Search found 372 matches

by peetsperk
Fri Sep 23, 2022 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florence Italy Hotels
Replies: 17
Views: 1140

Re: Florence Italy Hotels

Stayed in an Airbnb 2 blocks from the Duomo that was located in a building 500 years old. Perfect location. Great host. This far in advance, you will have many great options to choose from.
by peetsperk
Fri Aug 05, 2022 1:58 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chinese bank stocks look very cheap
Replies: 64
Views: 6006

Re: Chinese bank stocks look very cheap

gougou wrote: Thu Aug 04, 2022 10:09 pm
willthrill81 wrote: Thu Aug 04, 2022 9:50 pm Yesterday's bread is on sale for a reason.
Yesterday’s bread? It outperformed S&P 500 in the past year.
And therefore?
by peetsperk
Thu Aug 04, 2022 9:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Chinese bank stocks look very cheap
Replies: 64
Views: 6006

Re: Chinese bank stocks look very cheap

A wise man named Jack Bogle once said “Don't look for the needle in the haystack. Just buy the haystack!”. I believe his wisdom may apply in this type of situation. Good luck.
by peetsperk
Fri Jun 10, 2022 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: YouTube TV
Replies: 127
Views: 16701

Re: YouTube TV

We have tried Hulu and Youtube TV. For us YouTube is best and what we have today. Hulu wants to force you to watch commercials under almost every circumstance. With YouTube TV, you can usually fast-forward unless it's live programming. Quality of picture is good with both.
by peetsperk
Sun May 08, 2022 7:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap Provider Decision Help Please for 65 YO
Replies: 184
Views: 19308

Re: Medigap Provider Decision Help Please for 65 YO

diy60 wrote: Thu Apr 07, 2022 10:43 am Contact your state's SHIP office. My local office provided me with an up-to-date computer printout (almost 100 pages) of rate and financial ranking. Pick 4 or 5 of the top 1/3, give them each a call. I did this and immediately eliminated 3 because I couldn't understand their broken English call center reps. In the end, your talking about what, maybe a difference of 10K to 20K total lifetime difference in total premium payout. Certainly not pocket change, but I've made much costlier mistakes in my investment journey. Best of luck.
It is actually your state's SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program). You can schedule one-on-one meeting with an expert in your area. I'm scheduled to meet with them on Tuesday.
by peetsperk
Fri Apr 08, 2022 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Credit Reporting & Freeze
Replies: 24
Views: 2409

Re: Credit Reporting & Freeze

Yes, our credit has been frozen for at least 6 years, maybe more. Only frozen with big 3 - TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. Never give it a second thought.
by peetsperk
Sat Mar 12, 2022 9:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Avoid behavioral mistakes with Vanguard’s Tax-Managed Balanced Fund (VTMFX)
Replies: 52
Views: 10903

Re: Avoid behavioral mistakes with Vanguard’s Tax-Managed Balanced Fund (VTMFX)

[/quote]
- if you change your mind about AA, there's no easy way to sell off just stocks or just bonds in taxable. You'd have to sell the whole fund, possibly incurring more gains than necessary.
Sycamore is this really a concern for most investors? I assume most investors set their AA based on their total portfolio. Why would someone incur gains in a taxable account if they could rebalance or make an adjustment in an IRA or some other pre-tax or tax advantaged account?
by peetsperk
Fri Mar 11, 2022 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much is needed after paying off house?
Replies: 30
Views: 4743

Re: How much is needed after paying off house?

This does not directly answer your question, but it may still be helpful. If you just paid off your house, AND you have a fully funded Emergency Fund, the money in the fund that would have been used to pay for your monthly mortgage is now surplus. In other words, your Emergency Fund should now cover more months than you may have originally planned before the house was paid off. This could help if your wife recently lost her job. Good luck.
by peetsperk
Sun Feb 20, 2022 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with debt repayment
Replies: 127
Views: 9228

Re: Help with debt repayment

Sorry, but bill consolidation does not deal with the problem. You and your spouse have to do this together. Google Dave Ramsey AND Financial Peace University. He's helped many, many people just like you and me. His approach works to get out of debt. Once that's done, follow the Boglehead approach to investing to build wealth. Good luck
by peetsperk
Mon Feb 07, 2022 4:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How many years cash before remainder all equities?
Replies: 46
Views: 4685

Re: How many years cash before remainder all equities?

OP here is my answer to your question. We are retired and have 50% of our portfolio in equities and 50% in fixed income. Regarding cash, .03% of our total portfolio (.06% of our fixed income) is held in a money market fund. Not saying this is right or wrong, but just what we do. We also hold 50% of our Emergency Fund in cash at a credit union earning virtually nothing. Hope this helps.
by peetsperk
Sun Feb 06, 2022 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Spirit airlines
Replies: 49
Views: 5435

Re: Spirit airlines

We were scheduled to fly to New Orleans in March 2020. Flight was cancelled when mayor closed city to travelers. Spirit has been very accommodating and more than fair in allowing my wife and I to use that fare in any way we want now or in the future.
by peetsperk
Sat Feb 05, 2022 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Capital One - Fraud Case, heads up, interesting turn of events
Replies: 36
Views: 7112

Re: Capital One - Fraud Case, heads up, interesting turn of events

I've said it once and will say it again; Capital One is not a company I want to be involved with in any way.
by peetsperk
Fri Feb 04, 2022 12:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Prime membership increase to $139
Replies: 274
Views: 26836

Re: Amazon Prime membership increase to $139

TheTimeLord wrote: Thu Feb 03, 2022 4:52 pm I am beginning to think I am the only person here who values free same day and next day delivery.
It's not that people don't value free same day and next day delivery. Rather, it's that many people who pay for Prime benefits like the original promise of 2-day delivery, do not receive that benefit on most orders much less next day or same day delivery.
by peetsperk
Tue Jan 25, 2022 12:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you walked away from Amazon?
Replies: 134
Views: 13084

Re: Have you walked away from Amazon?

In December, I reviewed average Amazon days shipping for our Prime orders during the last year and realized they rarely ship to our location in less than 3 days. In fact, it's usually 4 to 5 days. If you live somewhere that does not routinely have 2 day, 1 day or same day shipping from Amazon, I believe your Prime membership is subsidizing those who live in larger urban areas. The other Prime "perks" are not enough to counter this significant shortfall on their basic promise. I cancelled Prime and have not regretted it. I don't think you are really "subsidizing" other users so much as you simply are outside the range of their ability to deliver the real selling point for the product. I'm guessing it's a lot cheaper for ...
by peetsperk
Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you walked away from Amazon?
Replies: 134
Views: 13084

Re: Have you walked away from Amazon?

In December, I reviewed average Amazon days shipping for our Prime orders during the last year and realized they rarely ship to our location in less than 3 days. In fact, it's usually 4 to 5 days. If you live somewhere that does not routinely have 2 day, 1 day or same day shipping from Amazon, I believe your Prime membership is subsidizing those who live in larger urban areas. The other Prime "perks" are not enough to counter this significant shortfall on their basic promise. I cancelled Prime and have not regretted it. I don't think you are really "subsidizing" other users so much as you simply are outside the range of their ability to deliver the real selling point for the product. I'm guessing it's a lot cheaper for ...
by peetsperk
Tue Jan 25, 2022 11:01 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 33/33/33 is the new 60/40 ?
Replies: 48
Views: 8346

Re: 33/33/33 is the new 60/40 ?

Thanks, but no thanks. I have no interest in investing 33% of my retirement portfolio in "alternatives". I'll stick with the lessons Jack taught us.
by peetsperk
Tue Jan 25, 2022 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Have you walked away from Amazon?
Replies: 134
Views: 13084

Re: Have you walked away from Amazon?

In December, I reviewed average Amazon days shipping for our Prime orders during the last year and realized they rarely ship to our location in less than 3 days. In fact, it's usually 4 to 5 days. If you live somewhere that does not routinely have 2 day, 1 day or same day shipping from Amazon, I believe your Prime membership is subsidizing those who live in larger urban areas. The other Prime "perks" are not enough to counter this significant shortfall on their basic promise. I cancelled Prime and have not regretted it.
by peetsperk
Fri Jan 14, 2022 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Positive, uplifting Youtube channels?
Replies: 53
Views: 4639

Re: Positive, uplifting Youtube channels?

Here are a few I enjoy.

Life Uncontained
Ken's Karpentry
bald and bankrupt
Bushradical
Girl in the Woods
Red Poppy Ranch
My Self Reliance
by peetsperk
Thu Jan 06, 2022 11:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Has anyone sued a contractor, won, AND collected money?
Replies: 40
Views: 6400

Re: Has anyone sued a contractor, won, AND collected money?

Small Claims Court - this is what it's for! I've used it for this very thing and won. Also found small claims clerks very helpful. Most people are not willing to spend the little time and effort required. You can do this and no attorney is needed. Good luck
by peetsperk
Thu Jan 06, 2022 11:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What charities did you give to in 2021?
Replies: 134
Views: 8658

Re: What charities did you give to in 2021?

Rotary PolioPlus
Rotary Foundation Annual Fund
Local Literacy Project
Local Humane Society
Local Church
All American Beef Battalion
Friend & Family 529 Donations
Local Foundation Providing Help for K-12 Kids
Family Cancer Center
Local Rotary Endowment
Special Learning Center Donation
Salvation Army Red Kettle Donation
by peetsperk
Wed Jan 05, 2022 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio
Replies: 649
Views: 112389

Re: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio

Same deal here. Got 1 year at $5.99 per month, plus tax for total of $6.48. Always put multiple reminders on my calendar in the weeks preceding the one-year anniversary so I remember to cancel before they charge me full price.
by peetsperk
Tue Dec 28, 2021 10:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ditching Ring Doorbell....any outside camera suggestions?
Replies: 27
Views: 3319

Re: Ditching Ring Doorbell....any outside camera suggestions?

Eufy - Love it! Includes enough internal storage so no monthly fee has to be paid for cloud storage to see video. Also, is programmed to tell the difference between humans and animals so system is not going off when a dog or cat walks by.
by peetsperk
Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way not to get price gouged on a new car
Replies: 75
Views: 9494

Re: Best way not to get price gouged on a new car

Another option; don't buy a new car for your son. It's a lesson that could save him a fortune over his lifetime.
by peetsperk
Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Univ. Tuition due 3 Jan 22. how to time 529 withdrawal?
Replies: 33
Views: 2903

Re: Univ. Tuition due 3 Jan 22. how to time 529 withdrawal?

Agree with Flyer24; withdraw funds in same year as expense.
by peetsperk
Fri Dec 10, 2021 11:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What Staying the Course Means During a Crash?
Replies: 87
Views: 9017

Re: What Staying the Course Means During a Crash?

I don't use the term "stock market crash." It's one newspaper editors and talking heads throw around frequently because they know it gets people's attention. Perhaps, it's why you included it in the title of your thread?

To me, it's just a market correction - nothing more. And once you've been through a few, it becomes a little more familiar and you see it's not the end, but the start of a new climb. To answer your question, during a market correction I take pride in doing nothing while others are panicking. I rebalance sometimes, but mostly spend less time on this forum or on-line. During those times distraction is my friend. Good luck!
by peetsperk
Wed Nov 24, 2021 12:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TreasuryDirect sent me a nasty email saying I overbought i-Bonds/EE-bonds?
Replies: 43
Views: 7306

Re: TreasuryDirect sent me a nasty email saying I overbought i-Bonds/EE-bonds?

sents13 wrote "Seriously what kind of crap system do they have..."
One could ask the same thing about your record keeping. Based on the information provided, it sounds like you were responsible for the error, not the U.S. Treasury. Thanks for sharing their response.
by peetsperk
Thu Nov 18, 2021 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: what are good low dividend funds for taxable accounts?
Replies: 32
Views: 3568

Re: what are good low dividend funds for taxable accounts?

You might consider Vanguard Tax-Managed Capital Appreciation Fund (VTCLX).
by peetsperk
Thu Nov 04, 2021 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Finance Etiquette
Replies: 32
Views: 5871

Re: Finance Etiquette

I believe we could all be more courteous and this situation is no different. In my case, once Vanguard had been instructed to begin the transfer, I sent a letter thanking my advisor for his service and letting him know of the upcoming change. I hope this helps.
by peetsperk
Tue Oct 26, 2021 10:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best generic toner brand - Brother printers
Replies: 29
Views: 10211

Re: Best generic toner brand - Brother printers

Have bought Brother like printer cartridges twice from 4Inkjets. Both worked as well as the Brother original and total cost, including shipping was $18.18 each. Hope this helps.
by peetsperk
Tue Oct 26, 2021 12:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Getting started late. Appreciate any help.
Replies: 13
Views: 2579

Re: Getting started late. Appreciate any help.

Welcome to the forum. A few suggestions. First read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. The lessons he teaches regarding debt and saving will help you make much greater progress in a shorter period of time. Attending his Financial Peace University class is well worth the $129 and you'll meet others working hard to super-charge their savings for retirement. One caution - tear the chapter on investing out of Dave's book and toss it. Instead, read Jack Bogle's The Little Book of Common Sense Investing. It will both inform and inspire. And whatever you do, don't buy that new car. That's the type of thinking that got you in your current situation. Good luck. You can do this.
by peetsperk
Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How is your wallet or purse financially prepared: Suggestions?? what do you carry? men/women? Daily? For travel?
Replies: 115
Views: 9457

Re: How is your wallet or purse financially prepared: Suggestions?? what do you carry? men/women? Daily? For travel?

I carry a very small leather bi-fold that is meant for business cards. In it I have my driver's license, my U.S. passport card (looks similar to federal ID and can be used instead of traditional passport), my bank debit Mastercard, my insurance card and my covid vaccine card. That's it! I carry cash in my front pocket. When we travel overseas I add a zipper pouch that goes around my waist below my belt-line and inside my pants.
by peetsperk
Mon Oct 18, 2021 11:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any good options for emergency fund besides MM?
Replies: 35
Views: 4665

Re: Any good options for emergency fund besides MM?

I keep half in our credit union savings account earning virtually nothing. The other half is kept at Vanguard in their LifeStrategy Income Fund (VASIX). My hope is any growth will help offset inflation. I've been doing this since approximately 2014 and have been happy with the results. Here is a breakdown of how the fund is invested:

Vanguard Total Bond Market II Index Fund Investor Shares† 56.00%
Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund Investor Shares 23.60%
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares 11.70%
Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Investor Shares 8.00%
Vanguard Total International Bond II Index Fund 0.70%
by peetsperk
Tue Oct 12, 2021 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Funniest movies of all time? Name five of your favorites...
Replies: 338
Views: 50081

Re: Funniest movies of all time? Name five of your favorites...

1. Blazing Saddles
2. Airplane
3. Animal House
4. Naked Gun
5. Young Frankenstein
6. Caddyshack
7. The Jerk
8. Sleeper
by peetsperk
Wed Sep 29, 2021 4:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do you rebalance in non-retirement accounts?
Replies: 22
Views: 2007

Re: Do you rebalance in non-retirement accounts?

OP, my asset allocation is calculated across all of my different accounts, including taxable, tax deferred and tax-free. I do not worry about asset allocation within any specific account. When it its time to rebalance, I usually make any necessary adjustments within a tax deferred account. Hope this helps.
by peetsperk
Mon Sep 27, 2021 11:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Humble Dollar…..”The Cardinal Sin” article
Replies: 22
Views: 5125

Re: Humble Dollar…..”The Cardinal Sin” article

telemark wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:59 pm Since I am neither a stock picker or an active manager the advice, good though it may be, does not apply.
+1
by peetsperk
Thu Sep 16, 2021 8:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric Bike
Replies: 121
Views: 13672

Re: Electric Bike

A few thoughts. RadCity has good options, So does Aventon. Biktrix has some nice options as well. ElectricBikeReview.com is a very good resource. Contrary to what another poster wrote, there are a number of good options below $3K for riders. Regarding racks designed for electric bikes, the Thule EasyFold XT 2 can handle it and even includes a ramp to roll your bike on onto the rack if needed. We just go back from 1,000 mile trip hauling our 2 electric bikes and the Thule worked perfectly. We ride nearly every weekend spring through fall. It's great fun!
by peetsperk
Thu Sep 16, 2021 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Aggressive Investment Strategy - Where to Start?
Replies: 13
Views: 2032

Re: Aggressive Investment Strategy - Where to Start?

There's another option. Use your higher income to increase your annual retirement savings by 25%, 50% or 75% and continue investing it just as you have been. We followed a similar strategy and were amazed at how quickly our retirement saving grew. At one point 42% of our combined income went into retirement. It was a game changer!
by peetsperk
Sat Jul 31, 2021 12:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Home security - what do you do? Wyze Security System?
Replies: 33
Views: 3719

Re: Home security - what do you do? Wyze Security System?

Had ADT for about 9 years. When that system's alarm would get set off accidentally, ADT never responded in LESS than 30 minutes. Never! It's expensive and provides a false sense of security. We now use Eufy for video surveillance. I believe it's better than Ring because Eufy has its own built-in video storage capability so there is no monthly service fee. In addition, I have ADT window stickers and signs posted as well.
by peetsperk
Wed Jul 07, 2021 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you share your retirement plans with others?
Replies: 65
Views: 7601

Re: Do you share your retirement plans with others?

Sorry, but I think this is much ado about nothing. While the topic is titled “Do you share your retirement plans with others?”, the video is primarily about discussing being debt-free with family and friends. I believe they are two entirely different subjects. So let me clarify; I would not talk to family or friends about finances. For us, that’s out of bounds and we have no reason to discuss that with anyone. But retirement is something different. When I decided to retire two years ago and my wife decided to retire this year, our friends and family knew about it and we never heard anything but congratulations. If you are of the belief that telling someone you’re retiring also requires you to provide some financial justification, you’re the...
by peetsperk
Sat Jun 19, 2021 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medical alert device
Replies: 14
Views: 1442

Re: Medical alert device

According to a reference I found on-line, there are systems like you described. These are medical alert systems that are not monitored. According to Consumer Reports, the device automatically dials a friend or family member on your programmed emergency call list.
by peetsperk
Wed Jun 16, 2021 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best Way To Speculate With $2,000?
Replies: 50
Views: 6410

Re: Best Way To Speculate With $2,000?

JoMoney wrote: Tue Jun 15, 2021 8:32 am Buy a copy of John Bogle's "Little Book of Common Sense Investing", and spend the other $1,990 on a brief vacation somewhere nice where you can sit back and read it.
+ 1 Great advice from JoMoney
by peetsperk
Tue Jun 08, 2021 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any Disadvantages to a Blue Chip Stock Becoming a Meme stock
Replies: 15
Views: 2331

Re: Any Disadvantages to a Blue Chip Stock Becoming a Meme stock

peetsperk wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 8:23 pm One of the many advantages to just buying the index is you don't have to worry about things like this. CNBC has 55 hours of investment programing they have to fill every week. Meme stocks are another byproduct of their need to exaggerate the importance of such things to increase viewership for the benefit of their true customers which include most of the big brokerage firms. Meme stocks are one of the better examples of recent noise on the Street. Afterall, it doesn't fill much of their allotted programming time to simply tell people to buy the index, even though many of their viewers would be much better off if they did. :beer
by peetsperk
Mon Jun 07, 2021 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any Disadvantages to a Blue Chip Stock Becoming a Meme stock
Replies: 15
Views: 2331

Re: Any Disadvantages to a Blue Chip Stock Becoming a Meme stock

One of the many advantages to just buying the index is you don't have to worry about things like this. CNBC has 55 hours of investment programing they have to fill every week. Meme stocks are another byproduct of their need to exaggerate the importance of such things to increase viewership for the benefit of their true customers which includes most of the big brokerage firms. Meme stocks are one of the better examples of recent noise on the Street. Afterall, it doesn't fill much of their allotted programming time to simply tell people to buy the index, even though many would be much better off if they did. :beer
by peetsperk
Sat Jun 05, 2021 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where do you shop for groceries?
Replies: 148
Views: 26058

Re: Where do you shop for groceries?

Those who live in Iowa will know Fareway. These stores are remarkable for a few reasons. First, their everyday pricing is among the lowest. They consistently beat the Walmart's of the world and especially the high/low players. Second, they still sack your groceries and take them out to your car (and there's no tipping). Finally, when you go back to their meat counter, you find only choice meats and 5 to 7 butchers ready and willing to do whatever you ask. When we moved to Iowa from the eastern U.S. and shopped at Fareway the first time, we thought we took a step back in time. Their combination of service and low price is hard to beat.
by peetsperk
Wed May 26, 2021 10:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Credit freeze and auto insurance
Replies: 5
Views: 786

Re: Credit freeze and auto insurance

Concerns about credit freezes and things like insurance rates and the like are often unfounded.
by peetsperk
Mon May 24, 2021 9:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A lost decade for stocks and bonds on the horizon?
Replies: 693
Views: 63659

Re: A lost decade for stocks and bonds on the horizon?

I think I’ve heard a version of this story before. As I remember it, there was a character named Chicken Little who gets hit on the head with an acorn and believes the sky is falling. Soon she tells Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky and Goosey Loosey what the future holds and they are more than willing to believe the prognostication. I have no idea what the future holds and I don’t believe The Street does either. So I’m going to continue doing what I’ve been doing and not listen to those who believe they can predict the future.