Ken, thanks for your comments. My dentist offers a plan for $325 annually per family member, covers 2 cleanings a year as well 15% discount on all services. I feel this is a good way to soften the cost of dental service when needed.
Has anyone looked at Pacer Funds such as CALF, it is a small cap value ETF noted for holding companies with superior cash flow, thus a superior ability to maintain and grow dividends. The downside is if the economy struggles in the next six months as it absorbs the new much-higher interest rates. The other Pacer Fund is COWZ, invests in large/mid-sized US companies with high free cash flow. I am a Vanguard investor and dislike straying away from their funds. VIG and VDADX offer good results. Thank you Jonathan and other HD members for sharing your thoughts on your investment practices.
Marty I have been contemplating adding a $70k position in SCHP to my IRA thus reducing my cash balance, this is an ETF that holds intermediate term bonds and they more more volatile than short term bonds. If the Fed does cut interest rates in 2024 SCHP will enjoy greater price growth due to the longer duration and I will have offset the decline of interest I have earned on my money market balance. I keep some cash on hand for dry powder as well as Roth conversions. I also hold VTIP and VTAPX in my IRA today and see there has been an exodus of redemptions for TIPs in general. I wish I had a crystal ball to know what tomorrow holds but who knows when the sky will fall...I like to follow the habits of the other HD members and hold onto my investments and remain positive. Good luck... .
Thanks for your article Jonathan, it helped validate my approach with protecting our living expenses. One question, do you factor in dividends and interest in the withdrawal percentage each year? Thanks so much for creating HD it is a interesting forum and provides excellent education for our retirement years.
We utilize the Wells Fargo 2% cash back Visa card frequently for general expenditures, Marriott Bonvoy Visa for hotel points and extended warranty and travel protection, there is a $95 annual fee however, each year we receive a certificate for an overnight stay not to mention the reward points. We also have a Delta AMEX Blue card we are not fond of the card although there is no annual fee and we use the card occasionally for flights. The best benefit for hotel branded cards is for hotels with resort charges, as the resort fee is usually waived when paying for the room with points.
Hello Everyone: Posting my first comment. I really enjoy reading the various topics everyone has shared. I find each article to be helpful whether it be about retirement, travel. health etc. Thanks for all the helpful advice and candid advice.
Comments
Ken, thanks for your comments. My dentist offers a plan for $325 annually per family member, covers 2 cleanings a year as well 15% discount on all services. I feel this is a good way to soften the cost of dental service when needed.
Post: My Father’s Daughter
Link to comment from February 1, 2024
Has anyone looked at Pacer Funds such as CALF, it is a small cap value ETF noted for holding companies with superior cash flow, thus a superior ability to maintain and grow dividends. The downside is if the economy struggles in the next six months as it absorbs the new much-higher interest rates. The other Pacer Fund is COWZ, invests in large/mid-sized US companies with high free cash flow. I am a Vanguard investor and dislike straying away from their funds. VIG and VDADX offer good results. Thank you Jonathan and other HD members for sharing your thoughts on your investment practices.
Post: Happily Ever After
Link to comment from December 16, 2023
Marty I have been contemplating adding a $70k position in SCHP to my IRA thus reducing my cash balance, this is an ETF that holds intermediate term bonds and they more more volatile than short term bonds. If the Fed does cut interest rates in 2024 SCHP will enjoy greater price growth due to the longer duration and I will have offset the decline of interest I have earned on my money market balance. I keep some cash on hand for dry powder as well as Roth conversions. I also hold VTIP and VTAPX in my IRA today and see there has been an exodus of redemptions for TIPs in general. I wish I had a crystal ball to know what tomorrow holds but who knows when the sky will fall...I like to follow the habits of the other HD members and hold onto my investments and remain positive. Good luck... .
Post: My Four Favorites
Link to comment from December 16, 2023
Great article with sound advice, thank you
Post: Just the Two of Us
Link to comment from October 14, 2023
Thank you
Post: Financial Superpowers
Link to comment from August 19, 2023
Thanks for your article Jonathan, it helped validate my approach with protecting our living expenses. One question, do you factor in dividends and interest in the withdrawal percentage each year? Thanks so much for creating HD it is a interesting forum and provides excellent education for our retirement years.
Post: Financial Superpowers
Link to comment from August 19, 2023
We utilize the Wells Fargo 2% cash back Visa card frequently for general expenditures, Marriott Bonvoy Visa for hotel points and extended warranty and travel protection, there is a $95 annual fee however, each year we receive a certificate for an overnight stay not to mention the reward points. We also have a Delta AMEX Blue card we are not fond of the card although there is no annual fee and we use the card occasionally for flights. The best benefit for hotel branded cards is for hotels with resort charges, as the resort fee is usually waived when paying for the room with points.
Post: What’s the best strategy for collecting and using credit card rewards?
Link to comment from May 6, 2023
Has anyone utilized a Charitable Gift Annuity? If so, what was your experience?
Post: What’s the best strategy for charitable giving?
Link to comment from April 22, 2023
Hello Everyone: Posting my first comment. I really enjoy reading the various topics everyone has shared. I find each article to be helpful whether it be about retirement, travel. health etc. Thanks for all the helpful advice and candid advice.
Post: Wishing My Life Away
Link to comment from April 22, 2023