Recent content by RockMiner

I used to work with a number of people that became giddy with excitement over newer, more powerful computers (or just about any other electronic toy). To me, computers are simply tools, like a hammer. Unfortunately, unlike hammers they tend to generate ever more work just to keep them running...

Dex: Don't feel bad, prior to leaving my job a few months ago I went to 100% cash in my 401k...Not my only equity exposure but still irritating >:( IMO this may not be the best time to correct the imbalance since it feels like chasing an aging bull but that's just me and my DMT record isn't...

I enjoy lapidary and would like to do more writing though lack o' talent may limit the latter.

I agree, this makes no sense...why would the Supreme being of the universe care what an insignificant human thinks...Ego? Low self esteem? ???

Heck, If it's so painless why not volunteer to pay the extra SS tax...why wait? ;D

I believe that Roth assets are potentially more valuable in that they do not cause your SS benefits to be taxed at higher levels the way that conventional IRA's do. See old threads on the Scott Burns "Tax Torpedo" effect...

Exactly. Still, it seems wise to allow for some form of means based benefit cuts for those under 55. I'd rather plan for a 25% cut in my personal SS benefits and a doubling of Medicare costs...then be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen.

Does that include the cost of Medicare it's self?

I think it's analogous to taking on more risk in order to obtain a higher investment return...sure, you can live cheap, until the locals decide to tar and feather all the Yankee imperialists ;D It's worth considering if you understand the risks.

Aha! So that explains it :D I struggle to understand when I see large suburban areas where every single home is in the $500k to $1MM range...Maybe a lot of these people are house poor but you would never guess it based on appearences. There seems to be a lot of prosperity out there. I used to...

Maybe so, though I think there are lots of reasons. At first more and better stuff is a fun way to keep score. Later, after we become disenchanted with the grind it can become a way to reward ourselves for sticking with it. I find that my need for cool stuff has diminised greatly since leaving...

You guys are making my brain hurt...there are too many variables here: ROR, Longevity, Inflation, Taxes, SWR, personal goals, etc. I think this problem is way too complex to "talk out" a reliable solution. Surely there is some powerful software available that can accurately model this problem? :)

Some interesting points being made here...I especially like 2B and Cut-Throat's discussion about how waiting to take SS at 70 is like buying a 9.5% annuity. Very compelling. Even better, you are not giving the 150k to an insurance company, more like loaning it to the SS system. I have to think...

A simple way to smooth out large fluctuations is also mentioned in the book (Work Less, Live More), you can cap year to year changes at 10%... for example in a down year you still get to take 90% of the previous years draw. This method ignores whatever inflation might be doing but it is easy to use.

I'm planning to start with about 4%, which should drop slightly after SS kicks in at 65 or so. The bigger question in my mind is whether to go with automatic inflation adjustments, or a straight percentage as ESR Bob seems to advocate in his book. As others have mentioned, I can't imagine...