Search found 44 matches

by BogleFan84
Fri Nov 03, 2023 6:12 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Laddering 20 years of treasuries (no tips)
Replies: 13
Views: 3416

Re: Laddering 20 years of treasuries (no tips)

I really don't understand why somebody willing to hold STRIPS in taxable and happy with a fixed 3% COLA wouldn't just buy a SPIA or the deferred variety. My Strips ladder is in a tax deferred account. I agree, holding them in a taxable account would be a challenge. Will the STRIPS ladder (assumed held in a tIRA) be used to fund your retirement each year? 'm retiring in 3-6 months; about to purchase STRIPS for a 12 year STRIPS ladder to supply yearly income. I have the funds (CDs just matured at 5%) in my tIRA. This goes against conventional wisdom of spending down taxable (brokerage) first, Should I set up the first 6 years of STRIPS in brokerage (which requires selling S&P 500 index funds and paying $15K in Capital Gains) and final 6 ...
by BogleFan84
Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:20 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!
Replies: 314
Views: 87687

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!

I'm getting ready to in July at 59, with wife continuing to work another four years till she's 57. Funded ratio is 1.5 with 1.6 million. But, getting cold feet. Having a nice spreadsheet is not the same as in real life pulling the trigger. I've come to realize that retirement is more than being financially ready. I had a 2023 date (63'rd birthday), which I recently retracted with my employer. I and DW are healthy and ready financially (we've won the 'game'),but realized after 40 years of working I need to retire TO something; to be productive, to be serving and helping others, to have social connections that replace work relationships. I was not ready to face potential depression of a wrong decision to lead a life of self-indulgent leisure.
by BogleFan84
Sun Feb 05, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33463

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

Garmin Vivoactive 4 - For time, running, biking, Nordic Skiing, Hiking.
by BogleFan84
Sat Dec 31, 2022 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: did you beat the index in 2022?
Replies: 50
Views: 6731

Re: did you beat the index in 2022?

Down 11.4%

50/50 broken down as
S&P 40%, Int'l 10%, Total Bond 20%, Stable Value 25%, Cash 5%,

I fortuitously moved 25% from Total Bond to 401K Stable Value in Dec 2021. No more moves until next week's Fee-only advisor meetig.
by BogleFan84
Sun Nov 20, 2022 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I Cant stomach the market. Need to move into a safer position
Replies: 98
Views: 11413

Re: I Cant stomach the market. Need to move into a safer position

JBTX wrote: Sat Nov 19, 2022 11:34 am I totally agree with this. Not to cast aspersions on anyone, but this stuff isn’t for everybody. I and others here kind of enjoy it but for many it is intimidating and a chore. The fact that everybody needs to be an expert in investing isn’t necessarily a healthy state of society.
I'm OK with companies defaulting 401K contributions to a TDF, for 'non-experts'.

The BH approach doesn't require being an expert in investing, simplifies investing, but does require some self-discipline to
  • Define your Investment policy statement (IPS)
  • Save a percentage of income
  • Set allocation based on risk tolerance and ability to sleep at night during down markets.
  • Don't panic-sell (low) or greed-buy (high).
  • Stay the course!
by BogleFan84
Mon Oct 03, 2022 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?
Replies: 7
Views: 1248

Re: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?

2. How do I educate myself to know what TIPS Funds to purchase? Possibly books by Swedroe, Ferri, and Thau would be resources. There is a Wiki article on TIPS and TIPS funds: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Treasury_Inflation_Protected_Security 3. How long should I plan on keeping the TIPS Funds? Generally TIPS funds are probably best matched as part of a person's long term fixed income component of a portfolio. I personally think an intermediate duration TIPS fund for holding for 20-30-40-50 years makes sense. There is an argument to use a long TIPS fund for long times. The duration of LTPZ is 12 years and of VAIPX 7 years. Once you get down to keeping a TIPS fund for only five or ten years I don't think an intermediate duration or longer...
by BogleFan84
Mon Oct 03, 2022 7:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?
Replies: 7
Views: 1248

Re: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?

Brokerage 10.8% Fidelity® 500 Index Fund Institutional Premium Class (FXAIX) (0.015%) 2.8% Fidelity® Total Market Index Fund Investor Class (FSKAX) (0.09%) 4.8% Fidelity® Total International Index Fund Premium Class (FTIHX) (0.11%) 1.1% MoneyMarket (Cash) (0%) Holding 500 Index in your taxable account while also holding it elsewhere means you need to be careful when selling to avoid wash sales. His 401k Company match: 50% of First 7% of contributions 7.6% Vanguard Inst 500 Index Trust (VFINX) (0.01%) 1.8% Vanguard Inst Extended Markets Index (VIEIX) (0.01%) 5.2% Vanguard Developed Market Index (VDIPX) (0.04%) 19.7% Vanguard Total Bond (VBTIX) (0.03%) 27.6% Stable Value (0.28%) His Roth 1.6% Fidelity® U.S. Bond Index Fund - Premium Class (F...
by BogleFan84
Sat Oct 01, 2022 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?
Replies: 7
Views: 1248

Re: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?

miket29 wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 7:03 pm
BogleFan84 wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:29 pm Post-retirement budget: $100,000 (including $20,000 discretionary; travel, etc., not including taxes); plus an additional $10,000 first 2 years to fund health care (COBRA)
I just want to point out that Federal COBRA normally lasts only 18 months although under certain cases it can go for 36 months.
Good point; If retirement is before 64 1/2, I'll purchase privately via Healthcare.gov
by BogleFan84
Sat Oct 01, 2022 6:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?
Replies: 7
Views: 1248

Near retirement - Purchasing TIPS funds using Total Bonds and cash?

Greetings, Cash: $100,000 Debt: None House (paid for) $400,000 Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate:  Federal 24% (Effective 13.2%), State 0% State of Residence: NH Age: His 62, DW 67 (DW eligible for Medicare when he retires at age 63) Planned Retirement Age: 63 or 64 Desired Asset allocation: 50/50 Salary $200,000 Current budget: 80,000 Post-retirement budget: $100,000 (including $20,000 discretionary; travel, etc., not including taxes); plus an additional $10,000 first 2 years to fund health care (COBRA) Social Security $60000 (at age 67, includes stay-at-home DW spousal 50%) Pension $11,500 (at age 64) Total Portfolio: $1.75M (down 15% YTD but Staying the Course) Brokerage 10.8% Fidelity® 500 Index Fund Institutional Premi...
by BogleFan84
Fri Sep 30, 2022 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the best pizza in a chain store?
Replies: 110
Views: 10040

Re: Which is the best pizza in a chain store?

Quirkz wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 5:35 pm Honestly, I like Domino's. For a long time it was pretty bad, but they retooled a while back, and it's generally been better than the other chains I've tried.
Ditto - I delivered for Domino's in college in the early 80's. This is still our go-to place. Can't beat $7.99 for 3 toppings for good-tasting pizza!
by BogleFan84
Fri Sep 30, 2022 9:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 152009

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

Age 62; DW 69
50%/50%, Stay the Course, and living life

Currently, down 15.4% YTD
- 39% Stocks (S&P500)
- 10% Int'l
- 22% Bonds (VBTLX)
- 29% Stable Value - Fortunate move - moved large portion of Bonds to Stable Value in January
Emergency Fund 5% in addition to Investments

While not enthralled with the bear, inflation, and seeing savings fall, this is the risk I accepted at 50/50, so I sleep well, and will adjust as needed.

Some potential moves:
- Buying TIP funds (first in Roth accounts)
- Keep working for another 1-2 years and buying low
- SS at 67
- Sleep well again tonight
- Continue to be thankful for life with the wife of my youth, family, grandkids, and health (running another half-marathon next month)!
by BogleFan84
Fri May 27, 2022 10:28 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!
Replies: 314
Views: 87687

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2023!

Moving from class of June 2022 (age 62) to June 2023 (age 63) due to perceived sequence of return risk (high Inflation, down market) and being too busy as engineering manager to plan for non-financial aspects of retirement (took to heart DW concern I'd be bored after 40 years of F/T work).

Sleep well at 50/50 AA though down 10% ($2.2M to $2M) and glad I moved 30% from VLTBX (total bond fund) to Stable Value at beginning of 2022.

Thankful for good health; run 3-5 miles 4-5 times a week, looking forward to the next phase; spending time with DW, grandkids, hiking White mountains, biking, skiing, church technical needs (IT, website, livestreaming), some travel and possible volunteer work for other non-profits' tech support.
by BogleFan84
Fri Apr 22, 2022 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it prudent to ride things out in VBTLX?
Replies: 107
Views: 12005

Re: Is it prudent to ride things out in VBTLX?

Age 62, one year 'till retirement. Three-fund 35/15/50 AA. About 6 months ago, moved 50% of VLTBX to 401K Stable value, and will ride out the rest.
by BogleFan84
Fri Apr 08, 2022 7:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA Allowing Investments - What Do I Choose
Replies: 15
Views: 1233

Re: HSA Allowing Investments - What Do I Choose

Another vote for 100% S&P 500 index fund.
by BogleFan84
Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retirement Withdrawal Preparation for Tax efficiency and Brokerage account
Replies: 5
Views: 1261

Retirement Withdrawal Preparation for Tax efficiency and Brokerage account

I'm 15 months away from retiring with a significant portion of our $2M portfolio in stock index funds in a brokerage account. Planned retirement in July, 2023 (DW will receive full spousal benefit (50% of my SS PIA, eligible for Medicare, myself COBRA for 18 months) One lesson learned (to share) . For 10+ years we've maxed out 401K (mostly pre-tax), Roth IRAs, and now HSAs, and saved remainder in Brokerage account (mostly Stock index funds). I've learned recently I could have been saving the remainder in After-tax 401K, where it would a) would increase tax-free, including dividends, and b) allow re-allocation without paying capital gains (15% for me, for funds held for > 1 year). My questions revolve around preparing retirement portfolio fo...
by BogleFan84
Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review / Help with Withdrawal Preparations
Replies: 6
Views: 1220

Re: Portfolio Review / Help with Withdrawal Preparations

In terms of your 3 - 4 year bucket and spending from taxable, you might consider that the liquid fixed income "bucket" will need to cover any expenses not covered by your pension, social security, and eventual RMDs, including taxes and any potential conversion tax. I would calculate your gap (amount between spending $ and $ provided by pension and social security) year by year prior to age 72. Sum that up, and estimate how far from the $87,000 in cash you come. That is the liquid/safe bucket you are looking to fill. The taxable will suffice but is exposed to market risk. The liquid/safe budget needs to be much larger than I thought, as I'll be delaying SS until 67, and have a small ($11,000 per year) pension. There's no rule agai...
by BogleFan84
Tue Sep 07, 2021 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review / Help with Withdrawal Preparations
Replies: 6
Views: 1220

Re: Portfolio Review / Help with Withdrawal Preparations

I would do #4 from your options to keep desired AA across all accounts. OK First, what is your cost basis of your taxable holdings? Current value $411,405 minus Cost basis 275,740 = 135,655, x15%= $20,350 Capital Gains tax (NH has no Capital Gains tax), as my AGI will be over the $80,801 limit for married filing jointly. You could sell to realize the lowest gain by using “specific ID” with the brokerage rather than average. That would lessen the cap gains bite. I learned something; wasnt aware of "Specific ID" https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Specific_identification_of_shares Oh and bleed the HSA for healthcare expenses. My thoughts are to hold on to the S&P 500 funds in the HSA for several years (let it grow tax-free); I'll a...
by BogleFan84
Mon Sep 06, 2021 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review / Help with Withdrawal Preparations
Replies: 6
Views: 1220

Portfolio Review / Help with Withdrawal Preparations

My planned retirement is July, 2022. I'm reviewing withdrawal strategies (using the Retiree Portfolio Model, still learning / setting this up, some reading), I'd like to set aside a bucket for the first 3-4 years of retirement in very low/no-risk funds (for me, this would be the 401K Stable Value plus $50K in Savings). My understanding it is advised to spend down my taxable account (and do Roth Conversions) in first few years of retirement, which creates a dilemma as my taxable account is mostly equities, and I plan on keeping future 3-4 years of expenses in very low/no risk assets (Cash, Stable Value). [Emergency Funds / Cash: $87,000 Debt: None House (paid for) $404,500 Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate:  Federal 22% (Eff...
by BogleFan84
Thu Jul 08, 2021 8:56 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2022!
Replies: 393
Views: 71565

Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2022!

Please include me in! Excited, and learning, as DW and I look forward to 7/5/22 (the day I turn 62, DW, a stay-at-home Mom, will be 68) as our retirement date (but I'll leave in April/May 2022 and use 10 weeks PTO). DW will be eligible for Medicare; while I plan on COBRA for 18 months, then purchase my own (planning in the added expense). Currently at 1.9M (plus $100K EF), with a small (11K per year pension), and planning on SS ($56K with spousal benefits) at age 67. Planning on $95K budget (current budget), adding $15K for my health insurance until 65. Planning on spending time with the grandchildren (5), working with a group of volunteers who help non-profits and churches with website development, propose new equipment to meet their needs...
by BogleFan84
Wed Jun 30, 2021 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LTC Insurance policy pricing proposal
Replies: 6
Views: 1198

Re: LTC Insurance policy pricing proposal

For comparison, my wife and I also purchased LTC from Mutual of Omaha (after reviewing several options from a LTC insurance agent) two years ago; ages 58 and 64; with premiums for the both combined of $6550; though we have 3% inflation protection. It is worth it for us, as we have 3 grown sons (all married with children), and have the opportunity to not be a potential burden to them.
by BogleFan84
Wed Apr 28, 2021 6:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request - One year before retirement
Replies: 2
Views: 756

Re: Portfolio Review and restructuring one year before retirement

Assuming your estimate of retirement expenses includes income taxes and lumpy expenses, it looks like by the time you reach age 67, your portfolio withdrawal for net retirement expenses will be <2%. You look good to retire at anytime in my opinion. Yes - Retirement expenses include income tax (12% Marginal rate) and discretionary spending. It does look promising for a withdrawal rate of < 2% at age 67. Have you considered what the retirement income/expenses will be for you/spouse as a widow/widower? Will the survivor be eligible to receive the spouse’s pension benefits? Does it make sense to delay claiming the higher earner’s social security (SS) benefit until age 70 to pass a higher benefit onto the surviving spouse? Pension selection has...
by BogleFan84
Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request - One year before retirement
Replies: 2
Views: 756

Portfolio Review Request - One year before retirement

Emergency Funds / Cash : $120,000 Debt : None House (paid for) $360,000 Tax Filing Status : Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate :  22% Federal (Effective 13.9%), 0% State State of Residence : NH Age : His 61, DW 67 (eligible for Medicare when he retires at age 62) Planned Retirement Age : 62 Desired Asset allocation : 50% stocks / 50% bonds Desired International allocation : 24% of Stocks Current Asset allocation : 53% Stocks / 47% Bonds Current International allocation : 23% of Stocks Salary High 100 thousand Expected budget during retirement : $84,000 (including $20,000 discretionary; travel, etc.); plus an additional $15,000 first 3 years to fund health care for me Social Security $54,500 (at age 67) Pension $11,500 (at age 65) Total Portfo...
by BogleFan84
Mon Apr 26, 2021 8:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

AA: 50/50
YTD: 4.0%
by BogleFan84
Fri Mar 12, 2021 6:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Signed
Replies: 71
Views: 9897

Re: American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Signed

Wondering what the impact will be to inflation and Bonds as I'm a little over a year from retirement. Inflation sure cuts into retirement savings.
by BogleFan84
Fri Mar 12, 2021 6:12 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 152009

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

Age 61
50% Stock Index (40% US, 10% International)
50% Total US Bond Index

I sleep well.

Considering decreasing US to 35% and increasing International to 15%
by BogleFan84
Sun Oct 25, 2020 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much do you allocate to international equity?
Replies: 133
Views: 18036

Re: How much do you allocate to international equity?

Age 60, 3 years before retirement, 50/50 AA with 8% (16% of Stocks) in International Developed Markets.
by BogleFan84
Sun Oct 04, 2020 7:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why do people end up with 10-15 funds in their 401k?
Replies: 60
Views: 5385

Re: Why do people end up with 10-15 funds in their 401k?

For me, it was due to my company offering free use of the "Financial Engines" Robo-advisor which I used for 20 years. You tell the year you want to retire and it provides a list of several funds for your portfolio allocation, with no regard to ER. I didn't know any better, and would have done worse without this, due to no knowledge of how to invest; it actually provided a higher allocation than my risk tolerance, which helped during the many good years and hurt when I panic-traded some equities (10%) when the market dropped in 2008. I found this forum a couple of years ago, and am sold on the elegant simplicity this forum promotes.
by BogleFan84
Fri Aug 07, 2020 2:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.
Replies: 166
Views: 24228

Re: Do you have an allocation more conservative than 50/50 ?? What is it? Why? How Bogleheads are getting it done.

Currently 47/53; age 60

I was comfortable with 50/50, and was at 52/48 prior to the 3/2020 drop (for me to 44/56). After a mini-panic 5% sell (of International) down to 39/61, I quickly bought back into S&P 500, which turned out OK, but reinforced why my risk tolerance is no more than 50/50, and maybe closer to 45/55.

I sleep better and am still on plan to retire in 3 years.
by BogleFan84
Thu Jun 04, 2020 8:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

DJWaldron wrote: Fri May 29, 2020 8:06 pm Down 2.73%, 45/55 but up $45K due to buying in (bought 5% stock in Jan/Feb near peak as I had too much cash in ER; to 50/50; who knew?). All-in-all, not bad!
Down 1.2%, 46/54. June 3. Will stay at 45/55
by BogleFan84
Fri May 29, 2020 8:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Replies: 5250
Views: 906917

Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]

Down 2.73%, 45/55 but up $45K due to buying in (mostly in Jan/Feb). All-in-all, not bad!
by BogleFan84
Mon Apr 13, 2020 4:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seasoned Bogleheads; What 3 Things Have You Done Financially Related to the Economy Recently
Replies: 112
Views: 13102

Re: Seasoned Bogleheads; What 3 Things Have You Done Financially Related to the Economy Recently

1. Moved 5% of bond fund with munis to cash, leaving all bonds in full market index funds (mini-panic on 2/20 when media noise was screaming cash is king; I now have 2+ years of cash including EF)
2. Let AA drift from 50/50 to 46/54 (and will settle on 45/55 with 3 years till retirement)
3. Continue to contribute to 401K, IRAs and HSAs to the max

I am considering moving equities from US S&P 500 index to international developed market index to increase international from 4% of total to 10%, with a resulting 35 US / 10 Int / 45 bond / 5 cash - then leave it

Finally - I sleep well, in-spite of mini-panic, as I'm only down 6.5% YTD, but no need for equity funds for many years
by BogleFan84
Mon Mar 16, 2020 7:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your AA, given your age ? and this crisis ?
Replies: 184
Views: 15699

Re: What is your AA, given your age ? and this crisis ?

50/50 (well now 45/65 after this past week).
Age 60
Stock funds = 110 - age.
I'll stay the course, and keep bi-weekly contributions going into 401K and IRAs.
by BogleFan84
Sun Mar 01, 2020 12:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are you glad to have bonds in your AA? I am.
Replies: 76
Views: 5791

Re: Are you glad to have bonds in your AA? I am.

Yes - At age 59, 3.5 years to retirement, I sleep well with a 50/50 allocation.
by BogleFan84
Sun Jan 05, 2020 7:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Full View recent improvements
Replies: 37
Views: 7885

Re: Fidelity Full View recent improvements

I'm still using PC's Retirement Planner model, as the Fidelity Retirement Analysis treats my non-Fidelity 401K investments as "unknown", with no way to edit or change this.
by BogleFan84
Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)
Replies: 6
Views: 1061

Re: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)

2. Any sale resulting in a gain in your Taxable account is subject to income tax. Going forward, consider using FSKAX Fidelity’s US Total Stock Market Fund ER .015% rather than FXAIX and FSTMX. FSKAX has a lower ER and doesn’t duplicate a retirement account fund (to help avoid wash sales). That doesn’t mean you should sell FXAIX and FSTMX. If you want to consolidate/reduce # funds, you can turn off reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions for FXAIX/FSTMX so you don’t buy more and you can opportunistically sell FXAIX/FSTMX if market price drops close to or below your cost bases. This gives me a path forward to consolidate these funds 3. Consider the following: A) if your income is close to Roth IRA contribution phase-out, c...
by BogleFan84
Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)
Replies: 6
Views: 1061

Re: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)

You have a good mix of low cost funds appropriately placed in taxable, tax deferred, and tax free. There is no big reason to make any changes to this well thought out portfolio. I give credit to this forum... My personal inclination would be to try to hold the bond allocation in your 401k. Cashing in the CD's when they mature and moving those funds to one of your stock funds and then increasing your bond allocation in your 401k would be an option. Such a move would likely have no tax consequences. I agree with increasing bonds in the 401K to rebalance. I personally would hold a domestic stock fund in a Roth and hold my international allocation in tax deferred or taxable. You may be able to lower your costs slightly, but based on the low co...
by BogleFan84
Sat Jan 04, 2020 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)
Replies: 6
Views: 1061

Re: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)

tenkuky wrote: Sat Jan 04, 2020 1:06 pm You need to update to the higher allowable amounts for contributions
$35,000 his 401k (includes $10,000 employer matching contributions) $26,000 allowed for >50, so this should be $36,000
$6,500 his Roth IRA $7000
$6,500 her Roth IRA $7000
Thank you for the recommendations... Will do
by BogleFan84
Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review (age 59.5)
Replies: 6
Views: 1061

Portfolio Review (age 59.5)

Greetings, DW is stay-at-home (will receive 50% spousal SS) Debt: None (house paid for) Tax Filing Status: Married Filing Jointly Tax Rate: 24% Federal, 0% State (NH) State of Residence: NH Age: 59.5 Planned Retirement Age: 63 Desired Asset allocation: 50% stocks / 50% bonds Desired International allocation: 12.5% of portfolio Total Portfolio: between $1M and $2M Taxable at Fidelity 7% Fidelity® 500 Index Fund Institutional Premium Class (FXAIX) (0.015%) 3% Fidelity® Total Market Index Fund Investor Class (FSTMX) (0.09%) 5% Fidelity® Total International Index Fund Premium Class (FTIHX) (0.11%) 2% CDs (Laddered) (0%) His 401k Company match: 50% of First 7% of contributions 3% Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares (V...
by BogleFan84
Wed Dec 25, 2019 9:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 59.5 asset allocation
Replies: 24
Views: 3163

Re: 59.5 asset allocation

I'm 59 and 6 months, with AA 53/47 (was 50/50), am leaning toward 55/45 (that's as much risk as I can handle)
by BogleFan84
Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1833

Re: Portfolio Advice

I'm very thankful I found this forum and those who gave their advice. I had considered a financial adviser and had interviewed a couple, but with the valuable free advice on this forum, , coupled with reading, I learned much and no longer see the need for a FA. I'm going with a 60/40 asset allocation. The simpler portfolio also saves almost $1000 per year in expenses! For my primary bond fund, I'm considering Dodge and Cox Bond income DODIX 0.16% in the 401K (0.43% otherwisw) over Vanguards' Total Bond Fund (VBTIX 0.04%) due to DODIX's better performance over many years and the low cost in my 401K. Does this seem to be a good move, given DODIX's long-term performance? Any other concerns or changes I should consider? 401K 10.5% Vanguard Inst...
by BogleFan84
Wed Oct 31, 2018 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1833

Re: Portfolio Advice

retiredjg - I like the simplicity. Thank you.
by BogleFan84
Wed Oct 31, 2018 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1833

Re: Portfolio Advice

Ah yes; 25% in 2017, 22% in 2018. Thank you! Yes we do itemize and give > $20K.
by BogleFan84
Sun Oct 28, 2018 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1833

Re: Portfolio Advice

Thank you desiderium, retiredjg and ExitStageLeft for your feedback. To think I could have paid an 'advisor' had I not found this forum and the Boglehead books. So much to appreciate and learn regarding simplifying, establishing the stock/bond mix to sleep well, expense ratios, tax implications and more. My 2017 tax return does indicate a 15% tax rate, and yes, the $63K contributions include the company match (though the thought of retiring earlier is appealing; I need to refine our retirement budget). We also Itemize sizable Charitable contributions, traditional 401k contributions and property taxes ($6500). Yes - I now see and agree my portfolio needs to be simplified (it was worse before I consolidated some earlier this year. Thank you E...
by BogleFan84
Sun Oct 28, 2018 1:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Advice
Replies: 14
Views: 1833

Portfolio Advice

Greetings, I'm new to Bogleheads as of a few months ago. Earlier this year, I consolidated and re balanced a bit to recommendations from Personal Capital, Fidelity and Financial Engines (I've been using FE over the years) retirement modeling tools. I'm 58 1/2 (planning on retirement at 64), my wife approaching 65; both of us in good health (thankfully). No debt; own home Married, filing jointly, no children at home Tax Rate 15% Federal, 0% State (NH) Cash/Emergency fund (12 months) We'll continue to max out the 401K and Roth IRAs Just starting an HSA in 2019, and will contribute $10,000 a year (to pay new LTC deductibles and health care) Portfolio slightly over 7 figures U.S. Stock: 41% Intl Stock 19% (includes 6% Emerging, which I feel is ...