts are at 100%, one at 80% equity (for slight hedge and performance bechmark only). Plan to keep that way for the foreseeable future.

Will go to grandkids if growth exceeds needs; will cashflow if market tanks (we will be done with mortgage by the time first kid starts and of course, if we keep our jobs if things go south).

Taking the chance. We are on track retirement wise.
by slowbutsteady
Wed Jan 16, 2019 8:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 82119

Re: John Bogle is dead at 89

Great life, great contribution, great loss. Your impact will continue to be felt decades to come.

Rest In Peace.
by slowbutsteady
Sun Oct 14, 2018 6:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does international really buy you diversification?
Replies: 43
Views: 6158

Re: Does international really buy you diversification?

watchnerd wrote: Sat Oct 13, 2018 9:46 am If international had recently outperformed domestic nobody would be asking this topic's question.

Bogleheads are not immune to performance chasing behaviors.

I'm having recollections to all the REIT discussions 'back in the day'.

Or commodities.
+1

Quite a surprise. Shows we are all human. Rationalization is a universal force.

I have always had 35% of our portfolio in international. And will continue to keep it that way. My initial reason for the mix remains the same and is not changed by recent performance trends.
by slowbutsteady
Mon Sep 24, 2018 10:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Looking for advice on whether to participate in Deferred Compensation Plan
Replies: 18
Views: 2906

Re: Looking for advice on whether to participate in Deferred Compensation Plan

In my experience, the biggest benefit from a DCP was the tax arbitrage. For example, I deferred compensation (salary and bonus) in 2013 when I would have paid 35% and 39.6% of income tax on that income. I am withdrawing those funds now in early retirement in the 12%, 22% and 24% brackets. The biggest risk is bankruptcy of your employer. You manage (minimize) the bankruptcy risk three ways. First of all, you manage the percentage of your net worth such that a total bankruptcy would not derail your retirement. Personally, my target was 10-15%. Second, you minimize the time that your investments are exposed to this risk by waiting until later in your career to defer funds into the DCP plan. Third, you minimize the time that your investments a...
by slowbutsteady
Wed Jul 11, 2018 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What % of your equity is int’l?
Replies: 141
Views: 11849

Re: What % of your equity is int’l?

38.89% of equities; 35% of portfolio

Been that way for years; staying the course.
by slowbutsteady
Fri Jan 19, 2018 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Short Commute or Nicer House?
Replies: 142
Views: 14012

Re: Short Commute or Nicer House?

Decision isn't as black and white as some always make it sound. This is a lifestyle choice as much as anything else. While cities can provide more walk-able amenities they sometimes also have more crime and over time give some folks a feeling of being hemmed in (more dense neighborhoods, less greenery, etc.). With a short drive into the city you can get to the museums and restaurants easily on the weekends (when you will most likely have the time to enjoy them). As far as the extra time commuting - some people view this as "wasted" time but there are ways to make that time productive or entertaining (catching up on podcasts, the news, audible books, etc.). I know people who actually like the transitional period between "work...
by slowbutsteady
Wed Jan 17, 2018 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to overcome the fear of spending money? (Buying a car)
Replies: 55
Views: 6532

Re: How to overcome the fear of spending money? (Buying a car)

Hawaiishrimp wrote: Wed Jan 17, 2018 7:06 pm
delamer wrote: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:30 pm How much of your net worth is the car?
1.4% of net worth
Go ahead and buy it. It's a rounding error. Pay cash.

Maybe these line of thinking may help
- it's within range of portfolio noise on some days
- money is meant to be spent (within reason)
- you have saved up this much, enjoying some of the money is reasonable
- if you have a SO, get their approval
- you cannot buy this time back, enjoy the fun car now whilr you are younger
- etc
by slowbutsteady
Mon Nov 13, 2017 8:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: At what rate of return would you keep a whole life policy?
Replies: 21
Views: 2810

Re: At what rate of return would you keep a whole life policy?

westrichj312 wrote: Mon Nov 13, 2017 5:49 pm In general, whole life policies are for suckers. They are sold by salesman trying to make commissions. Sorry.
Quite unessessary. Departure from rational debate into name calling.

Regarding the question around estimating the rate of return, this is an empirical question but the earlier dialogues read more of opinions than someone authoritatively confirming the correct approach. Will be helpful if someone can kindly help readers with a closure on the correct computation.
by slowbutsteady
Sun Nov 12, 2017 10:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What's your weighted average expense ratio?
Replies: 65
Views: 6291

Re: What's your weighted average expense ratio?

0.11 (according to SigFig)

Highest ER in our portfolio is 0.54.
by slowbutsteady
Sun Nov 12, 2017 10:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Getting a home mortgage without spouse?
Replies: 43
Views: 4170

Re: Getting a home mortgage without spouse?

If your wife is fine with it, I think it's fine to proceed. We did the same, but for a refinance. About 4 years ago, we refinanced to my name alone for best rates. My wife's name is on the deed - that part was very important to me (us).
by slowbutsteady
Sun Nov 05, 2017 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which heart rate monitor is the most accurate?
Replies: 37
Views: 6003

Re: Which heart rate monitor is the most accurate?

I use Garmin chest strap + Garmin Forerunner 225. Accuracy is all I care about as well...and for running only. Works great.
by slowbutsteady
Thu Nov 02, 2017 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New 2 comma member
Replies: 28
Views: 4097

Re: New 2 comma member

Congratulations. Nice to see that your stash keeps working hard, even in retirement. Don't forget to celebrate.
:sharebeer
by slowbutsteady
Fri Oct 20, 2017 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: just hit the two comma club today...some thoughts
Replies: 37
Views: 7405

Re: just hit the two comma club today...some thoughts

:sharebeer Congratulations!!...and thanks for sharing your story.
by slowbutsteady
Tue Oct 10, 2017 1:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has your "risk tolerance" been tested?
Replies: 105
Views: 11604

Re: Has your "risk tolerance" been tested?

OP, thanks for this opportunity to reflect. I started investing in 2006 and got tested in the 2008/2009. Was 80/20 with low 6 figures invested. I just held my nose, turned my back to the bin, and kept dumping money in via automatic investments. I tuned-off as much financial news as I could, I think I did not check my balances for a long time, and I picked up a new hobby. Four year ago, I upped our AA to 90/10 and did not flinch during the small blips of 2015 (what Brexit?) and early 2016. Thinking back now, I'm beggining to think that our ratio of contributions-to-asset may have played a part in my confidence because the contributions kept blunting some of the market blows. But as our investable assets have ballooned and become less sensiti...
by slowbutsteady
Fri Oct 06, 2017 3:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: measurement of success of investment(s)
Replies: 52
Views: 7185

Re: measurement of success of investment(s)

Your benchmark should be your alternative investment...meaning if you have not picked those stocks, what would you have invested in? That said, I will look also look at the S&P. Simple, easy, clean. I agree with your first sentence. Your second sentence is dead wrong. I would advocate for measure of success how effectively my investment meets my objectives. Success is an odd word to apply to investments. You disagree with the explanation of alternative investment or the selection of S&P500 as a benchmark criteria? I, and I'm sure the OP, would agree with your broad consideration of success being anchored to one's investment objectives. But the stated question is around quantitative benchmark to evaluate possible stock or etf select...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Oct 05, 2017 11:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: measurement of success of investment(s)
Replies: 52
Views: 7185

Re: measurement of success of investment(s)

Your benchmark should be your alternative investment...meaning if you have not picked those stocks, what would you have invested in? That said, I will look also look at the S&P. Simple, easy, clean. I agree with your first sentence. Your second sentence is dead wrong. I would advocate for measure of success how effectively my investment meets my objectives. Success is an odd word to apply to investments. You disagree with the explanation of alternative investment or the selection of S&P500 as a benchmark criteria? I, and I'm sure the OP, would agree with your broad consideration of success being anchored to one's investment objectives. But the stated question is around quantitative benchmark to evaluate possible stock or etf select...
by slowbutsteady
Thu Oct 05, 2017 10:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Millionaire Next Door (Thank you Bogleheads)
Replies: 81
Views: 16621

Re: Millionaire Next Door (Thank you Bogleheads)

Congratulations!!...and thanks for sharing your inspiring story. Not an easy road, but shows the power of a clear goal, determination, and persistence.

You have made your mom proud too.
by slowbutsteady
Tue Sep 26, 2017 1:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: measurement of success of investment(s)
Replies: 52
Views: 7185

Re: measurement of success of investment(s)

Your benchmark should be your alternative investment...meaning if you have not picked those stocks, what would you have invested in?

That said, I will look also look at the S&P. Simple, easy, clean.