Search found 21540 matches

by sscritic
Fri Aug 15, 2014 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Strategic Default [on a property]
Replies: 42
Views: 6386

Re: Strategic Default

In states such as California, HOA dues or assessments are considered personal debts of the homeowner associated with them. Your HOA might lose its lien on your home because of your foreclosure but you might still owe a personal debt to the HOA. It's not unusual for homeowners associations to file lawsuits against delinquent current and former owners to collect what they're owed. In California, HOAs owed money by their former or current members can even obtain court-ordered money judgments against them.
The assessment has already been made, but the payment is not due until November. That the payment is not due until November does not mean the debt does not exist.
by sscritic
Thu Aug 14, 2014 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

If my mom and dad earned the same amount through their careers, would there be any widow benefit received? Since the difference of the two benefits would be zero. Yes, if she started early as herself and waited on the widow. If they both have PIAs of $2400 (and he never started - I made the same assumption in my previous answer), then she would be getting $1800 now but $1800 + $600 = $2400 as a widow at FRA. This is dodecahedron's plan (not that I know that her and her husband's PIA are the same). Edit: Mistake! Sorry. Her plan is to take widow now and wait until 70 to be herself. Note the rule again: Both benefits calculated and reduced independently; small MBA paid plus excess of larger MBA. She would get her own reduced $1800 plus the e...
by sscritic
Thu Aug 14, 2014 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

OK, those numbers make more sense. We didn't understand that the $800 was just dad's part (which is the real widow's benefit).

So let's say the PIA's were
Hers = $1600
His = $2400

Her RIB starting at 62 = $1200
Her widow benefit starting 42 months early = 0.83375 (2400) = 2001
The excess widow benefit 2001 - 1200 = 801

She will get $1200 + $801 = $2001
Both benefits calculated and reduced independently; small MBA paid plus excess of larger MBA.
I faked the numbers to show what is going on. I still think she would get more by waiting until 66. That should be $1200 + $1200 = $2400, as his $2400 would not be reduced.
by sscritic
Thu Aug 14, 2014 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

I agree that Penguin's workaround works if she wants to have the option of letting her own record benefit grow until she is 70. But I am talking about a different workaround. What about a workaround that would allow her to collect *on her own record only* until age 66 (FRA), when she collects her maximized widow's benefit. As I understand it, she filed at 62, she still had a living spouse so she was "deemed filing" for spousal benefits at the time, which means she has been receiving spousal benefits already (or should have been, since an early claiming worker with a living spouse gets no benefit from deferring claim on living spousal benefits.) So the checks she has be getting thus far presumably include some living spousal benef...
by sscritic
Thu Aug 14, 2014 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

But there might be some kind of workaround, which is why I think she should get expert advice. If bogleheads aren't experts, why do people ask questions here? Because we are all know-nothings? Penguin gave her the workaround in the second non-OP response: withdraw her application for her own benefit. Once she withdraws, it will be as if she never applied; i.e., her only entitlement will be to her widow's benefit if she applies for it, but she has to withdraw within 12 months of her starting date. Whether this is a good plan depends on whether delaying until 70 to collect on her own record is greater than what she would get delaying until 66 to claim the widow's benefit and what the differences are in the intervening months. Which is why we...
by sscritic
Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

Did she ask for the PIAs? The numbers don't seem right. The reduction for starting as a widow 42 months early is 0.285 (the maximum reduction) times 42/72 <-- (months from age 60 to her FRA of 66) or 16.625%. If the full widow benefit is $858, then (1 - 0.16625) 858 = $715. Plus, if he made as much as you said, his PIA should be higher than $858. You said his benefit was $700 more than hers. Is hers really only $100? You should find out if he had started or not. If he had started, what was his benefit? This doesn't seem right. I wonder if she can authorize you to speak to SS for her. The reduction formula Your widow's or widower's unreduced benefit amount (the worker's primary insurance amount after any reduction for the family maximum unde...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 5:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

Larry Kotlikoff gives a good exposition of the options here. Notice that he makes very clear that it is definitely possible to collect either benefit ALONE early while leaving the other benefit untouched to grow (something that would not be possible for a 62-year-old spouse whose husband is still alive.) http://www.pbs.org/newshour/making-sense/deciding-when-to-take-social-security-widows-benefits-cant-get-more-complicated/ I know what the word either means. He said take either. That means that ONE or the other ONE, but not both (TWO). That's exactly what I said. If you only apply for one, you only get one. One is not two (dual). Two is two (dual). This will probably get me suspended, but I know the difference between one and two. P.S. Goo...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

sscritic, dual entitlement applies to spouses of the living. surviving spouses' benefits are not a dual entitlement. They are an either/or entitlement. The OP's mother is not entitled to any "spousal benefits." She is entitled to "surviving spouse" benefits, which are under a completely different system. Here is what I see in the POMS on the dual entitlement overview. A then D b A with D b A is self old-age; D is widow. A with D is a dual entitlement. The method used is method b. List of Most Common Beneficiary Identification Codes A - Retirement on own work record B - Aged Wife B1 - Aged Husband B2 - Young Wife (with child in care) B6 - Divorced Wife C - Child D - Aged Widow from link in the wiki I don't know where you...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

I don't believe this is true, sscritic. This is the way spousal benefits work but not survivor benefits. For example, I am a widow and can claim widow's benefits ONLY from age 60 onwards (or age 50 if disabled) and not touch my work record benefits at all, let them grow until I am age 70. In her case, it may be somewhat different because she already filed for her work record benefits, but since she is only 62, it was obviously recently and it may be possible for her to roll back the clock to put herself in my situation by repaying her own work record benefits. Then she could file as a widow ONLY now and collect those benefits until she is 70 and her own-benefits have grown maximally. You don't get a benefit you don't apply for. The only wa...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time."
Replies: 82
Views: 22588

Re: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time.

I was having trouble finding the correct reference in the CFR. This doesn't discuss the timing, but does discuss how to count months. § 404.412. After my benefits are reduced for age when and how will adjustments to that reduction be made? (a) When may adjustment be necessary? The following months are not counted for purposes of reducing benefits in accordance with § 404.410 [How does SSA reduce my benefits when my entitlement begins before full retirement age?]; (1) Months subject to deduction under § 404.415 or § 404.417 ; [this is the reduction for excess earnings] ... (b) When is the adjustment made? We make automatic adjustments in benefits to exclude the months of entitlement described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (6) of this section ...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

Would there ever be a time where she would receive her own benefits and widow benefits? As far as I know this is not possible. Technically, she will always get her own benefit. Say her benefit is $1000. Say the widow's benefit is $2400. What she will get is $1000 + $1400 = $2400. That may look like $2400, but it is really her own $1000 plus an extra $1400 because of him. Method B - Both benefits calculated and reduced independently; small MBA paid plus excess of larger MBA. NOTE: If larger MBA is a RIB or DIB just pay the RIB or DIB. ... A spouse is entitled to a benefit of $1000 before reduction. She is also entitled to a RIB of $400 before reduction. Each benefit is reduced separately. The spouse benefit is reduced to $900 and the RIB is...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

I think she shouldn't make any final decisions tomorrow. What she should do is find out his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) and her own PIA. Her benefit as herself is her PIA multiplied by some number. Today, it is one number, but if she withdraws her application and waits until 70 to re-apply, it will be another number. The same is true of her benefit as a widow, except that it is a multiple of his PIA. It is one number if she applies today and another if she waits until age 66. So here are some additional questions she can ask after she asks for both PIAs. 1) how much would I get as a widow today? 2) how much would I have to pay back if I withdraw my application for retirement benefits (her own)? 3) how much would I get as a widow if I app...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse
Replies: 34
Views: 13727

Re: Social Security benefits for surviving spouse

Does she need the money? She can keep her own benefit now and switch to his at her Full Retirement Age (66 if born in 1952). If she takes the widow's benefit before then, it will be reduced permanently.
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 7:04 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Estate Tax- Non resident- Advice Requested
Replies: 19
Views: 3252

Re: Estate Tax- Non resident- Advice Requested

Another good thing when you invest through Ireland-domiciled ETFs is that dividends end up being taxed around 15% instead of 30%. I'm not sure why but it's good :-) Ireland US tax treaty, Article 10, Dividends 2. However, such dividends may also be taxed in the Contracting State of which the company paying the dividends is a resident and according to the laws of that State, but if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a resident of the other Contracting State, except as otherwise provided in this Article, the tax so charged shall not exceed: a) 5 percent of the gross amount of the dividends if the beneficial owner is a company that owns at least 10 percent of the voting stock of the company paying the dividends; b) 15 percent of the gro...
by sscritic
Wed Aug 13, 2014 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Real world mechanics of a "backdoor" Roth
Replies: 11
Views: 3043

Re: Real world mechanics of a "backdoor" Roth

As mhalley says, you make a contribution to a traditional IRA. Whether that contribution is deductible is another matter.

IRA deductions go on line 32 of your 1040
32 IRA deduction
The 1040 Instructions for line 32 start with
If you made contributions to a traditional IRA for 2013, you may be able to take an IRA deduction.
May be able. Some are, some aren't. You can't from what you say.

Nondeductible contributions are reported on Form 8606, Nondeductible IRAs. Form 8606 is also used to report your conversion, but you can make a non-deductible contribution without converting it. You want to convert, but you don't have to.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time."
Replies: 82
Views: 22588

Re: Vanguard: "Social Security: How to decide when it's time

Sorry to be dim, but what is a scenerio where it'd be helpful ? Let's say I "file and suspend" at FRA (66yo for me). If, sometime between then and age 70, I decide I'd like to start receiving benefits, I can imagine two things. A, I start getting benefits at that time, at the same level as if I'd waited until that age to file; or B, I retroactively receive all the benefits I would have received if I hadn't suspended. Can I choose between those two things ? If so, I see the benefit: I wait until 70yo and then pick box A, unless significant health issues or financial duress arise in the interim, in which case I pick B at that time. Otherwise, if A, I might as well just wait to file until I want benefits; or, if B, I might as well j...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

Have you looked at databases, hot picks? Here is 2013 and the first half of 2014. It's easy to copy and paste.

Code: Select all

2013	230.280	232.166	232.773	232.531	232.945	233.504	233.596	233.877	234.149	233.546	233.069	233.049	232.957	232.366	233.548
2014	233.916	234.781	236.293	237.072	237.900	238.343	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	                                          236.384
The last three columns are Annual, Half1, and Half2, which is why 2014 only has data for the second of the three. [Make your window nice and wide]
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time."
Replies: 82
Views: 22588

Re: Vanguard: "Social Security: How to decide when it's time

caroljm36 wrote: No I wasn't confusing those two terms...I intend to file a restricted application at FRA next year, but now I think it's logically impossible to do that and also file and suspend my own old age pension.

What I'm still confused about is whether I can get 1/2 of my husband's SS amount as a spouse even though it is not more than my own would be at that time.
The benefit is never the issue; the issue is the PIA. Please refer back to my reply immediately after your question was posted. I think I answered your questions, but if something is not clear, please ask with reference to the information I gave you in that reply. Perhaps if you start by quoting it rather than another post it would help me give you a better answer.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

I still don't get why you need an update for 1913 every month. The numbers really shouldn't be changing. Have the 1913 numbers changed once since the 1982-84 resetting?

If you already have the 101 years from 1913 to 2013, why do you need a repeat every month? I keep track of the CPI-W for the social security COLA. Each month, I add one number, I don't go all the way back and reenter all the numbers I already have. Color me confused.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

The other nice thing about databases, top picks is that they have the 1967 = 100 series, which is used by one of my pensions in protecting me against loss of purchasing power. Most of the time, you only see 1982-84 = 100.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

PDF's are a pain. They are even making them so you can't copy and paste into the compose box.

However, for this particular question, I still like databases, top picks. Here are the first six months of this year, and it pastes perfectly, here and in a spreadsheet.

233.916 234.781 236.293 237.072 237.900 238.343
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

I went to tables. I clicked on CPI Detailed Report (tables 1-29) June 2014 (PDF). I scrolled to Table 24. The first page shows every month from 1913 to 1969. The next page shows the annual numbers for the same years. The next page shows every month from 1970 to June 2014. The next page shows annual numbers for 1970 through the first half of 2014.

I don't know what you see.

P.S. I still like databases, top picks.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fed Taxes on Sale of Rental/Primary Residence
Replies: 12
Views: 1953

Re: Fed Taxes on Sale of Rental/Primary Residence

Read pub 523. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p523.pdf This might be similar to your situation: Example 2. William owned and used a house as his main home from 2007 through 2010. On January 1, 2011, he moved to another state. He rented his house from that date until April 30, 2013, when he sold it. During the 5-year period ending on the date of sale (May 1, 2008-April 30, 2013), William owned and lived in the house for more than 2 years. Because it was rental property at the time of the sale, he must report the sale on Form 4797. Because the period of nonqualified use does not include any part of the 5-year period after the last date William lived in the house, he has no period of nonqualified use. Because he met the ownership and use tests,...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

nisiprius wrote:Is this what you want?

http://www.bls.gov/cpi/cpifiles/cpiai.txt
Probably, except it stopped in January (it is dated 02-20-2014 after the January numbers were released).
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

You can always get the last few years worth: Go to databases, top picks
http://www.bls.gov/cpi/#data
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CPI table
Replies: 25
Views: 5228

Re: CPI table

Table Containing History of CPI-U U.S. All Items Indexes and Annual Percent Changes From 1913 to Present is now available in the CPI Detailed Report as Table 24
You have to ignore all the other tables.

Since you are updating your own table, do your really need the data from 1913? Wouldn't the current year's data suffice?
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Question: Understanding WEP and GPO
Replies: 6
Views: 1692

Re: Social Security Question: Understanding WEP and GPO

Start here: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300605360 It is true that if you don't have a pension, then you don't have a pension to take. That is what taking all the money out of your plan before you are eligible for a pension means. It is not a trick; once the money is gone, there is no pension anymore. In other words, if you quit your non-covered job at age 40 and withdraw all your money from your pension plan, you are not in a pension plan and you won't get a pension from the plan you are no longer in. I think it is that simple. However, if you wait until you are eligible for a pension, then you have a pension. At least that's how I read. Note that eligible and entitled have similar meanings as their meanings for SS: 2. Eligi...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MAGI for Medicare Rates
Replies: 36
Views: 12462

Re: MAGI for Medicare Rates

Download SSA-44. Read it carefully. See if it applies to you. http://www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf Note the gone down, not gone up. If you had a major life-changing event and your income has gone down , you may use this form to request a reduction in your income-related monthly adjustment amount. This is the 12/2013 version using your income from 2012 to determine your premiums for 2014. If I understand you, you are paying IRMAA for 2014 based on your income in 2012. Your income in 2014 is even higher than your income in 2012. Where is the lower income? If your income is lower in 2015 than in 2014, when 2016 rolls around, you can request that they use 2015 rather than 2014 because of your change in employment. You don't get approv...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help!! Can some one explain tax loss harvesting
Replies: 16
Views: 2513

Re: Help!! Can some one explain tax loss harvesting

hello my name is Camptalcott (camp for short) and I'm a slow learner...... :oops: Ok they say that admitting you have a problem is the first step to getting help. :D So I'm reading my boglehead guide to retirement and I'm going through some of the videos at the "new to investing" thread suggested but..... I'm not sure if I have this tax lost harvesting thing clear. (an entire chapter dedicated to it!! it's got to be important) So what I think I'm reading is, I've got a a portfolio with stocks, if it loses value I can use that amount as a deduction on my income taxes? Not quite. In a taxable account, when you sell something, shares of a single fund or shares of a stock, you will have a gain or a loss. Gains go on your tax return a...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security Question: Understanding WEP and GPO
Replies: 6
Views: 1692

Re: Social Security Question: Understanding WEP and GPO

My questions are: 1) By about how much will the WEP provision reduce my social security benefit? 2) After my wife and I both retire (and are alive), would my receiving a pension have any effect on her social security benefit? 3) If I pass away before my wife, she will get my full pension. Will getting my pension have any effect on her social security benefit at that point? 4) If my wife passes away before me, the California State Teachers’ Retirement System states that my pension will increase to the amount it would have been if I had not chosen a beneficiary option. Would the Government Pension Offset result in my social security benefit as a widower becoming $0? Thanks so much for taking the time to help answer any of these questions. 1)...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time."
Replies: 82
Views: 22588

Re: Vanguard: "Social Security: How to decide when it's time

Can you file and suspend your own old-age benefit at FRA *and* file for spousal benefit? No, not unless your own benefit is very low. Also, your spouse has to have filed for an old age benefit. When you file and otherwise qualify for a benefit, you are entitled to it. Even if you choose not to collect the benefit to which you are entitled, you are still entitled to it. You can't be someone's spouse if you are entitled to an old age benefit based on a PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) that is at least half of the spouse's PIA. Example 1: your PIA = $1500, spouse's PIA = $2000. You can't be a spouse of your spouse if you file for your own benefit (1500 is at least half of 2000). Example 2: your PIA = $600, spouse's PIA = $2000. Your spouse is c...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MAGI for Medicare Rates
Replies: 36
Views: 12462

Re: MAGI for Medicare Rates

See form SSA-44. I received payout of accrued sick leave and vacation upon retirement which was about 6 months of pay. I retired at the end of 2010 so this really pushed me over the MAGI limit. Since this was clearly a 1-time event they agreed to reset my Medicare B rate for the next year. I think I had to write a letter explaining the situation. I am not disputing the result, just a few of the details don't jibe with what I know. You first said you called them. I wrote that I thought you needed a form. You now write that you wrote a letter. I still think you would have filled out a form, but I could be wrong. As far as I know, they don't "remove" your extra premium, they used a different year (a non-exceptional year, if you will...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:29 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Setting signature not working ?
Replies: 24
Views: 5307

Re: Setting signature not working ?

When posting , below the "Save draft", "Preview" and "Submit" buttons is an "Options" tab that includes a checkbox for "Attach a signature (signatures can be altered via the UCP)" that can be used to change whether your signature is included or not. I have no idea if it is my computer settings, operating system, or whatever, but within the screen that shows the "compose" area, there is absolutely NOT any button or anything else that refers to "attaching" said signature. Writing a signature is not posting a post . One is one place, one another. Look at what you see when you compose a post for posting . You are absolutely correct. If you look at the edit a signature page, ...
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:22 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Setting signature not working ?
Replies: 24
Views: 5307

Re: Setting signature not working ?

Peculiar_Investor wrote: When posting, below the "Save draft", "Preview" and "Submit" buttons is an "Options" tab that includes a checkbox for "Attach a signature (signatures can be altered via the UCP)" that can be used to change whether your signature is included or not.
Which is why setting the default is unnecessary, unless you are lazy or forgetful or both. Me, I am both. Since it seems that RM's default was set to off, she could have just used the checkbox when posting to check to see if her signature had taken.

P.S. I now realize I was using the term radio buttons incorrectly. I apologize. Radio buttons are for when you are allowed only one choice; checkboxes for when you can chose one, all, or none.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time."
Replies: 82
Views: 22588

Re: Vanguard: "Social Security: How to decide when it's time

ResearchMed wrote: But IF one did file and suspend (married or single), then one can go all the way back to FRA to collect ALL benefits from that date.
Only if you file and suspend at FRA. If you file and suspend at 68, you can't go all the way back to FRA to collect ALL benefits from that date.

I know that in the post that was quoted in the post that you quoted, the words
This is a good reason to file and suspend at FRA
appeared, and they were your words, so I am assuming you were thinking of FRA when you wrote the above. I just wanted to clarify for someone who wouldn't necessarily read the quote inside the quote that you quoted.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard:"Social Security: How to decide when it's time."
Replies: 82
Views: 22588

Re: Vanguard: "Social Security: How to decide when it's time

RM is correct. If you suspend (filing being a prerequisite - you can't suspend what you don't have), you must be FRA. If you later decide that you don't want to be in suspension, you can take yourself off suspension. The date that your suspension will be lifted can be in the past, the present, or the future.
The numberholder who requested suspension may request at any time to have benefits reinstated effective for any month of the suspension period.
If you suspend at FRA, you can reinstate as of FRA. If you suspend at age 68, you can only reinstate as of the day your suspension started.
by sscritic
Tue Aug 12, 2014 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MAGI for Medicare Rates
Replies: 36
Views: 12462

Re: MAGI for Medicare Rates

Actually, I would like to expand on Judge Hand by paraphrasing him: “Any one may so arrange his affairs that his costs shall be as low as possible" where costs can include both insurance premiums and taxes. My auto insurance company offers me a discount if I take a senior drivers safety course. Judge Hand tells me the choice is mine. If I want to do a Roth conversion of $300k, I can do it all in one year or do $100k a year for three years. Judge Hand tells me the choice is mine, and that I should consider both the cost in taxes and the cost in insurance premiums over the next five years (a conversion in year three might increase my insurance premiums in year five - not "the following year"). Similarly, Alan S. and others remi...
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Auto insurance question
Replies: 4
Views: 1055

Re: Auto insurance question

I would ask a different question of my agent. I assume the cost of the umbrella goes up when the coverage underneath goes down, so I would want to know total costs of auto plus umbrella two ways:

high auto coverage (implying cheaper umbrella but more expensive auto)
low auto coverage (implying more expensive umbrella but cheaper auto)

I don't have an umbrella, but I am assuming you don't get free coverage, that you have to pay one or the other provider. I could be wrong, maybe you can get something for nothing.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 11:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MAGI for Medicare Rates
Replies: 36
Views: 12462

Re: MAGI for Medicare Rates

I think the MAGI limits start at 214,000 and go up again at 320,000 and then 428,000. Exceeding these limits increase the Medicare payments for the following year. It is a 2 year look back. One can petition to have it changed if there has been a significant change in your income, for example, you retired. IRMAA starts at $85,001. At that level you could be paying a premium of $272.70 a month rather than $104.90. I am not sure what it the it is that you think can be changed, but what you can change is the year that they use the income from to determine your premium. Changing the year may or may not change the premium (of course, if the premium didn't change with the change in the year, why would you bother to ask them to change the year?).
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:09 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Setting signature not working ?
Replies: 24
Views: 5307

Re: Setting signature not working ?

P.P.S. That's it for now. Today is another granddaughter's birthday day at Disneyland.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 10:08 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Setting signature not working ?
Replies: 24
Views: 5307

Re: Setting signature not working ?

My point: Saving a signature is not the same as posting a signature. The two are separate settings. You can set your default posting to include your signature, just as you can set your default to disable smilies. One doesn't just go into the control panel, edit signature section, type in signature of choice, and click submit? No, that is not enough. That's what I told you. I write what I write for a reason. I am trying to help you. You have to do your part. I could be wrong, but we won't know until you follow my suggestions. Did you look at the bottom of the compose window when you wrote this post? Did you see buttons? I tend to mean what I say, except when I am lying. Did you do what I suggested? make sure that attach a signature is check...
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:53 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Setting signature not working ?
Replies: 24
Views: 5307

Re: Setting signature not working ?

My point: Saving a signature is not the same as posting a signature. The two are separate settings. You can set your default posting to include your signature, just as you can set your default to disable smilies.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:47 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: Setting signature not working ?
Replies: 24
Views: 5307

Re: Setting signature not working ?

Open another window. Start a reply in this one. Set the signature in the other. Record your steps in this one. After setting the signature in the other, make sure that attach a signature is checked below in this window. [Actually, do that first. :) ]

If all is good, post in this window.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you address your inlaws and being addressed?
Replies: 84
Views: 9236

Re: How do you address your inlaws and being addressed?

No first names when speaking up a generation. My parents were Mom and Dad to me. My wife's parents were Mama and Papa to her. When we got married, no one changed their names. Mom, Dad, Mama, and Papa were the only names we used.[...] This is so exactly like we do (of course, the words we use are different). Point being that father and mother have synonyms. I refer to my parents with one set of synonyms and my wife addresses her parents with another set (this was convenient). So, now, I address her parents with the synonyms she uses and vice versa. Now, for siblings-in-law, it is first name basis for younger ones and a slightly respectful word for older (~ 10 years gap) siblings-in-law. While my wife's immediate family didn't use terms for ...
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Changing queen size to king size
Replies: 9
Views: 26701

Re: Changing queen size to king size

aude wrote:If you don't care about the side rails or a bit of kludgery, consider this plan:

Disassemble bed
Attach headboard to wall behind bed
Attach king-width 2x4 across width of headboard
Lay down standard metal king bed frame (cheap)
Attach head of frame to 2x4
Attach another 2x4 to foot of frame
Attach footboard to second 2x4

Use fluffy quilt and bedskirt to hide extra width

If you're handy this will take a half hour or less. Worked well for us in identical situation.
You need a metal frame that is the right size. My metal frame for my king-sized bed is 74" long. I have no footboard. The two ends are not identical; there is nothing to attach to at the foot, unlike the head.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: is the S&P actively managed?
Replies: 10
Views: 2307

Re: is the S&P actively managed?

Here is a better one; you tell me the fund. **Derived by applying the fund’s target asset allocation to the results of the following benchmarks: for international stocks of developed markets, the MSCI EAFE Index through December 15, 2010, the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index through June 2, 2013, and the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index thereafter; for emerging-market stocks, the Select Emerging Markets Index through August 23, 2006, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index through December 15, 2010, the MSCI ACWI ex USA IMI Index through June 2, 2013, and the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index thereafter; for U.S. bonds, the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index through December 31, 2009, and the Barclays U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Index thereafter; for inte...
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: is the S&P actively managed?
Replies: 10
Views: 2307

Re: is the S&P actively managed?

The SEC allows you to make up your own and change it at will:
Wellington Composite Index** (Benchmark)

**65% S&P 500 Index and 35% Lehman U.S. Long Credit AA or Better Bond Index through February 29, 2000; 65% S&P 500 Index and 35% Barclays U.S. Credit A or Better Bond Index thereafter.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wills, Spouses, Prenups, etc.
Replies: 67
Views: 7005

Re: Wills, Spouses, Prenups, etc.

ResearchMed wrote: And does husband have any retirement accounts of the sort where spouse muse be given at least 50%?
If you have a 50% right to a 401(k) that gets rolled over to an IRA, your rights drop to zero.
by sscritic
Mon Aug 11, 2014 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Convince me I can make a dumb (car-related) purchase
Replies: 56
Views: 18576

Re: Convince me I can make a dumb (car-related) purchase

I am curious: why did you think there was a question? The math seems pretty simple.

You said you wanted to be talked down, so here goes: don't buy a new car, get a motorcycle. Feel better now? :)

P.S. The last time I bought a new car, I didn't ask anyone's permission, certainly not this crowd. Hey, I have only met one of them as far as I know. Who are they, anyway?

P.P.S. Do you have a pre-nup? Did you listen to this crowd on pre-nups?