Search found 1895 matches

by Trev H
Fri Jan 15, 2021 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Accepting payment on used car sale during covid
Replies: 55
Views: 5709

Re: Accepting payment on used car sale during covid

We bought a newer Camry recently, and sold our older one... Put it on FB and in 30 minutes someone called and asked if they could come see it...

We said yes, told them the Cash Price.

Small Town TN, it was a young man that I knew his father... he came out in 10 minutes, paid us the price we asked in $100.00 bills... DONE.

He was into growing stuff and I gave him a tour of my garden, orchard, food forest, etc..

I guess we are just a lot more laid back than you all are out there... we had no problem at all getting that done.

Trev H
by Trev H
Mon Jan 11, 2021 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?
Replies: 470
Views: 47160

Re: What kind of car do Bogleheads like to drive?

I ordered my brand new Chevy Silverado Ext Cab 4x4 Truck....

In Sept 1994.... a 1995 model.

I paid it off in 1999 (have not had a car payment since then).

Still Driving it... does all I need.

It seems the 1995 model is quite popular today.. and I plan to just keep it, perhaps fix it up a little now and then.

Trev H
by Trev H
Tue Dec 29, 2020 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Yet another emergency fund question
Replies: 26
Views: 2231

Re: Yet another emergency fund question

Part of my EF is in local bank savings... (pays next to nothing interest wise).
Part is in Ally Bank Savings (pays a little more interest).
Part is in Wellesley Income Fund (Taxable account at Vanguard) where I also have a good chunk of TSM and FTSE X US.

On only 2 occasions the past 10-15 years, have I had to take some funds from the taxable location... once from Wellesley, once from TSM.

I only do that if the first two locations can't cover it.

Trev H
by Trev H
Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What exactly are YOU doing in retirement?
Replies: 93
Views: 10745

Re: What exactly are YOU doing in retirement?

Not retired yet... 3 years or so out... When I do retire, I plan to do more of the things I love to do now ... but only get to on Saturday, or some evenings after work... I am into self sufficiency, growing, catching, raising my own food... I can catch them, grow them, clean them, cook them and eat them and preserve them. Freezing, Fermenting, Dehydrating, Water Bath Canning, Pressure Canning. Hunting, Fishing, Gardening.. I have a Food Forest (Permaculture), flat row garden, raised beds... I have 15 fruit trees, apple, peach, apricot, JuJube, Chi, mulberry, plum, figs, cherry, etc... Lots of blackberry, raspberry, josta berry, currents, goumi berry, blueberry, loganberry... In my flat garden and raised beds, I grow lots of veggies, greens,...
by Trev H
Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Using Bond Funds instead of Savings Accounts
Replies: 27
Views: 4824

Re: Using Bond Funds instead of Savings Accounts

Your two worst experiences with 10K invested in Wellesley Income... (showing 4 years total). Year Wellesley 10,000.00 1973 -3.49 9,651.00 1974 -6.43 9,030.44 1975 17.46 10,607.16 1976 23.28 13,076.50 Year Wellesley 10,000.00 2008 -9.79 9,021.00 2009 16.14 10,476.99 2010 10.71 11,599.07 2011 9.74 12,728.82 Oh what PAIN... a 10% loss... you would surely die !!! =========== You mentioned padding your EF 30-35% when using assets other than cash... Below I padded Wellesley by 15% (1500.00), stayed above my desired 10K in EF balance, and in 4 years, added 4-5K. Year Wellesley 11,500.00 1973 -3.49 11,098.65 1974 -6.43 10,385.01 1975 17.46 12,198.23 1976 23.28 15,037.98 Year Wellesley 11,500.00 2008 -9.79 10,374.15 2009 16.14 12,048.54 2010 10.71 1...
by Trev H
Tue Dec 22, 2020 4:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VG is nagging about transitioning account
Replies: 200
Views: 21835

Re: VG is nagging about transitioning account

I considered Transitioning and per the email I got from them... "3 steps and only takes a few minutes"..... click here to start...

I started just to check it out and was soon informed that I had some accounts that could not be transitioned (they did not show up in the transition list). ESA's for my two kids.

I backed out of the Transition after getting that message.

I assume that if I went thru with it... I would then have two accounts at vanguard (one brokerage with most of my stuff in it) and another mutual funds with my kids ESA's in it. Who wants that...

I may consider it again when those ESA's are drained... which should be in the next year.

Trev H
by Trev H
Thu Dec 17, 2020 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Using Bond Funds instead of Savings Accounts
Replies: 27
Views: 4824

Re: Using Bond Funds instead of Savings Accounts

Boglebuddy... on taxes, returns in a taxable account...

That is why I listed the "after tax" returns in my post above for life strategy income and wellesley income.

Those are not the full return... that is what vanguard shows as the "after tax" returns (calculated as I am sure a higher tax bracket than I am in).

Trev H
by Trev H
Wed Dec 16, 2020 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Using Bond Funds instead of Savings Accounts
Replies: 27
Views: 4824

Re: Using Bond Funds instead of Savings Accounts

A low equity balanced fund would be more diversified and might even be lower risk depending on the fund selected, the AA, etc.. Yes a mix of stocks and bonds (low allocation to stocks) is often less risky (SD, Volatility) than Bonds alone. I mean if you are going to break the BH rules... break em.. I used Wellesley Income for part of my EF for years (years ago)... Like you I just hated seeing all that cash sitting in Orange or Ally doing next to nothing. I put about 1/3 of my EF into Wellesley (in taxable location) and I was very pleased. It grew nicely, and I have a very nice balance there now... along with a large chunk of TSM and FTSE X US (now) that I did not have back then... A couple of examples... Life Strat Income (after tax returns...
by Trev H
Fri Nov 20, 2020 4:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 150799

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

59 me, 56 her
No Debt, own a nice home and 30 acres - completely debt free.

65/35

Note from Mid 80's until 2016 ---- remained 100% equity.
In 2016 sold 800 acres of land... and added bonds after that.

Trev H
by Trev H
Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wellesley for medium term investments?
Replies: 19
Views: 3071

Re: Wellesley for medium term investments?

Year Wellesley 1970 7.10 1971 15.03 1972 9.75 1973 -3.49 1974 -6.43 1975 17.46 1976 23.28 1977 4.27 1978 3.62 1979 6.20 1980 11.88 1981 8.67 1982 23.30 1983 18.60 1984 16.64 1985 27.41 1986 18.34 1987 -1.92 1988 13.61 1989 20.93 1990 3.76 1991 21.57 1992 8.67 1993 14.65 1994 -4.44 1995 28.91 1996 9.42 1997 20.19 1998 11.84 1999 -4.14 2000 16.17 2001 7.39 2002 4.64 2003 9.66 2004 7.57 2005 3.56 2006 11.39 2007 5.76 2008 -9.79 2009 16.14 2010 10.71 2011 9.74 2012 10.10 2013 9.27 2014 8.15 2015 1.35 2016 8.16 2017 10.26 2018 -2.49 2019 16.47 2020 8.41 (ytd) 11/16/2020 I used Wellesley Income fund for part of my Emergency fund for years... and Glad I did. I still have it in taxable location and it has grown like crazy. The worst 3 year span (19...
by Trev H
Wed Nov 04, 2020 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Would a $1MM inheritance change your retirement plans?
Replies: 113
Views: 11722

Re: Would a $1MM inheritance change your retirement plans?

I am 59 yo and have already reached my goal... but plan to wait until 63 to retire... and until 67 to take SS.

YES.. another 1 Mil now... and I would retire now at 59.

Trev H
by Trev H
Mon Nov 02, 2020 4:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread
Replies: 347
Views: 41318

Re: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread

Thanks to Cheese-It Guy.. for answering my question on making this transition at year end, and Turbo Tax.

Appreciate it.

Trev H
by Trev H
Sat Oct 31, 2020 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread
Replies: 347
Views: 41318

Re: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread

Got an email from Vanguard recently suggesting we make that change... have not done it yet. But notice below.. in the text from their email... == More about the retirement We're working toward the retirement of our old investment platform, which supports accounts that only hold Vanguard mutual funds. We'll continue to support clients on this old platform until it's ***retired from use in 2022 or earlier***. But know that some of the features you've used in the past may not be available as we make updates and changes in the future. == 2022 or earlier... Question... is there any advantage to "timing" the move between account types ? For example could Vanguard Transition my accounts on the last day of the year, if I requested that ? ...
by Trev H
Thu Oct 29, 2020 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How many funds should I have in my Roth IRA?
Replies: 22
Views: 2990

Re: How many funds should I have in my Roth IRA?

As long as it is this simple... Rollover IRA: $4,500 Roth IRA: $3,131.44 There would be nothing at all wrong with simply investing in the target date retirement fund of your choice in both places. Extremely simple, diversified (hopefully low cost, no experience with the Fidelity funds)... and auto rebalance. Why complicate that ? Later on, it may get more complicated... for example I am married... and the two of us have... these locations... Taxable Account - Total Stock Market, FTSE X US International Market (very tax efficient total market funds). My 403b - low cost diversified target date fund (best option in plan) Her 401k - low cost diversified target date fund (best option in plan) My Rollover IRA (slice and dice mix of US Large Marke...
by Trev H
Fri Oct 16, 2020 4:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: International vs. US REITS
Replies: 11
Views: 1122

Re: International vs. US REITS

I have a rollover IRA at Vanguard... diversified Simplified Ultimate Buy and Hold style.. I have Taxable at Vanguard with large chunks of TSM and Total Intl. My Roth IRA invested in US Reit / Ftse x-Us Small My Wife's Roth IRA invested in Intl Reit / US Small value The Roth IRA's are much smaller chunks than Taxable, and for diversifying the total market holdings there. Last time I checked the correlations on those pairs (in the Roths) very low. If you look at history of returns... US often outperforms Intl for 6-7-8 years... but then the same can be said about International out performing US. When either one is near the end of it's good run... no doubt lots of folks seriously questioned and doubted the one that was about to take the lead n...
by Trev H
Thu Oct 15, 2020 4:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What are the financial risks of not owning a house?
Replies: 106
Views: 12316

Re: What are the financial risks of not owning a house?

Just an example of what might happen if you did... ps.. I am 59 yo now. In 1997 I bought 30 acres of land out in the country... cost 29,250.00 In 2001 I built a nice home on the property.. total cost to build 157,000.00 (3800 sf, Brick, large porches, garage, partial basement, upstairs)... I had it all paid for in 2016. We have been completely debt free since then... and had no debt but the home for many years before that. Market Value now around 400K. We plan to sell the big house and 10 acres... and build us a (Nice down size, empty nesters, home) on another part of our land. We own the land already... if we spend 200K on a smaller more manageable home (which we expect to do)... around 200K additional funds goes into retirement savings. T...
by Trev H
Thu Jun 04, 2020 5:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
Replies: 415
Views: 38322

Re: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?

Angst asked.. == Wow Trev, that's remarkable and fascinating. Congrats on your success! I imagine it's taken quite a mix of patience and persistence (and intelligence) to accomplish what you've done. That's just great! Do you foresee ever attempting to selectively re-introduce any type of carbohydrate into you diet? == Angst - Yes... after doing 31 days of Zero Carb (Carnivore)... the gut pain that I have had since 1984 completely went away, gone, healed. On day 25 of my carnivore diet, I had a colonoscopy (regular scheduled event for me every 5 years) and my Dr told me he wished that all his Crohn's Disease patients had a gut that looked as good as mine. Completely clear, no sign of disease, no polyps. If you search youtube there are lots ...
by Trev H
Thu May 28, 2020 5:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?
Replies: 415
Views: 38322

Re: Tips to stick to a weight loss diet?

I have not dieted specifically to loose weight but to gain health (heal) from gut related disease... so tried several anti-inflammatory diets. At 5' 11" and 195 lbs... I started the Paleo Diet... and in less than 4 months... got down to 165 lbs. I stayed with Paleo diet for almost 3 years and it helped me reach my goal (reduced inflammation, gut pain, no more gut surgery)... for those 3 years but I continued to have low levels of gut pain... it helped a lot but did not completely get rid of the problem. Next I tried Keto... which Paleo is a good starter for someone wanting to try Keto... With Keto you restrict carb intake (I maintained 20 total carb max daily) for 8 months... and my gut pain was reduced even more... barely there... but...
by Trev H
Fri Jan 24, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cleaning up old IRAs - First Time Post (Take 2)
Replies: 17
Views: 1383

Re: Cleaning up old IRAs - First Time Post (Take 2)

On the investments you listed (below).... == Older IRA’s that haven’t been touched in more than 5 years: Putnam - Traditional IRA - $3000 $692 - Putnam Growth Opportunities -A - Expense Ratio - 1.03% $714 - Putnam International Equity - A - Expense Ratio - 1.18% $1596 - Putnam Sustainable Leaders - A - Expense Ratio - 1.04% Invesco - Simple IRA - $10800 $7025 - Invesco Charter Fund - Class A - Domestic Equity Funds - Expense Ratio - 1.08% $3769 - Invesco Technology Fund - Class A - Sector Equity Funds - Expense Ratio - 1.23% Capitol Groups/American Fund - An IRA/Rollover and a Simple IRA - $3200 $935 - American Funds US Government Money Market Fund - Expense Ratio - .39% $1235 - Capital World Growth and Income Fund (CWGIX) - Expense Ratio -...
by Trev H
Thu Jan 09, 2020 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14219

Re: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?

Many years ago... I used to keep about 1/3 in local bank savings (quick access) but earned almost no interest. 1/3 at Capital One savings... where it earned a bit more interest. 1/3 invested in Wellesley Income Fund, in taxable space. I think the after tax return on this has been around 5% (it has been a while since I checked). That was many years ago.. Today... I still have that Wellesley Income fund investment and it has grown nicely. I have used some of this 2x when needed and it has still grown far above my initial investment. I also have a couple of nice chunks of TSM and FTSE-XUS in Taxable space. I still have a small amount in savings at local back (for quick access) and some designated savings at Ally. I also have a HSA now which I ...
by Trev H
Fri Nov 22, 2019 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Equal Inheritance for Children
Replies: 109
Views: 12738

Re: Equal Inheritance for Children

What ever you do - don't give to one, without giving exactly the same amount to the other. I PROMISE you - that will cause problems. I don't care if you feel one NEEDS it now and the other does not... DONT do it. IT will cause problems - absolutely positive of that. What ever you decide to give to one (to do with as she pleases).... give to the other (to do with what she pleases). One may spend it on NEEDS - the other may take her family to Walt Disney World every year for vacation, or She may start up that Business she's been dreaming about starting, but that is the only way out of this without causing ill feelings between the two (and you also). I have been in a similar situation myself as a sibling and I KNOW how it will work out. Give t...
by Trev H
Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Skunks keep coming in our yard!
Replies: 44
Views: 4663

Re: Skunks keep coming in our yard!

Tennessee Hunting season guide.. == Armadillo, beaver, coyote, groundhog, striped skunk - Open year-round, no limit. == I have shot plenty of them. In the mid to late 80's I was a fur trapper. I did not specifically trap for skunk, but did catch them occasionally in a mink or raccoon or fox set. If you are going to shoot a skunk in your yard... here are some pointers... Wait - until it is on the down wind side of your property. Even if shot in the head with something like a 17 hmr or 22 mag, they can often still spray. ShotGun - 12 gauge, 6 shot, turkey loads, at around 10 yards, complete and total destruction is your best bet to disable spraying. If you do this while they are on the down wind side of your property, you can wait until the n...
by Trev H
Thu May 31, 2018 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oatmeal suggestions
Replies: 167
Views: 33836

Re: Oatmeal suggestions

LG..

Should you not also remove all of the other post that mention oats as being ... Healthy or Heart Healthy or ...high glycemic index or which could increase inflammation and risk of damage to blood vessels.

???
by Trev H
Tue May 22, 2018 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Babymoon - Hawaii Recommendations/Expected Costs
Replies: 27
Views: 3076

Re: Babymoon - Hawaii Recommendations/Expected Costs

We did our honeymoon there in 1990...

3 days in Oahu - Waikiki Beach... the beach was great, but right across the street was big city sky scrapers. We stayed at the Hyatt.
4 days in Maui - Stayed at a Westin Maui - Excellent. Awesome beaches, much more laid back and relaxing.

If I could only do one, I would choose Maui.

Trev H
by Trev H
Thu Apr 26, 2018 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CAGR & Sharpe Ratio
Replies: 22
Views: 3455

Re: CAGR & Sharpe Ratio

Back in my backtesting days... I posted the info below.

check the 3rd chart shown.

viewtopic.php?t=38374

That demonstrates in my opinion the ideal sistuation

The portfolio that wins, has Higher CAGR and Sharp, but also has a lower StDev. Now that's a Win, Win, Win situation.

Trev H
by Trev H
Thu Apr 12, 2018 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any aggressive index funds in your portfolio?
Replies: 35
Views: 7193

Re: Any aggressive index funds in your portfolio?

Taxable - TSM / FTSE X-US (50/50 mix)
Also a chunk of Wellesley income fund (used to be part of my EF).

Roth 1 US REIT / FTSE X-US Small Cap
Roth 2 International REIT / US Small Value Index
(aggressive slices, with low correlations paired up, re balanced yearly)

Rollover IRA - Equity equal weighted between... Large Cap Index, Small Value Index, International Value, FTSE X-US Small Cap and a slice of Total Bond Index for bonds. (aka - simplified ultimate buy and hold at vanguard equity mix).

My Company Plan - target retirement type fund (best option available).
Her Company Plan - target retirement type fund (best option available).

Over all stock/bond = 70/30.

Trev H
by Trev H
Sat Apr 07, 2018 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your AA, given your age? and, Why?
Replies: 284
Views: 43267

Re: What is your AA, given your age? and, Why?

I am 56 yo now... I maintained 100% stock allocation until just a few years ago (2016)... and made the change to 70S/30B at that point. Part of my reasoning for doing so was, my Grandfather and then my Father owned a significant amount of timber land which would eventually become mine... He paid 115.00 per acre for it in 1976... harvested the mostly hardwood (oak) timber off it in 79-80, and kept it for hunting property... growing the timber thru the time that my father owned it and eventually passed it to me... at which point the hardwood timber had matured to the point that it was looking really good. I sold it in 2016 for 1600.00/acre. I had already accumulated some land of my own and really did not have a need for the old family hunting...
by Trev H
Thu Mar 22, 2018 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home equity as part of retirement plan
Replies: 59
Views: 6413

Re: Home equity as part of retirement plan

TheOscarGuy said... I might pay it off all of significant portion by retirement. But you have to live somewhere, right? Right ... you have to live somewhere... But with us our home has evolved along with our needs / family size.. and our means... when first married, we rented for a few years, then bought a small sort of run down place and fixed it up (remodeled) for the next 10 years or so, then sold it for a nice profit... during those years we had our first child... and at the end of that we were planning to have another... so a larger home was in our thoughts... also wanted to get out of the city and into the country.... In my work I got promotions along the way, started earning more and more... and could afford a nice big home out in th...
by Trev H
Tue Mar 20, 2018 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home equity as part of retirement plan
Replies: 59
Views: 6413

Re: Home equity as part of retirement plan

For me it will be... 1) Use it - Will downsize ASAP and invest the difference We bought 30 acres of land out in the country in 1998... paid that off. Built a New Home on it in 2001 (3800 sf Brick, finished nicely, tile, hardwood, etc). We have two kids... one of which got married and left home last year. Our other kid is 16 now... and someday he will do the same. When we are actually empty nesters... that is when we will start looking to sell and downsize and invest the rest for retirement. I can sell the house and 10 acres... and still have the remaining 20 acres that we could build a nice new (much smaller) home on - something reasonable for just the two of us. I may also break up that 20 acres and keep one lot for us, and sell the rest i...
by Trev H
Thu Mar 15, 2018 4:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: SWR Players: How have you been spending in the past 9 years?
Replies: 13
Views: 2372

Re: SWR Players: How have you been spending in the past 9 years?

2009 16.02%
2010 10.65%
2011 9.63%
2012 10.06%
2013 9.19%
2014 8.07%
2015 1.28%
2016 8.08%
2017 10.20%
============
Avg 9.24%

PS.. I am not retired yet... but I do have a small amount of $$$ in Vanguard Wellesley Income. Somewhere around 15K (used to be part of my EF).
Those are the last 9 year total returns for the fund.

Hard to beat for sure ! SWR ?

Trev H
by Trev H
Fri Mar 02, 2018 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sweet Spot For SEER Rating
Replies: 29
Views: 6959

Re: Sweet Spot For SEER Rating

I built a new home in 2001 and went with Elect Heat Pump HVAC system (Trane)... and 18 SEER. I acted as general contractor myself... hired all the subs, ordered all of the materials, scheduled everything.. and the money I saved by doing all that work, I put part of it back into the house... and energy efficiency was one of those areas I hit with that extra cash. 17 years later and we still have that same system in and running (with some maintenance over the years)... But also with greatly reduced utility bills for 17 years. It is really an investment.. and probably not worth it if you were going to put it in and sell the house in 5-10 years... but if you are going to be there for the long haul... I wold highly recommend upping the energy ef...
by Trev H
Wed Feb 28, 2018 4:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much cash do you keep at any time on checking?
Replies: 183
Views: 23549

Re: How much cash do you keep at any time on checking?

I have a no interest checking account at local bank... I leave just enough in there to pay the monthly bills (with usually a 200.00 amount left just in case we need it, but hardly ever do)... and the rest gets xferred to online savings account that earns interest, or it gets invested. I have a interest bearing savings account linked to the checking account... which pays very little interest (brick and mortar bank)... but it does act as OD protection, and the first level of my EF. To me my checking account at local bank, is simply a place our payroll checks get deposited to (bank draft), and once they do, I reconcile, and pay bills, and once bills are paid, I transfer what is left (minus 200.00) to a place where it earns decent interest, or ...
by Trev H
Thu Feb 22, 2018 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why open a taxable account?
Replies: 27
Views: 8317

Re: Why open a taxable account?

When you fill up your tax free (roth) and tax deferred (401k/403b, etc) space... you have to use taxable space next. This may not be as common as it once was... but some poor folks have really stinky company plan's (very expensive investment options)... and in extreme cases you can be better off investing in taxable space rather than your extremely expensive company provided plan. If you already have a checking account or savings account that earns interest.. then you already have a taxable account. You will get a 1099-INT. At some point you may end up selling a home, or getting an inheritance, and have a big chunk of cash on hand... your tax free and tax deferred space is full... so you chunk it into taxable space (as tax efficiently as yo...
by Trev H
Wed Feb 21, 2018 4:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay off car debt or invest??
Replies: 24
Views: 3145

Re: Pay off car debt or invest??

Pay it off... AND never go there again... I bought a new truck (ordered it from a dealer in Sept 1994... a new 1995 Chevy Silverado 4x4)... cost me a little over 17K best I remember. Paid it off in 4 years. That was my LAST auto loan (1998... hmmmm 20 years ago). I actually still have the truck and still love it. Keep it up and keep on driving it. It has 180K miles on it now. It takes me fishing and hunting and hauls stuff when needed... My wife has been thru a few vehicles, but the last 3 she has had we bought good used vehicles and paid cash for them. Wife has a Toyota Highlander now which has been an excellent vehicle. I also bought my daughter a Toyota Camry and Son a Nissan Frontier... and paid cash for them. It can be done - you just ...
by Trev H
Thu Feb 15, 2018 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do docs treat "white coat hypertension"?
Replies: 35
Views: 3829

Re: How do docs treat "white coat hypertension"?

What do I do if I’m having a panic attack? The first step is to acknowledge that you’re having a panic attack and accept the feeling. Then practice these immediate coping techniques: Relax your breath by practicing 4-7-8 breathing. Inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 7, and exhale through your mouth for 8. Or use a breathing app such as Breathing Zone to help decrease your breathing rate. Don’t try to take deep breaths — this will only make the hyperventilation worse. Sit or lie down and relax your muscles. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Flex the muscles in your feet and toes, then release. Flex the muscles in your calves, then release. Flex the muscles in your thighs, then release. Continue doing this with each muscle group...
by Trev H
Thu Feb 15, 2018 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do docs treat "white coat hypertension"?
Replies: 35
Views: 3829

Re: How do docs treat "white coat hypertension"?

Sounds like you are sort of having a panic attack over something that is not really worthy of getting all that upset about.

There are lots of folks on youtube or other online sources showing you how to deal with panic attacks.

Controlled breathing, tensing and relaxing body parts, etc...

Try it... it works.

Trev H
by Trev H
Fri Jan 26, 2018 4:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Municipal Bonds - 100% When All You Need is the Income
Replies: 56
Views: 10535

Re: Municipal Bonds - 100% When All You Need is the Income

It pays to diversify an all bond portfolio with even small amounts of equities...

Using one of my old backtesting spreadsheets... 1927-2005

100% 5 Yr Treasury Bonds, ................. 5.70 StDev, 5.30 CAGR, 10K Growth 592,861.74
95% 5 Yr Treasury Bonds, 5% US Market, 5.55 StDev, 5.64 CAGR
90% 5 Yr Treasury Bonds, 10% US Market, 5.59 StDev, 5.97 CAGR
85% 5 Yr Treasury Bonds, 15% US Market, 5.82 StDev, 6.29 CAGR, 10K Growth 1,234,789.14

Trev H
by Trev H
Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: In what ways could BogleHeads be badly wrong ?
Replies: 244
Views: 32754

Re: In what ways could BogleHeads be badly wrong ?

That low cost index fund investing is the "only" way to go.

One word... oh well three words.

Wellesley Income Fund.

Trev H
by Trev H
Mon Jan 22, 2018 4:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Small Value Premium - How Do You View It?
Replies: 128
Views: 14519

Re: Small Value Premium - How Do You View It?

25% US Large Market
25% US Small Value
25% Intl Large Value
25% Intl Small Market

Simplified Ultimate Buy and Hold.

I look at SV as the best possible other US Equity Style Box to hit to diversify a US Large Market holding.

The combination works very well when split equally... and the 4 way combo above is an excellent way to get Global 3 Factor Diversification with only 4 funds.

If there is a premium... Great... I will take it.

There is diversification and that is enough.

Trev H
by Trev H
Fri Jan 19, 2018 4:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What's your one big takeaway from the Crash of 2008?
Replies: 380
Views: 72425

Re: What's your one big takeaway from the Crash of 2008?

I had 100% Stock allocation right thru 2001 and 2008 crashes, and just kept on buying more. I can't say it really bothered me at all.

Now 5-10 years out from retirement, I am at 70/30 and will eventually get to 60/40 or so when I do Retire.

Trev H
by Trev H
Fri Jan 19, 2018 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 4k UHD TVs worth it?
Replies: 66
Views: 8434

Re: 4k UHD TVs worth it?

We have a Sony Vizio 55" 4K UHD... think we have had it close to 2 years now, or a year and half... something like that.

Excellent picture quality, even when we don't get 4k (like when streaming Netflix or Hulu or Youtube) with our out in the country slower ATT DSL service. Or even with OTA antenna stuff... looks great. We do have a Sony Blue Ray player and wow... very pleased.

Our 15 year old JVC (36" huge tube) TV died when we bought this one. That thing weighed 88 lbs.

The new one was much easier to tote home, plus well it was the best one they had at our local Walmart, I had the cash, so it came home with me.

Trev H
by Trev H
Thu Jan 18, 2018 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lets talk about some favorite index funds?
Replies: 32
Views: 4469

Re: Lets talk about some favorite index funds?

International Value (OK not an index fund)...

But I just checked the YTD return for the VG funds I am invested in and it is doing the best so far YTD :-) so right now, my favorite fund.

5.27 International Value
5.21 FTXE X-US Large Market
4.88 Large Cap Index
4.63 TSM
4.30 FTSE X-US Small Market
4.12 Global X-US REIT
3.03 Small Value
-4.37 REIT US

What do you know of all those nice index funds... one of Vanguards Managed funds is on top of the list.

Trev H
by Trev H
Thu Jan 18, 2018 4:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone pondering moving to a cheaper place and downsizing?
Replies: 63
Views: 7251

Re: Anyone pondering moving to a cheaper place and downsizing?

In 1997 we bought 30 acres of land out in the country... and paid that off quickly. In 2001 we built a new house on our land, 3000+ SF, Brick, nice home. We paid off in 2016. So we have ALL the Equity in our home. 56 year old now.. thinking more and more about retirement, but planning to do that around age 62, One of our two kids has grown up, married and moved out... we have a 16 year old son who of course is still at home and may be for who knows how many more years. When he does finish school, and move out... we will for sure get serious about selling our house (and around 10 acres of land). We will still have 20 acres of land that has several good building sites on it... we could build on one of those (downsize to something reasonable f...
by Trev H
Thu Jan 04, 2018 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: stay with old employer 401k with fees or rollover to a Vangaurd account tIRA?
Replies: 20
Views: 2249

Re: stay with old employer 401k with fees or rollover to a Vangaurd account tIRA?

The company I had worked for for 20 years, was bought by a competitor in 2003 (the company I work for today). I had the option to roll my retirement savings to the new company plan, or to go anywhere else that I wanted (like Vanguard)... and that is when I found my way to Vanguard and became a Vanguard Investor. I have a Rollover IRA now at Vanguard, and a Roth for myself and my wife, and a couple of ESA's and Taxable Investments there too. When I do retire from current employer, I will roll those funds to Vanguard so I will have everything in one place then. In my case the decision was very easy... the new company plan investment options (at that time) had ER's like 1.8% and such... so I did the no brainer and moved to Vanguard. Good Luck ...
by Trev H
Thu Jan 04, 2018 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Legal services via employment
Replies: 13
Views: 1746

Re: Legal services via employment

Not sure about the monthly fee option... guess it would depend on how much you actually used it.

My company offers to pay 50.00 annually for us in legal fees as a benefit. I used it several years ago when we had our "will" setup.

I have been married 27 years now, no prenup.

Trev H
by Trev H
Wed Jan 03, 2018 7:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617324

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I make my own fermented pickles and milk kefir... (probiotic rich foods).

Had a batch of pickles that were ready today, ate 2 with dinner.

I have been on Paleo diet since March.. lost 30+ pounds, got off blood pressure and cholesterol meds too.

Being healthy is very frugal.. being sick is very costly.

Trev H
by Trev H
Wed Jan 03, 2018 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online High yield savings account for emergency funds
Replies: 48
Views: 9535

Re: Online High yield savings account for emergency funds

I have had online savings at Capitol One since they were ING.

I used to keep basically 1/3 of my EF in...

Local brick and mortar bank, earning doodly squat
1/3 in Cap One/ING Savings Account
1/3 in Vanguards Wellesley Income Fund

That 1/3 I put into Wellesley has grown NICELY over the years and I have just let it be. I now have significant taxable savings at Vanguard invested in TSM and FTSE XUS... so the Wellesley component is not really needed for EF now days... but it is still there. Some day I will spend it.

Trev H
by Trev H
Sat Dec 23, 2017 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander?
Replies: 88
Views: 25842

Re: Honda Pilot vs Toyota Highlander?

I have a 1995 Chevy Silverado (my only NEW vehicle purchase)... and it has been paid for since 1999 (that was the last vehicle loan for us). It still runs great and takes me fishing and hunting and hauls stuff... It is all I really need. I put around 5000 miles yearly on it. Several years ago... I think around 2012.. I bought my Wife a 2007 Toyota Highlander, used, with 66 K miles on it. We paid around 12K cash for it then. It is burgundy, and has a straight 4 cyl engine.. gets 32 mpg highway, 22 city... and has been ROCK SOLID dependable. We have done nothing to it except put gas in it, and have it serviced, oil changes, etc... normal stuff. Did replace the battery this year. It drives great, very comfortable, looks good, easy on you at th...
by Trev H
Wed Nov 22, 2017 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Slice and Dice
Replies: 40
Views: 5383

Re: Slice and Dice

You can keep it simple and still manage 3 factor global diversification... below an old post I did a few years back. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38374 Someone above mentioned SV coming back... LG having it's hay day lately... That is a fact... that you will see if you study the data over and over... they will swap places taking the lead, and sometimes one will out perform the other for 6-7-8 years in a row, then the swap happens. If you 3 fund... then you are really only getting large cap (equity) performance... (1 factor - Beta). At times that is Great... (for 6-7-8 years) but at times it Stinks for 6-7-8 years (those years when small and value are kicking butt) and Large looks like DIRT. I personally prefer to equally...
by Trev H
Mon Nov 06, 2017 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should one use REITs
Replies: 54
Views: 23904

Re: Should one use REITs

viewtopic.php?t=12990

Above one example that I found with search... It covered 1972-2007.

Trev H