Soda Cracker Portfolio

[ESRBob]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich_in_Tampa Intriguing semi-retirement possibility: there is a review organization that offers half-time reimbursement (really more like 25% of my current salary) plus health insurance for 10 days a month availability for international travel to various large hospitals. So, travel to South America for a week - maybe extend it a few days, then come home to 2 or 3 weeks off, repeat. I'll send you an anecdote or two if that should come to pass.

Rich,
That sounds like an awesome opportunity. Always seemed that as a physician you should be able to 'write your own ticket' literally to some place interesting and on a schedule that makes sense, once you get past the financial side of things. Pls let us know if you ever go that route, or meet any other docs who are doing that now.

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESRBob Always seemed that as a physician you should be able to 'write your own ticket' literally to some place interesting and on a schedule that makes sense, once you get past the financial side of things.

You'd think so, but current circumstances don't favor such opportunities: you have full-time malpractice premiums to be covered (even if you are part-time), serious "productivity" expectations under ever-shrinking reimbursement scenarios, and nights and weekends to negotiate.

I'm not complaining at all, having saved a bit. But the more relaxed, flexible semi-retirement opportunities are few and far between. Then again, all I need is one and I am already working a few angles well in advance... .

[ats5g]

Hi again Rich,

Have you looked at Vanguard's Tax Managed Balanced fund. It's roughly 50% stock / 50 % muni bonds. No int'l though.*

- Alec

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ats5g Have you looked at Vanguard's Tax Managed Balanced fund. It's roughly 50% stock / 50 % muni bonds. No int'l though.

Thanks, Alec. Might be a good choice for the post-tax portion.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Excellent choice if you're in a very high tax bracket. Do note the penalty if you sell shares less than 5 years.

If you live in a state like CA or FL (I'm assuming you're in FL?), you could "roll your own" with the vanguard state specific muni fund, and one of the tax managed equity funds like growth and income. You'd have to do your own rebalancing every year or two, but you'd gain a little bit more tax efficiency on the bond side, and the equity dividends being taxed at 15% or less would make a nice piece of your withdrawal simple...

[heyyou]

Rich-Have you considered moving to a less litigious country with a lower cost of living for the transition years(ER to old age)? *With your experience, you would be welcome many, many places, if you could just limit your hours there.
Joe

[Rich_by_the_Bay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by heyyou Rich-Have you considered moving to a less litigious country with a lower cost of living for the transition years(ER to old age)? With your experience, you would be welcome many, many places, if you could just limit your hours there.

Never considered moving abroad, but extended stays, yes. I might like to do some missionary-type work if circumstances permit.

[cute fuzzy bunny]

Theres a joke in there somewhere...

[HFWR]

Something about a missionary position? :P

[BUM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESRBob Rich, Glad you liked the book. If you or anyone here comes up with some other favorite 'Soda Cracker" portfolios, post them here and I'll mention them in the next edition of the book (after the necessary diligence and opinionated review, of course!).

I like the soda cracker portfolio idea... puttin' on the Ritz