Search found 27768 matches

by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does Vanguard have a way to track outside investments?
Replies: 25
Views: 8604

Re: Does Vanguard have a way to track outside investments?

You can add it once you sign in under outside investments. You have to manage it I believe.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bloomberg Will Revive ‘Wall Street Week’
Replies: 38
Views: 4955

Re: Bloomberg Will Revive ‘Wall Street Week’

Thanks for the update. That show is a classic.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Diversification is not always, automatically, a free lunch
Replies: 50
Views: 5984

Re: Diversification is not always, automatically, a free lunch

That is interesting. Investors have always said diversification is the only free lunch.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: JPM Chase Reserve Card gets more expensive
Replies: 509
Views: 57455

Re: JPM Chase Reserve Card gets more expensive

AZAttorney11 wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:25 pm
abuss368 wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:19 pm With so many good and competitive cards available I’m an not sure why anyone would pay any fees today.
It’s really quite simple. Because the total rewards exceed the next best alternative. It’s a mater of choosing the card that gives you the highest value, which for some, including myself, is one of these high annual fee, but juicy rewards types of cards.
That is the nice part. There is a card out there for anyone’s needs and wants.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Extra Money
Replies: 14
Views: 2302

Re: Extra Money

Absolutely a Roth and a Taxable account while your at it. I would buy as much Total Market until it hurts. Then go and buy more!

Years from now you will be very thankful you did.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should i pay off my car loan early?
Replies: 19
Views: 2427

Re: Should i pay off my car loan early?

It is nice to be debt free. It bothers me to pay down a car more than a home. A car is a wasting asset. I am convinced we will always have some form of car debt.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: JPM Chase Reserve Card gets more expensive
Replies: 509
Views: 57455

Re: JPM Chase Reserve Card gets more expensive

With so many good and competitive cards available I’m an not sure why anyone would pay any fees today.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Impact of underlying fund changes in lifestrategy funds
Replies: 13
Views: 1499

Re: Impact of underlying fund changes in lifestrategy funds

I would honesty consider a simple and effective Two Fund Portfolio as both Jack Bogle and Warren Buffett have recommenced. Total Stock and perhaps tax exempt bonds are ideal for a taxable account.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Impact of underlying fund changes in lifestrategy funds
Replies: 13
Views: 1499

Re: Impact of underlying fund changes in lifestrategy funds

I would be more concerned with an all in one fund with taxable bonds in a taxable account.

Over time it will be a little more than a small tax difference. The other problem is with life strategy an investor is locked into the allocation. If you decide to make a change later a substantial capital gain may arise.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Impact of underlying fund changes in lifestrategy funds
Replies: 13
Views: 1499

Re: Impact of underlying fund changes in lifestrategy funds

I don’t think it would. Not sure if that happened with Total Bond.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617376

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

I cut the floor out of the car and now have a complete Flintstone mobile. No gas needed. Environmental friendly and getting a great workout.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 6:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2020 Hedge Fund contest
Replies: 306
Views: 34508

Re: 2020 Hedge Fund contest

The Gekko Fund

Long:
Apple
GE
Equity Residential

Short:
Aramco
Uber
Lyft
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

Keep enough cash in the bank ( or money market) to be comfortable and sleep well and invest the rest.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 6:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "The Decade In Review"
Replies: 8
Views: 1291

Re: "The Decade In Review"

Thanks for sharing Taylor.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard PAS - Do they have me on a reasonable track?
Replies: 33
Views: 3033

Re: Vanguard PAS - Do they have me on a reasonable track?

ruralavalon wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2020 4:33 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:30 am
nedsaid wrote: Wed Jan 08, 2020 11:34 pm As long as you have an emergency fund, I have no problems with your asset allocation.
I agree. One does not realize how important cash is until they don’t have it. There is an old saying that “cash is king” and for good reason.
The other old saying is "cash is trash".

I don't have much faith in old sayings.
Interesting. :beer
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 million cash - looking for low risk investment
Replies: 53
Views: 7455

Re: 1 million cash - looking for low risk investment

Welcome to the forum. With reward comes risk.

I would consider a money market or savings account. Perhaps a short term bond fund.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wish me luck. I just had "the call" with my advisor to cut ties
Replies: 20
Views: 3587

Re: Wish me luck. I just had "the call" with my adivosr to cut ties

I don't have much a question at the moment but don't have many other outlets to share where I'm coming from. It was a difficult decision because, from other stories I've read, he maybe wasn't that bad as far as "investment advisors" go. It was a % AUM fee structure though. Under 1% even. I've just reached a point where I no longer saw value to pay for something I now feel have informed enough opinions on to go it my own. Despite markets being up it was something keeping me up at night as I started to feel I'm paying increased taxes on unrealized gains. There's no insurance protection for when things go down. There was one aspect of the relationship that kept me around as long as I did. Beyond publicly traded equities and bonds he...
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 1:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Net Worth ??
Replies: 129
Views: 14272

Re: Net Worth ??

praxis wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2020 1:23 pm My reason for adding up my net worth is strictly to feel good. So I can make up the rules. My Vanguard account includes my outside accounts which are adjusted daily per the market except for reinvested dividends which I tweak regularly, but not any real estate or personal property. At a glance I can see a good estimate of my net worth. If I add property, it satisfies my need for a number. I have learned that sharing any of this with anyone but my wife is a bad practice.
I would agree that it should be a private matter. Nothing good could come out of it. We purchased a new house a few years ago and only needed to disclose the cash account and thus the portfolio could remain private. Some things are best that way!
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 12:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Net Worth ??
Replies: 129
Views: 14272

Re: Net Worth ??

sailaway wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2020 11:21 am I admit that I am a bit lackadaisical and happy with assets - liabilities as a semi annual benchmark, but this discussion leaves so many questions for me:

Are folks including the future interest on their mortgages or other debts or just the amount owed?
Are property taxes owed in future years a liability, rather than an expense?
Is someone who counts Pension/SS also including future income?
I do a real quick back of the napkin calculation. I add cash, portfolio, home, less debt. I don't include the vehicles as the the fair value is immaterial.
by abuss368
Fri Jan 10, 2020 12:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Net Worth ??
Replies: 129
Views: 14272

Re: Net Worth ??

sailaway wrote: Fri Jan 10, 2020 11:21 am I admit that I am a bit lackadaisical and happy with assets - liabilities as a semi annual benchmark, but this discussion leaves so many questions for me:

Are folks including the future interest on their mortgages or other debts or just the amount owed?
Are property taxes owed in future years a liability, rather than an expense?
Is someone who counts Pension/SS also including future income?
I would not include interest or real estate taxes as it is a period cost and not a liability on the balance sheet. If the home is sold there would be no more period cost for the home.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 10:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why does BNDX yield more than BND
Replies: 18
Views: 4238

Re: Why does BNDX yield more than BND

Is it really yielding more than total bond? How is that possible when many of the top holdings are zero or negative yields (Germany, Japan, etc)?
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

Blue456 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:23 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:18 pm
Triple digit golfer wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:17 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:15 pm Another positive of having a separate and stable cash account is when applying for a mortgage. A few years ago when we purchased our new home we only had to disclose the money market fund. We were able to avoid disclosing the portfolio. The broker said they did not need it as the money market account only was fine. I learned another perspective of the old saying "cash is king".
How did not disclosing it benefit you?
Was able to keep the portfolio private.
How is that a benefit?
A personal preference.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

Triple digit golfer wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:17 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:15 pm Another positive of having a separate and stable cash account is when applying for a mortgage. A few years ago when we purchased our new home we only had to disclose the money market fund. We were able to avoid disclosing the portfolio. The broker said they did not need it as the money market account only was fine. I learned another perspective of the old saying "cash is king".
How did not disclosing it benefit you?
Was able to keep the portfolio private.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

Cash may be more important for a retiree than someone in the accumulating years.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

Another positive of having a separate and stable cash account is when applying for a mortgage. A few years ago when we purchased our new home we only had to disclose the money market fund. We were able to avoid disclosing the portfolio. The broker said they did not need it as the money market account only was fine. I learned another perspective of the old saying "cash is king".
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund
Replies: 69
Views: 6203

Re: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund

Fundhunter wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:03 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:34 pm
Fundhunter wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:31 pm I am in withdrawal stage and do 25% of my equities in international and mostly with that Vanguard index fund. I think it is not impossible that something bad happens to the U S economy/stock market relative to to other economies/markets and this is a hedge against that possibility in my mind.
Something "bad" did happen to our economy in 2007 - 2008. International dropped faster and harder than U.S.
I said "relative to other economies/markets". Do you think that could not happen? I think it could.
I agree as no one knows anything in advance.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund
Replies: 69
Views: 6203

Re: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund

I am in withdrawal stage and do 25% of my equities in international and mostly with that Vanguard index fund. I think it is not impossible that something bad happens to the U S economy/stock market relative to to other economies/markets and this is a hedge against that possibility in my mind. Something "bad" did happen to our economy in 2007 - 2008. International dropped faster and harder than U.S. That could be different “next time”, of course. That won’t have any effect on me, as it won’t be in my portfolio. Good for those who own it at the time; there’s no indication that it will make a (positive) difference in their long term total reruns, however. Hi columbia - I agree it could be different next time. No one knows in advance...
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 9:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VBIAX distributes year end LT capital gain
Replies: 6
Views: 1061

Re: VBIAX distributes year end LT capital gain

Welcome to the forum! Vanguard Balanced Index fund, while an excellent fund (one that Jack Bogle invests for his grandchildren) is typically not ideal for a taxable account because the fund holds taxable bonds. Consider perhaps Total Stock (or S&P 500) and Tax Exempt Bonds (or placing bonds in a tax advantaged account). The other reason to avoid a balanced fund in a taxable account is that it imposes a tax cost for changing your allocation. If you hold separate bond and stock funds, and you want to hold fewer bonds, or a different type of bonds, or bonds in a different account, you can sell the bond fund for little or no capital gain. If you hold a balanced fund, you have to sell stocks at the same time, and usually pay a capital-gains...
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund
Replies: 69
Views: 6203

Re: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund

Fundhunter wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:31 pm I am in withdrawal stage and do 25% of my equities in international and mostly with that Vanguard index fund. I think it is not impossible that something bad happens to the U S economy/stock market relative to to other economies/markets and this is a hedge against that possibility in my mind.
Something "bad" did happen to our economy in 2007 - 2008. International dropped faster and harder than U.S.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CD discussion thread
Replies: 1214
Views: 188428

Re: Best CD rates thread

I have not invested in a CD in over 20 years.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VBIAX distributes year end LT capital gain
Replies: 6
Views: 1061

Re: VBIAX distributes year end LT capital gain

I hold a portion of VBIAX in a taxable account. I was surprised to see a LTCG distribution for 2019 after not making these distributions for the last 10 (or more) years. Granted the distribution was a small one. Vanguard rep was not so helpful in explaining why there was a year-end LTCG distribution. I understand that Vanguard uses a patented technique to eliminate (or minimize) LTCG distributions in some of their mutual funds and I had read that VBIAX was one of them. I'm wondering if this is the start of a trend for VBIAX (or VBINX)? Does anyone have any insight they can share? Welcome to the forum! Vanguard Balanced Index fund, while an excellent fund (one that Jack Bogle invests for his grandchildren) is typically not ideal for a taxab...
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spreadsheets - Out of here!
Replies: 262
Views: 31912

Re: Spreadsheets - Out of here!

LoveTheBogle wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:15 pm
Stinky wrote: Sun Jan 05, 2020 6:06 am
abuss368 wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 3:09 pm After reviewing everything today, I clicked on the file and hit delete. It was rewarding.
My heart skipped a beat when I read this.

I can't imagine my life without spreadsheets.

I've used them since the very first days of Visicalc on a tiny Apple II computer. And I expect to use them until I die.
If you are good with spreadsheets you can build a model to give you the statistical date of demise.
Not sure I would want to know!
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does anyone own FSDAX Defense fund?
Replies: 34
Views: 2123

Re: Does anyone own FSDAX Defense fund?

If you want to speculate with sector funds the question I would have is why buy a defense fund now because "it seems to be heading up". If anything, I would consider the sector funds that are down where money has flowed out. Buy low and when (if ever) the tide comes perhaps it may work.

Speculation at best!
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does anyone own FSDAX Defense fund?
Replies: 34
Views: 2123

Re: Does anyone own FSDAX Defense fund?

Jack Bogle has also said that most investors could go their lifetime without a need for a sector fund.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does anyone own FSDAX Defense fund?
Replies: 34
Views: 2123

Re: Does anyone own FSDAX Defense fund?

Cramer said that since tensions are rising in the Middle East that Defense is good right now. I looked at FSDAX and it seems to be heading up. Does anyone own this? I'm thinking of putting it in my Roth for a while. David Swensen, Yale University CIO, and author of the excellent investment classic "Unconventional Success": "Jim Cramer exemplifies everything that’s wrong with the advice — and I put advice in quotation marks — that is given to individual investors. Investing is a serious business. We’re talking about retirement security of American citizens, and he turns it into a game. It’s a game where his listeners lose. It’s ridiculous. These high-turnover, rapid trading strategies enrich the brokers. If you look at Jim Cr...
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

Trader Joe wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 4:32 pm I keep my emergency fund in the Vanguard Prime Money Market Fund (VMMXX) and I am very happy.
:sharebeer

Simple and effective.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Jack Bogle - Two Fund Portfolio
Replies: 2645
Views: 320057

Re: Jack Bogle - Two Fund Portfolio

Remember Bogleheads:
Jack Bogle's Words of Wisdom: “Investors are not paying nearly enough attention to the risks that could affect our markets: an unstable US federal government, a Brexit debacle, and a U.S. stock market that remains at relatively high valuations. -- Most investors would be wise to re-examine their portfolios to make sure that they are balanced with an appropriate bond position to provide some stability in volatile markets. -- Investors making the switch would “sleep better, lower their risks, and maybe even improve their long-term returns.”
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Empirical research on historical returns of lazy portfolios
Replies: 3
Views: 490

Re: Empirical research on historical returns of lazy portfolios

720pete wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:51 am Has there been any research done on the different historical rates of return for various "lazy" portfolios that are discussed on the bogleheads wiki? Thanks.
It would not matter as the information is useless. The past is zero indication of the future. In fact the government requires investment companies to print that in the prospectus.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 8:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where do you keep your Emergency Funds? How is it invested?
Replies: 139
Views: 14221

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

I do not have a separate "emergency fund". Rather we have cash in one checking account and cash in Vanguard Prime Money Market fund. The only thing that prevents us from simply keeping all cash in the checking account is risk of theft. The "what if". The yield is a secondary consideration.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spreadsheets - Out of here!
Replies: 262
Views: 31912

Re: Spreadsheets - Out of here!

FIREchief wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 5:13 pm Just what exactly were your (now deleted) spreadsheets used for?
The spreadsheet provided portfolio value, performance, and allocation all on one tab.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spreadsheets - Out of here!
Replies: 262
Views: 31912

Re: Spreadsheets - Out of here!

I have learned that a simple portfolio often does not need any spreadsheet.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 3:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Intermediate-Term bond vs Total Bond
Replies: 107
Views: 10574

Re: Intermediate-Term bond vs Total Bond

danielc wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 2:02 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 1:45 pm If I understood the investment and was ok with the risks involved, and it fit your goals, then I would be fine with it.
Well... my reason for posting is that I am not sure that I understand the difference between the two investments or whether they both meet my goals equally. I am trying to understand them. I thought you were telling me that there is very little practical difference between them for the purpose of a portfolio, but now I'm not sure I know what you are saying.
You may have a little volatility compared to Total Bond at times because there is less Treasury I believe. Personally I would be fine with the fund. It is a good fund.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 1:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Minimalists on here?
Replies: 345
Views: 43421

Re: Simplicity

PatrickA5 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 1:42 pm Now that the kids are out of the house, we've been decluttering big time over the last couple of years. Feels good to get rid of stuff. I don't want my kids to have to go through and junk everything like I had to with my parents home.

Same thing with finances. We've really consolidated as much as we can right now. We're down to just a few accounts located at only a couple of brokerages. We'll eventually get down to one place (probably Fidelity).
Huge and you are on the right path. And in our experience it is a rewarding journey!
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 1:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Intermediate-Term bond vs Total Bond
Replies: 107
Views: 10574

Re: Intermediate-Term bond vs Total Bond

danielc wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:29 pm
abuss368 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:14 pm I believe Intermediate Term has no mortgage bonds and has more corporate bonds. Thus the higher risk and volatility. I am not familiar with Fidelity's bond fund but perhaps it includes Treasury bonds and thus while lower yield it is more conservative. Over the long term you will probably be fine.

In my opinion and short or intermediate term investment grade bond fund that is low cost and diversified will provide safety and income to a portfolio. We may be dancing on the head of a needle.
So... In the end it won't matter a lot if I use intermediate bonds instead of total bonds as my main bond allocation?
If I understood the investment and was ok with the risks involved, and it fit your goals, then I would be fine with it.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why are you NOT buying rental properties?
Replies: 1134
Views: 139184

Re: Why are you NOT buying rental properties?

avenger wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:04 pm Because VTI and VXUS don’t wake me up in the middle of the night because the toilet is overflowing. Also for many other reasons.
Well said and a lot of truth in that. Vanguard REIT and Vanguard International REIT provide diversification, cash flow from dividends, and do not call your telephone number.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund
Replies: 69
Views: 6203

Re: Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund

Ramey58 wrote: Thu Jan 09, 2020 10:56 am Just reviewing this fund which is in my retirement portfolio. It seems like the returns over time have not been that great. 4.86% annual returns since 1996. Can someone explain to me why International Funds are so good for a balanced portfolio?
Your right, international stocks have not done well. The problem is no one knows what the future will bring and not chart will ever tell an investor that. I think it is import to simply do what works best for your individual circumstances and allows you to sleep well at night.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1 yr ban of 401K contribution?
Replies: 66
Views: 7958

Re: 1 yr ban of 401K contribution?

I have heard of this although I suspect it is becoming rare in today's competitive job market. I would simply increase cash, invest in a taxable account, fund IRAs, and pay down debt. In one year you will be happy you did.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: income requirement for HELOC
Replies: 16
Views: 869

Re: income requirement for HELOC

I would expect that without income (or sufficient income) one would not be able to get a LOC. Do you have cash reserves you could you.

This is probably a good thing. If you default on the LOC the bank could sell your home to recover the loan balance.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 12:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Intermediate-Term bond vs Total Bond
Replies: 107
Views: 10574

Re: Intermediate-Term bond vs Total Bond

I believe Intermediate Term has no mortgage bonds and has more corporate bonds. Thus the higher risk and volatility. I am not familiar with Fidelity's bond fund but perhaps it includes Treasury bonds and thus while lower yield it is more conservative. Over the long term you will probably be fine.

In my opinion and short or intermediate term investment grade bond fund that is low cost and diversified will provide safety and income to a portfolio. We may be dancing on the head of a needle.
by abuss368
Thu Jan 09, 2020 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard PAS - Do they have me on a reasonable track?
Replies: 33
Views: 3033

Re: Vanguard PAS - Do they have me on a reasonable track?

There is nothing like good old fashioned money in the bank. Just make certain it is fully covered by the FDIC insurance. Good points indeed. I keep our cash (outside of checking) in the Vanguard Prime Money Market fund. You do realize that the Money Market fund is NOT "fully covered by the FDIC insurance", right? Correct. There is a difference between a money market mutual fund and a money market account with a bank. Vanguards money market funds are strong and were fine during financial crisis. Ok. just wanted to make sure. you comment agreeing with the previous statement about importance of FDIC insurance made it sound like you were in the money market fund because of that coverage. I agree with you that there is very little ris...