This is an interesting thought, converting to take advantage of a bond market slump. Does the math apply to bond funds as well as individual bonds? We've aimed to hold bonds in Traditional tax deferred accounts but are running out of room, so will need to hold some in either Roth or taxable. No legacy motive so leaning a little toward Roth.
“I’m not sure how the emphasis on the politics of taxes furthers the goals of financial planning…. I think there are many other places to express your opinions on property taxes.” Philip, I completely agree, and the sentiment of your comment applies to many topics. How to manage one’s taxes, how to consider tax impact when choosing where to live or whether to rent or own, what kind of healthcare coverage to get and how to pay for it, when to take social social security and why - these are important personal finance topics. On the flip side, whether taxes of whatever kind are too high or not, how much waste and abuse there may be in the system, whether there should be broader health coverage, how to fix social security - these are political questions. Personally I’d like to see less of the latter on HD.
A good reminder that even though your security is strong it can still happen, especially through the means you describe, the institution authenticating the fraudster with personal info you can’t fully protect. We recently adjusted notifications on our credit cards to dramatically lower the amount of a charge that causes us to get notified. We get more notifications but seems worth it. I do recommend pulling the trigger on the password manager. It does a lot more for you than remember passwords.
Not an expert on these, but I’d note CDs are FDIC insured, and these ETFs aren’t as safe unless they’re 100% in Treasuries. Btw, you mention not wanting the risk of individual bonds. What risk is that?
Thanks Adam. Would you include guaranteed income in the bond allocation, and if so, how? Perhaps count an annuity or pension without COLA as short term bond, and SS or any other annuity/ pension with COLA as short term TIPS?
Interesting topic. Have thought about it for some time but have taken no action. I haven’t even gone so far as to do the math you had the AI do. I’m not sure the AI has the correct target allocation in terms of getting the same return for less risk, but I think certainly directionally you raise a good point, and I do think some change from our current 60/40 may be warranted. I should add that I was already thinking about this last year. So the current environment isn’t my reason, but may push me over the edge. If I hadn’t already been leaning this way I’m not sure the current environment would move me.
Comments
This is an interesting thought, converting to take advantage of a bond market slump. Does the math apply to bond funds as well as individual bonds? We've aimed to hold bonds in Traditional tax deferred accounts but are running out of room, so will need to hold some in either Roth or taxable. No legacy motive so leaning a little toward Roth.
Post: Widow’s Penalty Redux
Link to comment from September 28, 2026
“I’m not sure how the emphasis on the politics of taxes furthers the goals of financial planning…. I think there are many other places to express your opinions on property taxes.” Philip, I completely agree, and the sentiment of your comment applies to many topics. How to manage one’s taxes, how to consider tax impact when choosing where to live or whether to rent or own, what kind of healthcare coverage to get and how to pay for it, when to take social social security and why - these are important personal finance topics. On the flip side, whether taxes of whatever kind are too high or not, how much waste and abuse there may be in the system, whether there should be broader health coverage, how to fix social security - these are political questions. Personally I’d like to see less of the latter on HD.
Post: Shouldn’t property taxes be a realistic part of retirement planning? Sorry, I think this is a major financial and social issue.
Link to comment from September 24, 2026
Yes, but even better, I have these recommendations from Mike Piper. https://obliviousinvestor.com/password-managers/
Post: Two Fraudulent Attempts to Withdraw Funds in Two Days
Link to comment from September 22, 2026
A good reminder that even though your security is strong it can still happen, especially through the means you describe, the institution authenticating the fraudster with personal info you can’t fully protect. We recently adjusted notifications on our credit cards to dramatically lower the amount of a charge that causes us to get notified. We get more notifications but seems worth it. I do recommend pulling the trigger on the password manager. It does a lot more for you than remember passwords.
Post: Two Fraudulent Attempts to Withdraw Funds in Two Days
Link to comment from September 22, 2026
True and not unique to Americans.
Post: What I think about taxes- all kinds of taxes
Link to comment from September 21, 2026
Yep. Thanks
Post: Target Maturity Bond Funds
Link to comment from September 20, 2026
Not an expert on these, but I’d note CDs are FDIC insured, and these ETFs aren’t as safe unless they’re 100% in Treasuries. Btw, you mention not wanting the risk of individual bonds. What risk is that?
Post: Target Maturity Bond Funds
Link to comment from September 19, 2026
Yep. I also hope Greg continues the same policy.
Post: I will still take the dividends
Link to comment from September 19, 2026
Thanks Adam. Would you include guaranteed income in the bond allocation, and if so, how? Perhaps count an annuity or pension without COLA as short term bond, and SS or any other annuity/ pension with COLA as short term TIPS?
Post: Structuring Bonds
Link to comment from September 19, 2026
Interesting topic. Have thought about it for some time but have taken no action. I haven’t even gone so far as to do the math you had the AI do. I’m not sure the AI has the correct target allocation in terms of getting the same return for less risk, but I think certainly directionally you raise a good point, and I do think some change from our current 60/40 may be warranted. I should add that I was already thinking about this last year. So the current environment isn’t my reason, but may push me over the edge. If I hadn’t already been leaning this way I’m not sure the current environment would move me.
Post: Flipping the Script on Asset Allocation?
Link to comment from September 18, 2026