Brad Butts

Comments:

• Here is a comment from Mike Piper ( The Oblivious Investor) on this topic. https://obliviousinvestor.com/how-pensions-and-social-security-affect-asset-allocation

  Post: SOS, MAYDAY,HELP, etc. concerning What Type Bonds Should I Consider Social Security?

  Link to comment from August 25, 2024

• I've never posted anything to this site before, but I have really have enjoyed reading the posts and comments for a few years. I use Vanguard exclusively for my investments. I value the structure of the firm, the philosophy, the fees and of course Jack Bogle (I even had the good fortune to meet him at their home office location). Here is a link to an article by Allan Roth (whom I also trust). The article is a little out of date, but I guess it is one reason I remain at Vanguard despite the fee difference. https://www.financial-planning.com/opinion/vanguard-vs-fidelitys-zero-funds-on-fees-expense-ratios-and-tax-efficiency

  Post: Vanguard vs. Fidelity: When First Class Is Cheaper than Economy by Steve Abramowitz

  Link to comment from July 26, 2024

• I completely agree about the value of mutual companies. My wife works for a mutual life insurance company (OneAmerica) and I retired from a public health insurance company (Anthem) that was previously a mutual company. I believe having customers and owners as the same aligns the interests of the company with those of the consumer. Thank you for your article.

  Post: Mutual Admiration

  Link to comment from June 7, 2022

• Hi Jim, I enjoyed your article. I found myself wondering if you have the same hybrid policy my wife and I share. We have a joint hybrid policy, Asset Care I, with State Life (a One America company). When my wife and I first got married in 2009 I already had a traditional long term care insurance policy. We tried to get my wife the same, but she had medical issues that prohibited her being able to qualify. In the end my wife suggested One America's hybrid policy (where she happens to work). I was against it at the time, but felt there were few options for us both to be covered, and since the hybrid policy was a joint policy I dropped my coverage and we both were covered. In the end I am happy with the policy since the premium is fixed for the life of the policy, the benefits are lifetime (unlimited), and there is a residual benefit (life insurance) for whatever we do not use of the life insurance benefit. I also like that we have some cash value if we would need it, but of course this would negate the LTC insurance. The only thing I would change is I wish we had gone with the paid up option instead of annual premiums in case we have cognitive issues. But I do have two family members listed who will get notices if we miss a payment. Thanks again for your article. Brad

  Post: My Experiments

  Link to comment from March 7, 2022

• Dennis, I have the identical asset allocation as you. Sometimes I think I am too conservative. I am 67, and my wife is 62. But I agree with Bernstein when he says why continue to play the game when you have won. I believe 40% stocks will get us to where we need to go, and I have cash should the market tank. I think Buffet said you will see who's not wearing trunks when the tide goes out. I prefer to swim with trunks. Thanks for your article.

  Post: Chance of a Lifetime

  Link to comment from December 24, 2021