Bogleheads.org

supersharpie

Do I feel sorry for the people who lost there jobs during the last recession and who might lose there job in another recession? No. That's just Darwin at work. Very few people are a victim of circumstance, most are a victim of poor personal choices in life. If you choose to go to school and get a a...

supersharpie

My husband and I have been retired for 4 years. He is 63, I am 61. After gutting out the many fluctuations in the stock market, we sold most of our stocks several months ago. We were about to leave on vacation, and didn't feel comfortable letting things ride while we were gone. We thought we could ...

supersharpie

In my view, any significant benefit reduction would be phased in over many years. In the mid-1980s Congress raised the full retirement age for SS from 65 to 67. But it was about 20 years before the full retirement age began to slowly increase. Any future major benefit reductions would almost surely...

supersharpie

I frequent the message board of one of my favorite bands (Phish) frequently. It is an entertaining forum with plenty of esoteric topics. I came across this thread today:

http://phantasytour.com/bands/1/topics/2788100/posts

supersharpie

but I pretty much can't stand the trips to a$$-crack Indiana or whatever for a client meeting, or anywhere really between the coasts Seems the point of this thread is that a$$-crack has everything worthwhile that Paris, Mumbai, or any natural wonders throughout the world can offer -- without having...

supersharpie

Dealcatcher is awesome

supersharpie

No dramatic changes, but I sold 20% of my munis (munis represent approx 30% of my portfolio). My allocation to stocks is already low, I'm waiting for a significant decline (which I think is pretty much unavoidable) to add to it. The most likely outcome in my view is a last minute deal and markets a...

supersharpie

My wife just bought a 1998 Accord with 134,000 miles for $1000. The owner is my uncle and kept the car in pristine condition. Did we get a good deal? :wink: Well, I guess you'll know in the near future . . . If you get a problem-free 4,000 miles, you win, based on my calculations of $25,000 for a n...

supersharpie

I do not rebalance. When I am in my late 40s/early 50s I will probably lock in a good portion of my investment earnings by transferring them into the G Fund of the TSP. At 27 however, I am primarily focused on a LTBH strategy.

supersharpie

I liquidated most of my portfolio last Tuesday. Never imagined I would do anything like that, but sabotage by Congress isn't what I signed up for when I bought stock funds. Stocks are near 3-year highs right now and given all the outsized risks at the moment, cash seems like a pretty good deal to m...

supersharpie

My wife just bought a 1998 Accord with 134,000 miles for $1000.

The owner is my uncle and kept the car in pristine condition.

Did we get a good deal?

supersharpie

I am currently recieving survivor benefits on myself and four children, we currently recieve $3000 monthly split five ways, my oldest child will be graduating in two years and will be 18, I'm wondering when they stop his check, will the families total still reamain the same, and the four way split ...

supersharpie

I liquidated most of my portfolio last Tuesday. Never imagined I would do anything like that, but sabotage by Congress isn't what I signed up for when I bought stock funds. Stocks are near 3-year highs right now and given all the outsized risks at the moment, cash seems like a pretty good deal to m...

supersharpie

The reality of the situation is that if we failed to raise the debt ceiling we would not automatically default. Default is a strictly political decision. The Treasury takes in roughly $200 Billion a month, more than enough to pay all of the bond holders, Social Security, Medicare,and the military. ...

supersharpie

I do not believe that both parties are "putting on a show". They are both sticking to (what they believe are) their core principles. Because of this, I do not expect an agreement to be reached. However, I do expect the President to invoke the 14th Amendment, and keep paying all expenditures (includ...

supersharpie

The gullibility of the American people never ceases to amaze me. Clearly both parties, mindful of the 2012 elections, are putting on a show for their constituents. After they are convinced they have enough soundbites for their TV ads they will work out a deal this weekend. This is the same deal as t...

supersharpie

We should probably be trying to model ourselves after one of the few responsible states in the union: North Dakota. The OP is correct in that it seems that CA usually sets the tone for the rest of the nation, I fear a bleak future forming... Seriously? North Dakota? That's like saying, New York Cit...

supersharpie

Long story sort, a house bought, a house sold, and $250K taken out of the stock market when the DOW was at approximately 11,000. Got the lump sum back and today the DOW is at approximately 12,500. What would you do? Yes, my AA is short on stocks and high on fixed/cash with this lump sum. Am I wrong...

supersharpie

The pension they offer takes the place of Social Security. Normally the pension is more lucrative than the Social Security would be at the same level of contribution. As long as you have earned 40 Social Security benefits you will be guarenteed some retirement money from SSA even after WEP. The max ...

supersharpie

Switching to just streaming. My wife and I probably watch 50+ hours of Netflix streaming a month. There are so many great complete TV series, documentaries, foreign films, and underrated gems (Criterion Collection anyone???) $7.99/month for all of that is the entertainment bargain of the 21st Century.

supersharpie

I am only 27 so this is not something I will need to do for 25 to 35 years but, I was dismayed to find that the TSP offers very limited withdrawal options. You can take a lump sum payout, buy a pension, or sign-up for one of three payout schemes, none of which allow you to control exactly how much y...

supersharpie

I think that was a nice act by the fan, assuming he willingly gave it up. Why does it matter whether Jeter is wealthy? Because he could buy it at market value without feeling the cost one iota? Yet that value would radically transform the fan's entire life. Compare to an amateur being involved with...

supersharpie

rylemdr wrote:I for one, am very disappointed.

It was a Michael Bay movie. What exactly did you expect??? The dude is a complete joke of a "director."

supersharpie

"Gesundheit" is English. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responses_to_sneezing No, it most certainly is not. It is German for "health" and German immigrants in the 18th/19th Century are responsible for the practice. That's just etymology. It was imported from another language, but so were "pizza," "ts...

supersharpie

I have been browsing through this forum for a while, and have a question that is kinda tricky. I would really welcome any comments and suggestions from knowledgeable folks who frequent this forum. The basic situation is this: I and my boyfriend are thinking about getting married in Canada. My boyfr...

supersharpie

Bless you has a religious connotation. Gesundheit is a wish of good health. I prefer to use the latter. Victoria And I prefer to use English. Bless you. "Gesundheit" is English. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Responses_to_sneezing No, it most certainly is not. It is German for "health" and German imm...

supersharpie

This is not a math problem it's a philosophy problem and one that should not just be shunted off as in "Wow you're saving a lot stop complaining." I think it's not just a philosophy problem it CAN sometimes be a mental health problem. I'm serious about the addiction. Dieharder - this might mean you...

supersharpie

According to a new study by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, that may be the case... A 2006 law designed to boost employees' retirement-savings is having the opposite effect for some people. WSJ's Anne Tergesen reports a 2006 law allowing companies to automatically enroll people in 401(k) p...

supersharpie

Uninvested wrote:Take the cost and add in potential funeral costs if pirated.

Good on them for being a little adventurous. Besides, we're talking about the Baltic here, not Africa or the Middle East. There are far more dangerous places to travel.

supersharpie

I read a bit and didn't see anyone mention ... If you increase savings 5% every year ... don't you hit 100% at some point? At some level the savings % should get capped for this hypothetical situation. Yes - much like if you raise taxes 5%+ each year, eventually your annual cost outlay doubles. If ...

supersharpie

I do not know how to figure out compound interest. My kids have roth ira's, started june 2010 - maxing out through biweekly deposits the legal limit. They are in an aggressive growth fund, which I just checked and it gained 23.94% in the last 12 months. Right now one has 12k the other is at 11,200....

supersharpie

It is bought for $1500 per month for 48 months, not $500. The value of the annuity is $500 per month. Instead of collecting $1500 per month from SS for those 4 years, you collect $0. Then at 66, you start collecting $2000, a $500 increase over what you would continue to get had you taken it early. ...

supersharpie

Anyone 45 years or older will be grandfathered in under the old system just as they were back in the 80s when they reformed Social Security. You state this as thought it's founded in probative proof. Do you have a citation? Does it include high-earners who might be subject to means testing? Your bl...

supersharpie

I researched that size car extensively in the last few months. I bought a Hyundai Elantra. Excellent build quality, partially made in USA (Alabama). 4dr, auto (6 sp.), air, xm radio, ipod plug in etc. $18000 new with 6 miles. 10 year powertrain warranty, 5 year balance. No other vehicle in this pri...

supersharpie

I will be taking mine as early as possible since future checks will be facing reductions or worse. No, they won't! - Put down the Koolaid. Boy, are you in for a shock! Reducing benefits for those already in their senior years is not politically viable. Anyone 45 years or older will be grandfathered...

supersharpie

For instance: You are eligible for $1500 starting the month after you turn 62. From then until FRA (47 months) you could receive $70,500. Instead, you turn down the early money and choose to collect $2000 ($1500 base benefit + $500 supplemental annuity) at FRA. So... If you would be comfortable for...

supersharpie

Life is too short to drink cheap wine! $10 for 3L is just plonk. Amen! There are plenty of things to skimp on in life, wine and food aren't two of them!!! That said...we generally spend anywhere from $6.99 (Portugese Vinho Verde) to $19.99 (Napa Cabernet Sauvignon) with the average bottle probably ...

supersharpie

The official advice to anyone considering early social security withdrawals is to delay, with scarcely any real considerations for why it makes sense to take it as soon as possible. Why not, for instance, take early social security and leave the retirement accounts to grow over time at a handsome r...

supersharpie

I am not in the system, but like to use google to read official documents. I think basic pay refers to your statutory pay grade. Here is what the last President wrote in 2008: By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the ...

supersharpie

Where did you find a reference to the formula? The only reference I can find is this formula which refers to basic pay: The Basic Benefit deduction is .80% of the total basic pay (basic pay, not including such things as overtime, bonuses, etc.) you earn in a pay period. However, in contrast, your a...

supersharpie

Where did you find a reference to the formula? The only reference I can find is this formula which refers to basic pay: The Basic Benefit deduction is .80% of the total basic pay (basic pay, not including such things as overtime, bonuses, etc.) you earn in a pay period. However, in contrast, your a...

supersharpie

I am trying to shield myself from the proposed 5% increase to our FERS contributions. My understanding is that we are only taxed on non-deferred post-tax income. Therefore, couldn't I just contribute $16,500 to the TSP and then have the rest of my net check withheld against federal taxation via line...

supersharpie

The thread on barefoot runners got me thinking. I mow the lawn barefoot whenever it's above 60 or so. Walking barefoot through grass and clover is one of life's pleasures. I might as well enjoy at least part of the chore. My wife thinks I'm nuts, her view colored by the experience of an aunt who su...

supersharpie

Agree delay her SS to age 70. The 8% yearly raise that generates is impossible to beat. She could actually claim spousal benefits now on husbands account (50% of his PIA) and delay claiming hers. She would still get the 8% per year delayed credit when she does claim her own at 70. Warning..... she ...

supersharpie

Yes, I'm asking to be convinced that following the bogleheads strategy (which I basically agree with but am wavering) I won't lose 10+% in the coming quarter and then wait 3 years to make it back. You will end up basing your decision on faith, since no one (including yourself) knows what the future...

supersharpie

I fell in love with a West Village coop a year ago at 900K. Now it's down to 750K. The maintenance is $1491/ month. It's an 850SF duplex in a townhouse that's in good shape. I'd like to do some minor cosmetic work. About me: I'm a 39 year old freelance writer with an 1099 income of about $60K with ...

supersharpie

some borderline homophobic responses up in this piece!

supersharpie

I think the posters above have DC confused with Terre Haute. In DC, don't make eye contact with anyone on the street after dark. Stick to well-lit areas. Dress down so people will think you're penniless. Get a sitter for the kids. Be ready to duck when you hear the gunshots. Good luck promenading t...

supersharpie

I like Toro. In fact, if you're in southeastern PA, you can buy mine if you like (like new, used fall of 2009, spring of 2010, not mowed since, though started occasionally). I have been far too busy the last year and this so I got a lawn service. EDIT: More info on what to buy. If you have a lot of...

supersharpie

I have scraped the idea of purchasing an electric mower. Now I am experiencing paralysis by analysis with picking out a gas powered mower since every single mower on Amazon or at Home Depot/Lowes all have very positive and negative reviews. If they were to be believed every commercially available mo...

Bogleheads.org

Search found 629 matches

Re: Nervous Retirees Seek Allocation Advice

Sad insight into how young workers view retirement

Re: widows survivior benefits on children

Re: $250K lump sum...missed 1500 points in the DOW, where to

Is a TSP rollover into a TIRA at retirement a good idea?

Re: Did you like the transformers movie?

Re: Help with same sex couple retirement planning

Re: Automatic 401k enrollment is suppressing retirement savi

Re: Social Security Delay: the Rallying Cry

Re: Social Security Delay: the Rallying Cry

? for federal employee knowledgable about FERS contributions

Re: Any barefoot mowers?

Re: Buying an apartment in NYC

Seeking recommendations for self-propelled mower