Bogleheads.org

ER2023

In 2013, we took $264k of cash and paid off the mortgage. While we could have made a lot of money investing it from then until now, nothing compares to the freedom it gave both of us, including leaving high stress jobs. We don't regret it for a second.

ER2023

Thank you all for your responses, you have been incredibly helpful.

ER2023

What is the best way to calculate different monthly or annual withdrawal rates throughout retirement? To keep the math simple, if you had $1m and needed $9k a month for 3 the first three years, then $7k a month for the next 4 years, and so on until death or your money runs out. I can't do the simple...

ER2023

Every dog I've ever owned

Vacations/experiences (although I wish I would have spent more here throughout my life)

Lasik over 20 years ago

Bachelors degree (worth every penny I spent at a time when I had none; my employer paid for my MBA)

Great food; really good chocolate

ER2023

Made the most delicious Ricotta Pound Cake tonight. I've been making this cake for over 20 years, since I first had it at an Italian restaurant in Philly and begged for the recipe. Get rave reviews every time. I still have my written notes, but found the same recipe here: https://creative-culinary.c...

ER2023

The most surprising lesson learned for me this year was realizing that I may not quite be ready to retire “early” in 2023 (in my 50s). Working from home this year, it really hit me that I don’t have a good enough plan to retire “to” something yet. I also realize how much I enjoy my current lower str...

ER2023

Thanks for posting this. Just donated. Well worth it. Thanks to everyone for making this website what it is and what it is not (no ads!). Life changing site for me.

ER2023

OP, It is very simple. Do not include anything in your AA that you do not want to rebalance. I only include the stock and the bond in my AA. I do not include my emergency fund because I do not consider my emergency fund in rebalancing. I do not include my home equity in my AA because I am not going...

ER2023

I know AA is covered a lot in this forum, but not always the "why". Do you include every single asset or exclude certain assets like EF, home equity, SS, etc. and why? In various posts, I see it defined differently and I’m interested in what the benefits/different perspectives are. For ex...

ER2023

Thank you all for your responses. There is a lot of great information here and I’m still reading through them all. I think it's critical to consider all the parts of your overall economic picture when financial planning. For example, I include my likely future Social Security benefits in the analysi...

ER2023

I know AA is covered a lot in this forum, but not always the "why". Do you include every single asset or exclude certain assets like EF, home equity, SS, etc. and why? In various posts, I see it defined differently and I’m interested in what the benefits/different perspectives are. For exa...

ER2023

None of us in guaranteed tomorrow, or even that our good health today will continue into tomorrow. I try to practice being grateful and thankful every single day, in various ways. I am also grateful and thankful for the challenges/bad things that have happened to me. They were far from pleasant in ...

ER2023

I am most thankful for the little things. My health especially - it is not great, but I am thankful for the health I have right now and working on it every day. Also thankful for those select relationships I prioritize with family and friends I care most about. Finally learning to live a life with &...

ER2023

About five years ago, I spent time with a nutritionist from NYC who was hosting events at a spa in the Poconos. She motivated me to really rethink my sugar addiction. There are simple recipes she created that are healthy and cure my sugar cravings like chia pudding and chocolate avocado pudding. Che...

ER2023

One Simple Wish (for children in foster care and adults who transitioned out)
Two local homeless shelters
Food bank
Animal shelters
Several wildlife/nature conservation charities

ER2023

I have been reading other posts regarding the two-fund portfolio and think I would like to do something similar. I currently have the following: Vanguard Institutional Index Fund (VIIIX): $347,023 (33%) (ER 0.02) Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund (VDIPX): $165,458 (15%) (ER 0.04) Stable Fund: $...

ER2023

I have been reading other posts regarding the two-fund portfolio and think I would like to do something similar. I currently have the following: Vanguard Institutional Index Fund (VIIIX): $347,023 (33%) (ER 0.02) Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund (VDIPX): $165,458 (15%) (ER 0.04) Stable Fund: $...

ER2023

I have been reading other posts regarding the two-fund portfolio and think I would like to do something similar. I currently have the following: Vanguard Institutional Index Fund (VIIIX): $347,023 (33%) (ER 0.02) Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund (VDIPX): $165,458 (15%) (ER 0.04) Stable Fund: $...

ER2023

Yes move it all in one shot if it is in a 401k/IRA and not in a taxable account. One question: Are these funds are all you have? If so, why too conservative like 50/50? Are you close to your retirement/FI number? Thanks 1789. Yes, this amount is spread across two 401(k) accounts - and then we have ...

ER2023

I have been reading other posts regarding the two-fund portfolio and think I would like to do something similar. I currently have the following: Vanguard Institutional Index Fund (VIIIX): $347,023 (33%) (ER 0.02) Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund (VDIPX): $165,458 (15%) (ER 0.04) Stable Fund: $5...

ER2023

Her employer's 401k plan offers some excellent fund choices, she is fortunate. In my opinion your sister has selected some of the best funds in her employer's 401k plan. My suggestions would be: 1) Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust (VFFSX) (0.0108 ER); 2) State Street Global All Cap Equity ex-...

ER2023

Her employer's 401k plan offers some excellent fund choices, she is fortunate. In my opinion your sister has selected some of the best funds in her employer's 401k plan. My suggestions would be: 1) Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust (VFFSX) (0.0108 ER); 2) State Street Global All Cap Equity ex-...

ER2023

I chose TIPS because she is looking for that rock-solid guarantee of preserving that 40%. Perhaps I could do 20% TIPS and 20% State Street U.S. Bond Index? Yes, that's an excellent step to take. This goes to the heart of the principle, when in doubt, split 50:50. With 20% in TIPS and 20% in bond in...

ER2023

My SIL also has the UHG 401k. It is a great lan. Besides a 3% match she also receives a safe harbor contribution which IIRC is more than the match. SIL also uses the vanguard extended market which combined with theSP500 index makes a pretty good total market. The ER sof funds are excellent. I would...

ER2023

After the refi, how many years will be left on the condo? Does she plan to stay there long term? Is the hoa reasonable? What is she realistically hoping to have saved by retirement? I am still working through refinance options, so not sure yet how many years will be left. She can't afford more than...

ER2023

Your sister is a secret Boglehead! The red highlighted *funds* are the ones we would have suggested for her too. Perhaps with one minor change -- instead of TIPS, which usually have lower yields, we would recommend that she invest in the "State Street U.S. Bond Index Non-Lending Series Fund Cl...

ER2023

I am reviewing my sister’s 401(k) and would greatly appreciate your input on the selection. She has been with her current employer for 35 years and gets a 3% match. She will work until at least 65, preferably 67. Age: 55 Debt: Remaining condo mortgage is $125k; home worth about $150k (may be less, a...

ER2023

Thanks to everyone for your replies. After carefully considering all of the advice received, I have decided not to pursue paying off her mortgage at this time. I met with my sister yesterday (she has no idea I was considering this), and will continue identifying other ways to help her. Once again, I...

ER2023

[/quote] What are you going to do if she stops paying? If she stops paying, it would be because something is significantly wrong (loses job, health issues). The house would be hers, free and clear, and I would be fine with that. I have a sister who is single with a very stable, but low paying job. S...

ER2023

First off, I greatly admire your desire to help your sister. With that said, as others have stated, getting money (especially very large sums) involved with family does not pan out well, for the most part. She could refinance for a comparable rate (2.25-2.75%) to what you are offering. Another cons...

ER2023

I have done this. Suggest you start here with Jonathan Clement's story; https://humbledollar.com/money-guide/my-story-a-private-mortgage-for-hannah/ And then here if you want to pursue; https://www.nationalfamilymortgage.com/ Our relative has since refinanced out of this mortgage and paid us off. I...

ER2023

I wasn't looking to formally structure the loan, just informally between us. I did miss the mortgage deduction for her though. That mortgage deduction is a myth for most people - the single standard deduction for 2020 is $12,400, so unless there are massive medical, charitable, or property tax dedu...

ER2023

I have a sister who is single with a very stable, but low paying job. She is 55 and has $125k left on her mortgage (condo) at 4.25%. She is incredibly responsible, never missing a payment. I advise her financially (not that I'm an expert) and recently talked to her about refinancing her mortgage. I...

ER2023

If I could swing it I would help my sister. Listen to her closely - she may not want to do so. There are other eays to help. Gifting money - where she has the ability to choose what to do with it, is one option. You heart is in the right place. You are right, she may not want my help. I genuinely w...

ER2023

why doesn't she just refinance? That way she owes the bank and not you. +1 And then you might still be available to help her financially if she ever needs it. Keep in mind that she is 55 so the loan likely would not be paid until she is well into retirement and maybe even 85 years old. One problem ...

ER2023

I suspect the 2% is taxable interest income to you. She won't get a deduction but you will pay taxes. I'd probably talk to a lawyer or attorney to see if there is a better way to structure it. Of course the income is taxable to the OP. But if it were secured by the condo as a mortgage, would it not...

ER2023

JBTX wrote: ↑Wed Sep 16, 2020 1:34 pm I suspect the 2% is taxable interest income to you. She won't get a deduction but you will pay taxes. I'd probably talk to a lawyer or attorney to see if there is a better way to structure it.

I wasn't thinking about structuring a loan, just handling it informally between us.

ER2023

I have a sister who is single with a very stable, but low paying job. She is 55 and has $125k left on her mortgage (condo) at 4.25%. She is incredibly responsible, never missing a payment. I advise her financially (not that I'm an expert) and recently talked to her about refinancing her mortgage. I ...

ER2023

There is a lot of great advice in this thread. There are times when I need to remember what is really important, so I don't compare myself to others who appear to be more fortunate. The recent thread "Stage 4 Cancer and Young Family" certainly helps put things in perspective.

ER2023

We purchased a property in a somewhat rural area, surrounded by hundreds of acres. We did so when we both worked stressful jobs, with long hours, and this house was (and still is) a sanctuary. The reality is that even though it is blissfully quiet most of the time, it is not that way all of the time...

ER2023

HomerJ, I was so surprised to read you sold your lake condo and jet ski! I always enjoy reading your posts (those posts really helped me stay the course this year), and recall how you purchased the condo when a close friend died of cancer at such a young age. It resonated with me a lot since none of...

ER2023

What is happening to the early retirement crowd ? Anyone keeping tabs ? In my 50s, but still consider my plan to retire by 2023 "early". TBH, I am nervous. Very early this morning as I was reading the posts, I told myself I'm selling today. Then I decided to keep reading the posts. Especi...

ER2023

There's some really great advice here - so I'll just add one thing. I was in the same position as you many years ago - was promoted to management in my twenties at Mega-Corp. My boss gave me Stephen Covey's 7 Habits to Highly Effective People. I know it was written probably 30 years ago now, but it ...

ER2023

Congrats on both purchasing a new home all on your own and getting out of toxic living situation - at 23 years young. You seem to be doing very well financially and have more maturity than many of my nieces and nephews your age. While I agree with others that you could decrease your spending by purc...

ER2023

We also stopped giving gifts in the family about 10 years ago and it's been such a relief. We definitely don't mind spending on experiences though. We saw TSO and some local shows - had a good time.

Now the work thing is a different story ... will not miss that when I retire.

ER2023

Burning through cash in order to avoid selling stock or bonds is market timing, plain and simple. Being a timer myself, I don't have an inherent problem with it, but I'm not sure that such a strategy is a very good one. Most such strategies I've seen did not backtest well at all; a fixed allocation...

ER2023

I’m reading how a bear market reduces your portfolio by at least 20%, on average by 33%, and the worst (in recent history during 2007-2009) by 57%. If it takes 25 months to recover from a typical bear market, and 49 months to recover from the 2007-2009 bear, my questions are: Do you keep enough cash...

ER2023

We invest in a 2-week vacation home every summer and invite the extended family, pets and all. Yes, it's chaotic and everyone gets on everyone else's nerves at some point. But we have fun playing all kinds of games, doing some outdoor adventures, busting on each other, and making good meals together...

ER2023

Abiding by the New York State quarantine rules for Spotted Lanternfly . DEC and DAM Announce Confirmed Finding of Spotted Lanternfly in Albany and Yates Counties USDA APHIS site page on Spotted Lanternfly Thanks for sharing this info. It was interesting to read about the NY State quarantine. This i...

ER2023

These things are everywhere in the Malvern area. Entire trees are riddled with them sucking them dry. Their corpses all over the path I like to walk. The forest smells like it's ROTTING. And before this year I've never seen a single one. It feels like the end of the world. I agree with you Tamalak....

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