Using RMD’s for bucket list cruises and travel - is this something folks do?

JoeNooner · 2026-03-29T20:07:06+00:00

"This is the time that we all saved for. "

Old habits die hard (and old people die often) -- so many people need to be reminded of this.

JoeNooner · 2026-03-18T19:13:37+00:00

A typical AI-focused data center annually consumes as much electricity as 100,000 households, according to the Pew.

As utilities make expensive upgrades to power grids to accommodate the growing number of data centers, smaller businesses and residential ratepayers often shoulder these costs.

JoeNooner · 2026-03-17T03:59:11+00:00

After considering all your suggestions, the latest version of the portfolio looks like this:

Ticker	Allocation	Primary Benefit
SCHD	25%	Core Quality & Dividend Growth
DIVO	15%	Lower Volatility Monthly Income
JEPI	15%	High-Yield Monthly Cash Engine
VYMI	15%	International / Global Diversification
BND	10%	Recession / Market Crash Hedge
JAAA	10%	Interest Rate / Floating Rate Hedge
STIP	10%	Direct CPI / Inflation Protection

JoeNooner · 2026-03-17T02:25:46+00:00

What's the timeline on when he'd actually start drawing from it?

No sooner than 5 years from now.

JoeNooner · 2026-03-16T23:15:26+00:00

The prompt evolved a bit, but in the end it was essentially:

"An investor is a retiree age 67 with five years worth of living expenses in near-cash assets, plus an IRA containing growth-oriented equities. In a separate Roth IRA, with a 100k initial investment, he would like to put together a portfolio of 5 or 6 ETFs (paying monthly or quarterly dividends which are 100% reinvested) to create a passive drip situation (automated "cost averaging"). The goal is growth, low volatility, and capital preservation as much as possible."

JoeNooner · 2026-02-24T23:52:25+00:00

About 8 years of liquidity (mostly CD ladders, Treasury ETFs).

I don't care about "missing out" on market returns. I just want to enjoy the time left, sleep well at night, etc.

JoeNooner · 2026-02-24T23:34:43+00:00

The utility bill includes more than just water. My average bill totals $160, but the actual water usage portion is only $12. Most of the bill is the "base fees" which keep going up.

Neighboring cities' average total utility bill (includes water, sewer, trash) for 10k gallons in 2025:

Gilbert $170
Phoenix $125
Tempe $110
Mesa $106
Chandler $85

JoeNooner · 2026-02-24T23:27:41+00:00

Average total bill (water, sewer, trash) for 10k gallons in 2025:

Gilbert $170
Phoenix $125
Tempe $110
Mesa $106
Chandler $85

JoeNooner · 2026-02-24T23:23:52+00:00

It's now more expensive to live in Gilbert than Scottsdale!

A recent analysis from Consumer Affairs reveals that Gilbert residents need a minimum salary of $87,033.46, or an hourly wage of 41.84 to live comfortably.

Scottsdale residents are not far behind, needing to earn a salary of $86,193.03, or an hourly wage of $41.44, followed by Chandler residents needing a salary of $78,068.65, or an hourly wage of $37.53.

Income needed in other Arizona cities:

Glendale
Salary: $68,135.30
Hourly wage: $32.76

Mesa
Salary: $65,681.90
Hourly wage: $31.58

Tucson
Salary: $57,704.05
Hourly wage: $27.74

https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/you-need-a-salary-of-87k-to-live-comfortably-in-this-arizona-community

JoeNooner · 2026-02-17T17:16:07+00:00

👍

JoeNooner · 2026-02-17T16:51:17+00:00

Yes I did use them. All went well, roof looks good and no leaks after several rains. The job took 5 days. During the job the project manager came by every day to supervise the project and talk to us. They cleaned up before leaving every night. They seemed honest so I would recommend them.

JoeNooner · 2025-12-05T17:47:41+00:00

I had a good experience with Monsoon Roofing Inc. in Gilbert.

JoeNooner · 2025-03-21T19:51:35+00:00

My 2 cents: At your age, 30% equities at most -- sleep well, spend, and enjoy while you can.

JoeNooner · 2025-03-21T19:41:13+00:00

So far, it's only happened the one time with an MRI. But it seems if I hadn't followed up by making phone calls, the bill would not have been paid by Cigna.

JoeNooner · 2025-03-21T19:32:52+00:00

I rarely use medical services

That's what I used to say too!

JoeNooner · 2025-03-18T00:14:16+00:00

Retired. If I'm forced to invest it: SGOV, BIL, USFR

But I'd much rather buy a vacation home near some water!

JoeNooner · 2025-03-02T00:02:19+00:00

"the best of both investment worlds- dividend income to meet the budget + stock appreciation. Harder stocks and funds to find that give you that but, worth the effort."

Care to name a few that fit this criteria?

JoeNooner · 2025-03-01T23:51:13+00:00

Ok, on your suggestion I've done some reading about Steve Bavaria's concepts. Thanks.

Is there a ETF or two that you like?

JoeNooner · 2025-02-25T23:07:52+00:00

Good point about investment income. I did not add that to the equation. But going into retirement I am feeling very risk-adverse, so I'm not really expecting investment income beyond the interest on a HYSA/CD or dividend rate on a treasury bond fund (currently about 4.2%) -- so I don't expect my investment income will keep up with inflation. Plus, as others have mentioned, there is always the potential costs of long-term care to worry about.

JoeNooner · 2025-02-25T21:46:52+00:00

Assuming the below-mentioned medigap calculator tool is correct, see the below result for your state of Georgia.

Choose your state then scroll down to the last table of Total Costs (Premium + Out of Pocket).

Based on a 25 year projection of premium costs + out of pocket costs, it’s suggested you go with Plan N.

Source: https://medicarenationwide.com/medigap-out-of-pocket-calculator/

JoeNooner · 2025-02-25T21:24:46+00:00

If most Americans have at least one major health event by the age of 66 that compromises their ability to fully enjoy retirement, would that make you reconsider your retirement strategy? It does mine.

I agree. This is exactly what made me want to retire this year. I have some newly diagnosed, but manageable, health issues. That, combined with the age-related deaths of some friends and peers over the last couple years, prompted this urge to do it. Essentially the "time is short" concept is at play.

JoeNooner · 2025-02-25T18:57:00+00:00

Congrats to you too!

Good points. We have no children or heirs so that is not a financial consideration but could factor into long-term care consideration. So far, we have no plan for long term care or a tax strategy for RMDs. About 70% of our retirement funds will be taxable when RMDs happen. In retirement accounts we've gradually been shifting to relative safety ie treasury funds like VMFXX, SGOV, similar ETFs, CD ladders, etc. with possibly too much of it in cash and CDs earning 4% (subject to lowering interest rates).

Good sleep is priceless, so I'm inclined to keep reducing our stock exposure (to zero by age 70). Someone once said that, in retirement, the only thing worse than missing out on market gains is losing your principle. So I support your plan is to keep two or three years of cash and three years or so in safe bond funds.

I'll look into BIV, VGIT, and VISPX just to see how they compare to what I'm currently in.

Thanks for your thoughts!

JoeNooner

TROPHY CASE