When the market was really low in early April it seemed a good time to buy. I bought three ETFs: Vanguard Information Technology (VGT); Vanguard FTSE (VGK) and T. Rowe Price Blue Chip (TCHP). They've done well as the market has risen a bit. More recently, I sold some equity funds that I've held for years. Nothing big -- a few shares here and there. I skim the top. I sold because with all the uncertainty these days, I want plenty of cash on hand.
The net result is that the equity share of my portfolio rose a couple of points. It's now equities 64%, cash 26%, and bonds 10%. I also hold some cash in high yield savings accounts and CDs. I plan to increase my equities to about 70% when valuations are lower.
I'm not as precise as you are but I'm buying very small amounts of equities. I'm now at 64% equities. I'll go to 68% -70% but I'll do it veeerrrrrryyyy slowly.
It’s good to learn that lower cost options are available. After our rigorous review of the CCRC in TN, my wife died and I didn’t do further research.
There are 2,000 CCRCs in the United States with many choices available. US News reported on Sept. 12 that the average CCRC entrance fee, nationally, is $410,000 per person. Regardless, how you pay it, that money is no longer working for you. You lose the return on your investments or give up a significant amount of your home equity and no long enjoy the appreciation of your home’s value. For me, this is an ancillary cost of moving into a CCRC.
Bankruptcy of CCRCs is not common. But it happens and can result in the loss of life savings by residents, as reported by the New York Times on Jan. 22. It’s a factor to consider.
Many individuals have had a positive experience with CCRCs. The choices are numerous and complex. Those interested should move carefully.
More info here:
US News: https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/ccrc/articles/continuing-care-retirement-community-costs
NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/health/retirement-community-bankruptcy.html
It’s good to learn that lower cost options are available. After our rigorous review of the CCRC in TN, my wife died and I didn’t do further research.
There are 2,000 CCRCs in the United States with many choices available. US News reported on Sept. 12 that the average CCRC entrance fee, nationally, is $410,000 per person. Regardless, how you pay it, that money is no longer working for you. You lose the return on your investments or give up a significant amount of your home equity and no long enjoy the appreciation of your home’s value. For me, this is an ancillary cost of moving into a CCRC.
Bankruptcy of CCRCs is not common. But it happens and can result in the loss of life savings by residents, as reported by the New York Times on Jan. 22. It’s a factor to consider.
Many individuals have had a positive experience with CCRCs. The choices are numerous and complex. Those interested should move carefully.
More info here:
US News: https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/ccrc/articles/continuing-care-retirement-community-costs
NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/health/retirement-community-bankruptcy.html
I checked out a CCRC in Collierville, TN about five years ago. My conclusion: Absolutely outrageous!!! The upfront cost for me and my wife was $600,000. That was for long term care, not medical care. And the monthly cost for lodging ranged from $6,000 to $8,000 depending on the apartment or townhouse or single family home that you chose. You are renting, not buying, so you are not building equity. In addition, calculate your lost income. That $600,000 was in our investment accounts making money for us. At the time, our ROI was about 7%. So project out for ooohhh, maybe eight years and you have $336,000 in lost income. We're now knockin' a million bucks up front. And check carefully about what happens to your $600,000 if you opt in and your partner dies maybe eight months later. Another thing to consider: The number of CCRC organizations that have gone belly up! It's significant. What happens to your $600,000 if that happens to you. So, no thanks!! I'll stay right where I am.
Hanging in there. And learning from my many mistakes. One of the best lessons (learned the hard way): Don't panic when the market takes a dive. It's a buying opportunity. Buy carefully and make the most of it!
T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund (PRGFX). I've held it for years and it's been a superb performer. It's up 20% YTD on top of a 45% gain in 2023; a rebound from a terrible 2022. Over 15 years, the fund has returned 15.5%. TRP fees are in the lowest quartile in the industry. It's reliable and one of my largest holdings.
I retired in 2007 at age 64 with a large percentage of my assets vested in the company pension plan. I also had a 401k and anticipated income from Social Security. I took a lump sum and never looked back. I invested in mutual funds at T. Rowe Price and maintained 60% in equities most of that time. I made mistakes along the way. Early on, I became skittish and sold when the market took a dive. Years ago, I held AOL stock (a rare venture into stocks rather than funds) and held on far too long. Since then, I've stuck to mutual funds and practiced the 'ol mantra: Buy low, sell high. It works. Along the way, my wife and I withdrew a ton of money. Today, I have the same amount in my portfolio as in 2007. I've raised my equities to 70% and plan an increase to 80% when the market drops. What I learned: Invest for the long term, do not panic when the market drops, keep plenty of cash on hand and, most importantly, buy low, sell high. Taking a lump sum isn't right for some folks but it's worked for me.
I'm surprised by your experience. Thankfully, mine has been positive. I've been a T. Rowe Price investor since the 1980s. In recent years, I dealt with the deaths of two relatives, both had TRP accounts. Their assets were transferred to the designated beneficiaries (including me) in seamless fashion. Like Dan, they had pay on death accounts. The customer service people were knowledgeable and helpful. And I was able to contact the same rep for follow-up questions. My beneficiaries are my two sons and I hope their experience is like mine. I wish yours had been better, Nivek, and I would love to know the reason for the difference.
Comments
When the market was really low in early April it seemed a good time to buy. I bought three ETFs: Vanguard Information Technology (VGT); Vanguard FTSE (VGK) and T. Rowe Price Blue Chip (TCHP). They've done well as the market has risen a bit. More recently, I sold some equity funds that I've held for years. Nothing big -- a few shares here and there. I skim the top. I sold because with all the uncertainty these days, I want plenty of cash on hand. The net result is that the equity share of my portfolio rose a couple of points. It's now equities 64%, cash 26%, and bonds 10%. I also hold some cash in high yield savings accounts and CDs. I plan to increase my equities to about 70% when valuations are lower.
Post: Ch-Ch-Changes?
Link to comment from May 6, 2025
I'm not as precise as you are but I'm buying very small amounts of equities. I'm now at 64% equities. I'll go to 68% -70% but I'll do it veeerrrrrryyyy slowly.
Post: What to do as the Bear Approaches
Link to comment from April 8, 2025
It’s good to learn that lower cost options are available. After our rigorous review of the CCRC in TN, my wife died and I didn’t do further research. There are 2,000 CCRCs in the United States with many choices available. US News reported on Sept. 12 that the average CCRC entrance fee, nationally, is $410,000 per person. Regardless, how you pay it, that money is no longer working for you. You lose the return on your investments or give up a significant amount of your home equity and no long enjoy the appreciation of your home’s value. For me, this is an ancillary cost of moving into a CCRC. Bankruptcy of CCRCs is not common. But it happens and can result in the loss of life savings by residents, as reported by the New York Times on Jan. 22. It’s a factor to consider. Many individuals have had a positive experience with CCRCs. The choices are numerous and complex. Those interested should move carefully. More info here: US News: https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/ccrc/articles/continuing-care-retirement-community-costs NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/health/retirement-community-bankruptcy.html
Post: CCRC – continuing care retirement community
Link to comment from February 26, 2025
It’s good to learn that lower cost options are available. After our rigorous review of the CCRC in TN, my wife died and I didn’t do further research. There are 2,000 CCRCs in the United States with many choices available. US News reported on Sept. 12 that the average CCRC entrance fee, nationally, is $410,000 per person. Regardless, how you pay it, that money is no longer working for you. You lose the return on your investments or give up a significant amount of your home equity and no long enjoy the appreciation of your home’s value. For me, this is an ancillary cost of moving into a CCRC. Bankruptcy of CCRCs is not common. But it happens and can result in the loss of life savings by residents, as reported by the New York Times on Jan. 22. It’s a factor to consider. Many individuals have had a positive experience with CCRCs. The choices are numerous and complex. Those interested should move carefully. More info here: US News: https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/ccrc/articles/continuing-care-retirement-community-costs NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/18/health/retirement-community-bankruptcy.html
Post: CCRC – continuing care retirement community
Link to comment from February 26, 2025
I checked out a CCRC in Collierville, TN about five years ago. My conclusion: Absolutely outrageous!!! The upfront cost for me and my wife was $600,000. That was for long term care, not medical care. And the monthly cost for lodging ranged from $6,000 to $8,000 depending on the apartment or townhouse or single family home that you chose. You are renting, not buying, so you are not building equity. In addition, calculate your lost income. That $600,000 was in our investment accounts making money for us. At the time, our ROI was about 7%. So project out for ooohhh, maybe eight years and you have $336,000 in lost income. We're now knockin' a million bucks up front. And check carefully about what happens to your $600,000 if you opt in and your partner dies maybe eight months later. Another thing to consider: The number of CCRC organizations that have gone belly up! It's significant. What happens to your $600,000 if that happens to you. So, no thanks!! I'll stay right where I am.
Post: CCRC – continuing care retirement community
Link to comment from February 24, 2025
Hanging in there. And learning from my many mistakes. One of the best lessons (learned the hard way): Don't panic when the market takes a dive. It's a buying opportunity. Buy carefully and make the most of it!
Post: What do you consider your greatest financial achievement?
Link to comment from June 25, 2024
T. Rowe Price Growth Stock Fund (PRGFX). I've held it for years and it's been a superb performer. It's up 20% YTD on top of a 45% gain in 2023; a rebound from a terrible 2022. Over 15 years, the fund has returned 15.5%. TRP fees are in the lowest quartile in the industry. It's reliable and one of my largest holdings.
Post: What’s your favorite actively managed fund—if any?
Link to comment from June 23, 2024
I agree. I've held Giroux's Capital Appreciation fund for years. It's a terrific performer.
Post: What’s your favorite actively managed fund—if any?
Link to comment from June 23, 2024
I retired in 2007 at age 64 with a large percentage of my assets vested in the company pension plan. I also had a 401k and anticipated income from Social Security. I took a lump sum and never looked back. I invested in mutual funds at T. Rowe Price and maintained 60% in equities most of that time. I made mistakes along the way. Early on, I became skittish and sold when the market took a dive. Years ago, I held AOL stock (a rare venture into stocks rather than funds) and held on far too long. Since then, I've stuck to mutual funds and practiced the 'ol mantra: Buy low, sell high. It works. Along the way, my wife and I withdrew a ton of money. Today, I have the same amount in my portfolio as in 2007. I've raised my equities to 70% and plan an increase to 80% when the market drops. What I learned: Invest for the long term, do not panic when the market drops, keep plenty of cash on hand and, most importantly, buy low, sell high. Taking a lump sum isn't right for some folks but it's worked for me.
Post: Lump sum Vs Monthly Payment – Which pension option is better?
Link to comment from June 22, 2024
I'm surprised by your experience. Thankfully, mine has been positive. I've been a T. Rowe Price investor since the 1980s. In recent years, I dealt with the deaths of two relatives, both had TRP accounts. Their assets were transferred to the designated beneficiaries (including me) in seamless fashion. Like Dan, they had pay on death accounts. The customer service people were knowledgeable and helpful. And I was able to contact the same rep for follow-up questions. My beneficiaries are my two sons and I hope their experience is like mine. I wish yours had been better, Nivek, and I would love to know the reason for the difference.
Post: The predatory nature of T. Rowe Price (TRP) when trying access to my parents assets
Link to comment from June 22, 2024