Search found 3228 matches

by sambb
Sun Mar 24, 2024 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Autos Collecting and Selling Our Driving Info? Is this real?
Replies: 25
Views: 2799

Re: Autos Collecting and Selling Our Driving Info? Is this real?

I think EVs (tesla?) are particularly prone to data gathering.
by sambb
Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reinvesting tax savings from munis
Replies: 14
Views: 1245

Re: Reinvesting tax savings from munis

To the original poster. I absolutely reinvest the money that I would’ve spent on taxes by investing in Muni bonds instead of taxable bonds.
by sambb
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?
Replies: 54
Views: 4713

Re: NYC This Year or Wait? Has it sufficiently recovered from Covid?

covid? like long in the past - no shutdowns or required masking for a long time. 2 weeks seems excessive for a trip there.
by sambb
Sun Mar 17, 2024 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")
Replies: 219
Views: 25602

Re: The best game-changing financial advice you ever received (or "discovered")

low expense ratio is fine, but asset allocation and savings rate are far more important

dont time the market

And, a 100% stock inedex is far better when young rather than percentage in bonds. Stay 100% stock index until 10-15 years to retirement

There are a few rare opportunities to have game changing investments (house during depressed market? AAPL at the time of iphone intro? MSFT in the 80s/90s? Google?). THese are once in a lifetime investments, and you probably will miss them. If you dont miss them, then ride the wave.

Emergency fund can be a waste of time in the days of portable stock index savings.
by sambb
Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 56505

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

microsoft office 360, condoms, various apps.
by sambb
Sun Mar 03, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bonds selling
Replies: 26
Views: 3871

Re: I bonds selling

if sellingm, will treasurey dierct issue a 1099 next year, i will owe taxes on the gain.
by sambb
Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bonds selling
Replies: 26
Views: 3871

I bonds selling

I bought i-bonds a few years ago - i have about 15% gain. The total invested less than 0.1% of my net worth. Any reason to keep them, as these ultimately will have a negliigble effect on my finances.
by sambb
Sun Mar 03, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pre-retirement: the "hurry up and wait" phase
Replies: 17
Views: 1858

Re: Pre-retirement: the "hurry up and wait" phase

It is interesting when considering compund interest calculators, the psychology is affected by the last "double" of your money. In other words, you work so hard when younger, that it seems incremental to one's wealth. Then, in the last 10 years,the last "double"of your money, totally changes the view on retirement. It seems tangible. I think understanding the math of compund interest helps to see that the last 10 years are essentially the largest part of winning the game. I wonder if this heigtens anxiety (so close, but so far to one's goal). i think this is probably how the last 10 years of work affect life, savings become less important than investment returns. REcall that 2000-2010, the market went nowhere. Keep savin...
by sambb
Sat Mar 02, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32861

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

100/0 at 23x has a 5% historical failure chance while 80/20 has a 3% historical failure chance. Compare this to the 40/60 portfolio that has only 30% less (18.2x expenses) and you see the 40/60 portfolio still has a 50% failure chance. Who do you think is better managing risk? 100/0, 100/0 transitioned to 80/20 near retirement, or 40/60? I continue to think about this for accumulation phase, and it seems that a more aggressive stance is beneficial (if you dont increase lifestyle). The accumulation phase has a lot of dollar cost averaging due to investment by paycheck, and becoming comfortable with swings in the market would be helpful and potentially beneficial. Even with a "lost decade", the benefits of going up to age 50 at clo...
by sambb
Tue Feb 27, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Might need to replace car: are used Tesla's the value play right now?
Replies: 41
Views: 5778

Re: Might need to replace car: are used Tesla's the value play right now?

would avoid used tesla due to high repair costs, insurance costs, low resale, and cheap appearance. If you want one, a new one isnt too expensive. However, consider leasing one and then deciding.
by sambb
Sun Feb 25, 2024 4:21 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buffett says Bonds are a terrible investment now. What should we invest in besides stocks?
Replies: 157
Views: 32474

Re: Buffett says Bonds are a terrible investment now. What should we invest in besides stocks?

Don’t know if 5 percent vs 1 percent matter as much as the real interest rate vs inflation. If inflation is low then a low yield is fine and vice versa.
by sambb
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?
Replies: 96
Views: 8719

Re: Should I get a Lexus ES for its V6?

the toyota venerable 3.5 liter v6 has been in many iterations over the years and the reliability and smoothness are unparalleled. That being said, alot depends on how long you keep your cars. If you keep cars for over 10 years or over 125k miles, you will be glad you got this engine if you value the smoothness. on the other hand if you desire MPG and gas savings, the hybrid version is superior, or the 4 cylinder. I wont get into the idea of a luxury car vs sports sedan, that is a personal decision. I think the whole thing comes down to what you value in a car. Do you value reliability? Smoothness/luxury feel? Sportiness? MPG? If you are looking at lexus, you are likely looking for a very smooth and isolated ride, and a reliable vehicle. MPG...
by sambb
Sat Feb 17, 2024 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Wellesley
Replies: 125
Views: 18653

Re: Vanguard Wellesley

If you want long term high returns then you want a stock index. I think these balanced funds are doing as expected.
by sambb
Sat Feb 17, 2024 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25963

Re: What inferior good do you love?

Toyota cars
by sambb
Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ready to pull the plug - Advice on avoiding SORR
Replies: 29
Views: 2929

Re: Ready to pull the plug - Advice on avoiding SORR

Is your withdrawal rate your spend amount, or is it your spend + taxes? Make sure to consider this nuance.
by sambb
Sun Feb 11, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New iPhone (upgrade from XR to 13 or maybe 14) anything I am overlooking?
Replies: 33
Views: 2972

Re: New iPhone (upgrade from XR to 13 or maybe 14) anything I am overlooking?

15 for USB C. iphone is the best device out there in the last century. Wouldnt hesitate to spend on it.
by sambb
Sat Feb 10, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?
Replies: 146
Views: 13109

Re: Accumulators, what's your response to inflation?

because of inflation, im trying to keep expenses lower so savings can still be signficant. Would avoid VHCOL locations.
by sambb
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investing paralysis
Replies: 39
Views: 2859

Re: Investing paralysis

if you dont have any faith in the long term future of the US stock market or the USA in general, then dont invest, and probably would move to a country that you have confidence in.

If it is the short term youre worried, then did you invest during the COVID lows of 2020, or the lows of 2023?

If neither of the above is relevant, then maybe risk tolerance is the issue. You can still be fine with low yielding safe investments, if you just can earn alot and work for a long time and keep a very limited lifestyle. Hence you dont need compounding.

If you have alternatives, like a business you'd start, or real estate - good luck.

I wish i had placed every dime i had in the market 25-30 years ago..
by sambb
Mon Feb 05, 2024 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Recently laid off from FAANG, should I go work for a non-profit or try to stay?
Replies: 65
Views: 9321

Re: Recently laid off from FAANG, should I go work for a non-profit or try to stay?

i'd do the fang if you are good at it. it's interesting how individuals infer that a non-profit somehow isnt stressful. it can be more stressful - you have few resources, and harder to keep good talent due to private sector.
by sambb
Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking
Replies: 166
Views: 20914

Re: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking

the primary risk here is the VHCOL geography when i look at the big picture... that needs to be considered as you evaluate a 5-8 year plan. Particularly after retirement. If you plan to stay in VHCOL after retirement, might be worth it for DW to work for 1-3 years now, and get extra savings compounded
by sambb
Sun Feb 04, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Resale value of gas cars in 10 to 15 years
Replies: 49
Views: 3051

Re: Resale value of gas cars in 10 to 15 years

For some reason, EVs have had very bad resale value in the last year, and used ones are on lots for a long time. Go to carmax with a friend with a model 3 vs a camry, and see the offers one gets. I dont know why the used EV market has been tough lately. Will be interesting to see what happens.
by sambb
Wed Jan 24, 2024 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: All into VITAX?
Replies: 16
Views: 3222

Re: All into VITAX?

this index fund continues to do very well, for those that went all in... tech is fueled with growth and i like the low dividend yield to avoid taxes
by sambb
Mon Jan 22, 2024 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help deciding what to do with 2 teslas
Replies: 30
Views: 4467

Re: Need help deciding what to do with 2 teslas

used EV market (of models like teslas) is very challenged right now - selling is very difficult for a good price - lots of inventory. Free market will decide, but sites like kbb, etc., havent caught up yet to the downside. Tough times for early adopters, but probably was inevitable with all the price drops
by sambb
Mon Jan 22, 2024 4:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help deciding what to do with 2 teslas
Replies: 30
Views: 4467

Re: Need help deciding what to do with 2 teslas

Resale value might be far worse than what you are getting at that source. Tesla resale has gone way down in the last 2 years. Apparently preowned EVs are not as attractive as prior. Be careful and get quotes. I would sell the newer Tesla. I might sell the rivian instead and keep more money but that’s not an option I think. Good luck. Cars are an expensive hobby.
by sambb
Sun Jan 21, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Robinhood 3% IRA Match
Replies: 1550
Views: 119650

Re: 3% IRA transfer bonus at Robinhood: Worth it?

this seems like a great offer. Not sure why there is negative thoughts on robin hood. So many people are on that platform. 1M with 30k in bonus is amazing, esp if one has large assets and wants to just hold a lot of total stock ETF in it.
by sambb
Sun Jan 21, 2024 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Feb. 7 Update -- Brand new Subaru needs new transmission
Replies: 173
Views: 16505

Re: Brand new Subaru needs new transmission

very minor problems are sometimes addressed with replacement of a component, due to the compartmentalization of parts. I dont think it matters that the transmission will be replaced if you plan on driving 100k miles. Might be different if you plan on keeping it 30k miles. I would just replace and drive and see how it pans out. Everything you buy has risk of failure, and any alternative car you couldve purchased, might have had the same problem. You went with a good manufacturer, and it will all pan out i bet. Id feel differently if this was a range rover.
by sambb
Sun Jan 21, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sunk Cost Fallacy with my Munis?
Replies: 13
Views: 1315

Re: Sunk Cost Fallacy with my Munis?

The loss of a few thousand dollars is a small amount, and would just go with an alloocation of assets as you desire, going forward.
by sambb
Sat Jan 20, 2024 8:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P 500 Closes at Record High
Replies: 203
Views: 26414

Re: S&P 500 Closes at Record High

INLAFF wrote: Sat Jan 20, 2024 8:18 pm So is this the new “continues to soar” thread?
Thread isnt actionable i think.
by sambb
Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: S&P 500 Closes at Record High
Replies: 203
Views: 26414

Re: S&P 500 Closes at Record High

Is this thread actionable? There are lots of indices worldwide that make highs or lows at various times. Not sure of the point, but happy it is up. Wish it could catch up with inflation!
by sambb
Wed Jan 17, 2024 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I stop the interviews with this company?
Replies: 41
Views: 4421

Re: Should I stop the interviews with this company?

totally normal in many corporations, but if you are questioning the company in an interview process, then maybe its not thr right fit and they could do better with someone else who is more "chill" about these minor things.
by sambb
Tue Jan 16, 2024 5:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Risky Business: Evaluating Risk in our portfolio
Replies: 78
Views: 12686

Re: Risky Business: Evaluating Risk in our portfolio

interesting analysis, i really like the approach of including AA and failure rates. Ultimatley hard to totally extrapolate as future performance isnt related to past performance, but this is a nice retrospective look at things
by sambb
Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tesla in Cold Weather
Replies: 197
Views: 18121

Re: Tesla in Cold Weather

From a financial perspective, will this further affect the plummeting resale value of EVs in certain geographies? I have colleagues who have seen enormous decrease in resale value and some dealerships not accepting them in trade in the winter. That being said, it seems like all EVs have a decrease range in the cold that is well known.
by sambb
Tue Jan 16, 2024 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lost - how to dig myself out
Replies: 24
Views: 2610

Re: Lost - how to dig myself out

1st step = sell losers - and take tax loss - if you like tech, invest in s and p 500 or VGT - both dominated by tech. Easy peasy.
Steps after that are more complex or require a good long term strategy
Tech has done very well, so i bet overall youre fine
by sambb
Fri Jan 12, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands
Replies: 33
Views: 4017

Re: Recommendations for trip to Italy and Netherlands

kids love venice over rome....
by sambb
Sat Jan 06, 2024 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TIME = MONEY: strategies to **SAVE TIME** (even if it costs $)
Replies: 51
Views: 7806

Re: TIME = MONEY: strategies to **SAVE TIME** (even if it costs $)

time savers -

iphone and apps - way ahead of anything else. simply best product of the last 100 years

housekeeper, in house chef
premium cabin in planes or PJ
hybrid cars over EV or nonhybrid
text instead of phone or email
streaming over cable
top line pc with 49 inch curved monitor (way over dual 32s)
uber black over parking
keep fashion in classics
tailored suits with inhouse fitting over off-the-rack
driver
meetings < 30 min, with an agenda
never commute during rush hour - go early and workout for example
sleep hygeine
avoid long dinners (esp dessert - take out instead)
amazon prime same day delivery
personal asst
long range PJ
by sambb
Tue Jan 02, 2024 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Anyone else's Vanguard rate of return way off?
Replies: 57
Views: 6522

Re: Anyone else's Vanguard rate of return way off?

I dont know how we can confirm or trust, but it would be nice to know that someone at Vanguard is checking up on these things. Do we have a contact there that can elucidate the processes?
by sambb
Mon Jan 01, 2024 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Another Lump Sum vs DCA question
Replies: 19
Views: 1916

Re: Another Lump Sum vs DCA question

split the difference. Lump sum half, and the other half DCA in over a 11-12 months. If you are on the fence between the two options, just do both options with half of your money on each side. Easy peasy.
by sambb
Mon Jan 01, 2024 3:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is buying Gold or other precious metals a good idea to limit investment income?
Replies: 24
Views: 3333

Re: Is buying Gold or other precious metals a good idea to limit investment income?

I would use brk and vgt for low income. Nice combination to limit dividends to a low amount.
by sambb
Sun Dec 31, 2023 8:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: FIRE for 44 year old physician and Investment Strategy
Replies: 28
Views: 5308

Re: FIRE for 44 year old physician and Investment Strategy

I wouldn’t leave your job if you want to continue to work. Enjoy it you must be good at it as you make more than most physicians.

The rest of the stuff requires an attorney.

I would focus on just putting things into index funds and doing the great work you’re doing.

Grass is always greener on the other side for high paying jobs.
by sambb
Sun Dec 24, 2023 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab - question on automatic investments
Replies: 26
Views: 2589

Re: Schwab - question on automatic investments

Interesting thread. Can one auto invest from bank acct to a Schwab mutual fund or etf directly?
by sambb
Sun Dec 24, 2023 1:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32861

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

my experience mirrors ... endless threads in the past on bonds as a percentage of portfolio (whether it is age in bonds, age - 10, age - 20, etc.). In all cases it would have been better to be in a higher return situation (more equity), and hence amassing a higher total amount (albeit with greater swings in the portfolio).
by sambb
Sun Dec 24, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32861

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

brilliant analysis - the whole idea of declines are a reason to be conservative - this is a mantra that may turn out to be wrong
by sambb
Sun Dec 24, 2023 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: switch from vtsax to index growth to reduce tax
Replies: 1
Views: 393

switch from vtsax to index growth to reduce tax

Has anyone made this switch to avoid dividend taxes in high income situation? Im considering using index growth in taxable? If i project out savings, etc it might be a good idea to reduce taxes a little bit. If course these arent the same funds to own, with differetn objectives
by sambb
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?
Replies: 261
Views: 32861

Re: Has investing conservatively ever paid off over a career?

Thanks Klang, So using 9.8% vs 7% At the end of 10 years, I would have 2x more (15.8x vs 13.8x). It would take 18 years for me to outgrow you enough that I would still have more after a 50% loss. (44.7x vs 34x) Or 11 years for us to be dead even on a 35% drop. BanquetBeer, This is assuming that you do not withdraw from your portfolio at all during that 10 years. Especially if you are unemployed in the coming recession. And, in a recession, all bad things happened at the same time. If you can guarantee that, go right ahead. If not, you may want to take a bit of the risk off. "Also (have posted on here) that big part of my savings goals involve risk of divorce " If you are divorce right in a market crash, then what? Can you guarant...
by sambb
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Christmas Message
Replies: 140
Views: 14663

Re: A Christmas Message

peace on earth, make peace on this day and every day.
by sambb
Wed Dec 20, 2023 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How often do you check up on your investments?
Replies: 81
Views: 9083

Re: How often do you check up on your investments?

I check when I’m bored so the frequency varies
by sambb
Wed Dec 20, 2023 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Losing/leaving a C Level job: advice wanted
Replies: 34
Views: 4567

Re: Losing/leaving a C Level job: advice wanted

take a class
or
call competitor and see if there is a role for you


or
relax/fade away

tough
by sambb
Sun Dec 17, 2023 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset Allocation pros and cons
Replies: 26
Views: 3314

Re: Asset Allocation pros and cons

On accumulation phase new money can help to keep on balance until your investments are quite large compared to savings.