Search found 125 matches

by Waiting_for_Godot
Wed Jan 10, 2024 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?
Replies: 657
Views: 133034

Re: What is the Worst Financial Decision/Mistake You Have Made?

Going to Stanford in the early 2000s and majoring in biology instead of computer science. I was dissuaded by all the horror stories of the unemployed developers after the dot com crash, and didn't have the foresight to realize that software would eat the world. I should have been more proactive in finding a mentor and investigating fields other than medicine.

Second biggest mistake is not being fully invested since I was able to build an after-tax buffer circa 2018. I've been maxing my 401k since 2021, and will be using some of that buffer money to finally get another master's degree!
by Waiting_for_Godot
Sat Oct 14, 2023 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simplification vs. Optimization in your financial life... most valuable areas / where do you draw the line?
Replies: 70
Views: 9076

Re: Simplification vs. Optimization in your financial life... most valuable areas / where do you draw the line?

A college friend and I started playing the credit card points game in 2010 as a hobby. I had fun keeping track of earned and redeemed rewards, and still hold out hope of scoring an amazing points deal on an international business class flight one day, but the restrictions on the best sign up bonus cards is having its intended effect on me, as well as losing interest in keeping track of quarterly 5% categories and juggling different banks’ cards. I’m thinking of product swapping the annual fee cards I still have and consolidate to Wells Fargo’s 2% card and maybe add their restaurant/gas card.

Brokerage-wise things are simple, one consolidated 401k at Vanguard and a too cash-heavy account at Ally 😅
by Waiting_for_Godot
Wed Aug 23, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"
Replies: 466
Views: 48743

Re: Rethinking "Keep Your Car for Ten Years"

For me the issue is trying to estimate when a car is no longer trustworthy for longer trips, say from SF to Tahoe, Yosemite, or LA. I'm at 189,000 miles on a Hyundai and recently paid 750 for a new alternator and battery, and am overdue on a 1k timing belt (all belts + suggested replacements while in the engine) maintenance. Most forums specific to my model year are loaded with complaints about ignition coils going bad, but not much else, which I presume is a good sign that I can eke out more value post belt replacement.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Aug 11, 2023 10:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is it ever enough?
Replies: 24
Views: 2498

Re: Is it ever enough?

Be extremely careful; having a casino as only one of two sources that excites you to make money can be ruinous. I’ve had two exes whose parents ruined their lives over gambling debt. One’s parents were formally well off with a small business before losing it to the aforementioned. Highly recommend finding healthier sources of satisfaction ASAP!
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jul 20, 2023 3:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit card rewards vs hassle factor
Replies: 149
Views: 15887

Re: Credit card rewards vs hassle factor

To echo the sentiment of several posters; I used to dabble in the churning and rotating categories steam and am similarly losing interest due to the mental overhead. Current plan is to try and eke out an international business class ticket with existing points prior to consolidating to either Citi or Wells Fargo ecosystems.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Apr 20, 2023 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever used your emergency fund?
Replies: 272
Views: 28809

Re: Have you ever used your emergency fund?

Have you ever used your emergency fund? Hell yes! This year to the tune of $60K and counting. Water damage to home. Possessions. Need new car. Dental bills that never seem to end. On and on and on. If I hadn't had my emergency fund, I'd have had to sell taxable investments at a loss. You've heard the saying "When it rains, it pours," right? Well, it's true. It's amazing how one costly emergency can lead to a bunch of other follow-on costs. Thanks to my emergency fund of ~3 years living expenses in cash and CDs, I can weather it. These "emergency fund" topics are usually created by someone trying to prove to themselves that they don't need an emergency fund, followed by folks who say they've never had an emergency. Well,...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Apr 20, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have you ever used your emergency fund?
Replies: 272
Views: 28809

Re: Have you ever used your emergency fund?

Unemployment has covered most of my expenses during income lapses thus far, and I don’t own, so I can’t really justify how cash—heavy my AA is, even with an impending layoff/loss of income. It’s comforting to say to myself that I could go years without finding another job, but I must acknowledge the risk of keeping my taxable stash in ‘safe’ investments is that I am only slightly losing purchasing power to inflation, at best.

To summarize: I have needed to use some savings due to job loss, but not much, as I have lived like a college student for some time now.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Sun Aug 21, 2022 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The worst financial, best life decision you have ever made?
Replies: 114
Views: 15696

Re: The worst financial, best life decision you have ever made?

I'm not sure if this is the worst or best financial decision, but definitely the best life decision, as far as I can tell, was to bail out of medical school early. I quickly realized I did not want the profession badly enough to deal with the misery of the path, and I thought I had done enough research beforehand. Given how dodgy my health has been, I may have failed later on in the training and incurred much higher expenses.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 16, 2022 3:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2119930

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

Might shape up to be interesting, if they hold steady from right now it'll just be giving up today's gains... but I'd expect ridiculous volatility at the last second no matter what happens.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 16, 2022 3:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: At what point does high interest in a savings account outweigh attractive equity valuations?
Replies: 15
Views: 2325

Re: At what point does high interest in a savings account outweigh attractive equity valuations?

My guess is that high savings account rates will not last long in an economy that has crashed, because if it really crashes then inflation will no longer be an issue. If one suspects that a recovery will be slow, one could try for a treasury for whatever duration they're interested in getting a guarantee for. 15% 30 year sounds like an amazing deal in retrospect, but I haven't looked into market sentiment of the early 80s to see how people felt at that time. I'm basically in a holding pattern myself, not being appropriately allocated given my age at ~40/60.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks continue to soar!
Replies: 22381
Views: 2119930

Re: U.S. stocks continue to soar!

Cramer's trying to call a low yet again, be careful! The segment was hilarious, showing a chart of the dow after the last .75 hike in '94... literally the only two things those points in time have common.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri May 20, 2022 8:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651727

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Wow, S&P starting to test 3,800. This is awesome. When I started investing at 4,300, I dreamed of levels this low and they might get even lower! I wish people would stop with this unabashed excitement about stock declines. I'm 35 and still accumulating as well, so I understand the value that can come from continued investment during market declines. But it's also not that hard to temper or moderate this "excitement" if you have a few small ounces of empathy. Many people - including people I know and care about - are in or near retirement without tremendous amounts of money to spare. To me it's an indicator of selfishness and lack of experience as an investor to have such outward expressions of enthusiasm on the topic. Maybe i...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri May 20, 2022 3:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651727

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

pasadena wrote: Fri May 20, 2022 2:58 pm I guess the lesson from the last few months is "if you're going to check the market today, wait until the last 15 minutes".

Today is no exception.
Seriously, I’m really interested in learning how many players are responsible for what percentage of the price movement. I’m imagining a bunch of computers playing chicken during the last five minutes of trading, for a lot of trading days this year.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri May 20, 2022 2:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651727

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Wow, S&P starting to test 3,800. This is awesome. When I started investing at 4,300, I dreamed of levels this low and they might get even lower! I wish people would stop with this unabashed excitement about stock declines. I'm 35 and still accumulating as well, so I understand the value that can come from continued investment during market declines. But it's also not that hard to temper or moderate this "excitement" if you have a few small ounces of empathy. Many people - including people I know and care about - are in or near retirement without tremendous amounts of money to spare. To me it's an indicator of selfishness and lack of experience as an investor to have such outward expressions of enthusiasm on the topic. Maybe i...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri May 20, 2022 2:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651727

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

4200 felt like the bottom for a while with how aggressively it would bounce from that range; we shall see.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651727

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

newyorker wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:28 pm
TheTimeLord wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:19 pm
peskypesky wrote: Fri Apr 29, 2022 1:07 pm I'm just wondering where people are putting their money if not into stocks.

I can't see another good option.
Vacations, new homes, new cars and steakhouses would be my guess.
Im more of an omakase guy than a steakhouse guy. Anyways was thinking about buying a car but i guess its better to buy more stocks now?
Car prices/availability is still rough in my area; guess I’ll be getting the 180k timing belt replacement done. I haven’t been at all tempted to mess with my non-taxable accounts, but am hesitating to commit taxable funds to a more age-appropriate AA… which might mean I’m at a me-appropriate AA
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Feb 25, 2022 2:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Effect of Russian sanctions on ETFs and mutual funds?
Replies: 249
Views: 28022

Re: Effect of Russian sanctions on ETFs and mutual funds?

Here's something that may be of interest (showed up in the stocktwits feed for RUSL): Direxion Suspends Creations in RUSL February 24, 2022 NEW YORK—February 24, 2022— Following the commencement of ground operations by Russia in Ukraine, various countries, including the United States, imposed sanctions on Russia, the market capitalizations of many Russian companies experienced significant declines and Russia closed its securities markets, effective after the close of trading on February 24, 2022. As a result, the Direxion Daily Russia Bull 2X Shares (the “Fund”) has suspended creations of its shares until further notice. During this time, the Fund may not meet its investment objective, may experience increased tracking error and may experi...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Jan 24, 2022 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4651727

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Biggest intraday rally since Oct 08; not particularly promising with that context.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Nov 26, 2021 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Willing to share your Taxable Portfolio?
Replies: 381
Views: 57282

Re: Willing to share your Taxable Portfolio?

Currently languishing at Ally getting 0.5%, and encompasses ~60% of the total portfolio. I'm STILL trying to figure out how much of that I want to sequester away for retirement, while being mindful of guaranteed losses due to inflation.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Nov 11, 2021 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Start-up equity compensation questions
Replies: 6
Views: 910

Re: Start-up equity compensation questions

It may depend on several factors, including the health of your company. Years ago I worked for a small biotech startup, where one department lead (and college friend of one of the founders) said that stock grants are renewed if the company likes you, and that it's a sign they don't if you aren't offered more. Presumably he was offered more, while a very early employee was not, and I was not. I ended up getting laid off when a project was scrapped and the very early employee retired shortly thereafter.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "Dry Powder": How do we use it (besides market timing)?
Replies: 116
Views: 10290

Re: "Dry Powder": How do we use it (besides market timing)?

I wrote a post in 2018 asking for opinions on a taxable account with an uncertain draw-down date. Since then, I've managed to 2x my salary, but am still within the same field, and am plowing the max contribution into my 401k (19.5k). In my case, I keep taxable dry because I am now debating if it is possible to retrain while maintaining my full-time job, or I will be better served by quitting and starting a full-time master's degree program. I also have an issue, which was discussed recently here, regarding different mental treatment of taxable and tax-deferred accounts. Tax-deferred feels inaccessible until age 59.5, so I am mostly fine with just plowing into stocks with that account, but I find myself anchored to the taxable amount, thus l...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Oct 05, 2021 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quit or Be Fired- UGH!
Replies: 115
Views: 21906

Re: Quit or Be Fired- UGH!

Assuming you are in the US, check your state Medicaid requirements; I qualified for Medi-Cal (CA Medicaid) when I was laid off, but am unsure if means-tested programs just look at earned income and/or income derived from taxable assets.

Also CA specific, but short-term disability can be extended for up to one year here. Even if you don't apply for disability, in CA you can quit due to health issues and still qualify for unemployment.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Sep 23, 2021 7:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Jobs for teen who's not immediately college bound
Replies: 125
Views: 11492

Re: Jobs for teen who's not immediately college bound

Since I also had a guidance counselor who wasn't particularly helpful, I got a part-time job while in high school at my local liberal arts college. I got to pepper my co-workers with a bunch of questions about small vs large schools, what they wanted to study, etc.

Apparently that specific college no longer hires college students for dining services jobs, unsure as to why, but I was thankful for the chance.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Sep 20, 2021 4:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reliable cars?
Replies: 66
Views: 6461

Re: Reliable cars?

I have had three Acura MDX SUV’s. I put 370,000 miles on the 2004 and sold it to a guy who is still driving it. It had 80,000 miles on it when I bought it. The second one was a 2010 MDX and it had 48,000 miles when I bought it. It had 225,000 miles when I traded it for a new 2020 MDX. I never had to do major work, just oil, filters, brake pads, tires and alignment. My wife is on her third Honda Pilot and it’s pretty much the same as the MDX with slightly less features and a lower price point. Same good maintenance history as the MDX. You can’t go wrong with Honda or Toyota products. Acuras in the late 90's-early 00's, especially the Integra, I've been told by mechanics might be the best cars ever built. My 2012 Hyundai Accent has been reas...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Sep 20, 2021 3:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What are you all doing for emergency funds?
Replies: 131
Views: 19494

Re: What are you all doing for emergency funds?

My AA is currently waaay too cash-heavy, (HYSA/CDs) so this has been a great thread for me to consider what my plan will be once a more age-appropriate AA is implemented. The closest thing I’ve had to a financial emergency would be two layoffs, but those included ~5 weeks of severance pay and unemployment eligibility for ~26 weeks, which covered expenses. My car is getting up there, so I may go with Rick Ferri’s suggestion and just hold cash to replace the car within the next 2 years, then treat whatever my bond allocation is as my EF. Checking to deal with monthly expenses is kept at 3k.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Aug 31, 2021 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Interest Paying Checking Accounts / high interest savings
Replies: 13
Views: 1794

Re: Interest Paying Checking Accounts / high interest savings

The Federal Funds rate dropped from 1.5-1.75% to 0-0.25% in March 2020, and banks quickly followed suit with savings and CD rates.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Aug 30, 2021 3:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal
Replies: 152
Views: 28822

Re: The psychology of frugality when you no longer need to be frugal

I'm nowhere near FI, but I am having a similar conversation with myself about how anal I want to be with optimizing credit card rewards, given the annoyance of remembering rotating categories and cc payments to multiple banks/cards. I think you've got the outline of a good strategy; you acknowledge that the stress is non-trivial, especially compared to the benefit. Reminding yourself of both of these components should help to generate the motivation to pare down these tendencies as a start.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Aug 13, 2021 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any Regret Over Being Too Frugal?
Replies: 220
Views: 25644

Re: Any Regret Over Being Too Frugal?

I'm not THAT much older than you at 38, but one thing I do regret a bit is not taking more vacation time off at my prior workplace that touted the 'unlimited PTO!' benefit. That being said, SO at the time could not travel internationally, but that's the only thing that comes to mind. If you're truly happy with your current lifestyle, after considering responses here and thinking more deeply about it on your own, then stick with it!

I second goodenyou's interest in FI; if I end up making the switch into higher pay/higher stress work, it would be because of my interest in the field, and to become FI more quickly.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Aug 06, 2021 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling all doctors, kid wants to be a doctor!?
Replies: 190
Views: 25430

Re: Calling all doctors, kid wants to be a doctor!?

tchoupitoulas wrote: Fri Aug 06, 2021 1:22 pm As a lawyer it's always fascinating to me to listen to doctors complain about their career paths. There's a bit of cognitive dissonance here, with some commenters joking about how a doctor is worth less than a talking frog and how they would never advise anyone to follow in their footsteps, while others are reporting people making nearly $400,000/year in their thirties. It's baffling.
The talking frog post might be referencing the idea that doctors are stereotyped as being bad managers of their own money.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Aug 02, 2021 2:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Calling all doctors, kid wants to be a doctor!?
Replies: 190
Views: 25430

Re: Calling all doctors, kid wants to be a doctor!?

I'll share my experience as a former premed that got to the first year of medical school. I'll definitely second the idea that most people will change their minds. I've been a mentor to other premeds; the majority end up on another path, so I wouldn't worry too much about the specifics involved with med school quite yet. Good grades/MCAT in college are key indicators to a potentially less miserable time in med school, as all of the tests required moving forward will be much worse (STEP 1, comes to mind, the major standardized test after the 2nd year of medical school). My suggestion would be to encourage your child to stay open to what they might be interested in. I wish I wasn't so focused on aiming for pre-med... my favorite course in hig...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Sat Jul 24, 2021 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is the average savings rates for bogleheads?
Replies: 343
Views: 41045

Re: What is the average savings rates for bogleheads?

I save 30% pre-tax in 401k between employer and my contributions, after that I typically bank 1 bi-weekly paycheck and spend the other, so 50% of net after that.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Jul 23, 2021 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Looking to change careers, but feel stuck. Dissatisfied with life.
Replies: 53
Views: 8496

Re: Looking to change careers, but feel stuck. Dissatisfied with life.

You mention positions that look interesting to you; I would start there and brainstorm options that would allow you to become competitive for these without undue expense; or perhaps look into possible scholarship options if another degree might be required.

I feel ya... I've been considering making a switch for some time now.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Much Cash or Cash Equivalents Do You Keep Around?
Replies: 119
Views: 17658

Re: How Much Cash or Cash Equivalents Do You Keep Around?

I keep too much cash for my age; 38, 38/62. I keep coming up with excuses for not adjusting my taxable allocation. Recently started a new job but am still considering a switch that might require additional full-time training. I am curious how people who have considered big career changes midway through have adjusted AA in response?
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Jul 13, 2021 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Guidance for new grad, 1st real job
Replies: 29
Views: 3450

Re: Guidance for new grad, 1st real job

Make sure they fully investigate and understand all benefits that are offered by the employer. A few I have had that not everyone fully utilized: 1) ESPP: Money is withheld from each paycheck, and at the end of the withholding period (every 6 months) company stock is bought at a 15% discount. None of the jobs I've had required me to hold this stock, so I always sold it immediately. If you do the math, the annualized return is 90% at minimum. If the stock goes up it's even better. Yes, you pay tax on the gains, but I'll gladly pay tax on a 90% return. See here for more detail: https://thefinancebuff.com/employee-stock-purchase-plan-espp-is.html. Some plans may require that the stock be held for some time before selling, so make sure to unde...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Traffic violation in CA
Replies: 74
Views: 8228

Re: Traffic violation in CA

I don't know if you've already paid, but if you haven't there should be an option to ask for leniency. My total cost for a red light last year was $250 including traffic school, for a red light camera turning onto Octavia in SF :oops:
by Waiting_for_Godot
Sat Jun 26, 2021 11:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Becoming frugal
Replies: 170
Views: 29053

Re: Becoming frugal

Good evening from the UK ☺️ I thought i would try to start a small thread on frugality. Being able to save big lumps of your paycheck, to use as capital to invest is obviously very important I was wondering, what ways have you practised frugality in order to save nice amount of money? For me personally: £5 phone bill No financing fancy cars Share lifts occasionally Im able to cut my own hair Dont buy stuff i dont need etc etc. Im always looking for other ways to save, so im interested to see what some of you guys do ☺️ For most of the time that I've been in the SF Bay Area, I've had to live with roommates. It's only recently that I've managed to amass an amount beyond an EF in taxable. I've heard this opinion on frugality here, which I agr...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another Emergency Fund Question: Do I Need One Anymore?
Replies: 84
Views: 8260

Re: Another Emergency Fund Question: Do I Need One Anymore?

Interestingly sometimes I run into investing material from back in the 90s, and it doesn't talk about asset allocation being just "stocks and bonds" but "stocks, bonds and cash [reserves]." I guess some of that thinking was from cash paying a visible, nominal return even if, after adjusting for inflation, it didn't pay a whole lot more than now. Possibly, or perhaps for preventing a quick drawdown on bonds if you need to adjust your AA by selling bonds to buy stock at the same time you need bonds funds to live off of, say during a job loss. Granted I assume folks would pause AA corrections during such a time. Somewhat tangential; I've heard in similar threads that folks include their state's unemployment benefits when c...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Fri Jun 25, 2021 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car
Replies: 945
Views: 150264

Re: Flaunt Your High-Mileage Car

2011 Hyundai Accent, will cross 170k this weekend. At this point I'll stick with it until something expensive breaks, hopefully by then car prices will have come back down to earth... I'll call myself out as a market timer :twisted:
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 24, 2021 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Inherited IRA For Teen Question]
Replies: 39
Views: 2861

Re: How to answer my teenager’s question?

You could run the math of expected growth over the years but it would depend on her level of consumption, which no one can know at this age. Early in her career would be a great time to fund a Roth. She could use the money that comes out of the IRA to do that. Later in her career, saving in tax deferred reduces her income taxes. Thus money she gets to keep for decades before paying tax. I would encourage her to do what everyone else is advised to do- plan for her future and make saving a part of the plan. She will have a much better idea of her financial future at 40 than she could now. Some STEM majors earn much more than others, for example. Compare biology to computer engineering. Can personally attest to Bio vs computer engineering... ...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Wed Jun 23, 2021 11:44 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Replies: 1156
Views: 150769

Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?

I find this thread very useful and informative. I want to increase my equity exposure, currently AA 30/70 (cash), holding cash for future housing opportunities. DH60 DW 61, wife non-cola pension Many years ago we held cash for future housing opportunities. We still own the same home we owned then, and nothing else. I’d be careful convincing yourself of reasons why you’re holding the cash you’re holding because sometimes it is simply because you don’t want to deploy it. Good point re: cash; I'm holding way too much for my age: Age: 38 AA: 38 (mostly SCV, currently contributing max 401k to 50/50 US/intl)/62 (cash at Ally) Still working on getting my head on straight, working again but quite unhappy at my current position. I've developed a ba...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 17, 2021 8:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
Replies: 19
Views: 4192

Re: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup

To Recap: 39 years old ~1.7 million in assets 45k/yr pension upcoming 400k combined income I would see no reason whatsoever to be anxious, and I am a pretty anxious person myself; that being said I'd love to trade places :p Something that might make you feel quite a bit better would be to compare where you are vs the average net worth for your age in the US, then the world at large. You'll find that you're far ahead of the vast majority of people. It's not a race against anyone else except your own personal goals. I've found comparing against the "average US net worth" to be pretty useless. Maybe you want to retire at 50 and spend $400k a year - then you're not doing well. Maybe you want to retire at 55 and spend $200k a year (in...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 17, 2021 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup
Replies: 19
Views: 4192

Re: How Am I Doing? 39 year old asking for a checkup

To Recap:

39 years old
~1.7 million in assets
45k/yr pension upcoming
400k combined income

I would see no reason whatsoever to be anxious, and I am a pretty anxious person myself; that being said I'd love to trade places :p

Something that might make you feel quite a bit better would be to compare where you are vs the average net worth for your age in the US, then the world at large. You'll find that you're far ahead of the vast majority of people.
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Mar 09, 2021 2:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Would you lump sum right now?
Replies: 57
Views: 5327

Re: Would you lump sum right now?

I have a similar conundrum now that I met my job requirement (I posted previously about AA with a potential career change). I'm torn; I know that there is a reason for the lower P/E ratios for the value factor, but the total market P/E just seems too nuts right now. I recently watched Jack's speech about continuing to invest in 1997, while bemoaning a higher than average P/E. We're at 38 now vs ~20 when he gave that speech. That being said, the 10-year treasury yielded 6.35% in 97, vs 1.5% right now. My guess is that, barring new widespread covid mutations that fully escape vaccine immunity, bond market interest rate increases will keep TSM moving sideways, and value will continue to outperform. That being said, I've heard opinions that val...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Mon Jan 18, 2021 3:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Economy sluggish? I don't understand
Replies: 95
Views: 9195

Re: Economy sluggish? I don't understand

One dentist bill would blow that $15k lifestyle out of the water. One car repair. One "bail your brother-in-law out of jail for his unpaid speeding tickets." Or even one $250 traffic ticket of one's own. I live in one of the lowest cost of living areas of the United States and $15k is miserable, scrunched-up, bad teeth and no haircut, eyeglasses-taped-together-with-a-five-year-old-prescription poverty. That single mother who left a six-figure sum to a local university: why didn't she spend it on her kids instead? Would have been a better investment by far, yes? It's an odd mom who scrimps on her own to send other people's kids to college. Just sayin'. I don't feel particularly miserable/impoverished living in the SF Bay Area whil...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Jan 12, 2021 1:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone REGRET retiring too soon?
Replies: 77
Views: 16702

Re: Anyone REGRET retiring too soon?

I just turned 48 and have plans to retire this fall. If the market stays where it is I will be retiring with 65x current annual expenses and 52x what I would like to spend annually in retirement due to travel, ability to help others, etc. I honestly don't feel I'll regret retiring early due to being bored or feeling unfilled. My main source of concern is that I may regret walking away from a high-paying job fairly early in life. I run scenarios and see that another year or two or three of work at this income would give me another few million in compounded assets in 10 or so years. I know that I have enough and shouldn't want for more but the added security that additional invested assets would give me is what weighs on me a bit. It is nega...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Jan 12, 2021 4:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 28 years old - Self Employed - Little/No Income - Low 6 figures in my taxable. Move some into bonds?
Replies: 9
Views: 1232

Re: 28 years old - Self Employed - Little/No Income - Low 6 figures in my taxable. Move some into bonds?

I live in NY at home with my parents and am single. I'm self-employed but have hit a rough patch and now making pretty much no income. I feel the market is highly overvalued and have about 90% of my savings (taxable + non-taxable) invested in VTSAX/VTIAX and 10% cash in an HYSA. I have 6 figures in my taxable and my gut is telling me with my income situation that I should be protecting some of my money in taxable since I believe the market is overvalued. I don't really want to pull it out and sell (and pay short term capital gains tax). What are other ways I could protect myself / invest in safer ways that make sense? Right now 90% of my money is in Vanguard total market ETFs/Admiral Funds. I was thinking of maybe exchanging some VTSAX for...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What should a 23 year old consider before purchasing a Tesla?
Replies: 264
Views: 19010

Re: What should a 23 year old consider before purchasing a Tesla?

I don't remember the timeline for the Model 2, but that, in theory, will be in the 25k range. I am a fan of smaller cars (city parking).
by Waiting_for_Godot
Wed Oct 28, 2020 4:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reluctant to sell much J&J till '22--best way to START balancing this crazy, patchwork of a mostly-inherited portfolio?
Replies: 21
Views: 2409

Re: Reluctant to sell much J&J till '22--best way to START balancing this crazy, patchwork of a mostly-inherited portfol

I wouldn't necessarily assume healthcare subsidies will be available. The latest attempt to fully dismantle the ACA comes before the new court on Nov 10th. :shock:
by Waiting_for_Godot
Tue Aug 04, 2020 1:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?
Replies: 175
Views: 18273

Re: What happens if you run out of money in retirement?

The idea of being healthy enough for a full time job at 85 is a fantasy. Most people end up doing one of several options 1) live off Social Security/pension(if available) as best they can, 2) reverse mortgage to live off home equity. 3) get financial support from family, 4) go live with family, or 5) live off some combination of government assistance programs, ex. Medicaid for a nursing home or assisted living. One thing that is interesting is that I do know people who live with family but essentially no one who has gone back to the college style of living with a roommate or two in old age. When I first started working in the SF Bay Area after college I was renting rooms in houses; in three instances off the top of my head the owner was a ...
by Waiting_for_Godot
Thu Jun 11, 2020 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thoughts on today's sell-off?
Replies: 194
Views: 19375

Re: Thoughts on today's sell-off?

This strikes me as much more logical than the recent run-up. That being said, I am much more comfortable with the fact that I don't know if the market will continue to behave 'logically' or 'illogically' moving forward.