AUTHOR: Mike Gaynes on 4/5/2026 FIRST: Doug C on 4/5 | RECENT: R Quinn on 4/13
Comments
Ed, thank you for this thoughtful review of your strategy. I'm gradually heading in the same direction, although I've chosen VT and VYMI over your picks of VTSAX and VTIAX. A two-fund strategy just feels right at this stage of life, and I will likely get there in one of my SEP-IRAs before the end of the year.
I'm about to out myself as having ghastly, plebian taste in coffee. I didn't become a coffee drinker until my late 50s when I got sick. I'd fly into Portland for treatment, and the Portland terminal was redolent with coffee aromas from multiple locally-based stands as well as the national outlets like Peet's and Starbucks. So one day, trying to overcome some pretty intense fatigue, I tried a mocha (I'm a chocoholic) and fell instantly in love. I'd have one every time I came through the airport and started visiting the local stands where I lived. And today I have two mochas almost every morning at home. But here's where it gets ugly, because I'm both cheap and tasteless. I don't use a Keurig or an espresso machine. I use a Mr. Coffee. That's right, the old $19 Joe DiMaggio model. I make it strong by shoveling in big spoonfuls of ground coffee bought at Costco -- the 2-pound bag of Peet's Dark Roast or the massive 3-pound can of Kirkland Decaf, depending on my mood and need for energy -- and for mocha flavor I use (cringe) chocolate-flavored coffee creamer. I love the concoction, but I'm a disgrace to true coffee appreciation. I'll hide my face in shame as soon as I wipe the mocha stain from the corner of my lip.
I adore movies, but I haven't been inside a movie theater in probably 15 years. I have all the movie access I want on my big screen at home, where I can watch anytime I want without driving, parking and paying. I can freeze the movie when I need to use the bathroom (that's a big one for me), and if I doze off I can push a button and replay the part I missed. Plus the popcorn is fresher and the seat is WAY more comfortable. No contest.
I'm afraid this article went over my head, Dick. I am not at all familiar with the acronyms CPI-W and CPI-E. Definitions and brief explanations would have helped.
Andrew, terrific article. Unlike Dan and Kathy below, I did consider breakeven, although I was doing my weighing at age 65 (one year before FRA) versus waiting until 70. When that breakeven age came up about the same as yours, 84, I took the benefits. I have no doubt that my decision was influenced by the same consideration as yours -- my own terminal diagnosis ten years ago. Although a medical breakthrough reversed that situation and I'm fully healthy, I remained acutely aware of how life can end early. I've been enjoying my benefits for four years now. No regrets.
My family (wife, sister-in-law, parents and nephew) were locked down in a Wuhan apartment for the first three months of the outbreak with no direct access to food. Leaving was forbidden and stores were closed. Their neighborhood had to use a community website to arrange surreptitious truck deliveries of rice and vegetables from outlying farms.
Comments
Ed, thank you for this thoughtful review of your strategy. I'm gradually heading in the same direction, although I've chosen VT and VYMI over your picks of VTSAX and VTIAX. A two-fund strategy just feels right at this stage of life, and I will likely get there in one of my SEP-IRAs before the end of the year.
Post: Slow on the Draw
Link to comment from May 9, 2026
I'm about to out myself as having ghastly, plebian taste in coffee. I didn't become a coffee drinker until my late 50s when I got sick. I'd fly into Portland for treatment, and the Portland terminal was redolent with coffee aromas from multiple locally-based stands as well as the national outlets like Peet's and Starbucks. So one day, trying to overcome some pretty intense fatigue, I tried a mocha (I'm a chocoholic) and fell instantly in love. I'd have one every time I came through the airport and started visiting the local stands where I lived. And today I have two mochas almost every morning at home. But here's where it gets ugly, because I'm both cheap and tasteless. I don't use a Keurig or an espresso machine. I use a Mr. Coffee. That's right, the old $19 Joe DiMaggio model. I make it strong by shoveling in big spoonfuls of ground coffee bought at Costco -- the 2-pound bag of Peet's Dark Roast or the massive 3-pound can of Kirkland Decaf, depending on my mood and need for energy -- and for mocha flavor I use (cringe) chocolate-flavored coffee creamer. I love the concoction, but I'm a disgrace to true coffee appreciation. I'll hide my face in shame as soon as I wipe the mocha stain from the corner of my lip.
Post: Dickie and his magic beans
Link to comment from May 7, 2026
The three toasters turned out to be appropriate, considering all the bread you made over the years! Mazel tov on your anniversary.
Post: For Richer, For Poorer: 37 Years of Compounding
Link to comment from April 29, 2026
I think the thrill of the "crime" is more the point than the popcorn itself!
Post: Live a little
Link to comment from April 27, 2026
I adore movies, but I haven't been inside a movie theater in probably 15 years. I have all the movie access I want on my big screen at home, where I can watch anytime I want without driving, parking and paying. I can freeze the movie when I need to use the bathroom (that's a big one for me), and if I doze off I can push a button and replay the part I missed. Plus the popcorn is fresher and the seat is WAY more comfortable. No contest.
Post: Live a little
Link to comment from April 27, 2026
I'm afraid this article went over my head, Dick. I am not at all familiar with the acronyms CPI-W and CPI-E. Definitions and brief explanations would have helped.
Post: The great COLA debate-maybe not the expected solution.
Link to comment from April 27, 2026
Love this story, Dan. Hard work, relentless optimism and just the right partner to make it all come together under the heading of Life. Well done.
Post: Around the Obstacles
Link to comment from April 25, 2026
60? Wow. That's the mark of a passion, a true calling.
Post: Rethinking the “Right” Time for Social Security
Link to comment from April 23, 2026
Andrew, terrific article. Unlike Dan and Kathy below, I did consider breakeven, although I was doing my weighing at age 65 (one year before FRA) versus waiting until 70. When that breakeven age came up about the same as yours, 84, I took the benefits. I have no doubt that my decision was influenced by the same consideration as yours -- my own terminal diagnosis ten years ago. Although a medical breakthrough reversed that situation and I'm fully healthy, I remained acutely aware of how life can end early. I've been enjoying my benefits for four years now. No regrets.
Post: Rethinking the “Right” Time for Social Security
Link to comment from April 23, 2026
My family (wife, sister-in-law, parents and nephew) were locked down in a Wuhan apartment for the first three months of the outbreak with no direct access to food. Leaving was forbidden and stores were closed. Their neighborhood had to use a community website to arrange surreptitious truck deliveries of rice and vegetables from outlying farms.
Post: Lonely Island (Correct Edit)
Link to comment from April 22, 2026