JL Collins Model: Would you buy VBTLX at current levels?

[hillclimber]

Probably old topic to you guys but tough for me after selling and tying up loose ends for my business. What the heck do I do about a so-called bond allocation if I want to follow the simple JL Collins VTSAX/VBTLX model? Given what VBTLX has done in 2019, do you just close your eyes and buy it now, assuming you'll rebalance every year for 40 years? Understood that no one knows the future, but anyone have other bond allocation ideas for someone who would otherwise be a VBTLX-type buyer (i.e., I have no special circumstances: 48 years old, 65/35 AA, and under 30% tax bracket (don't need tax free options))?

[Paul der Krake]

I'm a VBTLX buyer. I buy some every month, rain or shine. What exactly has happened in 2019 that you find concerning?

[hillclimber]

It's about more than YTD return with bond funds, but, wow, VBTLX is already up a stunning 4.89% in 2019. I am considering a large lump sum buy just to get it over with.

No one knows the future direction of interest rates still it's fairly amazing where 2019 has headed.

[SwitchActiveDWG]

If bonds were part of my asset allocation I would buy now at my regular investment interval.

[Bateaux]

I'm buying some every paycheck.   I've got about three years of FIRE expenses in it right now.  Still buying mostly Index 500 and VTSAX.