Search found 657 matches

by theduke
Fri Mar 15, 2024 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fees for selling Mutual Funds?
Replies: 5
Views: 723

Re: Fees for selling Mutual Funds?

Not knowing anything about these particular mutual funds, but the Market can move 1/4 to 1 % on any given day. I would just sell them and be done.
by theduke
Thu Feb 29, 2024 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Vanguard Have a Money Market Account Debit Card
Replies: 9
Views: 1587

Re: Does Vanguard Have a Money Market Account Debit Card

It seems to me that a debit card connected to one's investment account could be a dangerous situation if someone else got access to it and one had a large amount of money there.
by theduke
Sun Feb 18, 2024 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R Block Software 2023 Deluxe Error calculating refund
Replies: 4
Views: 601

Re: H&R Block Software 2023 Deluxe Error calculating refund

When your daughter filled out her 1040, did she check the box that she is being claimed as a dependent by someone else?
by theduke
Sat Jan 13, 2024 9:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transition to Vanguard Brokerage Platform
Replies: 8
Views: 1304

Re: Transition to Vanguard Brokerage Platform

About last July when I tried to transition our joint account, it did not work. I called Vanguard and the rep promptly did it.
by theduke
Wed Dec 06, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Why is there no clear option to move my Vanguard IRA RMD to my Vanguard Brokerage account?
Replies: 9
Views: 1571

Re: Why is there no option to move my Vanguard IRA RMD to my Vanguard Brokerage account?

I took my RMD today. I changed my withholding to the amount I wanted, but it was a challenge to figure it out. The whole RMD this year was a challenge. I changed from the mutual fund platform to the brokerage platform this year. Vanguard sure made the process difficult from being simple before.
by theduke
Wed Oct 04, 2023 8:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Not Accepting Transfer Until Form Notarized & Mailed
Replies: 26
Views: 2691

Re: Vanguard Not Accepting Transfer Until Form Notarized & Mailed

PescadorPete wrote: Wed Oct 04, 2023 8:48 am Actually, truth be told, it's my wife's account. She has no interest in finance. So having her call about it is a hassle. I did however use Vanguard's secure messaging system to ask.
You can call Vanguard, let your wife tell the Vanguard Rep that she wants you to speak for her about her account.
by theduke
Thu Aug 31, 2023 2:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: homeowners insurance and wind coverage for hurricanes (and tornadoes)
Replies: 19
Views: 1814

Re: homeowners insurance and wind coverage for hurricanes (and tornadoes)

goonie wrote: Thu Aug 31, 2023 12:08 pm
theduke wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 9:32 pm In NC, there is a separate Wind policy one buys through the state. I don't know if it is all insurance companies or just some of them. But, when I lived near the coast, I had two different companies and got my wind policy through the state.
Thanks.

I'm guessing most/all standard policies sold in Raleigh or Charlotte (i.e. not near the coast) include windstorm damage. But that's just a guess and would require verification when buying a policy.
Yes, I think policies for Raleigh or Charlotte would be your regular homeowners policy.
by theduke
Wed Aug 30, 2023 9:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: homeowners insurance and wind coverage for hurricanes (and tornadoes)
Replies: 19
Views: 1814

Re: homeowners insurance and wind coverage for hurricanes (and tornadoes)

In NC, there is a separate Wind policy one buys through the state. I don't know if it is all insurance companies or just some of them. But, when I lived near the coast, I had two different companies and got my wind policy through the state.
by theduke
Wed Aug 23, 2023 8:51 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What motivated you to save money?
Replies: 232
Views: 27995

Re: What motivated you to save money?

I grew up in the 50's and 60's. My father had a saying, "anything I can't pay for, I don't need". Buying anything on credit was a nono. I took after him.
by theduke
Sun Apr 23, 2023 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bank didn't ask for ID to open deposit box
Replies: 15
Views: 3686

Re: Bank didn't ask for ID to open deposit box

"I've taken certain things out of the box until I have this sorted."

Do you think those certain things are safer at your home than in the Safe Deposit box?
No one can get in your safe deposit box without your key.
by theduke
Wed Apr 12, 2023 10:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Painting or Wrapping PVC Pipes for Aesthetics
Replies: 28
Views: 2361

Re: Painting or Wrapping PVC Pipes for Aesthetics

I have a PVC drain pipe that has about 24" showing at the end. I just used some exterior latex paint and painted it green to match some grass. After a year it's still holding up. And I didn't go to any extreme prepping it for paint.
by theduke
Fri Mar 31, 2023 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Relative in hospital - wife in dementia - kids need info to help them
Replies: 33
Views: 4164

Re: Relative in hospital - wife in dementia - kids need info to help them

If the daughters can find previous tax returns, that could give them some idea of their finances.
by theduke
Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite music from the 70s?
Replies: 357
Views: 31188

Re: Favorite music from the 70s?

Simon & Garfunkle
John Denver
Elvis
Frank Sinatra
Creedence Clearwater
by theduke
Wed Mar 15, 2023 6:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Mutual Series Funds - An Interesting History
Replies: 6
Views: 852

Re: Mutual Series Funds - An Interesting History

I invested in Mutual Shares in 1987, just before the big drop. I sold it about 1995 when I moved it to Vanguard Index 500.
by theduke
Wed Mar 15, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fake Vanguard email spoof [May not be spoof - Move to brokerage platform request]
Replies: 11
Views: 3804

Re: Fake Vanguard email spoof

My wife received it also, I don't think it was fake.
by theduke
Fri Feb 03, 2023 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: State distribution on 1099-R
Replies: 15
Views: 1266

Re: State distribution on 1099-R

I would enter all information that is on the 1099 R exactly. I wouldn't be concerned about State. The IRS doesn't care about State taxes or lack of State taxes.
by theduke
Wed Feb 01, 2023 2:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Annuitants, did your February payment drop for no apparent reason?
Replies: 7
Views: 932

Re: Federal Annuitants, did your February payment drop for no apparent reason?

Swansea wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:32 pm
theduke wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:20 pm I haven't received my federal annuity tax documents yet, anyone else?
Received mine today.
Thanks, maybe tomorrow then.
by theduke
Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Annuitants, did your February payment drop for no apparent reason?
Replies: 7
Views: 932

Re: Federal Annuitants, did your February payment drop for no apparent reason?

I haven't received my federal annuity tax documents yet, anyone else?
by theduke
Fri Dec 30, 2022 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity Account Breached (and what I did about it)
Replies: 122
Views: 23481

Re: Fidelity Account Breached (and what I did about it)

In addition to what OP suggest, I highly recommend to: * use a randomly generated username, and make sure it's different from any other user name * for answers to security questions also use non sensical answers. for instance the answer to "your favorite pet" could be "klingon targ", so something that makes no sense and as such it would be very difficult to guess. For a long time I have questioned the lunacy behind idiotic security questions. Sometimes the choice is "who is your favorite recording artist?" Well, if you ask me today, my favorite might be "Band X", but six months from now it my be "Artist Z." How can one possibly remember the correct answer, say two years from now? And how th...
by theduke
Sat Dec 24, 2022 9:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 SS Statement of Benefits
Replies: 11
Views: 2166

Re: 2023 SS Statement of Benefits

I received mine today.
by theduke
Sat Jul 03, 2021 10:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Do You Transfer Larger Amount Funds Between Institutions?
Replies: 33
Views: 6375

Re: How Do You Transfer Larger Amount Funds Between Institutions?

Did you go the bank and ask? Online my bank has limits, but I went in and had them transfer funds for a closing.
by theduke
Wed Feb 24, 2021 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: tax underpayment penalty use turbo tax estimate or let irs bill me?
Replies: 14
Views: 2069

Re: tax underpayment penalty use turbo tax estimate or let irs bill me?

Depends on how much of a penalty you owe. I would let the IRS send me a bill. You may receive a bill and you may not if it isn't a large amount. Now if you were like 50% too little, yea you will probably get a bill.
by theduke
Sun Dec 13, 2020 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend Honey Dispenser?
Replies: 20
Views: 1758

Re: Recommend Honey Dispenser?

tm3 wrote: Sun Dec 13, 2020 8:53 am
mcblum wrote: Sat Dec 12, 2020 10:05 am That's my wife!
We have a winner!

Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. I'm sharing them and hopefully one or more will give us the solution.
That one went right over my head. Congratulations to mcblum. :wink:
by theduke
Sat Dec 12, 2020 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend Honey Dispenser?
Replies: 20
Views: 1758

Re: Recommend Honey Dispenser?

SimonJester wrote: Sat Dec 12, 2020 9:44 am
theduke wrote: Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:50 pm First always buy local honey from a beekeeper.
If you have the ability this is always best. You get a local product with your local flora in it vs a mass commercialized product.

I steal mine from my hives in the back yard. We generally pull out about 4-5 gallons a season. We give away jars to family and neighbors...

I will say bee keeping has been a tough uphill battle...
SimonJester, I'm also a beekeeper.
by theduke
Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommend Honey Dispenser?
Replies: 20
Views: 1758

Re: Recommend Honey Dispenser?

First always buy local honey from a beekeeper. Get it in a pint mason jar. Use a honey dipper, pull it out and rotate a little until the honey stops dripping. Then let it drip where you want it. Place a lid with a hole just big enough for the handle of the honey dipper to fit through on the jar. Honey should never wind up on the outside of the jar.
by theduke
Thu Nov 26, 2020 9:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Not Experiencing Any Problems With Vanguard
Replies: 175
Views: 16357

Re: Not Experiencing Any Problems With Vanguard

I believe in the KISS method and Mr. Bogel's strategy. I haven't called Vanguard in twenty years. I can do what I need to on their website which is seldom used.
by theduke
Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Help Me Understand
Replies: 32
Views: 3309

Re: Help Me Understand

Mr. Bogle liked the Balanced Index Fund very much.
by theduke
Sat Nov 07, 2020 8:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: anyone live on a 'private' road? splitting up costs question
Replies: 59
Views: 12364

Re: anyone live on a 'private' road? splitting up costs question

On my road, it's done the same way as "hightower" above.
by theduke
Sun Oct 11, 2020 10:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Aunt wants help with finances, insists I get a middle name for added security?
Replies: 55
Views: 5298

Re: Aunt wants help with finances, insists I get a middle name for added security?

Consider what she wants you do to before you even start helping with her finances. What is she going to do when you help her and possibly her finances drop in a market decline. Who is she going to blame?
by theduke
Sat Oct 10, 2020 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part B & FEHB Insurance - Uneducated, please assist
Replies: 76
Views: 5395

Re: Medicare Part B & FEHB Insurance - Uneducated, please assist

ChrisC wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:25 pm
theduke wrote: Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:15 pm One more thing about Medicare Part B, I believe if a person declines to take Part B, then BCBS will not cover the portion that Medicare would have covered. The individual is responsible for that. So, make sure of that before considering to not take Part B.
I believe your belief is mistaken. FEHB plans don't take into account the fact that you've opted out of Medicare Part B. There are some medical expenses covered by FEHB plans and not Medicare Part B, and some medical expenses covered by Medicare Part B and not covered by some FEHB plans. https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insuranc ... dicare.pdf
Thank you ChrisC for the correct info.
by theduke
Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part B & FEHB Insurance - Uneducated, please assist
Replies: 76
Views: 5395

Re: Medicare Part B & FEHB Insurance - Uneducated, please assist

One more thing about Medicare Part B, I believe if a person declines to take Part B, then BCBS will not cover the portion that Medicare would have covered. The individual is responsible for that. So, make sure of that before considering to not take Part B.
by theduke
Fri Oct 09, 2020 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Part B & FEHB Insurance - Uneducated, please assist
Replies: 76
Views: 5395

Re: Medicare Part B & FEHB Insurance - Uneducated, please assist

I concur with retiredjg above. I am a retired Fed. I have medicare part A and B with BCBS Basic. I have not paid any medical bill or copay since I went on Medicare. I only pay for the presciption copays. If a person lives in an area that the medical community is BCBS preferred providers, then the Basic is a great plan. As retiredjg stated above, BCBS Basic pays back $800 per year for premiums.
by theduke
Tue Sep 01, 2020 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bee keeping
Replies: 69
Views: 5997

Re: Bee keeping

I've been keeping bees for 13 years. My best recommendation is to join your local beekeepers club. Nearly every county has one, just google for your county beekeeping assoc. Most clubs have a beginner beekeeping school, go to that when it's available, but covid has kind of postponed the schools. When you do those, you'll get a feel if it's something you really want to do. I will say that beekeeping can really get into a persons blood.
by theduke
Thu Apr 09, 2020 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No news from Vanguard on RMD changes?
Replies: 31
Views: 4767

Re: No news from Vanguard on RMD changes?

Alan S. wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:57 pm
theduke wrote: Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:46 pm I received an email from Vanguard saying I did not need to take a RMD this year. But, 2020 was going to be my first RMD year if that matters.
If you reach 70.5 in 2020, your first RMD year is the year you will reach 72, so there was no RMD for the CARES Act to waive.

But if you reached 70.5 in 2019, you would have a 2019 RMD that could have been deferred to 4/1/2020. If you fall into this category and left your 2019 RMD to 2020, it is waived. And your 2020 RMD is also waived, so you avoid 2 years of RMDs in this situation.
I turn 70 1/2 in 2020, so my first RMD would have been this year, but the Cares act changed the first RMD to age 72. Therefore Vanguard emailed me that I did not have to take the distribution for 2020.
by theduke
Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mutual Shares Fund - Still Worth Holding?
Replies: 12
Views: 1195

Re: Mutual Shares Fund - Still Worth Holding?

I sold it about the time the funds were sold to Franklin Tempelton. I wanted to simplify my portfolio and began moving every thing to Vanguard.
by theduke
Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No news from Vanguard on RMD changes?
Replies: 31
Views: 4767

Re: No news from Vanguard on RMD changes?

I received an email from Vanguard saying I did not need to take a RMD this year. But, 2020 was going to be my first RMD year if that matters.
by theduke
Wed Feb 26, 2020 12:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Earned Income Credit
Replies: 8
Views: 792

Re: Earned Income Credit

IRS Pub 970 covers Tax Benefits for Education. It explains Scholarships, Fellowship Grants, etc., and how to file it. Of course it doesn't explain how to enter in H & R Block tax software.
by theduke
Sat Jan 04, 2020 10:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Novice Question: 2 or 3 Funds as an ideal portfolio?
Replies: 67
Views: 4434

Re: Novice Question: 2 or 3 Funds as an ideal portfolio?

I go with what Mr Bogle liked. The Total Stock Market and the Total Bond Market. KISS. I sleep very well at night.
by theduke
Sun Dec 01, 2019 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feds: FEHB + Medicare Part B [Aetna Direct vs. BCBS Basic]
Replies: 24
Views: 1531

Re: Feds: FEHB + Medicare Part B [Aetna Direct vs. BCBS Basic]

I have BCBS Basic with medicare A & B and very happy with it.
by theduke
Mon Nov 18, 2019 10:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Blue Cross Standard versus Basic
Replies: 66
Views: 41214

Re: Federal Blue Cross Standard versus Basic

I am on Medicare with the BCBS Basic plan. It works great, medicare pays their portion and Basic pays the rest including any deductables. I don't have to pay anything, except the premiums of course. And if a person is on medicare with Basic, BCBS will refund $600 of the premium.
by theduke
Thu Nov 14, 2019 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Replies: 19
Views: 2161

Re: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Thanks all for the information. Very helpful.
by theduke
Wed Nov 13, 2019 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Replies: 19
Views: 2161

Re: Carbon Monoxide Alarms

I'm curious as to the best location. Some are sold to plug into an outlet and some are combined with a smoke detector which are mounted high on the wall. It is my understanding that Carbon monoxide is heavier than air, so it would be low. So where is the best location?
by theduke
Tue Nov 12, 2019 9:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dow closing
Replies: 13
Views: 2640

Re: Dow closing

jeffyscott
The stock market was open yesterday, the bond market was closed.
by theduke
Tue Nov 12, 2019 4:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dow closing
Replies: 13
Views: 2640

Re: Dow closing

Thanks I didn't know it was that common.
by theduke
Tue Nov 12, 2019 3:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dow closing
Replies: 13
Views: 2640

Dow closing

Wow, it looks like the Dow closed today at the exact same price as yesterday. I've never seen two consecutive closings the same.