Search found 6666 matches

by Sidney
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: adjusted cost basis & 8949
Replies: 22
Views: 1221

Re: adjusted cost basis & 8949

jebmke wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 1:57 pm Once again and for the last time. If you enter the data exactly as reported on the 1099-B your taxes will be done correctly unless the software you are using is flawed.

I'm done here.
right; brokers have been reporting covered sales for over a decade. I've seen errors on 1099-Bs but never in the adjustments column (1g).
by Sidney
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3570

Re: Roof repair - reasonable?

Big Dog wrote: Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:38 am The flashing itself is really cheap. Cost for repairs is mostly labor. Have you obtained any other bids? As noted upthread, roof sealing deteriorates over time. Perhaps it can be re=sealed as is and get you another 5+ years.
Not likely 5 but perhaps a few months. Sheathing has a "hole" - from inside it appear not to be completely punctured but difficult to see exactly. Sheathing is clearly wet but no dripping on insulation over ceiling below apparent.
by Sidney
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3570

Re: Roof repair - reasonable?

Thanks. Not concerned about the quality of the contractor. Have consulted others. Roof is on one-story ranch. Chimney is brick, just for the fireplace. Flashing would be four sides. One option might be to see if there is a quick and dirty "fix" to buy time to go through specifying and quoting for complete re-roof which would likely involve more than roof (e.g. new gutters, possibly soffits). Other matters including near term focus on health of one person means that there isn't a lot of spare time to do the due-diligence on a re-roof; a quick fix might buy enough time to get that done in the coming weeks/months. I don't have a sense of new roof costs in this area. There is a roofing center nearby so perhaps someone there who is not...
by Sidney
Sun Feb 25, 2024 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3570

Roof repair - reasonable?

Slow leak around chimney. Apparently not flashed properly. Repairs will be to re-flash properly, replace two sections of sheathing and re-shingle area (asphalt). Estimate is $3,500 I don't have a good sense of the numbers but no reason to suspect they are off; the firm does work locally and comes recommended by people I know who have used his company. I had one interaction with him during pandemic. He came out to evaluate another issue; was quite honest that he didn't have the labor force available to get to me anytime soon but did a short-term fix on the spot to stop the leak and didn't charge me. Due to time and good weather outlook near term not inclined to spend a lot of time getting other estimates. I don't know what portion of the cos...
by Sidney
Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Joint Return, one spouse unable to sign
Replies: 13
Views: 1886

Re: Joint Return, one spouse unable to sign

investorpeter wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:50 pm From https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/ ... e_4012.pdf
Incapacitated Spouse
If the spouse can’t sign because of injury or disease and tells the taxpayer to sign for him or her, the taxpayer can sign
the spouse’s name on the return followed by the words “By (your name), Husband (or Wife).” A dated statement must be
attached to the return. See Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, for requirements to
include in the statement.
I have also signed for an incapacitated parent using the above method and had no problems.
I'll look at the pub. But this says "but tells the taxpayer to sign for him or her" which isn't possible now.
by Sidney
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Joint Return, one spouse unable to sign
Replies: 13
Views: 1886

Joint Return, one spouse unable to sign

A friend of mine is hospitalized and unable to speak or move. His wife asked me about how to handle authorizing the tax preparer to file their joint return. I asked her if they had executed POAs which she is going to check in their safe deposit box. If she does not have a POA, what are her options with regard to authorizing their tax preparer to file the return. I am not interested in "just send it anyway" type responses - while they might succeed, I do not want to advise her to skirt whatever process is legal and proper. Pub 17 isn't exactly clear: Injury or disease prevents signing. If your spouse can’t sign because of disease or injury and tells you to sign for them, you can sign your spouse’s name in the proper space on the re...
by Sidney
Thu Jul 27, 2023 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure washer - what size?
Replies: 21
Views: 1201

Re: Pressure washer - what size?

With pressure washers, you're trading off a few factors, which can be summarized as: Initial Cost Cleaning Power Size Initial cost for most PWs is dirt cheap now. Amortized over the lifespan of the device, and the time you *might* save with a better PW, it's not too significant. But *size* is a noteable tradeoff with PWs. The more powerful ones are bigger (and heavier), which means that when you're not using them (99%+ of the time) they take up more space somewhere. And when you're extracting them from their storage location and moving them around as you use them, they're a pain. I bought the ~smallest size Greenworks not long ago, as it SEEMED good enough for my needs. But it does take a long time to clean substantial areas, well. So, I b...
by Sidney
Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure washer - what size?
Replies: 21
Views: 1201

Re: Pressure washer - what size?

CaptainT wrote: Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:37 am You don't want to use to much pressure on wood. If you pre-spray with something like this you don't need as much pressure and the job is a lot easier
https://www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-1-Gal-D ... /202056506
thanks. I don't have any wood. I like Zep products. For the pool deck I have to be a bit careful about what I use since it might get into the pool water or on the vinyl liner. Thinking a bit of chlorine would probably do the trick on the black algae. Chlorine goes into the pool routinely and any that gets on the edge of the liner can easily be rinsed off with a hose.
by Sidney
Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure washer - what size?
Replies: 21
Views: 1201

Re: Pressure washer - what size?

Smaller is fine. You don't need super high pressure. Define small - the range is pretty wide. 1.5 to 2k minimum Sun Joe SPX205E-MAX Electric Pressure Washer, Adjustable Spray Wand, Rim Brush, Black https://a.co/d/fgGjazB https://www.homedepot.com/p/HM-1600-PSI-1-4-GPM-Cold-Water-Electric-Pressure-Washer-with-13-Amp-Engine-68167/317018183 Thanks - that helps me narrow things down. I had a feeling that would be enough. A few have some different features but I can sort those out easy enough - I just had no intuitive feel for pressure rating and GPM ratings. I'm mainly trying to eliminate some manual scrubbing on the deck. Although there is some black algae on the concrete around the pool and some brick work that is really beyond elbow grease.
by Sidney
Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure washer - what size?
Replies: 21
Views: 1201

Re: Pressure washer - what size?

CaptainT wrote: Thu Jul 27, 2023 10:06 am Smaller is fine. You don't need super high pressure.
Define small - the range is pretty wide.
by Sidney
Thu Jul 27, 2023 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure washer - what size?
Replies: 21
Views: 1201

Pressure washer - what size?

Application is light to medium: concrete deck around pool, Timbertech deck, brick wall. Mainly cleaning dirt and algae.

This will be a corded electric as the areas to be cleaned are close to the house and electricity is easy access.

When I look at offerings (e.g. Greenworks) it is like looking at a diner menu?

For these applications, where should I target minimum PSI, GPM? I don't want to over-kill just for the sake of over-kill.
by Sidney
Sat Jul 22, 2023 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long wait at Hyundai dealership for service (resolved)
Replies: 27
Views: 2736

Re: Long wait at Hyundai dealership for service (resolved)

I'd sell or trade the car. Not interested in owning a car under warranty where the manufacturer can't support the warranty.
by Sidney
Mon May 15, 2023 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1160

Re: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund

Looking at the worksheet, I find it barely better than the text in the publication.
by Sidney
Mon May 15, 2023 3:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1160

Re: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund

Yes; thanks for the search tool. VG Charitable comes up as PC as well.
by Sidney
Mon May 15, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1160

Re: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund

That would be one of my key questions too. I didn't see DAFs called out specifically in the pub in the discussion of limits. Foundations (private and public) shown but I did not see DAFs mentioned.
by Sidney
Mon May 15, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1160

Re: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund

Thanks. I'll take a look at that worksheet. I don't know how I missed that. I was focused on the various paragraphs.
by Sidney
Mon May 15, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deductions: Donor Advised Fund
Replies: 14
Views: 1160

Deductions: Donor Advised Fund

I am planning our donations to our Donor Advised Fund for 2023. I've read the sections on contribution limits in Pub 526 and I am still confused by how the limits interact.

What is the maximum one may deduct on Schedule A through some combination of LT Capital Gain securities and cash.

I believe the maximum on the securities is 30% of AGI but it is unclear to me how much, if any cash can be added as well.

Assume no other Charitable Contributions.

Thanks for any insight on this.
by Sidney
Mon Mar 27, 2023 4:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trouble finding help for home repairs
Replies: 38
Views: 3781

Re: Trouble finding help for home repairs

jebmke wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 12:57 pm The problem is widespread. My plan (I'm 70) is to get our house in shape to sell in the coming years and down size - perhaps to a condo or townhouse with minimal outside support needed and access to public transportation. Driving is also on my radar. I will not be one of those older drivers who should not be driving but is anyway.
Same; I don't want to be my neighbor who killed his wife and hobbles around with a walker.

OP - you might check around with others in your neighborhood and see if you can arrange for someone who would do multiple jobs sequentially. A lot of "handymen" don't really want to do very small stuff.
by Sidney
Tue Dec 27, 2022 10:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tesla: Growth or Value?
Replies: 204
Views: 17246

Re: Tesla: Growth or Value?

TSLA is being hammered again today. It is listed in the Growth Index -- but at what point does it really look more like a value stock? Is VG ever likely to shift indexes for this asset? TSLA is still far from being a value stock. Just because it drops heavily does not mean anything; without the value, it is not a value stock. Thanks. But I never said it was. I'll take that as an "I don't know." It is neither a statement of what you said, nor is it a “I do not know”. The value index will pick it up when the value metrics are met; it is that simple. Some companies never enter the value index because they boom and bust. TSLA has some value, but it is not being priced at all on that value. that's what I was getting at. At what price ...
by Sidney
Tue Dec 27, 2022 10:49 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tesla: Growth or Value?
Replies: 204
Views: 17246

Re: Tesla: Growth or Value?

secondopinion wrote: Tue Dec 27, 2022 10:42 am
Sidney wrote: Tue Dec 27, 2022 9:42 am TSLA is being hammered again today. It is listed in the Growth Index -- but at what point does it really look more like a value stock?

Is VG ever likely to shift indexes for this asset?
TSLA is still far from being a value stock. Just because it drops heavily does not mean anything; without the value, it is not a value stock.
Thanks. But I never said it was. I'll take that as an "I don't know."
by Sidney
Tue Dec 27, 2022 9:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tesla: Growth or Value?
Replies: 204
Views: 17246

Tesla: Growth or Value?

TSLA is being hammered again today. It is listed in the Growth Index -- but at what point does it really look more like a value stock?

Is VG ever likely to shift indexes for this asset?
by Sidney
Thu Dec 22, 2022 2:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marcus: Will GS sell them off?
Replies: 11
Views: 1529

Re: Marcus: Will GS sell them off?

student wrote: Thu Dec 22, 2022 2:15 pm No big deal, plenty of other HYSAs that one can use. If it is sold to a "tier 1" company, then I will keep it; otherwise, I will move on. These days, I am using T-bills.
Maybe Elmo will buy it an incorporate payments into Twitter.
by Sidney
Thu Dec 22, 2022 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marcus: Will GS sell them off?
Replies: 11
Views: 1529

Re: Marcus: Will GS sell them off?

The article seems a bit... sloppy. Marcus isn't just the name of the personal loan business. It's the digital consumer banking platform of GS. And not sure about the size of the loan business compared to the HYSA/CD part, but it's weird that the Savings/CD side isn't mentioned at all. And to further nit-pick, it's weird to write that "Mastercard was the network the Marcus-linked Apple card ran on" when the Apple card continues to exist and presumably still uses the MC network. There was some previous discussion of GS's anticipated changes for Marcus - for example https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6912952#p6912952 I was focusing more on the statement about checking. AMEX is adding (has added?) checking. I just wonde...
by Sidney
Thu Dec 22, 2022 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Marcus: Will GS sell them off?
Replies: 11
Views: 1529

Marcus: Will GS sell them off?

https://www.semafor.com/article/12/22/2022/goldmans-misadventures-on-main-street Goldman is now winding down its personal-loan business, called Marcus, for Goldman’s 19th-century founder, who peddled short-term loans to merchants along Manhattan’s wharfs. The firm will stop making new loans, Reuters previously reported and Semafor confirms, and is weighing a sale of the loans that remain on its books, people familiar with the matter said. It is also abandoning a plan to launch Marcus checking accounts, after four years of work and nearly $100 million dollars spent, people familiar with the matter said. At various times I have thought about shifting my HYSA to Marcus with the idea that they would also roll out checking. Goldman seems to have...
by Sidney
Wed Dec 14, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maryland State Law Changes HOA Control Over Lawns
Replies: 18
Views: 1547

Re: Maryland State Law Changes HOA Control Over Lawns

In many areas, grass does just fine without irrigation if you cut high (3.5-4 inches). It may go dormant during dry periods but it will usually come back when the rains and cooler weather come. We have some grass but also a lot of tree areas with trees that are mainly native and naturalized.
by Sidney
Fri Dec 02, 2022 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mutual Fund to Brokerage conversion [when there is an existing brokerage account]
Replies: 5
Views: 674

Re: Mutual Fund to Brokerage conversion [when there is an existing brokerage account]

Thanks for the additional perspective. Since I have one bond fund in the MF account that would suggest that at least for January there will be some partial income in 2023. But at least if I get it moved in early January, all the equity funds will be clean for 2023 and all I should see in January is a small bit of partial interest in the money market on the MF side [I don't reinvest divs]. It sounds like I can move this residual pretty easily with an online transaction after all the other stuff gets re-titled.
by Sidney
Thu Dec 01, 2022 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mutual Fund to Brokerage conversion [when there is an existing brokerage account]
Replies: 5
Views: 674

Re: Mutual Fund to Brokerage conversion [when there is an existing brokerage account]

Thanks. I was pretty sure that would be the case. Best to call them and arrange for this. Planning to do it right after the first of the year to have only one tax statement for 2023 for these accounts.
by Sidney
Thu Dec 01, 2022 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mutual Fund to Brokerage conversion [when there is an existing brokerage account]
Replies: 5
Views: 674

Mutual Fund to Brokerage conversion [when there is an existing brokerage account]

We have a mutual fund joint account (old platform) where all our joint assets are held. We also have a joint brokerage account that used to hold some non-VG funds but now only has a few dollars in the settlement account.

If I attempt to do an "upgrade" of the MF account, am I going to end up with two brokerage accounts or is the system capable enough to realize that a brokerage account already exists and simply move the MF assets into the existing brokerage account?

I'm guessing that the answer is "no" and that I need to call VG to arrange this.
by Sidney
Sat Oct 22, 2022 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question on charitable donations (Not QCDs)
Replies: 5
Views: 380

Question on charitable donations (Not QCDs)

A few years ago we concluded that it was likely that we would bequest nearly all of our estate to charity. Although it wasn't a firm decision at the time I did stop making any further Roth conversions. Since then we have reached a decision to do this. I have been looking at tax planning for the period between now and when we start RMDs. Assuming I have suitable charity destinations for current donations, is there any compelling financial reason not to ramp up donations now -- at least up to the maximum limit for deducting on Schedule A. If it matters, Pension income plus Social Security exceeds our average expenses (excluding income taxes) and, as I mentioned we are not currently at RMD ages; in addition, ramping up donations would not redu...
by Sidney
Sun Oct 16, 2022 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tips - Roth or Traditional IRA?
Replies: 5
Views: 899

Tips - Roth or Traditional IRA?

When I first purchased Tips several years ago I did not have a Roth IRA. Since then I have converted part of my Traditional to Roth.

Given the choice, where should I locate new purchases of individual Tips? Roth or Trad? If it matters, I would not have to liquidate them if they were in Traditional in order to distribute (RMD or otherwise).

All my equity is in taxable and there is still room in taxable for additional equity so I'm not looking at displacing any equity.
by Sidney
Mon Apr 04, 2022 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasuries: tax accounting from VG
Replies: 0
Views: 239

Treasuries: tax accounting from VG

If individual treasury notes are purchased in a taxable account on the Vanguard brokerage platform, do they provide all the data needed on the 1099 for tax reporting or is the account holder responsible for any calculations beyond what is shown on the 1099-Int such as amortization of OID?
by Sidney
Thu Nov 04, 2021 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shooting Beginner - Where to Start?
Replies: 82
Views: 8199

Re: Shooting Beginner - Where to Start?

OldBallCoach wrote: Thu Nov 04, 2021 10:11 am I would start with the cerrified instructor..do NOT buy any weapons until after you take a class and find what best serves your needs. Be prepared for sticker shock on current ammo prices...take your time, study the laws, learn how to handle the weapon safely and enjoy.
Second this. Years ago when I first was taught firearms, we didn't fire a single shot until the third or fourth lesson, I think. A lot of basics about different weapons (handguns, shotguns, rifles) even down into the weeds on how rifling works and why they have such long range; breaking down and cleaning; safety ....
by Sidney
Sat Oct 23, 2021 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recommendations for Hearing Aid
Replies: 39
Views: 3520

Re: Recommendations for Hearing Aid

I have seen hearing aids on web sites (like Walmart). Seeing here that Cosco also sells them directly.

What exactly does the proposed new FDA rule cover? Is there a different class of device that the Coscos/Walmarts are not allowed to sell that are potentially covered by the new ruling?
by Sidney
Wed Jul 15, 2020 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712874

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Night of Camp David by Fletcher Knebel
by Sidney
Mon May 11, 2020 9:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to update my GMail PW
Replies: 12
Views: 1307

Re: Need to update my GMail PW

rkhusky wrote: Mon May 11, 2020 9:46 am Depends if you are storing the password on your devices or manually entering it every time, and whether you sync all your devices. The password is stored at Google, so any device accessing your GMail account will need the new password once you have changed it at Google. So you will have to manually enter it at least once per device, unless you sync your devices and the passwords transfer.
I don't mind entering it per device the first time to re-establish connection. Will the device prompt for the new PW or do I go into settings somewhere?
by Sidney
Mon May 11, 2020 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to update my GMail PW
Replies: 12
Views: 1307

Re: Need to update my GMail PW

I plan to turn on 2FA quite soon but I want to take this in two steps so I don't screw something up.

For the mobile devices, the PW is stored on the device. The Android device is initialized with this account. The iOS device uses the GMail app to access mail, Drive etc -- not via web browser.
by Sidney
Mon May 11, 2020 9:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need to update my GMail PW
Replies: 12
Views: 1307

Need to update my GMail PW

I need to strengthen my GMail security.

I use GMail in Chrome on my desktop, in an Android app on my phone and the GMail app on iPad. Not currently using 2FA but will eventually. First I want to strengthen the PW.

Once I change the PW on GMail using the Chrome browser, will the Android and iOS apps simply prompt me for the new PW or is this something I need to do in the device settings? I don't want to risk getting locked out on the mobile devices.
by Sidney
Thu Apr 02, 2020 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I un-file my 2019 taxes in order to get a bigger stimulus check based on my 2018?
Replies: 30
Views: 3800

Re: Can I un-file my 2019 taxes in order to get a bigger stimulus check based on my 2018?

whodidntante wrote: Thu Apr 02, 2020 4:56 pm You would have been better off procrastinating, and there is no legal way to change that. Sorry.
Often true.
by Sidney
Fri Mar 27, 2020 7:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: rolling an old 401k into a brokerage account
Replies: 4
Views: 403

Re: rolling an old 401k into a brokerage account

Most major brokerages will take your money.
by Sidney
Sun Feb 16, 2020 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I did not get a 1099R from Vanguard
Replies: 12
Views: 1369

Re: I did not get a 1099R from Vanguard

If the money was all pre-tax and the destination is indeed a Roth IRA, I think the 1099-R is incorrect and needs to be re-issued.
by Sidney
Sat Feb 15, 2020 8:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Still haven’t received my Consolidated 1099 for Vanguard Brokerage Account
Replies: 53
Views: 4734

Re: Still haven’t received my Consolidated 1099 for Vanguard Brokerage Account

Only 9pm Eastern time. Plenty of time to finish your taxes before midnight.
by Sidney
Wed Feb 12, 2020 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Protection Against Home Intruders
Replies: 387
Views: 34965

Re: Protection Against Home Intruders

rustymutt wrote: Wed Feb 12, 2020 10:25 am Can you not own a double barreled shotgun? Last line of defense.
If I were going to keep a shotgun for protection I'd choose a tactical gun like a Mossberg. Short barrel. Easy to maneuver.

I also agree with all other posters that if you aren't willing to put in the training time and range work (handgun especially) on a regular basis, don't do it - you might hit the wrong target and it could be you.

I no longer keep a weapon in the house because there isn't a need and I probably would not put in the time at the range on a regular basis.
by Sidney
Wed Feb 12, 2020 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Protection Against Home Intruders
Replies: 387
Views: 34965

Re: Protection Against Home Intruders

batpot wrote: Tue Feb 11, 2020 2:48 pm As for a weapon, I'd choose a 12 gauge over a pistol. buck shot has much less propensity to go through walls.
Same here. Pistols are not very accurate. 12-guage barrel can be intimidating and it isn't hit or miss like a single bullet. On the downside, a spread of 00-buckshot may leave quite a bit of gore to clean up afterword.
by Sidney
Mon Feb 10, 2020 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HR Block- Savers Credit
Replies: 3
Views: 480

Re: HR Block- Savers Credit

schutzk21 wrote: Mon Feb 10, 2020 10:02 am Is this calendar-year 2019 or does it go through April 2020?
If would include all contributions for 2019 including any made through April, 2020 for the year 2019.
by Sidney
Sat Feb 08, 2020 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dangerous to allow Windows 10 desktop PC to have public/real IP address? No NAT/firewall
Replies: 20
Views: 1515

Re: Dangerous to allow Windows 10 desktop PC to have public/real IP address? No NAT/firewall

I don't know the answer to your specific question. But, routers are inexpensive. The question I would ask is "why wouldn't I use one?"
by Sidney
Fri Jan 31, 2020 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those of you that include your vehicle(s) in your net worth, how do you determine its value?
Replies: 66
Views: 3691

Re: For those of you that include your vehicle(s) in your net worth, how do you determine its value?

Only on an asset list that I provide to the lawyer who keeps my will. But I don't value it. I list the house at assessed value. That is close enough for estate work.
by Sidney
Sun Dec 22, 2019 7:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tax Law Changes for 2020
Replies: 355
Views: 33269

Re: Tax Law Changes for 2020

BikerMike1248 wrote: Sun Dec 22, 2019 5:21 pm In regards to the new RMD Age starting at 72 years, the ratio for the distribution increases as you now have fewer expected years to live. Something to consider when the time comes; and, when evaluating the “benefits” of this law change. Some of us will just be taking larger sums later rather than smaller ones sooner.
Seems to me that the only people who delay distributions to 72 will be people for whom the change in the law is perceived to be a benefit. Nothing prevents everyone else from starting earlier than 72. So there shouldn't be anyone who considers this specific change a detriment, right?
by Sidney
Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD in 1st year it is required
Replies: 22
Views: 3626

Re: RMD in 1st year it is required

OP, to answer your specific question, my understanding is that the RMD is based on the prior December 31 balance. See IRS Pub 590B