Search found 56 matches

by marie567
Sat Sep 18, 2021 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wave Broadband/Astound.net email not working
Replies: 3
Views: 1253

Re: Wave Broadband/Astound.net email not working

Thank you for the suggestions. I tried with a couple of browsers and tried to set in the browser settings to accept cookies on the login website. And I tried to see if the http: 403 error message solutions would help. I also tried to access via phone and got same error message. I appreciate the help.

I will get someone to look at my computer before trying to get something more from the ISP and eventually I may need to change ISPs.
by marie567
Sat Sep 18, 2021 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wave Broadband/Astound.net email not working
Replies: 3
Views: 1253

Wave Broadband/Astound.net email not working

Hi, I have Wave Broadband internet (ISP) with a legacy astound.net email address. I use Outlook to access my emails but that's probably a side note for this question. Two weeks ago I stopped receiving emails through Outlook (and can't send messages). I also cannot access my emails through the wave broadband website. On the wave broadband website the error message is: http: 403 HTTP ERROR 403 Problem accessing /service/extension/saml2acs. Reason: The account cannot be accessed at this time. I also have pop up messages on my wave email program saying: Your Account Settings Are Out of Date. For Outlook there is a pop up asking for verification of my password. When I try to access emails through Outlook, the error message is: the connection to ...
by marie567
Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Planning a long backpacking trip w/ 2 nights in Vegas, recommendations? (Zion Nat'l Park, Yosemite, Grand Canyon)
Replies: 73
Views: 7994

Re: Planning a long backpacking trip w/ 2 nights in Vegas, recommendations? (Zion Nat'l Park, Yosemite, Grand Canyon)

Hello, it's been a long while since I've backpacked in Yosemite (I lived there many years ago), and I might not be knowledgeable on the current backcountry permit rules. And you may have already planned the Yosemite backpack portion of your trip. If so, disregard. However, you might want to contact the backcountry office and ask about the rules concerning where you can camp your first night on the entry trailhead of Happy Isles - Illilouette. Here is a page, Trailhead Information, https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/trailheads.htm. There is a link to a map showing per entry trailhead where one can hike in. Because permits are so hard to obtain, people get creative, like camping the first night on the entry trailhead trail and then backtr...
by marie567
Sun Nov 11, 2018 2:34 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: How the search works
Replies: 3
Views: 1188

Re: How the search works

Thanks for the help.
by marie567
Sun Nov 11, 2018 12:51 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: How the search works
Replies: 3
Views: 1188

How the search works

I'm trying to search for the words "money market" fund in the investing forum. The search results says there are too many common words to give any results. I don't know if the search is looking for each word separately or the term money market. Thoughts on how to search for this?
by marie567
Tue Oct 11, 2016 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: remodel where to start
Replies: 13
Views: 2223

Re: remodel where to start

Remodel mostly cosmetic, except desires to upgrade plumbing and electrical. No real problems except weak/not enough lighting. Closest fix does not involve moving walls. I will probably leave that until if/when I have kitchen/bath remodeled.

My current thinking is if I try to do the whole house project in some kind of right order I won't do anything. I'll decide whether to have fireplace work done now (wall is fake stone that's cracked on bottom) or not right now and get on to paint and carpet because that's what I really want done now.
by marie567
Mon Oct 10, 2016 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: remodel where to start
Replies: 13
Views: 2223

Re: remodel where to start

It's a condo/townhouse and I'm responsible for the foundation. Condo HOA is responsible for outside of building (roof/painting, etc.)
by marie567
Sat Oct 08, 2016 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: remodel where to start
Replies: 13
Views: 2223

Re: remodel where to start

I will be hiring contractors for everything. Good idea to get a home inspector to view. This has all been really helpful. Cost of remodeling could exceed a new home, but I don't necessarily have to do everything right away on remodeling. My original plan was something every year, and I did that for a couple of years, but this year is the carpeting and floors and I got stuck then on fireplace/electricity, plumbing is probably not necessary right now.
by marie567
Sat Oct 08, 2016 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: remodel where to start
Replies: 13
Views: 2223

Re: remodel where to start

Good point about start over and buy a new place. It was hard enough for me to buy 14 years ago, and at that time I didn't see many condos I liked how they were remodeled. I bought my place because of a nice pine tree in back that later had to be removed, and for the feel of the place that I still like. I just need to get going. Analysis paralysis.
by marie567
Sat Oct 08, 2016 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: remodel where to start
Replies: 13
Views: 2223

Re: remodel where to start

I meant staging in terms of getting a contractor in to do work quickly and get it done (as if selling).
Shifting of house - - there are some cracks in the walls and a door or two don't open in winter.

Electrical - in general there is poor lighting, not enough. Upon inspection there were a few outlets not up to code.

Yes, fireplace is appearance. I'd like to replace it and think then I have to do it before painting rest of house.

Thanks for your help.
by marie567
Sat Oct 08, 2016 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: remodel where to start
Replies: 13
Views: 2223

remodel where to start

I am in a two story 70s townhouse that has had little remodeled. I have been here 14 years and added a new deck, windows, and water heater. I don't know where to start on remodeling. I plan to be here at least 10 years. What I most want done is new paint and carpet/hardwood floors. But a fireplace with faux stone above it should be replaced, electricity needs review, plumbing probably also, and then there is the usual kitchen/bath remodels, and new heater/air conditioner, closet fix. I'm also concerned about the condo shifting a bit and have had it reviewed by an engineer every few years, probably need to have reviewed again. Here are my current thoughts on order, if I would do it right. But it seems overwhelming, and getting to what I want...
by marie567
Wed May 04, 2016 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Family member asks my advice about Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Replies: 18
Views: 2364

Re: Family member asks my advice about Employee Stock Purchase Plan

I'm curious what the employer point of view is on offering an ESPP and having employees sell stock every quarter. The reason I ask is when I first was employed by companies who offered ESPP plans, the selling point was to share in the long-term success of the company and favorable tax treatment for meeting the holding periods. The company wanted us to be shareholders so we would work harder or smarter to help the company succeed. The IRS created the favorable tax treatment to entice employees to hold onto the stock. Then I heard employees were selling every period and foregoing the favorable tax treatment for holding. Was this about the same time as day trading became more popular, or after the 2000 tech decline or Enron? Do companies now v...
by marie567
Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need advice on resubmitting perscription claim
Replies: 15
Views: 3395

Re: Need advice on resubmitting perscription claim

Hello, it may be a long shot but I'd ask your current carrier about how to file an ERISA appeal, you're in a group plan, right? I think the followup is with your carrier to pay the claim (and better to reimburse Anthem). Then in the ERISA appeal letter to help your case you might need to discuss the fact your wife had just switched carriers, and the switch in enrollment hadn't reached the pharmacy yet (if that's what happened). And other reasons why when you picked up the prescription that it wasn't clear on the copay that was paid and anything that was said at the pharmacy that it was the wrong carrier. That you thought the claim was taken care of correctly and had no knowledge of the problem until you heard from Anthem. Any reasons why th...
by marie567
Thu Jan 14, 2016 8:40 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What do you use to calculate total % up or down each year?
Replies: 37
Views: 3221

Re: What do you use to calculate total % up or down each year?

I keep track of % up or down each year because it is one factor in my investment plan. I have a low % gain as an estimate assumption hoping over time I will meet this or exceed. Some years will be above this and some years below. It is a way for me to know during the year how is my plan doing. I note investment totals in each account (not by fund) minus beginning of year total balance less RMD I take to get dollar gain/loss then divide by beginning balance (less RMD - I think that assumes RMD was taken on first day of year). If the market isn't doing well, I can adjust other factors like decrease spending and/or get a job. I am a newly maybe retired person so the withdrawal phase is new. This is an aside on this question but I know that I m...
by marie567
Mon Nov 02, 2015 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deductible IRA or Roth contribution 2015
Replies: 3
Views: 421

Re: Deductible IRA or Roth contribution 2015

I'm not reinvesting div/cap gains in the actively managed funds. Taking as cash.

$4,000 is my earned income and I believe the max contribution I can make to IRA; I'm not eligible to participate in employer plan.
by marie567
Mon Nov 02, 2015 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deductible IRA or Roth contribution 2015
Replies: 3
Views: 421

Deductible IRA or Roth contribution 2015

Hello, I'm debating whether to contribute to a deductible IRA or Roth for 2015. I'm semi-retired and make a small amount of earned income (not regular employee), will be contributing around $4,000 to retirement plan. Last year I contributed to deductible IRA and am considering for this year rather than Roth only because the opportunity to reduce taxes this year are too compelling. Or are they? I am filing single, current 25% tax bracket due to actively managed mutual fund gains. 70% of my retirement money is in aftertax (of which about 40% is currently unrealized gains), 30% 401(k). I am trying to reduce the aftertax actively managed funds but will spread out over many years to reduce the sale tax hit. I am using TurboTax tax caster to esti...
by marie567
Tue Aug 04, 2015 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hike the Pacific Crest Trail/JMT
Replies: 74
Views: 11510

Re: Hike the Pacific Crest Trail/JMT

Did JMT many years ago, my tips: 1) Read all the blogs, info on web - - there are many planning sites 2) Get backpack weight as low as possible. 3) Research mail order food drops, or how you will get food. This takes some planning as it entails gauging how far you will hike each day. Want to have enough food but not many days extra so you are carrying way more than you need. 4) Have rough plan of how far you will hike each day and where you will camp. This will probably change, but good to have general plan. 5) Practice hiking with backpack as much as possible before hike. Go on overnight hike or few days trip before to try things out. 6) If you have not backpacked solo before, might want to do solo overnight first and see how you do. 7) I ...
by marie567
Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help Pitching Financial Education Courses to Firm
Replies: 9
Views: 1349

Re: Help Pitching Financial Education Courses to Firm

I'll mention a few ideas, have you talked to the corporate HR department and/or whoever manages the 401(k) plan. Often the inhouse manager of the 401(k) plan provides (or provide access to) employee financial education. Employee financial literacy is becoming a wellness (as another poster mentioned) benefit. Sometimes the company doesn't want their employees taking their time to provide this information and/or even those it's basic financial education, not advice, a company doesn't want to be liable in terms of information given to employees that could be misused and then comes back to bite them. Another reason why it seems like companies lean on third parties for this type of education. But I believe you could provide this information much...
by marie567
Tue Mar 24, 2015 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Contrafund
Replies: 41
Views: 18531

Re: Fidelity Contrafund

I've had the dilemma of selling Contrafund in my taxable account and haven't due to taxes. Previously to estimate the taxes I took 15% on the appreciation (then add California regular income taxes), thought I can't pay that in one or even two years. But I just compared selling now to continue to pay taxes on capital gains distributions. I've been getting by on paying the tax on the smaller capital gain distribution and each year saying I'll think about selling next year. If I sell in year one versus continue to pay increased capital gains taxes, I'd come out at the same amount taxes paid in 8 years, but I'd still have the unrealized appreciation to pay if I don't sell. Then I consider the extra capital gains taxes I'm paying on a fund that ...
by marie567
Tue Mar 17, 2015 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Switching to a self directed account..concerns.
Replies: 9
Views: 1464

Re: Switching to a self directed account..concerns.

Hello, I think you're asking about the mechanics of moving money out of an IRA to your checking account? I am with Schwab and have only started this retiree journey and have not asked for a withdrawal yet. If that's what you're wondering about, I'm sure someone can explain how it's done. It looks like on the Schwab website that one selects transfer and the amount and loads checking account info onto one's account or I can get the money wired or request a check. But again, I haven't done it. My comments are on why go to Merrill Edge. Just asking because you can probably setup this transfer to your checking arrangement with whatever investment firm you select like Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, etc. If you want to go with Merrill Edge, have you ...
by marie567
Mon Mar 16, 2015 1:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retired - When to Sell to Generate Cash
Replies: 30
Views: 3384

Re: Retired - When to Sell to Generate Cash

Thanks, a lot to think about. This year I want to monitor my cash account and how much div/cap gains going into that account to get a better idea of that funding. Also will consider if I need three years worth cash. I also imagine if I look closely at the rebalancing after I see what more I need to fund after div/cap gains that it will make it clearer how much/which assets to sell (I do have stock/bond asset allocation) for my living expenses and get back to target allocation.

And thanks to the person who reminded me that before interest rates dropped, cash used to be part of the asset allocation, stocks/bonds/cash:)
by marie567
Mon Mar 16, 2015 10:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retired - When to Sell to Generate Cash
Replies: 30
Views: 3384

Retired - When to Sell to Generate Cash

In retirement I've set a goal of having three years living expenses and taxes in cash. For mutual funds/ETFs most are set for dividends/capital gains to be deposited in cash. I understand the theory of the few years of living expenses in cash is so that I don't have to sell if the market is down. My question is: do I sell some assets every year to maintain the three years living expenses in cash? Do this when I rebalance every year? It seems like this is still risky in that what if in a year I'm selling investments to generate cash for the 3rd year the market happens to be down. Do I not sell? So I have two years worth of living expenses? Div/cap gains probably cover around 30-40% of my needed income. I know this has been discussed before, ...
by marie567
Fri Feb 27, 2015 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to deductible IRA or not
Replies: 8
Views: 949

Re: Contribute to deductible IRA or not

powermega wrote:Here is the relevant Wiki article to read.

If 35% is your current total tax bracket, I think it makes sense to contribute to a Traditional IRA (tIRA). I think it's unlikely that your retirement tax bracket would be as high or higher than 35%.
I meant to say I'm in a combined federal and state 35% tax bracket. 25% federal, 9.30 state. Unless I start working a regular job again, I won't be in a higher tax bracket.
by marie567
Fri Feb 27, 2015 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to deductible IRA or not
Replies: 8
Views: 949

Re: Contribute to deductible IRA or not

If most of your retirement assets are in taxable accounts, that means you either are carrying fixed income in taxable accounts or do not have enough fixed income in your asset allocation. I see the following problems. 1. Fixed income are taxable as ordinary income now, if you had them in tax advantaged space they would be deferred. 2. When you increase your fixed income allocation later in life, the equities will incur taxable gains in the transfer in a taxable account, nothing in the tax advantaged account. 3. Any additional income now can adversely impact your current tax situation. 4. etc... My responses: 1) most of the fixed income is in tax deferred except for some state munis in taxable. 2) Good point - I haven't figured out how I'm ...
by marie567
Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to deductible IRA or not
Replies: 8
Views: 949

Re: Contribute to deductible IRA or not

I'm thinking if I don't invest in deductible IRA I would invest the money in an index mutual fund and pay capital gains rates and hopefully qualified dividend rates at lower tax rates instead of total regular income rates from an IRA. Not sure if I'm looking at this correctly.
by marie567
Thu Feb 26, 2015 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Contribute to deductible IRA or not
Replies: 8
Views: 949

Contribute to deductible IRA or not

For 2014, I am considering contributing to a deductible IRA in the amount of $3,800 (approximately 100% of income, no company retirement plan). When I put this in Turbo Tax looks like I will save about $1,506 federal and state taxes by doing this. Does this make sense to do this and put in a tax deferred account where I'll pay 35% fed and state taxes (at current rates) eventually. I'm starting to think it doesn't make sense to do this even though the current tax deduction is tempting. Most of my retirement assets are in taxable accounts.

Which is better deductible IRA or invest in taxable?
by marie567
Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you watch commercials?
Replies: 42
Views: 4220

Re: Do you watch commercials?

I try to read during commercials. But I've been wondering on financing from commercials. On some popular shows commercials are every few minutes and sometimes I time them and they can be up to 4-5 minutes. So the ad money goes to the networks, right? And that goes to pay for making the TV show, actors, production staff, etc, and making a profit so us investors will be happy? Then I also see on my cable bill, they split out what gets paid to the networks for running their TV shows. So the networks make the money from ads, cable and probably other places? And how are these TV companies doing financially? Is this model working? Or maybe ad costs have decreased because companies know people are getting around watching them? Maybe we should be p...
by marie567
Thu Feb 19, 2015 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does anyone like the new Toyota/Lexus grilles?
Replies: 81
Views: 29720

Re: Does anyone like the new Toyota/Lexus grilles?

I drive the Corolla not the Camry, but when i searched for cars in 2014 I disliked the Corolla grille so much I was ready to switch to something else. But after checking out similar cars, I came back to the Corolla and decided to let the grille issue go. One nice surprise, I don't know if you're in a state with a front license plate, but once the front license plate was on, seemed to take some focus off the grille. I now like my car so much I don't even think about the grille. I rarely look at the front of my car, probably it's more others' viewing the car while driving.
by marie567
Tue Feb 10, 2015 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Compensation Definition for Traditional IRA Limits
Replies: 5
Views: 769

Re: Compensation Definition for Traditional IRA Limits

Thanks, I reread Pub 17 as you suggested. I was confusing what can be contributed which the definition of compensation is earned income only with what can be deducted which is modified adjusted gross income (this includes dividends and interest) and then according to an IRS limit table. In my situation the most I can contribute is the earned income so I think the modified adjusted gross income number is not relevant. And thanks for info on the self-employed income, need to file Schedule C-EZ and Schedule SE. I was not eager to delve into what has to be done on $1,000 of self-employed income. I will deal with this first, and it will help determine what I can contribute to IRA. I use TurboTax. Thanks for advice on TurboTax will tell me how mu...
by marie567
Tue Feb 10, 2015 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Compensation Definition for Traditional IRA Limits
Replies: 5
Views: 769

Compensation Definition for Traditional IRA Limits

I want to contribute to a deductible IRA for 2014. I do not have access to an employer plan. Filing status: single For 2014 I had W-2 and 1099-Misc earnings under the age 50+ IRA limit 6,500. My earnings are: W-2 $2,000 1099-Misc $1,000 (of this $1,000, $950 was for work and $50 was expense reimbursements. They posted all of it to earned income line. I'm trying to deduct the $50. as an expense. I read 1099-Misc instructions and it's permissible for an employer to put expense reimbursements in the earned income line. What do you think I can safely contribute and deduct to a 2014 traditional IRA? IRS instructions say: Self-employment income. If you are self-employed (a sole proprietor or a partner), compensation is the net earnings from your ...
by marie567
Thu Jan 08, 2015 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Consolidation with Schwab?
Replies: 23
Views: 3245

Re: Consolidation with Schwab?

Hello, I wanted to report on my progress from last April on account consolidation. Here's where I was last April: I have about a million, $400,000 in tax deferred mostly 401(k)s and $600,000 in taxable. I'm in 5 former company 401(k) plans (they are large company well managed with low fees), and for the taxable with Fidelity, Vanguard, and Morgan Stanley. I didn't report in that post I had another $900,000 in taxable with a financial advisor. In 2014, I moved the $900,000 from the financial advisor to Schwab. I went with Schwab because there is an office near my house and I like chatting with my account rep in person (but I'm on my own on investing, not a managed account) and I like their website. I went from 5 401(k)s to 2 401(k)s. I moved...
by marie567
Fri Oct 31, 2014 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate
Replies: 9
Views: 915

Re: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate

I didn't answer this question: It is a little unclear what you want to know. This is important because you may tell me then what I'm doing is irrelevant to what I want to know. What I want to do at year end or quarterly, is: 1) compare my account performance to benchmarks. I don't want to do detailed comparisons but if for example my account earned 4% and the stock market rose 6% and bonds 3%, does that make sense against my portfolio. I'm 50/50. 2) compare my account performance to my excel spreadsheet budget/projections/estimates for the remainder of my life. I have a goal fund earnings percentage for each year so I want to see if I met that, but I also have goal dollar amount on earnings too that I can compare the actual increase in my a...
by marie567
Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate
Replies: 9
Views: 915

Re: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate

Thank you for the suggestions. I'll do all three: 1) check out the IRR function 2) look at each fund gain separately 3) calculate an overall account gain (ending balance minus beginning balance) instead of trying to segregate out pure earnings.
by marie567
Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate
Replies: 9
Views: 915

Re: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate

In response to questions:
What is the field you have as "Total Account beginning balance?" What is the breakdown of these assets?
The breakdown is 50% Stock, 50% Bonds.

Can you use XIRR to calculate?
I don't understand XIRR, or more accurately I haven't taken the time to understand it.
by marie567
Fri Oct 31, 2014 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate
Replies: 9
Views: 915

Fund Earnings Checkup - How to Calculate

Hello, this year I don't know how to calculate the earnings percentage on my accounts. In the past I kept an excel spreadsheet, posted the beginning and ending balance of each fund, divide the earnings for the period over the beginning balance and call that the earnings percentage. I would doublecheck this against Morningstar fund earnings and it was always about the same on those funds that I didn't make any changes to. I then added up the dollar earnings for each fund and divided by the total account beginning balance to come up with the yearly earnings percentage for the whole account. I don't think this was accurate because I usually save some over what I receive in paychecks each year. So the fund earnings probably isn't as high as I'v...
by marie567
Thu Oct 23, 2014 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to think about tax lost harvesting
Replies: 19
Views: 2328

Re: When to think about tax lost harvesting

I went back to 2013 tax return. These are listed box 2a on 1099 under mutual fund distributions, separate from dividends. I expect I'll have around the same for 2014.

Thanks, I'll probably sell the fund for $3,000 to reduce the capital gains.
by marie567
Thu Oct 23, 2014 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to think about tax lost harvesting
Replies: 19
Views: 2328

Re: When to think about tax lost harvesting

Hi, first why the high capital gains distributions in a taxable account, I guess years of mistakes. I rarely fully funded my 401(k), but I saved whatever I didn't spend. Those savings I put in actively managed mutual funds because at the time I didn't know about index funds. The taxes on the distributions didn't seem that bad because the account wasn't large and I felt I was doing pay as you go on taxes. I could plead that very few knew about index funds when mutual fund investing started but most of you would probably disagree. As the years went by I started investing in index funds. But the actively managed funds grew to where the unrealized gains are large and I don't want to sell them to realize the taxes. I also inherited some money wh...
by marie567
Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to think about tax lost harvesting
Replies: 19
Views: 2328

Re: When to think about tax lost harvesting

Sorry, I wasn't clear. I'm expecting around the same capital gains distributions this year, $10,000 long-term. Just an estimate.
by marie567
Wed Oct 22, 2014 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to think about tax lost harvesting
Replies: 19
Views: 2328

Re: When to think about tax lost harvesting

Most of my investments are in taxable. Last year I had -167 short-term capital losses and $10,000 long-term capital gains distributions.

For this year, would the possible $3,000 short-term capital loss from sale I might make reduce the $10,000 long-term capital gain for a total of $7,000 capital gains (not counting the -167).
by marie567
Tue Oct 21, 2014 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When to think about tax lost harvesting
Replies: 19
Views: 2328

Re: When to think about tax lost harvesting

Hello, question on selling a mutual fund for tax lost harvesting. I have much of my retirement savings in taxable accounts and sold some mutual funds this year with small capital gains to start to simplify my investments.

Now I'm thinking of selling a mutual fund at a loss of about $3,000 that I bought this July. Do short-term gains/losses get treated differently than long-term or does this $3,000 loss get added to the total gains, both short-term and long-term that will be realized this year.
by marie567
Sun Sep 14, 2014 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Reminder: estimated taxes due Monday
Replies: 17
Views: 1836

Re: Reminder: estimated taxes due Monday

Hello, I have a question on quarterly tax estimate payments.

I had income in 2013; 2014 I have no regular income. I've estimated my 2014 taxes based on 2013 dividends and capital gains totals (in taxable account) and paid quarterly taxes based on that.

I sold some mutual funds in my taxable account this quarter. I didn't take this into account in previous quarterly taxes paid, I was hoping to deal with it for the January 15 quarterly payment after I have a better understanding of the total div/capital gains for the year. But I'm supposed to pay the gains on the sales the quarter I sold them, right? I feel I'm making a good faith try on paying quarterly estimated taxes, but probably not good enough?
by marie567
Tue Aug 26, 2014 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bond fund in taxable account (CA resident)
Replies: 14
Views: 2330

Re: Bond fund in taxable account (CA resident)

I realize my whole municipal bond allocation is California. My California muni bond allocation is 16% of total bond allocation. Is there an analyst who thinks this is okay?:)
by marie567
Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How To Budget Major Home Improvements
Replies: 4
Views: 1161

Re: How To Budget Major Home Improvements

Thanks so much for your replies, which I save and refer to. I feel I need to loosen the strings a bit and get some stuff done, whether I can totally place the expenditure in a bucket or not. I doubt I will go crazy. For retirement spending, I want to follow a formula and be done, but it seems a bit more mystical than that. A balance of the now versus the future which was the same choice during the working years but the future and now are getting closer together.
by marie567
Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How To Budget Major Home Improvements
Replies: 4
Views: 1161

How To Budget Major Home Improvements

Hi, I'm probably newly retired and still working out the budgeting. Probably meaning I may end up working again, but I'm doing my planning as if I were not. I'm 58. I've given myself a monthly budget that is higher than the basic check writing each month and allows some each month for things like car and home insurance, car maintenance, and unplanned expenses. I also am trying to save some from the monthly budget for future unplanned expenses but that will be small amounts. But I'm searching to budget for home improvements. I tend to pay cash for stuff. I have been in a condo for 11 years and most of the stuff is 70s original. List: new patio fence/arbor, air conditioner, heater, kitchen stove/oven, dishwasher, two large sliding glass doors...
by marie567
Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need to prepay my capital gains to the IRS?
Replies: 33
Views: 3953

Re: Do I need to prepay my capital gains to the IRS?

Hello, I just received the penalty letter from the IRS for 2013 for not making quarterly estimated taxes. I owed on my tax return for the capital gains/dividends. I've upped my withholdings on any income, but I believe I'll have to make quarterly estimated payments because my capital gains tax that I would pay by April 15 will be higher than $1,000. I'm single, I believe the capital gains brings me into the 25% tax bracket even with deductions. I talked to the IRS penalty customer service person who could not comment on what to do in the future, but said the system is a "pay as you go" system. I'm researching now estimating my capital gains distributions for 2014 and making quarterly payments. But as someone else said, up the with...
by marie567
Thu May 15, 2014 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Confused on how my plan displays performance results/fees
Replies: 8
Views: 807

Re: Confused on how my plan displays performance results/fee

Hi, as other posters have said, the 10 year returns are at a point in time where the active fund did better than the passive index fund. But we have no idea how either fund will do going forward. 401(k)s started out in general with actively managed funds that were compared to the benchmark index fund. It was assumed that the goal of the actively managed fund was to beat the benchmark index fund. Fees were not focused on, because all that mattered is what were the returns after fees were taken out. If an actively managed fund did better than the benchmark index, that meant the actively managed fund was doing well and theoretically it didn't matter what the fees were. Then I guess researchers started looking at historical returns more closely...
by marie567
Tue May 13, 2014 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is my 401k boat Setting Sail for FAIL??
Replies: 31
Views: 2687

Re: Is my 401k boat Setting Sail for FAIL??

This may be a contrarian post, but I would do:

50% Large Cap Index
30% Small Cap Index
20% Bond - Pimco Total Return

Roth - international


Why bonds: 1) to get used to bond investing during your accumulation phase 2) to minimize stock risk 3) when you look at your 401(k) statement, if stocks are down and bonds are up a little, it will make you feel better. You may not get all the appreciation on 100% stock investing, but you may not experience the stock lows as much either.
by marie567
Mon May 12, 2014 9:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: If/when unable to manage finances
Replies: 4
Views: 1241

If/when unable to manage finances

Hello,

If down the road healthwise I can't manage my finances, do you think it matters one firm over another where the assets are held?

I would designate a financial power of attorney to take care of my affairs. I'd possibly request moving to managed accounts so the financial power of attorney wouldn't have to deal with the investing, any other considerations in terms of investment firm?
by marie567
Wed May 07, 2014 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to keep 3 years of expenses?
Replies: 15
Views: 2522

Re: Where to keep 3 years of expenses?

Hi, I thought we were to keep 2-3 years living expenses in a cash account to minimize a big drop that we couldn't make up due to needing the money for expenses. Are you saying we shouldn't look at it that way?

And even if we could rebalance in a tax deferred account, the final line is selling - that determines the value of an investment. The investments we sell to provide living expenses are done at the point of sale at whatever price the market is bearing at that time regardless of how we rebalance in a tax deferred account.

Or are you saying I shouldn't be worried about just that one fund that I've sold possibly at a loss for my living expenses? That just keep with the asset allocation?
by marie567
Thu Apr 03, 2014 8:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Consolidation with Schwab?
Replies: 23
Views: 3245

Re: Consolidation with Schwab?

Thank for all the great advice. Question - I thought most 401(k) plans, if you want to move the money to an IRA elsewhere, that the assets have to be liquidated, you receive a check made out to the IRA and you handle the deposit yourself. Most 401(k) plans I've been in, I don't think they have an inkind transfer option. If I was moving taxable money, I believe I could do an inkind transfer, but I didn't think I could with tax deferred from a company 401(k). What is your experience?