Search found 4884 matches

by goingup
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 137
Views: 10180

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

nisiprius wrote: Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:30 pm Don't do it. Keep doing it and sooner or later you'll encounter the salesperson good enough (or well enough attuned to your psychology) to succeed in selling you something.
I agree.
nisiprius, you once weighed in on this topic by saying that going to these dinners was like "trying to steal the cheese from the mousetrap". I think about that every time we get one of these steak dinner offers. Never have gone to one because I know they have nothing I want to buy and frankly, a free meal is not worth the discomfort.
by goingup
Mon Mar 25, 2024 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Surprise contractor bill
Replies: 21
Views: 2342

Re: Surprise contractor bill

General contractors and reliable workmen are hard to find in my town. If I had a good one I would pay. It merits a discussion about your surprise though.
by goingup
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors
Replies: 137
Views: 10180

Re: Those complimentary dinners for retirees by investment advisors

But do they keep you there trapped like a timeshare presentation? how does a timeshare presentation keep you trapped? are the doors locked from the outside and you are being held hostage? can you not get up and walk out? have they taken the keys to your car so you can't get away? did they take your phone so you can't call the police if you're being held hostage? you see I'm using hyperbole because words matter. You're not really trapped in a timeshare presentation unless you believe that you are. The mind can create limits at times that don't exist in reality. articpineapplecorp- Have you ever been to a timeshare presentation? You literally are trapped for 90 minutes unless you want to refund Hilton, Westin, or Marriott Vacation clubs for ...
by goingup
Sun Mar 24, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand the extra work of SpecId for cost basis
Replies: 11
Views: 730

Re: Help me understand the extra work of SpecId for cost basis

The good news is that there’s no particular hassle in using spec ID at Vanguard. The bad news is that you bought all of your shares without having spec ID turned on. When you make the switch I believe you’ll discover that the basis for all of the shares that you already own will be averaged. You’ll get no advantage selling those shares. I’d go ahead and switch anyway for your taxable accounts. Any new purchases, including any reinvested dividends, will have their cost basis tracked separately from now on. Cyclist That bad news is incredibly surprising if true, mainly because it makes little sense. Vanguard has all the data and I can't think of any reason why their system would have this limitation. Cacophony- you are correct. All lots afte...
by goingup
Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund
Replies: 66
Views: 5591

Re: Looking for advice on unhappy experience in VG short term bond fund

In general, there is always something in my portfolio that is lagging. I agree that bond funds have been disappointing since interest rates have gone up over the last few years. However, I'm not changing our bond holdings. Once interest rate cuts take effect the NAV of the funds will likely go up. In the meantime there is increased yield.

Beware of the phenomenon that happens to recent retirees. With all their extra time they start tinkering with their portfolios to make "improvements". :D
by goingup
Sat Mar 23, 2024 11:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 8171

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

So is investing really as easy as buying and holding some recommended index funds? (I have a three-fund portfolio in mind) The projected returns are 8-9% PA, which is better than what my FA gives me, and does not seem unreasonable given Vanguard's performance. Investing following Jack Bogle's advice is simple, but not always easy. It takes some discipline. You also can't project 8-9% returns. Part of the deal is to humbly accept Market returns. If you invest consistently in broad index funds you will receive what the Market returns, minus the costs of the funds. I think that's a very good deal. I also don't think everyone has the temperament to manage their own investing. Most of family and friends have advisors. The advisor provides a nee...
by goingup
Fri Mar 22, 2024 8:15 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VWIAX [Vanguard Wellesley Admiral Shares] for 80+ inlaws?
Replies: 16
Views: 1443

Re: VWIAX [Vanguard Wellesley Admiral Shares] for 80+ inlaws?

Do your inlaws have a Vanguard account?
Do they currently own stocks and bonds?
Are they interested in dividend income?
Can they navigate an online broker like Vanguard?

Personally, I think it's a good idea to understand what kind of investors they are currently and not propose big changes that they may not be able to understand or navigate.
by goingup
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rebalancing Yearly in Taxable - how to LTCG?
Replies: 15
Views: 1339

Re: Rebalancing Yearly in Taxable - how to LTCG?

We have 80% of portfolio in taxable. I don't think I've ever sold anything to rebalance. I definitely wouldn't plan to rebalance yearly. Rebalance either by adding new money, or by buying/selling in a tax-advantaged account.

We're retired now and the portfolio can drift. The only thing I do is tax loss harvest, usually bond funds or international funds.
by goingup
Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Insurance Policy - Legalities Related to Cancelling It
Replies: 13
Views: 1182

Re: Home Insurance Policy - Legalities Related to Cancelling It

What could possibly be the risk in signing the cancellation? I'd do it and get the refund.
by goingup
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Theoretically, would VTI be an effective long term retirement investment, even when held in a taxable account ?
Replies: 34
Views: 4300

Re: Theoretically, would VTI be an effective long term retirement investment, even when held in a taxable account ?

Kumsajack wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 3:01 pm - I'm not looking at psychological issues (e.g., ease of early withdrawals, market volatility).
Realistically, that's the whole ball game.

Low earners often can't save much. What they can save, they are apt to be less risk tolerant with than people who have more, especially in a taxable account. A good path forward for low earners is:

*Continuous full employment to ensure robust SS.
*Automated saving in a 401K or 403B to lock away savings for retirement, using a VTI or Target Date fund.
*Tucking some $$ into a Roth, if possible.
*Cash savings at Ally Bank, or bank CD.

Low wage earners just don't have much cushion to withstand bad circumstances and should likely play it safe with cash savings.
by goingup
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Should I Keep Sacrificing or Start Enjoying Myself
Replies: 32
Views: 3769

Re: Should I Keep Sacrificing or Start Enjoying Myself

playboy_number9 wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 5:21 pm Moral of the story, I'm 33 now and I'm addicted to being frugal and investing every penny. I still invest 50% of my income,...
Your focus got you out of debt, but it may be time to lighten up. Don't short-change this decade of your life with obsessive saving. Saving 30% should be plenty. Baby steps: buy some new clothes and go out to dinner a few times a week. :D
by goingup
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where does your [investing] inspiration come from?
Replies: 31
Views: 3117

Re: Where does your inspiration come from?

Financially- My Dad-he was a patient stock investor. My mom participated fully in workplace savings. They were good role models. Current day role models are Jack Bogle, Taylor Larimore and Rick Ferri. So smart about money but keep (kept) wealth in perspective.

Inspiration for health, fitness, generosity and kindness comes from 3 older siblings. They are amazing people. My partner of 34 years inspires deep gratitude. I'm lucky indeed.
by goingup
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 80 year old mother's retirement accounts
Replies: 23
Views: 2154

Re: 80 year old mother's retirement accounts

The first rule of helping elderly parent is find out exactly what they have and how they are utilizing their money. Does she have automatic RMDs set-up from her tax advantaged accounts? Does she have an advisor currently?

If it were my mom, and after finding out all the necessary information, I would be inclined to consolidate at a broker like Vanguard, Schwab, or Fidelity. If Vanguard, I would likely choose an a fund like Wellesley (65% bonds) or Target Income Fund (mostly bonds). It really does depend on her risk tolerance. For instance, when I'm in my 80's (20 years from now), I'll probably have 70% stocks.

Go slow with changes, after thoughtful consideration of her wishes. :beer
by goingup
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: International ATM fees (again)
Replies: 20
Views: 1584

Re: International ATM fees (again)

I have withdrawn local currency while traveling abroad 6-7 times in the last 5 years. Each time my bank has charged a $5 fee and the other bank has charged $5 or less. The exchange rate is through PLUS Network, which is one of big exchanges so I presume good rates. I use an ATM only card.

For me, these fees are not worth even worrying about. If I had a Fidelity or Schwab cash management account I would use it, but I wouldn't set one up just for this purpose.
by goingup
Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FXAIX vs FSKAX – need to make a choice
Replies: 18
Views: 3010

Re: FXAIX vs FSKAX – need to make a choice

teacher wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:44 am A drawback in making this decision is we have no idea what shares of the two funds will cost, nor whether price difference is a useful decision-making factor considering all cogent considerations making the choice between funds.
The difference in NAV is not a consideration. It's irrelevant, as poster retired@50 said above.

Either Fidelity fund is a good choice.
by goingup
Thu Mar 07, 2024 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does holding separate index funds promote market timing?
Replies: 24
Views: 1361

Re: Does holding separate index funds promote market timing?

Therapist Investor wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 9:44 am Otherwise, target date funds should be the best option for most investors.
You make some well-reasoned points. A TDF is a great option for many investors.

We used TDFs in workplace plans many years ago. Because our portfolio is 80% taxable (not tax-advantaged) they don't fit well for us. Further, I'm not interested in having a pre-determined glide path and prefer a static balanced fund. Also, many TDFs (Vanguard's) have a 40% weighting for International funds, which is too much for me.

TDFs are absolutely great for set and forget investing. They just don't fit everyone's investing needs.
by goingup
Thu Mar 07, 2024 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do you deal with online misinformation?
Replies: 28
Views: 1782

Re: How do you deal with online misinformation?

physics911 wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 7:33 am On the other hand, I feel an obligation to point people back to quality information, such as this site.
I feel very lucky that when I was just learning about investing I found Bogleheads Guide to Investing. Jack Bogle was still writing books and Rick Ferri and Larry Swedroe were jousting on this forum. Good information from trusted sources seemed easy to find.

These days I still suggest the classic wiki reading list https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Suggested_reading, but suggest people listen to Morgan Housel and Ben Carson, too.
by goingup
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Personal Performance Dashboard Issue
Replies: 10
Views: 1531

Re: Vanguard Personal Performance Dashboard Issue

StringTheory wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 8:48 am Hello,

I am not one to monitor the month to month or even year to year fluctuations in my portfolio, but I am interested in seeing what my gains are since inception. Years ago, this was a very easy thing to do. I would go to the Personal Performance dashboard, click the Since Inception button for the time filter, and viola, done. I could see exactly what my profits were since I started my account. Now, it appears to be capped at an ambiguous 10 years. What is the best way to accurately determine lifetime/since inception profits with the new and "improved" website?

Cheers!
I could wrong about this, but it seems to me Vanguard has always capped performance numbers at 10 years. I've been with them since 1999.
by goingup
Wed Mar 06, 2024 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I Reduce $258k Capital Loss Carryforward?
Replies: 18
Views: 2242

Re: Should I Reduce $258k Capital Loss Carryforward?

You can use capital losses to offset capital gains if your highly appreciated home breaches the tax exclusion when you sell it. As a Californian, I figure we might use our banked losses for that purpose.
by goingup
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What if you can't access your money?
Replies: 45
Views: 4355

Re: What if you can't access your money?

We keep a couple thousand $$ in the safe. I can walk to our brick & mortar bank. We have 2 credit cards.

There is no scenario I can imagine where I need $200,000 in physical cash.
by goingup
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do?? [Vanguard warning about closing account for calling too frequently]
Replies: 74
Views: 6988

Re: What to do??

go2 wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:20 am Vanguard should let the customer know their call policy before send a threatening letter.
It’s likely not a formal policy. Could be you’ve, somehow, used a tone or words that were off-putting to a customer service rep. Or it could be sheer volume of your calls. Or possibly the nature of your inquiries.

Regardless, if you want to remain with Vanguard you should likely heed the notice.
by goingup
Mon Mar 04, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Estimating dividends/interest in retirement planning
Replies: 7
Views: 777

Re: Estimating dividends/interest in retirement planning

Sure. What were your 1099 reported interest and dividends for 2023? Likely similar for 2024.

Send those distributions (from your taxable brokerage account) to your checking account for spending.
by goingup
Sun Mar 03, 2024 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to best allocate vanguard funds [Question restated for clarity]
Replies: 9
Views: 1026

Re: How to best allocate vanguard funds

Sure, having VOO in a taxable account is a solid choice. There will be other suggestions about other funds to hold, but VOO is a core holding. If you were starting from zero, I'd suggest that VTI is a bit more diversified because it also has mid and small cap companies. In practice, though, the return over time has been very close.
by goingup
Sun Mar 03, 2024 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review: bad 401k options, and might get laid off soon
Replies: 16
Views: 1161

Re: Portfolio review: bad 401k options, and might get laid off soon

I think you're getting off track.

If you fear getting laid off, have a robust emergency fund--6 months expenses should do it. Cash or equivalent.

Participate in your 401K. Contribute at least 15% of your pay to one or two low cost index funds. Skip the taxable fund collecting. If possible consolidate that to one or two funds. Fund your Roth annually. I'd skip the HSA in favor of paying down student debt.

At age 25 you don't need bonds.
by goingup
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Merill Lynch Self-Directed Brokerage - Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 919

Re: Merill Lynch Self-Directed Brokerage - Recommendations

Automate your investing life as much as possible. Fewer decisions is better.

Your 401K has great options: Use one, two, or three of the iShares funds. Those are very good.
by goingup
Fri Mar 01, 2024 10:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has anyone quantified the tax inefficiency of the one-fund portfolio in taxable accounts?
Replies: 13
Views: 1357

Re: Has anyone quantified the tax inefficiency of the one-fund portfolio in taxable accounts?

I can't answer your question except to say that a TDF/Balanced fund is not recommended in a taxable account. If you go that route at in your 20's the fund will likely grow and appreciate to the point that dividends/interest will become a drag and you'll have a large capital gain to exit the fund.

A good path would be to hold only a Total Market Index fund in taxable, along with a MM fund as an emergency stash. In your 401Ks and Roth accounts you could hold only TDFs.

Holding just one broad market index fund in taxable should eliminate behavioral problems, if you are prone to that. Keeping it simple will allow heirs to take over if necessary.
by goingup
Fri Mar 01, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Replies: 372
Views: 36445

Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

bondsr4me wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 6:45 am
Miriam2 wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:07 pm
Silence Dogood wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 7:29 pm Bring back the Vanguard ship logo!
Agree! I really like the Vanguard ship and all it stands for, and that it was selected by Mr. Bogle for his vision.
+1000.....I totally agree.
Probably one too many jokes about Vanguard being a sinking ship irked the C suite folks. :D

I, too, liked the Vanguard ship, but I'm old and remember all the nautical references Jack Bogle made. I'm sure they did a focus group and found that 18-25 year olds thought the ship was unappealing.
by goingup
Sun Feb 25, 2024 3:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: tipping shuttle driver ?
Replies: 34
Views: 4021

Re: tipping shuttle driver ?

shell921 wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:00 am Booked a trip to Hawaii through Costco travel. Do I tip the shuttle driver that will take me from airport to hotel and then back to airport when I leave?
You spent thousands and thousands of dollars on a Hawaii vacation and this is what you’re thinking about?

Yes, give the shuttle driver a couple bucks or $5 if he touches your luggage. Always do this on any shuttle when someone helps you. Rules of the road. 😊
by goingup
Sun Feb 25, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: converting VTSAX to VTI inside of a traditional IRA at Vanguard
Replies: 43
Views: 5634

Re: converting VTSAX to VTI inside of a traditional IRA at Vanguard

Question: can you set up automatic RMD withdrawals from an IRA with ETFs? If not, that might be a good reason to keep mutual funds.
by goingup
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ditch Wells Fargo Advisors
Replies: 24
Views: 3215

Re: Ditch Wells Fargo Advisors

Nadir wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:17 am 66 years old extremely financially ignorant newbie here.
I've got a Wells Fargo Advisors brokerage account that I wish to transfer to a WellsTrade or Vanguard self directed account.
My current portfolio has 16 investments- 8% Fixed Income, 32% Preferred Stock and 60% Equities. I plan to set up a single or 2 fund growth/income portfolio.
Bad idea? Would an "in-kind" transfer be better?
Very important to understand what is in tax-advantaged (Roth, Traditional IRA) and in a taxable brokerage account. Selling in your brokerage account could have BIG tax impacts.

You say you are an "extremely financially ignorant newbie". You shouldn't dive into the deep end of the pool hastily.
by goingup
Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?
Replies: 30
Views: 1998

Re: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?

... I'm wondering if the suggestion on the forum to have developing markets in Roth IRA was a good one? Was this an explicit suggestion? I don't recall that specifically. The suggestion I know of is to put equity in a Roth IRA, because of the growth potential. I wish I had put international in tax-advantaged, rather than taxable. International funds spit out more dividends than Total US Market funds which is not ideal. We've got too much in capital appreciation to make a change. But the opportunities for tax loss harvesting in International funds have been plentiful over the last 10 years. Actually, I rather wish I had just held US funds regardless. But here we are. :beer I don't have the source since I've created the portfolio years ago, ...
by goingup
Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?
Replies: 30
Views: 1998

Re: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?

omert wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:35 am ... I'm wondering if the suggestion on the forum to have developing markets in Roth IRA was a good one?
Was this an explicit suggestion? I don't recall that specifically. The suggestion I know of is to put equity in a Roth IRA, because of the growth potential.

I wish I had put international in tax-advantaged, rather than taxable. International funds spit out more dividends than Total US Market funds which is not ideal. We've got too much in capital appreciation to make a change. But the opportunities for tax loss harvesting in International funds have been plentiful over the last 10 years. Actually, I rather wish I had just held US funds regardless. But here we are. :beer
by goingup
Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bank of America - Credit Card Fraud?
Replies: 21
Views: 2243

Re: Bank of America - Credit Card Fraud?

BOA cardholder here. Several years ago we had a spate of fraud incidents. Three card replacements over 5 years. Moved out of Seattle, use Tap feature more. Who knows what made the difference, but haven't had a problem since 2019.

Suggest your relative enable all the fraud alert settings available. Use Tap whenever possible and be very wary when using swiping card at gas stations.
by goingup
Sat Feb 17, 2024 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice on managing parent's rollover
Replies: 5
Views: 636

Re: Advice on managing parent's rollover

I think it's a good idea to understand what kind of investor your dad is. What was in that $210K tax-deferred account all these years? Has he owned mostly stock funds? How has he reacted to the market corrections over the years? That should give you an idea of how to invest.

In our rollover accounts we each have one balanced fund--Vanguard Wellington Fund. It's a 65/35 managed fund. We likely will never draw from it until required distributions many years from now.

If he's a set and forget type of investor, a single fund is a great solution. Vanguard has several great balanced funds. Lifestrategy Funds, Wellington, Wellesley, and Balanced Fund.
by goingup
Fri Feb 16, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to exchange $1000 worth of yen for Japan trip?
Replies: 48
Views: 4471

Re: Best way to exchange $1000 worth of yen for Japan trip?

I always exchange money in airports. Sometimes it’s tough to find an ATM with my bank’s network logo (PLUS), but usually manage to locate one.

Usually get $400-$500. If we end up needing more I find another ATM. As a backup I carry a few hundred USD which can be exchanged anywhere.

Over the years I notice that we need local currency less and less. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere. Use cash mostly for tips, some tours, shops, occasional restaurant and transportation.

I frankly don’t sweat who has the best exchange rate for $500 of currency. Is the difference 10-20 bucks? Not worth the effort.
by goingup
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am Financially Ignorant and Seeking Guidance
Replies: 33
Views: 3749

Re: I am Financially Ignorant and Seeking Guidance

As you can see, it’s hard for forum members to get past your debt to offer much portfolio advice.

Cash flow is the most important thing. A timely piece today discusses this. https://humbledollar.com/2024/02/horse-then-cart/

My investing advice would be to exchange high cost funds for low cost index funds. Within tax-advantaged accounts there are no tax consequences. Cash out your small brokerage account to pay debt.
by goingup
Tue Feb 13, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Safest way to pay bills electronically
Replies: 72
Views: 6209

Re: Safest way to pay bills electronically

Berean wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 9:23 pm Should I use the online bill-pay feature from my checking account?
I've used the bill pay portal at my bank site for 15 years. It's been flawless. I'm kinda old but amazed that I can pay bills in a click without writing a check, and finding an envelope and stamp.

You can set it up so bills are paid automatically, on a certain day. You can set up all sorts of alerts and notifications about your e-bill arriving, aging and being paid. It's a wonderment! :D

When people talk about how technology has improved their lives, I think about bill-pay.
by goingup
Tue Feb 13, 2024 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Fees
Replies: 16
Views: 1736

Re: 401k Fees

Not a good plan change for you. However, I bet the increased match more than covers the AUM increase? When you’re 59 you may be able to roll out you plan balance into an IRA. As others have noted a .15 AUM plan fee is not bad at all. Especially with low cost index fund options. My employer did something similar a few years back. They now charge 0.145% "administrative fee". Plans are managed by Fidelity. Higher cost options including target date funds offer a variable "Credit", that offsets costs. Costs were formerly paid by employer and thus shared by all. The new system penalizes those longer term employees, because they have more assets in the plan. It penalizes those who choose the Boglehead way (lowest cost investme...
by goingup
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k Fees
Replies: 16
Views: 1736

Re: 401k Fees

Not a good plan change for you. However, I bet the increased match more than covers the AUM increase?

When you’re 59 you may be able to roll out you plan balance into an IRA.

As others have noted a .15 AUM plan fee is not bad at all. Especially with low cost index fund options.
by goingup
Tue Feb 13, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A 50/50 all-in-one fund that's not VTMFX??
Replies: 17
Views: 2020

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

Bill1207 wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 6:29 am I need some help please. I am looking for an "all-in-one" fund that's a balance of 50% stocks and 50% bonds. There is Vanguard Tax Managed Balanced (VTMFX) that pretty much fits the bill, but it's all municipal bonds and the stocks are US focused. Probably not something for a tax-sheltered account. Is there anything else from Vanguard, iShares, etc.?
Vanguard's Balanced Fund (VBIAX) is 60/40 but only US stocks
Vanguard's LifeStrategy Moderate Growth (VSGMX)is 60/40 includes International stocks/bonds
Vanguards's Wellington Fund(VWELX) is 65/35 with a small slice of foreign (8%) holdings

One fund is a great idea.
by goingup
Sun Feb 11, 2024 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Paralyzed by Investing Fears with $2M+ Post-Divorce
Replies: 15
Views: 2644

Re: Paralyzed by Investing Fears with $2M+ Post-Divorce

You have to be who you are. If you’re conservative right now that’s OK. But you can use automation to help. Set your 401k to invest 100% SP 500 fund and just don’t look at it very often. Automate purchases in your taxable account to 100% stock as well.

This is new money, a new chapter in your life and “invest we must” Jack Bogle would say.

Leave the rest of your portfolio alone until you feel ready to deal with it.

That’s how I might cope anyways. Good luck.
by goingup
Thu Feb 08, 2024 3:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FDRXX January loss in account value. Why?
Replies: 10
Views: 1136

Re: FDRXX January loss in account value. Why?

MaxLerner wrote: Thu Feb 08, 2024 2:35 pm Wondering how FDRXX could have lost money in January. What could have caused the change in account value to be down by .2%?

Since the point of this investment is pretty-safe, no-loss investing in a good market, is this the wrong fund to be in? What would be better?
Were you paid a dividend and it was swept to a checking account or settlement fund?
by goingup
Thu Feb 08, 2024 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Does Flagship and Flagship Select Levels Get You These Days?
Replies: 49
Views: 6579

Re: What Does Flagship and Flagship Select Levels Get You These Days?

Well, back in the old days - circa 2018 - Flagship had a "special" phone number, essentially with no waiting period. Apart from limited hours, it worked OK. Again, apart from the hours, my needs were fully met. My expectations were fully met. Now that number is gone. People complain about having to wait 45 minutes on the phone. That hasn't happened to me, but I have had to wait 10 minutes on occasion. This is, to put it mildly, unacceptable. I may only have 10 minutes between meetings to place my call (remember that the hours are limited!). So: how do I get my "special" phone number back? Bring your asset level to $5m. You'll have a Relationship Manager and a Flagship Select phone number. You won't find someone at your ...
by goingup
Wed Feb 07, 2024 7:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Request: Portfolio Review
Replies: 12
Views: 1321

Re: Request: Portfolio Review

Additional thoughts..

Try to determine what type of investor you are. Right now you appear to be one that holds only 20% equity. That might indicate you're not prepared to be a 100% stock investor. You've indicated that you've rolled over into IRAs, but usually the best plan is to rollover directly into your chosen allocation.

The forum wiki has useful information on the topic of asset allocation. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asset_allocation
by goingup
Wed Feb 07, 2024 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Request: Portfolio Review
Replies: 12
Views: 1321

Re: Request: Portfolio Review

Congratulations on your new job.

It looks like your main savings vehicle at this point will be a taxable account. I would definitely sell your individual stocks and buy more of either VOO or VTI. VTI would be my preference.

In tax advantaged accounts own something different. You could own a blended fund that has both bond and international, such as Vanguard's Life Strategy fund. Or just hold VOO, if your preference is all stock and no international.

The main goal is to start substantial saving and investing. Don't get off track with buying individual stocks or slicing and dicing a portfolio. Keep it simple and focused.
by goingup
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Principal Financial 401(k) is trash - best option?
Replies: 12
Views: 1444

Re: Principal Financial 401(k) is trash - best option?

You have several very acceptable choices there. The S&P fund, Mid cap and Small cap are all fine choices.
by goingup
Sun Feb 04, 2024 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bonds in taxable or tax advantaged?
Replies: 21
Views: 2128

Re: Bonds in taxable or tax advantaged?

We have always held some bonds in a taxable account. Both intermediate and limited term muni funds. (In retirement now, we have an intermediate Treasury fund and the limited term muni.) Several reasons why we did *Didn't want to anchor down our 401ks with too much fixed income. Didn't want to stunt their growth. Over 25 years they have stretched out nicely. *Wanted easy access to bond funds in taxable, along with MM funds *In retirement we have monthly bond income which, along with stock dividends, provides income floor before SS. *Many opportunities to tax loss harvest bond funds in recent years. I never prescribed to idea that all fixed income should reside in tax-advantaged accounts. We preferred to mirror tax-advantaged and taxable acco...
by goingup
Sat Feb 03, 2024 5:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Three ways that shareholders make money from mutual funds
Replies: 34
Views: 1920

Re: Three ways that shareholders make money from mutual funds

The only ways I know are the ones you listed:
Dividends and Interest
Capital gains distribution
Sell appreciated shares

Some people may give you esoteric answers, but if you’re a regular retail investor, those are the standard answers.
by goingup
Sat Feb 03, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taxable capital gains
Replies: 32
Views: 2854

Re: Taxable capital gains

I can’t remember the last time a broad index fund at Vanguard paid out a capital gains distribution. It’s rare.

Vanguard index funds pay quarterly dividends. Dividends are also called distributions.

Managed funds like Wellesley, Wellington, PrimeCap, etc do pay out capital gains distributions. Don’t hold those in a taxable brokerage account unless you want that income and subsequent taxes.

What you’re reading about in the book pertains to managed mutual funds, not index funds. That example would also be harmless in an IRA or 401k.

Lastly, when you sell appreciated shares of a fund you own, you’ll have a capital gain. That’s a different thing than a distribution.
by goingup
Sat Feb 03, 2024 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Holdings and Dividends
Replies: 18
Views: 1696

Re: Holdings and Dividends

PinotGris wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:51 pm Did everyone get a dividend bonanza or should I be making some changes?
Thank you for any help in sorting this out.
No, we have similar dividends to last year. Our international fund had increased dividends, but it doesn't look like you own international. Of course, the yield on bond funds and MM funds has increased during the last few years.

I have seen no significant changes in US broad market index funds, or Wellington fund in 2023. There must be another explanation for you. Have you increased the number of shares you own in these funds?