Search found 900 matches

by Target2019
Mon Mar 25, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please help me organize the fixed income part of my portfolio
Replies: 114
Views: 6786

Re: Please hep me organise the fixed income part of my portfolio

dogagility wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 10:54 am
Target2019 wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 7:59 am VIPSX
Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund Investor Shares
Inflation-Indexed Securities
Risk / reward scale 2
1.81% 30-day SEC yield
This yield probably doesn't encompass the rate that includes whatever future inflation (CPI) will be. Is that correct?
An analysis of the funds I listed in the post (not just VIPSX), would require more work, for sure. I was scraping Vanguard's web today for the values, just an example. One could find a way to also project real return for their use case, I suppose.
by Target2019
Mon Mar 25, 2024 7:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Please help me organize the fixed income part of my portfolio
Replies: 114
Views: 6786

Re: Please hep me organise the fixed income part of my portfolio

My aim is to have about 30% of my portfolio in fixed income. Presently I have - 16% in vanguard money market 2 % in I bonds 5% in vanguard total bond fund 2.5% in limited term tax exempt 2.5 % in VIPSX- inflation protected securities 2% in treasuries Should I move about 10% from money market to VIPSX? Is it a good time to buy that ? Or should I buy more of VBTLX instead? Or dump whole fixed income n VBTLX or VIPSX? The above is separate from my EF. Many have a similar question about impending interest rate changes, and how to react. I would consturct a matrix, to make sure I understood the investments I have already. Here's a start: VMFXX Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund Money Market Risk / reward scale 1 5.27% 7-day SEC yield VMLUX Vang...
by Target2019
Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 7894

Re: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?

I've made several posts of this nature but I decided to summarize the meat of what I want to say in this one. In short...is it really that easy to invest the Bogleheads way? I have read Jack Bogle's book and some other books on finance (Rich Dad Poor Dad and some I can't remember offhand) and it seemed clear-cut and simple enough. Buy index funds, hold. Profit. It's almost impossible to beat the market, so don't. I recall when I first started learning about finance years ago thinking that every investor needs to know alpha, beta, Sharpe ratio, candlestick theory etc...and that it was an arcane science that only a select few suit-clad males knew, and that's why we always saw the same faces. But apparently it isn't? There's so much informati...
by Target2019
Thu Mar 21, 2024 11:12 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?
Replies: 68
Views: 6367

Re: Rule Against Disparaging a Post or Question?

lazynovice wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 9:04 am
goblue100 wrote: Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:43 am I think people need to remember if a topic irritates them for any reason they have the option not to read or reply to it. If you can't bear reading another SS claiming thread, then don't.
This is my point. Thank you.
I was wondering about someone responding last week, where the answer was essentially, "You can search for that."

I took a few moments to digest what was written, and answered the question.

Having come across similar answers from irritable persons in various internet forums, I guess we all have bad days. Maybe it is time for some to take a break?

Maybe an AI answer up-front with direction to possible answers would help.
by Target2019
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ancestry.Com Membership
Replies: 11
Views: 1220

Re: Ancestry.Com Membership

One point is that you should get a subscription and access to more tools only when you're ready to devote significant time to the research.

AARP has a discount. It's a one time discount. Before the renewal date I'll cancel.

The problem with Ancestry is the constant marketing for higher levels. You never seem to have enough access to what they dangle in front of you.
by Target2019
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did you use Real Estate to build wealth?
Replies: 72
Views: 9337

Re: Did you use Real Estate to build wealth?

Just note ...the post is 8 years old. Wow--I just noticed that. I guess we're better off posting replies later than never posting them. I hope the OP isn't a real-estate magnate at this point. :D I’m still here. Still not a landlord. Still following the same strategy from not just 8 years ago but almost 30 years ago. We are running further ahead of schedule than we were at the time I posted this. I appreciate the check in on my old post! Now that I am older and wiser I can see the benefit of investing in real estate, and subsequently growing total wealth that is shielded from income tax. However, that would not have helped us poor schmucks. We never had the connections or spare change to invest in that way. We were never that motivated tow...
by Target2019
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any suggestions for Fixed Income options with Schwab?
Replies: 10
Views: 943

Re: Any suggestions for Fixed Income options with Schwab?

fxkowalski wrote: Thu Mar 21, 2024 5:46 am I recently rolled over my Equitable 403b to my Schwab account. Does anyone have any suggestions for a low-fee Fixed Income product or CDs/Bonds. Thank you so much for your assistance.
My wife rolled over a 403(b) from Equitable to Schwab Rollover IRA just last year.

60% went into SWPPX S&P500 mutual fund. The remainder went to SWVXX money fund.

Wife is 5 years from first RMD. She will not need the withdrawal.

I think you can see in the other responses that you'll have to liquidate shares somewhere down the road.

A CD-ladder will help. But I'm not suggesting that is the best solution overall.
by Target2019
Tue Mar 19, 2024 8:30 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Courage to Invest in Equities
Replies: 57
Views: 4385

Re: Courage to Invest in Equities

Besides staying the course and no one can predict the future accurately and consistently, how do you convince yourself in investing in equities like $VUSD or $VWRD at these levels where: 1. Stocks are at all time high and seem overvalued 2. Inflation ticking Up again for the past 2 months 3. Economy doesn’t seem to be doing well (Huge layoffs, decreased earnings outlook, high debt) Thanks in advance. I wonder how many readers have those two symbols memorized? Now that I looked them up, I have a better idea of where you're coming from... 1. The key term is "seems." If you just consider the stock market as a large blob, S&P500 for instance, then it is possible to convince yourself that *everything* is over-valued. However, ther...
by Target2019
Sat Mar 16, 2024 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utilities cost?
Replies: 57
Views: 4377

Re: Utilities cost?

Our natural gas bills have been going up. Understanding all of the details on a utility bill is good stuff. But your bill went up due to factors you can control (don't water the lawn), and many you cannot. The services are regulated by some commission, and you pay the bill.

I only look at last year's total paid out for a bill as actionable. In the short term I monitor each bill for the trend charts, and may make usage or settings changes to impact the trend. At some time it makes sense to shut off your HVAC, open windows, and enjoy the fresh air.
by Target2019
Tue Mar 12, 2024 7:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Embracing Principles [during the dot-com bubble and tech surges?]
Replies: 43
Views: 4181

Re: Embracing Principles Amidst Bitcoin and Nvidia's Surge?

I always look to Bogleheads' advice for help with my investments. I've been investing in VOO for 5 years, and this investment has worked well for me. However, observing the recent surges in Bitcoin and Nvidia, it seems like there's a lot of FOMO among investors. For those who have been following the Bogleheads' investing principles for decades, how did you stick to your investing principles during the dot-com bubble and tech surges? I'm glad I found investing principles to guide us into retirement. But I also continue to read and learn beyond those. For each book or video consumed, I've become adept at finding the hidden or missing facts. But I'm curious about business and economic cycles. Never was, and now I am! I can tell you that regul...
by Target2019
Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Financial Advisor says my portfolio is akin to a retiree at age 34
Replies: 80
Views: 8297

Re: Financial Advisor says my portfolio is akin to a retiree at age 34

You're doing many things very well.

The WealthFront account will be an opportunity for you. I'm thinking of more cash for new house spending. You might analyze the holdings in detail, and think through the effect as you sell. For example, look at the lots for each position, how much gain or loss. You may be able to sell long term losing lots to offset some long term winning lots. Just a thought.
by Target2019
Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 136
Views: 12478

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

Around the tender age of 68 or so we read the book, "Die with Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life." Originally published July 28, 2020, and we read about a year later. At the time I was retired, and she was still figuring out her departure date. Exactly how our savings and three retirement checks would fill our coffers was becoming clearer. I survived a medical emergency. She retired. We hit the trail for 3 weeks in Europe (2022). We've repeated that each year since. Our focus is now on shared experiences with our two children. Big wedding, three extended vacations, and gifts to children and other close relatives. We didn't change our stripes. For example, we save in ways that drives others a bit crazy. But I'm...
by Target2019
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can we expect TBM funds to outperform inflation?
Replies: 62
Views: 5197

Re: Can we expect TBM funds to outperform inflation?

Kinkajou82,
We're always confronted with the dichotomy of average results vs. personal results, and there is no guarantee of future results.

The commitment to iBond purchases is something you're comfortable with due to inflation protection. What similar investments have you considered?

If you only focus on the inflation-protection requirement, then TBM does not fit perfectly.

These days, I use AI to start with a clean slate, and re-visit past assumptions that have been guiding me.

When do you need the income? I may have missed your mention of this, but it would be another parameter to include in the analysis.
by Target2019
Sat Mar 09, 2024 3:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry
Replies: 81
Views: 10051

Re: William Bernstein On the Financial Industry

My Actual Intelligence (MAI) has been in development for over 70 years. I have decent noise filters now, and also assimilated substantial knowledge of investing solutions.

However, my energy grid is now in decline. So I pass on MAI in small portions to immediate family.

It is interesting how the financial industry needs us, but has many convinced it's the other way around.

:beer
by Target2019
Fri Mar 08, 2024 6:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it
Replies: 80
Views: 5737

Re: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it

Thanks everyone for the responses. I just wanted to have a clear response to the 'market is rigged, so don't invest. Also, To clarify and to add a little information. My BIL seems to be pretty sensible overall. He wasn't saying sports gambling was any way to invest long term to building wealth. Just saying that he doesn't have complete faith in all of the players in the stock market. It just seemed like he sympathized with the argument that the stock market is rigged and therefore less enthusiastic about investing. That being said, I believe he invests in the market, but probably a bit more in a few single stocks and not as heavily as he could. He and my sister have aggressively paid down their house so I think that's awesome. You can't go...
by Target2019
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster
Replies: 175
Views: 17500

Re: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster

My opinion is that while you're accumulating, something like total int'l fund is fine. But when you cross the retirement line, some change might work in your favor. Funny, I come to the exact opposite conclusion. If I'm nearing retirement or in retirement, I want more diversification, not less. In the accumulation phase I have more time to wait out these 10-20 year period of zero returns in a region. So if someone want to go 100% US, 100% EM, etc. they probably could without much concern. Not so in retirement. You had 13 years of basically zero real returns in the US and developed ex-US markets from 2000-2011, while you had nearly double digit real returns in EM: https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/backtest-portfolio?s=y&sl=2xDtoFQc8M3...
by Target2019
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you deal with online misinformation?
Replies: 28
Views: 1780

Re: How do you deal with online misinformation?

Once you discover that your click means revenue for the channel, you'll click a lot less. My default is to not click.
by Target2019
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard NJ LT Tax-exempt bond fund (VNJUX)
Replies: 7
Views: 731

Re: Vanguard NJ LT Tax-exempt bond fund (VNJUX)

When do I need the fruits of this investment? Does the tax-free yield make sense in my tax bracket?

We're going back and forth between 12% and 22% Fed tax brackets in retirement. When I take into account our NJ tax bracket, it doesn't make sense for us now.

But I know the allure of this fund. We held a significant amount at Vanguard prior to 2021.

We don't follow 3-fund portfolio design.

I have been looking from time-to-time as to what bond fund we might use in our taxable account (Schwab). Anything I've looked at is not a perfect fit for us.

FYI, we use SCHD (dividend fund) to hold the proceeds of the over-sized stock we hold. In our case it provides the specific income we're looking for.
by Target2019
Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster
Replies: 175
Views: 17500

Re: Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster

Emerging Markets Stocks have been a complete disaster for the past 30 years. Bonds have shined due to USD strength. See article in M*.. https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/when-bonds-beat-stocks-emerging-markets I have owned a small % but often want to get rid of this asset class. Comments? The 30-year period that Rekenthaler uses is a good approximation of our accumulation timeframe. For int'l stock funds, we only started about 2007, and began with a 20% overall allocation. By the time retirement began to appear on our horizon, the allocation had drifted down. I just lost faith in the mantra, for both developed and emerging int'l. In retirement I have capped our int'l allocation at 10%. EM is a small part of total stock fund VXUS, and the ...
by Target2019
Thu Mar 07, 2024 6:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it
Replies: 80
Views: 5737

Re: Argument against people that say stock market is rigged, so don’t invest in it

If someone has a conviction that sports gambling is safer than the stock market, that tells me they have not read any well-respected books about investing. They are likely to be a person who relies on social media quite a bit for validating what they believe.

Once I know the above about a person, there's really not much I can do to change their mind. It's not for me to change anyone's mind about what they believe, but I can see why you'd want to help a B-I-L along.
by Target2019
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Bracket Confusion
Replies: 11
Views: 1647

Re: Tax Bracket Confusion

Hello, Community - I hope you are doing well. Multiple sources say that "taxable income" establishes a tax bracket. However, taxable income includes long-term capital gains (taxed at a lower rate). For example, a person earns $40k and has a standard deduction. But he/she has a $700k LT capital gain. Does it mean his/her tax bracket is 37%? I miss something important here and hope someone can help me understand (a simple example would be best). If you look at your 1040 for this year or last, you'll notice that there are different labels assigned to the results of calculations as you move down the form. So the answer is that a term used by multiple sources is probably not defined very well in the article, and does not take into acc...
by Target2019
Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does vanguard offer an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq
Replies: 14
Views: 1580

Re: Does vanguard offer an ETF that tracks the Nasdaq

Vanguard does not offer an ETF that tracks the NASDAQ.

I don't use these, but I hear QQQ and QQQM mentioned quite a lot. I don't know if using that index is a good idea, though.
by Target2019
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Yet another Roth conversion "Should I" question. How much is too much tax-deferred?
Replies: 19
Views: 2350

Re: Yet another Roth conversion "Should I" question. How much is too much tax-deferred?

The long term benefit is that the account(s) grow(s) tax-free. Saving on future tax rates is not exact science.

We've converted smaller amounts while there is headroom in the 12% bracket.

I think this year and next we'll be in the 12%, but certainly not after RMD time hits for me.

This is the ratio we have:

21.2% taxable
57.0% tax-deferred
21.7% tax free

I would definitely convert to the top of the 12, and maybe a bit further in your case. Depends on when you want to pay the taxes, now or later.

I'm putting more analysis into possible QCD in 2026 when RMD hits.
by Target2019
Sun Mar 03, 2024 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Invest cash when interest goes down
Replies: 52
Views: 5382

Re: Invest cash when interest goes down

If you already are investing your cash in a Money Market fund. Such as SWVXX or VMFXX. Where will you move that money to when interest rates start to come down? Anticipating when the Federal Reserve finally start to bring rates down. I've taken to asking myself, "When do I need this money," while examining various options for a tactical move. In our case study all needs are met by Social Security and Pension and P/T job (very small amount of income). Our particular total portfolio is in transition because of two retirement accounts being rolled over to IRA. Hence, we hold more money market funds than I'd like. The problem is the 5% interest rate lulls you into short-term thinking. That is not desirable. One can also examine three...
by Target2019
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Going all in on VYM/SCHD?
Replies: 57
Views: 7658

Re: Going all in on VYM/SCHD?

This is a great answer. But if you are asking for opinions, then in my opinion going ALL in is probably not the best choice. Why not invest a portion in those funds and the rest (for example) in a 3 fund portfolio? So in my situation, I was originally all in on VT, and still have a decent chunk of it in my portfolio, around 20%. But IMO VT is not going to perform well over the next 10 years so I sold out of my green lots over a year old. I updated my original post with more details about my situation. thanks for the courteous response! Hello. So you're 41 years old, and hoping to retire in 10-15 years. Only you have the answer to that, since I don't know anything about your totals. Don't need to know, but just mentioning that. You have but...
by Target2019
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Daughters employer 401K vendor is changing
Replies: 19
Views: 1548

Re: Daughters employer 401K vendor is changing

When I had Empower with a large employer, the funds remained as they were from before -- broad, low-cost, institutional funds.

You'll know more after the change is made.
by Target2019
Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can't Log On to Vanguard / Stop running script msg
Replies: 129
Views: 13279

Re: Can't Log On to Vanguard / Stop running script msg

tadamsmar wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:11 am
Target2019 wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:01 am I get in with Brave browser.

I noticed that the first page was a Vanguard notice about President's day. Your browser may be blocking a script that opens that page?
I downloaded Brave and tried it.

I get the same failure.
Next thought. Clear the DNS cache in your PC and Router, etc.
by Target2019
Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can't Log On to Vanguard / Stop running script msg
Replies: 129
Views: 13279

Re: Can't Log On to Vanguard / Stop running script msg

I get in with Brave browser.

I noticed that the first page was a Vanguard notice about President's day. Your browser may be blocking a script that opens that page?
by Target2019
Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Suggestions on helping clean up brother's Fidelity portfolio?
Replies: 18
Views: 2252

Re: Suggestions on helping clean up brother's Fidelity portfolio?

Followup: Working with my brother and nephew, we had a call with Fidelity and cancelled the Wealth Advisory Service. They were charging 1.25% for this service. I found out that it was my nephew who had signed up for this service - I’m guessing in response to a sales call when he got involved with the account. The good news is that it’s only been in place for 3-4 years. Thanks for all the feedback and input. I’m going to share these fund recommendations with my nephew. Now that the WAS agreement is cancelled, I would make sure I understood the entire picture before making recommendations for change. My mantra would be, "Do no harm." You've already provided a net 1.25% gain by encouraging a simple act. Fidelity must have assigned a...
by Target2019
Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Schwab website is Wonky?
Replies: 11
Views: 876

Re: Schwab website is Wonky?

"Certain online functionality may be intermittently slow or unavailable. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. "

All appears normal for me. $204.92 quietly earning interest...
:happy
by Target2019
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Low-cost provider that's not Vanguard?
Replies: 47
Views: 3970

Re: Low-cost provider that's not Vanguard?

tomcam wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 5:17 pm The wife wants to disperse our fund investments so that if Vanguard suddenly vanishes from the face of the earth, we'll have the rest of our funds in another low-cost provider. I assumed Morningstar but it seems they are related somehow. I just can't figure out how.

Any suggestions or clarification?

EDIT meant Fidelity not Morningstar but leaving the error up for lulz
You can replicate or move funds between Vanguard, FIdelity, and Schwab, with some exceptions.

In your case, Fidelity may work better because of their cash management features.

I use Vanguard and Schwab, as many others do.

Take your time...
by Target2019
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Can you do better than BND?
Replies: 278
Views: 35653

Re: Can you do better than BND?

Unfortunately, the charts stop at 2023. What's up with that?
:shock:
by Target2019
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How have you handled ageism in the workplace?
Replies: 24
Views: 3227

Re: How have you handled ageism in the workplace?

The division of megacorp I worked in definitely saw opportunities to cut those with less than 10 years. It happened every few years. I did not get to 10 years...

In the same industry there was opportunity for better pay, and experience was an absolute requirement in smaller companies.

In a large company you need layers of yes-men to manage the minions who work.

In a small company I self-managed and interacted directly with the customer. I was able to build a very good reputation. We talked as adults.

In 8 years with megacorp I increased my skillset, and earned an advanced degree (for free). This led to positive marketability after megacorp cut me. I also increased salary substantially - 30%.
by Target2019
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A 50/50 all-in-one fund that's not VTMFX??
Replies: 17
Views: 2014

Re: A 50/50 all-in-one fund that's not VTMFX??

I used American Funds American Balanced R6 RLBGX in a 401(k) a while back. One problem is that you'll incur additional charges to purchase, if you can't get the R6 class.

Other problems for passive investor(s) are active management, and does not strictly adhere to it's 50/50 balanced allocation.

I use Wellesley Income in my portfolio now.
by Target2019
Mon Feb 12, 2024 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited IRA RMD's - I'm puzzled
Replies: 19
Views: 2541

Re: Inherited IRA RMD's - I'm puzzled

OP,
As the inherited IRA dwindles down, at some point it may make sense to close it, and take the total distribution.

After reading the posts here, I think the bank is getting the RMD wrong. As long as your tax filing reflects what is on the 1099-R sent to you, the IRS is not concerned.
by Target2019
Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Highest return investment for play money?]
Replies: 20
Views: 1304

Re: Non-bogle type question

vtraining wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:07 am Lets say I am all set for life and I have $1 Million to invest. Think of it as play money and you want to get highest return in 20 years.
I could just put all in VTI or SPY and let it ride. How about putting it all in FANNG stocks?
What would you recommend?
I wouldn't do that as it would require some continuous work to monitor and make changes from time to time.

I just might put it all into a growth fund, like Schwab's SCHG (250 companies from the largest 500).

But being me, I'd look at possible tax implications in my lifetime.
by Target2019
Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to invest cash at Schwab?
Replies: 76
Views: 9433

Re: How to invest cash at Schwab?

This thread illustrates—to me at least—the single most significant advantage of Fidelity over Schwab: the ability to keep cash in a MMF and have it auto-liquidate as needed. Ultimately, I have decided I value Schwab’s customer service enough to overlook that fact and for the most part have consolidated at Schwab. I am, however, constantly considered moving our banking from Ally to Fidelity to take advantage of the auto-liquidated feature. As for Schwab MMFs, as mentioned upthread, if you can swing the $1m to get into SNAXX, you can then keep as little as $1 in it and have access to their highest yielding fund. Meanwhile, for moving cash out of Schwab, I have found it is always faster to do an instant transfer from brokerage account to asso...
by Target2019
Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 1Password Question
Replies: 4
Views: 542

Re: 1Password Question

Click on the 1Password browser icon, then click on the Menu icon, and select Get Help...

For management, I use the application in Windows, though, most times.
by Target2019
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do diagnose a router issue
Replies: 69
Views: 9613

Re: Router issue resolved by factory reset

[Merged with previous discussion - moderator oldcomputerguy] So lately I have been having a lot of router related issues where various device would stop connecting to the router. It's not a DNS issue since I can't even ping the ip address. When I examine the client list (list of ip) when it happens, the devices appear to be missing. In the mean time, the other device on the network continues to work. Recently things got worse and rebooting the router did not resolved the issue. I factory reset and restore the setting and it now works without issue for a few weeks. I was wondering, what did you think happen? Bad firmware update? The router has the latest firmware. Router model? Latest firmware update installed? When I have a problem I usual...
by Target2019
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transfer 401k from Empower (fees) to Fidelity while employed
Replies: 15
Views: 976

Re: Transfer 401k from Empower (fees) to Fidelity while employed

shahhere wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 7:43 am Thank you guys,

Also, called in and was told that a "in Service distribution" is not possible for her plan. As noted her employer 401k plan fees are quite high so was hoping to move it out.

Only options provided are separation from the said employer or 59.5 age.

Shahhere
You'll want to review the available funds. Possibly there are better fund choices.

I had empower a decade ago. Our fund selection was actually very low cost for the most part. This varies from employer to employer, I think.
by Target2019
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Meta becomes a dividend payer.
Replies: 43
Views: 5095

Re: Meta becomes a dividend payer.

I see a nice boost to META share price for a 0.49% dividend.

I still will only hold it in passive index for now. If the dividend increase is healthy each year, it will probably work in the favor of investors.
by Target2019
Fri Feb 09, 2024 7:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking advise to adjust my AA to 80/20 & organize portfolio funds. [portfolio review]
Replies: 11
Views: 1445

Re: Seeking advise to adjust my AA to 80/20 & organize portfolio funds. [portfolio review]

Thank you!. I am thinking of adding VBILX in rollover IRA and selling VWILX and AKREX and move them into VDIGX. AM I on the right track? Thax! In his Rollover-IRA you have 6.78% bonds investment in Wellington and Wellesley. Perhaps a bit more. 1. If you exchange all Wellington shares for just Wellesley, this moves the 6.78% to 9.30% bonds (in the Wellesley fund holding). It also eliminates part of your complexity. 2. Sell AKREX (and possibly VGT), and purchase VBILX intermediate bond fund. If you sell AKREX and purchase VBILX, then you bond allocation jumps from 9.30% to 17.5% approximately. Note: AKREX is a high-expense fund of retail stocks. You definitely do not need that in your passive index approach. 3. Sell VGT (if not sold in the m...
by Target2019
Thu Feb 08, 2024 7:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why No Love For BND?
Replies: 183
Views: 16447

Re: Why No Love For BND?

Some thoughts based on what I've read in this thread, and general observation(s). Saturday 03/03/2007 6:30 pm I joined this group. Market had a bad week, so I began looking in earnest for explanation and direction here. That was fortunate, because things got much worse after a rise. Bonds are not safe, just generally safer. That is a nuance that can fall by the wayside as one skims through a wall of words. Safer results are summarized to appear as average results. However, I experience individual results. I need to develop understanding around how to interpret the difference. If one follows advice that does not allow for mitigation, you will experience times when your results fall very far from expected (2022 BND, e.g.). But something comes...
by Target2019
Tue Feb 06, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Requesting seasoned comments on info gathered from local investment advisor/friend...
Replies: 30
Views: 2326

Re: Requesting seasoned comments on info gathered from local investment advisor/friend...

The Fidelity money market fund is fine for parking proceeds for a while. As the 5% rate drops (sometime) then your father loses traction. Your friend is correct to point that out. I'm sure your father understands the holdings he has, and how that supplies the monthly income you noted. In a discussion start with what he knows today. If father balks at everything but bond, CD, money market, your hands are tied. That is when you need to explain a little equity exposure to make up the income gap as interest rates are cut. You can put $1,250,000 into your retirement calculator of choice, and visually show him the yearly difference between interest rates of 5% and 4%, 4% and 3%, and so on. A column chart would be best. How much does he require ea...
by Target2019
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do Bogleheads "Buy the Dip"?
Replies: 136
Views: 12748

Re: Do Bogleheads "Buy the Dip"?

define dip. we buy a little bit after a 10% drop from a previous high. if it continues to drop, buy more heavily after a 20% dip. after that, play it by ear. we did not have a significant equity portfolio during the GFC, were still paying off college, mortgage etc so I dont know what we would have done then. we have about 70% short term treasuries and 30% equity, mostly SPY. so we are conservative 20%, 30% or more... I'm also talking in terms of buying an index fund rather than gambling on individual stocks. I'm not the individual you replied to... I read your posts, and a few others. When you have a very general question (buy the dips, or "keeping dry powder") the answers vary by philosophy. I know what the prescribed answer is ...
by Target2019
Mon Feb 05, 2024 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Saved and Invested But New to Financial Planning
Replies: 11
Views: 1406

Re: Saved and Invested But New to Financial Planning

You can also fill your Roth each year, and create a larger tax-free (tax-paid) space for retirement.
by Target2019
Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: William Bernstein latest book on investing
Replies: 34
Views: 5544

Re: William Bernstein latest book on investing

From the latest book , The Four Pillars of Investing by William Bernstein… “When you’ve won the retirement game, stop playing it with the money you need to pay the rent and groceries. I suggest at least 10 years’ worth of basic expenses; 20 years or 25 years is even better. Take whatever risk you like with what assets you have beyond this” Does anyone thinks that this strategy is too conservative ? Mr. Bernstein is a successful author. I wouldn't ignore what he says. You'll find there are arguments with just about anything written in a book, so there's that, too. I don't have the book handy, so I'm missing a lot of context for what you're pointing out. Are you asking if more risk is ok? Or is it the goals of 10 years' expenses, and so on? ...
by Target2019
Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Feedback on "Millionaire Fastlane"
Replies: 69
Views: 7395

Re: Feedback on "Millionaire Fastlane"

OP,
There are more than 3 lanes. It helps to follow through with your savings rate, but remain flexible.

Also, you'll enjoy life along the way. Having children puts a worthwhile finanical burden on your shoulders. It's a matter of setting priorities. Who do you want to be for your children?

For example, I chose self-employment so that I could provide more time to my kids. This resulted in reduced savings rate, but I have no complaints whatsoever.

What you'll find is that if you run with a fast crowd you'll always be wondering about the toys others have.
by Target2019
Mon Jan 29, 2024 7:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REITS As A Supplement to Bonds in Retirement
Replies: 77
Views: 8058

Re: REITS As A Supplement to Bonds in Retirement

REITs are not bonds. REITs are real estate companies which pay out 90% of taxable income to investors (as dividends). https://www.etfrc.com/funds/overlap.php?f1=VTI&f2=VOO

REIT NAV's can plummet a lot during recession(s). You probably are not aware of that. They ride the economic cycle up and down.

You can look at a REIT fund performance graph and get an idea of what happens in bad economic times.
by Target2019
Sun Jan 28, 2024 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth Contribution Ceiling Tracking
Replies: 8
Views: 826

Re: Roth Contribution Ceiling Tracking

You may be talking about the phase-out of Roth contributions.
In 2024, the contribution limit is $7,000 or $8,000 if you're 50-plus. The Roth IRA income limits are less than $161,000 for single tax filers, and less than $240,000 for those married filing jointly. https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/inve ... ion-limits.
Or maybe you're asking about earned income, which you need to contribute to Roth. If you have W-2 income, that is earned income.