Thank you all.
BTW if parents just buy cars/house/travel for kids or transfer their houses to kids does anyone track this? It seems strange that US govt would need to be notified for transactions between parents and kids.
This seems like a very easy one time way to transfer assets to heirs.
Search found 330 matches
- Mon Jul 05, 2021 6:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Estate tax education and avoidance
- Replies: 64
- Views: 6664
- Mon Jul 05, 2021 11:31 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Estate tax education and avoidance
- Replies: 64
- Views: 6664
estate planning by gifting to kids - where to park money
[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek] We are thinking of some sort of estate planning. My criterion is to make it as simple as possible with least amount of paperwork/tracking (ie set it and forget it). I think gifting to our 2 kids to reduce estate tax bite seems like a good idea. Wanted to get your second opinions. As I understand I and my spouse can contribute 15K/kid every year and not worry about gift tax a) Where do you park this money. So thats 30K/kid. I don't want to put in bank account with 0% interest. My CPA suggested buy them a whole life policy. It'll be cheap and they won't have access to the funds to fritter away. I know whole life policy has bad rap (righfully so) but would it make sense in this case since kids cannot...
- Sun Jun 06, 2021 5:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cyber attacks increasing - do you have concerns about the security of your investment accounts?
- Replies: 83
- Views: 16537
Re: Cyber attacks increasing - do you have concerns about the security of your investment accounts?
I have substantial accounts at Fidelity and Vanguard. I was concerned mainly about someone robbing me of my money (via cybercrime etc). My assesment is that it is very very unlikely: When I asked my Fidelity they pointed me to this website: https://www.fidelity.com/why-fidelity/safeguarding-your-accounts In addition, if you own bank FIDC cash you have FDIC coverage. For SIPC brokerage coverage: The SIPC will cover up to $500,000 in securities, including a $250,000 limit for cash held in a brokerage account. For Excess brokerage coverage: Total aggregate excess of SIPC coverage available through Fidelity's excess of SIPC policy is $1 billion. And your retirement 401K & Rollover IRA is covered under ERISA. So Fidelity’s insolvency does no...
- Sun May 23, 2021 10:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Accounting for 529 withdrawl for kids college
- Replies: 29
- Views: 3325
Accounting for 529 withdrawl for kids college
Hi My son is joining college this year in CA. I have vanguard 529 (Nevada) plan. I need to pay for (a) tuition, (b) dorm and (c) food/books. The university doesn't allow me to link my Vang 529 account with their administrative offices account. A) Can I just pay for (a),(b),(c) out of my bank checking account and take the money from 529 into my checking account. B) Do I get a form from Vang which also goes to IRS showing how much was withdrawn. I don't see any 529 plan requirements in 1040. So I presume its an honor system where I show IRS records in case they ever audit me. C) Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw from 529 plan. For (c) above I can just say I paid a large amount towards food and withdraw money tax-free. Oh one more th...
- Sun Apr 25, 2021 1:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Estate tax education and avoidance
- Replies: 64
- Views: 6664
Estate tax education and avoidance
With the potential decrease in estate tax exemption, whats the best way to pass on money to heirs.
We have large assets as (a) equity in taxable (b) IRA, roth IRA tax-deferred (c) 2 houses.
Is there a place to get unbiased information. I have most of my assets in fidelity and vanguard and have been DIY since the beginning.
We have large assets as (a) equity in taxable (b) IRA, roth IRA tax-deferred (c) 2 houses.
Is there a place to get unbiased information. I have most of my assets in fidelity and vanguard and have been DIY since the beginning.
- Wed Mar 24, 2021 9:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: benefit of vaccination with kids at home
- Replies: 26
- Views: 2025
benefit of vaccination with kids at home
We have this situation where a few members of the household already got vaccinated. However, one of the family members is younger than 16 years so will not be vaccinated for some time I guess.
We are so looking forward to travel and are okay with wearing masks (have been doing that throughout this crisis). However, we cannot travel because the kid still could contract the virus, theoretically.
Anyone has any thoughts on how to navigate such situations.
We are so looking forward to travel and are okay with wearing masks (have been doing that throughout this crisis). However, we cannot travel because the kid still could contract the virus, theoretically.
Anyone has any thoughts on how to navigate such situations.
- Thu Mar 18, 2021 9:46 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Investing in real estate during rising interest rates
- Replies: 2
- Views: 528
Investing in real estate during rising interest rates
Hi
Is there anyone on this forum who invests in real estate LLC firms. These firms pool in money from investors, buy big appartment complexes, renovate them and re-fi to return money and then sell them for a profit. I have done investments previously in them as a means of diversification.
I was planning to invest in such an LLC which seemed quite good but the rising interest rates is giving me pause. Till now have only invested when rates were going down ie the past years. The sponsors say that is not an issue. So asking others who may have gone through this before.
Thanks
Is there anyone on this forum who invests in real estate LLC firms. These firms pool in money from investors, buy big appartment complexes, renovate them and re-fi to return money and then sell them for a profit. I have done investments previously in them as a means of diversification.
I was planning to invest in such an LLC which seemed quite good but the rising interest rates is giving me pause. Till now have only invested when rates were going down ie the past years. The sponsors say that is not an issue. So asking others who may have gone through this before.
Thanks
- Wed Jan 06, 2021 10:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: change from growth to value without having large tax hit
- Replies: 2
- Views: 419
change from growth to value without having large tax hit
Hi
I am planning to do a little more value tilt compared to growth while keeping my overall stock allocation at 65% constant. During the past year run-up I had bought quite a bit of S&P 500 and QQQ in my 65% allocation.
Any ideas on how to move the money from these to more value oriented funds such as VTV without incurring large tax hits. These are more short term gains.
I am planning to do a little more value tilt compared to growth while keeping my overall stock allocation at 65% constant. During the past year run-up I had bought quite a bit of S&P 500 and QQQ in my 65% allocation.
Any ideas on how to move the money from these to more value oriented funds such as VTV without incurring large tax hits. These are more short term gains.
- Sat Jan 02, 2021 12:19 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Turning 50 in November - doing larger 401k/backdoor earlier
- Replies: 2
- Views: 430
Turning 50 in November - doing larger 401k/backdoor earlier
Since you can contribute more towards retirement accounts once you turn 50, can I start early in the year. I turn 50 in november but wanted to do the backdoor roth contribution in Jan (7000 vs 6000) or do I have to 6k and the additional 1K in November.
- Sun Nov 01, 2020 10:18 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Making personal investments into mega back door roth IRA
- Replies: 3
- Views: 474
Making personal investments into mega back door roth IRA
My company is refusing to allow me to contribute more towards megaback door Roth IRA even though its below IRS limit
I switched jobs in the middle of this year. I had maxed out 19K 401k with previous employer.
With present employer, they allow you to contribute 19K and match 50% so 9.5K. IRS limits is 57K so they say you can only contribute 57K - 19K - 9.5K.
I tell them - look I can't do 19K in your plan so I can't avail of the 9.5K, can I at least contribute extra 9.5K and they refuse - they have put a hard limit to all employees at 28.5K
Can I directly contribute the 9.5K out of my personal checking account to the brokerage who is managing this account. This is with vanguard.
I switched jobs in the middle of this year. I had maxed out 19K 401k with previous employer.
With present employer, they allow you to contribute 19K and match 50% so 9.5K. IRS limits is 57K so they say you can only contribute 57K - 19K - 9.5K.
I tell them - look I can't do 19K in your plan so I can't avail of the 9.5K, can I at least contribute extra 9.5K and they refuse - they have put a hard limit to all employees at 28.5K
Can I directly contribute the 9.5K out of my personal checking account to the brokerage who is managing this account. This is with vanguard.
- Sun Nov 01, 2020 10:08 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: About Ready to ReFi
- Replies: 14
- Views: 1240
Re: About Ready to ReFi
Ask them to not charge for closing costs. If its the same lender and you have good credit history, they may agree. I have done that successfully before by threatening them that a broker called me to offer the same rate but no points and no closing costs.
I have refinanced maybe 6-7 times from 2005 purchase and never ever paid any closing costs. Who knows next year the rates may be even lower.
I have refinanced maybe 6-7 times from 2005 purchase and never ever paid any closing costs. Who knows next year the rates may be even lower.
- Sun Nov 01, 2020 10:02 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Example of PPP Forgiveness Form for Sole Proprietors with no Employees?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 4398
Re: Example of PPP Forgiveness Form for Sole Proprietors with no Employees?
Ummm...how do you get PPP loan if you have no employees.
I thought PPP was only if you had employees.
Last year (2019) my business made about ~12K. This is a consulting business where I worked out of my home. No employees. Could I apply for PPP. IF so, how much loan could I get that gets forgiven?
This year I will make ~0 because of covid.
I thought PPP was only if you had employees.
Last year (2019) my business made about ~12K. This is a consulting business where I worked out of my home. No employees. Could I apply for PPP. IF so, how much loan could I get that gets forgiven?
This year I will make ~0 because of covid.
- Sun Nov 01, 2020 9:56 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retiring from a megacorp - timing considerations?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 3230
Re: Retiring from a megacorp - timing considerations?
For #2) There is no harm in being upfront in asking. Megacorps have a structured process to do so. In fact, I have heard of people who were open about the stress and desire to retire. The company asked them to do part-time and train their replacement before quiting. In return they got a large severance. This depends upon how good a relationship you have with your boss so that you can be open. I asked for severance after I resigned. My boss tried but there was no severance program going on otherwise I'm sure he would have fought to get me one because of the length of my service... In a megacorp, the boss doesn't loose if you get more money. In a small company watching every c, they worry that giving you extra money means less money for the c...
- Tue Sep 08, 2020 1:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: combine rental and primary mortgages into one
- Replies: 8
- Views: 926
Re: combine rental and primary mortgages into one
I have a primary home and rental. I have paid off most of primary home so broker is not able to do re-fi (~212K) at lower rate with no point no fee loan. I have a large mortgage (~370K) on my rental but the re-fi rates on rental are bad. My broker suggested this... You can combine 2 loans to one loan and tie to primary property. Keep closing paper to show the cash amount amount it to payoff rental property. The portion of cash out amount can be applied to rental interest expense. Does this make sense. Are there tax implications of such a thing. I am not a lawyer, or an accountant or any thing even remotely related to those fields. I dont even have rental properties though have considered getting one. Having said that, I dont see how the ca...
- Mon Sep 07, 2020 12:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: combine rental and primary mortgages into one
- Replies: 8
- Views: 926
combine rental and primary mortgages into one
I have a primary home and rental. I have paid off most of primary home so broker is not able to do re-fi (~212K) at lower rate with no point no fee loan. I have a large mortgage (~370K) on my rental but the re-fi rates on rental are bad.
My broker suggested this...
You can combine 2 loans to one loan and tie to primary property. Keep closing paper to show the cash amount amount it to payoff rental property. The portion of cash out amount can be applied to rental interest expense.
Does this make sense. Are there tax implications of such a thing.
My broker suggested this...
You can combine 2 loans to one loan and tie to primary property. Keep closing paper to show the cash amount amount it to payoff rental property. The portion of cash out amount can be applied to rental interest expense.
Does this make sense. Are there tax implications of such a thing.
- Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:37 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Who is your favorite fiction author and what is your favorite book of theirs?
- Replies: 284
- Views: 30518
Re: Who is your favorite fiction author and what is your favorite book of theirs?
Jeffery Archer
All his short stories are awesome. Some of his main books are also good - fast paced with a good arc (Prodigal daughter, not a penny more not a penny less)
Oscar Wilde
All his short stories are awesome. Some of his main books are also good - fast paced with a good arc (Prodigal daughter, not a penny more not a penny less)
Oscar Wilde
- Tue Jun 09, 2020 10:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Switching Jobs - Already maxed 401k
- Replies: 42
- Views: 4259
Re: Switching Jobs - Already maxed 401k
My CPA mentioned you can reverse the 401k contribution with your old employer in 2020. The old employer matching with stay with you.
Then when you contribute the 19500 with the new employer you can get the matching there as well.
This way you get 2 matching and not run afoul of IRS
Then when you contribute the 19500 with the new employer you can get the matching there as well.
This way you get 2 matching and not run afoul of IRS
- Tue Jun 09, 2020 1:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Upgrading iphone
- Replies: 8
- Views: 824
Upgrading iphone
I have an iphone6s...works fine. No complaints
I am curious if anyone upgraded from iphone6s to the latest iphone. What benefits did they see in their day to day life.
For instance, I don't care about water-proofing. However I will care about things that make me more productive (I use work email on iphone and have a heavy email/research website kind of techie job).
ps: Spending money is not a determining factor here. I am mainly looking for new things that people found out with the new iphones that they couldn't experience in a satisfying manner with older iphones.
I am curious if anyone upgraded from iphone6s to the latest iphone. What benefits did they see in their day to day life.
For instance, I don't care about water-proofing. However I will care about things that make me more productive (I use work email on iphone and have a heavy email/research website kind of techie job).
ps: Spending money is not a determining factor here. I am mainly looking for new things that people found out with the new iphones that they couldn't experience in a satisfying manner with older iphones.
- Tue Jun 09, 2020 1:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?
- Replies: 499
- Views: 41431
Re: What fun car should I get in the $150k - $200k range?
Have you thought about renting exotic cars when you want them. There are quite a few websites which allow you to rent for a week. Then you can just use when you want and also try out different cars.
- Tue May 26, 2020 11:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3293
Re: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
OP is not looking to become a money burning snob. OP is looking for a vocabulary like this. There’s nothing wrong with learning how to describe the flavors you do and do not enjoy https://modernthirst.com/2014/08/06/the-bourbon-tasting-wheel/ https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-topics/wine-educational-questions/davis-aroma-wheel/ https://counterculturecoffee.com/learn/resource-center/coffee-tasters-flavor-wheel Thats very enlightening. I think thats what was missing. Need a common vocabulary to compare different scotch for myself at least The below seems the most quoted one for scotch (of course, there are many other variants https://malt-review.com/2015/09/10/whisky-flavour-wheels-and-colour-charts/ This seems simpler and probably w...
- Tue May 26, 2020 10:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pandemic buys that have improved quality of life?
- Replies: 185
- Views: 23260
- Tue May 26, 2020 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pandemic buys that have improved quality of life?
- Replies: 185
- Views: 23260
Re: Pandemic buys that have improved quality of life?
The roomba is a life saver...
A lot of food - started trying costco veggies since we could get deliveries. Now hooked onto them.
Learnt bodyweight exercise.
A lot of food - started trying costco veggies since we could get deliveries. Now hooked onto them.
Learnt bodyweight exercise.
- Tue May 26, 2020 10:19 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3293
Re: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
Totally agree. Started using them a few weeks agoSimonJester wrote: ↑Tue May 26, 2020 9:12 am For scotch check out a glencairn whiskey glass, they really do enhance the nose of the dram vs other glasses.
- Tue May 26, 2020 10:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3293
Re: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
I am not saying that I am going to buy expensive stuff because I want to spend more
I am saying that even in less expensive scotch I'd like to taste the nuances. I just feel it will help me experience life fuller and richer.
So nothing to do with money, all to do with experiences
- Mon May 25, 2020 10:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3293
Develop scotch/wine palate quickly and effectively
Whenever we (used to :-)) meet socially we used to have wine or scotch. I enjoyed them especially scotch. However, I couldn't make out large differences between the various scotch (Except for the obvious - peaty vs non-peaty). The descriptions of the various scotch had orange, or spicy or nutty or fruity etc. but to me these aspects didn't jump out. Now I'd really like to develop a palate so I can pick up the nuances and enjoy scotch more deeply. I am curious how boglehead's developed their palate. I see many are sophisticated on this forum with strong point of views. A few options I had thought of a) Join a scotch club where they mail you smaller taster bottles and do blind tasting. b) Go to a scotch bar and just try various flavors side b...
- Tue May 19, 2020 12:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is your most luxury/expensive hobby.
- Replies: 264
- Views: 27777
Re: What is your most luxury/expensive hobby.
What can you spend money on during covid lockdowns?
Travel used to be a luxury that I really spent money on.
Or adventure sports.
Now you can't travel. Any sports activities (eg. rafting, skydiving) are out because they require close contact.
Travel used to be a luxury that I really spent money on.
Or adventure sports.
Now you can't travel. Any sports activities (eg. rafting, skydiving) are out because they require close contact.
- Sun May 10, 2020 7:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Changing jobs..multiple 401K match
- Replies: 1
- Views: 377
Changing jobs..multiple 401K match
I am changing employers.
With my previous employer I maxed out my 401K contribution already(19500). The company matches 5% of your income spread out over the year. So I have not maxed out the match with them.
I can enroll in my new companys 401k. They match 50% of your 401k contribution so a max of 19500/2 = 9750. If I contribute the 19500 with my new company and reverse it next year saying I contributed too much, can I get to keep the matching funds of 9750$.
There is no IRS rule on matching so I am not running afoul of any legalities here (I think). Anyone done that. I can revert the overcontribution of 401K before filing deadline of next year to prevent any penalties with IRS.
With my previous employer I maxed out my 401K contribution already(19500). The company matches 5% of your income spread out over the year. So I have not maxed out the match with them.
I can enroll in my new companys 401k. They match 50% of your 401k contribution so a max of 19500/2 = 9750. If I contribute the 19500 with my new company and reverse it next year saying I contributed too much, can I get to keep the matching funds of 9750$.
There is no IRS rule on matching so I am not running afoul of any legalities here (I think). Anyone done that. I can revert the overcontribution of 401K before filing deadline of next year to prevent any penalties with IRS.
- Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: PPP - wellsfargo [can't process application]
- Replies: 3
- Views: 594
PPP - wellsfargo [can't process application]
I have my single member LLC with wellsfargo. They pre-approved me for PPP but when I filled all information on their portal they just said - we're sorry we can't process. Maybe they don't have funds. I don't know - it was a cryptic message and I had spent a lot of time typing all the info.
Anyways, I have only used them before. Can I apply with some other bank. Do I have my biz account to them before I Can apply through new bank. Is there any good and fast bank - I heard paypal can offer PPP but haven't tried that either.
Thx
Anyways, I have only used them before. Can I apply with some other bank. Do I have my biz account to them before I Can apply through new bank. Is there any good and fast bank - I heard paypal can offer PPP but haven't tried that either.
Thx
- Wed Apr 15, 2020 4:46 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Stimulus help for small businesses, sole proprietors, s-corp etc
- Replies: 627
- Views: 48519
Re: Stimulus help for small businesses, sole proprietors, s-corp etc
How does SBA know the FTE. I have seen other suggestions that you pay yourself personal check every month. But
a) That will be only $1000 since you are one FTE only
b) To start paying myself check now is useless. They will look at historical data. ITs not like I can go back and pay myself a check last year
So basically Sole proprietors get nothing.
- Sun Apr 12, 2020 11:53 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Information from CPA on all tax savings in CARES act etc
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1297
Information from CPA on all tax savings in CARES act etc
I found this incredibly useful and sharing with the community. I didn't know a lot of these facts and am thinking of availing of points 6, 8 and 9 ================================= 1. Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) SBA Loan: Payroll is the biggest expense and the number-one pressure for most businesses right now. Congress has enacted the PPP loan program, a great option to keep employees on payroll and keep your lights on. A small business of any type--S Corp, C Corp, LLC, sole proprietorship or independent contractor--with fewer than 500 employees qualifies. You will get a loan based on 2.5 times your average cost of monthly payroll, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Amount over $100,000 is not considered as payroll for any emp...
- Fri Apr 03, 2020 10:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Stimulus help for small businesses, sole proprietors, s-corp etc
- Replies: 627
- Views: 48519
Re: Stimulus help for small businesses, sole proprietors, s-corp etc
Has anyone applied for EDIL. I find it quite confusing.
I have LLC that used to make money till last year and this year there is zero revenue. I have no employees and this is a side consulting business. I am not paying for any material or inventory though I do use home office.
a) Do I have to file this myself or can I have a tax guy file for me.
b) Can I use the money for lost income or do I have to state some other reasons
I also have an investment property and read somewhere that you can ask for lost rent as well.
Anyway, if anyone has personal experience or can point to a step by step website that would be really useful
I have LLC that used to make money till last year and this year there is zero revenue. I have no employees and this is a side consulting business. I am not paying for any material or inventory though I do use home office.
a) Do I have to file this myself or can I have a tax guy file for me.
b) Can I use the money for lost income or do I have to state some other reasons
I also have an investment property and read somewhere that you can ask for lost rent as well.
Anyway, if anyone has personal experience or can point to a step by step website that would be really useful
- Wed Apr 01, 2020 8:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Mutual fund in margin or cash at fidelity
- Replies: 5
- Views: 534
Mutual fund in margin or cash at fidelity
Is there any disadvantage of holding mutual fund in margin vs cash account at fidelity.
The advantage I see is that I now have more margin buying power so I can do more options trading/sell short and fidelity can use the MF (mutual fund) in margin account to liquidate in case I have margin calls in the worst case.
Is there any disadvantage either in terms of money I get or time I have to wait before buying stocks. I presume I still get the dividend from the shares so I should get the same money whether the MF is in cash or margin. I presume if I want to buy new stock by selling my MF that is in margin its not an issue either and the process is as smooth as if the MF was in cash account.
The advantage I see is that I now have more margin buying power so I can do more options trading/sell short and fidelity can use the MF (mutual fund) in margin account to liquidate in case I have margin calls in the worst case.
Is there any disadvantage either in terms of money I get or time I have to wait before buying stocks. I presume I still get the dividend from the shares so I should get the same money whether the MF is in cash or margin. I presume if I want to buy new stock by selling my MF that is in margin its not an issue either and the process is as smooth as if the MF was in cash account.
- Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:21 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Refinance doesn't make sense if you are doing after long time period
- Replies: 6
- Views: 978
Refinance doesn't make sense if you are doing after long time period
Schwab had an interesting article which claims that even a .75% reduction in interest rate doesn't automatically make sense to re-finance. (assuming you didn't refi in the past ~10 years)
https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/ ... mortgage-0
What do you guys think?
In one case you are paying the monthly on only 20 years. In the other case you end up paying over 30 years so not just interest but even the total payment is more if you re-finance.
https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/ ... mortgage-0
What do you guys think?
In one case you are paying the monthly on only 20 years. In the other case you end up paying over 30 years so not just interest but even the total payment is more if you re-finance.
- Mon Mar 30, 2020 12:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Airline refusing to issue refunds
- Replies: 174
- Views: 21435
Airline refusing to issue refunds
we had booked a spring break flight to nyc in feb early. united airlines
now we were ask for a refund. instead airline willing to only give credit. They re-routed the flights but said that's still a valid connection/flight.
Anyone have similar experience converting from credit to refund?
now we were ask for a refund. instead airline willing to only give credit. They re-routed the flights but said that's still a valid connection/flight.
Anyone have similar experience converting from credit to refund?
- Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:00 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Single member s-Corp and stimulus bill
- Replies: 22
- Views: 1040
- Sat Mar 28, 2020 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: confused about stimulus bills for freelancers/moonlighters
- Replies: 1
- Views: 231
confused about stimulus bills for freelancers/moonlighters
I have a few businesses for which business have dried up. I don't have any employees - these were more like consulting companies as LLC.
Can I get any grant under the stimulus plan. I do have a full time job so can’t apply for unemployment insurance I think or can I? I don't have any collateral so not sure how I can get bank loan but it is making an appreciable dent to my income.
Who can advise maybe on or off this forum
Thank you
Can I get any grant under the stimulus plan. I do have a full time job so can’t apply for unemployment insurance I think or can I? I don't have any collateral so not sure how I can get bank loan but it is making an appreciable dent to my income.
Who can advise maybe on or off this forum
Thank you
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 3:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How to turn off dividend re-investments on ETF for TLH in wellsfargo/fidelity
- Replies: 3
- Views: 655
How to turn off dividend re-investments on ETF for TLH in wellsfargo/fidelity
How do you turn off automatic dividend re-investment in Fidelity and wellstrade.
I am mainly doing this for VTI. TLH from VTI to ITOT but some other VTI from 2009 are showing gains so don't want to sell them. This is in wellstrade and its impossible to get through on the phone with them....
I am mainly doing this for VTI. TLH from VTI to ITOT but some other VTI from 2009 are showing gains so don't want to sell them. This is in wellstrade and its impossible to get through on the phone with them....
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:58 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How did you TLH during this correction?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5204
Re: How did you TLH during this correction?
I am sorry I can't figure this out. This is with ETF and I can't find the location on the website. ITs impossible to get to someone on email/phone. I am just going to ask it in a seperate thread. Maybe someone has experience....Thanks.Indexer99 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2020 2:33 pmGo to your holdings, click on your fund, and scroll down to lower left.rm wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2020 1:52 pm How do you turn off automatic dividend re-investment in Fidelity and wellstrade. I am mainly doing this for VTI. TLH from VTI to ITOT but some other VTI From 2009 are showing gains so don't want to sell them.
Also suppose you don't turn off auto re-investment, do you think anyone (IRS) will be able to monitor this.
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 1:52 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: How did you TLH during this correction?
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5204
Re: How did you TLH during this correction?
How do you turn off automatic dividend re-investment in Fidelity and wellstrade. I am mainly doing this for VTI. TLH from VTI to ITOT but some other VTI From 2009 are showing gains so don't want to sell them.
Also suppose you don't turn off auto re-investment, do you think anyone (IRS) will be able to monitor this.
Also suppose you don't turn off auto re-investment, do you think anyone (IRS) will be able to monitor this.
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 1:45 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Fed takes steps to address strains in Muni-debt market WSJ Saturday page B11
- Replies: 2
- Views: 438
Re: Fed takes steps to address strains in Muni-debt market WSJ Saturday page B11
I too have a significant amount in muni MF
a) The fed is only backstopping ultra-short muni bonds. This will do nothing for intermediate or long-term. For instance, my VWITX went down despite the announcement.
b) Muni funds have gone down before and will continue to fluctuate in NAV. You can view the last crisis in 2008-2009 as an example - If you want absolute safety go to ultra-short/MM.
a) The fed is only backstopping ultra-short muni bonds. This will do nothing for intermediate or long-term. For instance, my VWITX went down despite the announcement.
b) Muni funds have gone down before and will continue to fluctuate in NAV. You can view the last crisis in 2008-2009 as an example - If you want absolute safety go to ultra-short/MM.
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 1:26 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Math exercise with Total bond market - are markets irrational
- Replies: 5
- Views: 499
Re: Math exercise with Total bond market - are markets irrational
Thanks so much...I understand now.
- Sat Mar 21, 2020 11:50 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Math exercise with Total bond market - are markets irrational
- Replies: 5
- Views: 499
Math exercise with Total bond market - are markets irrational
I was wondering if this math is correct because according to this it seems market is pricing TBM for a depression like scenario. According to websites, 1% drop in rates should cause bonds to increase in value = 1% * maturity. TBM average maturity is 7 years So the NAV should have increased by 10% (interest rate cut was 1.5%) However, we only have 70% risk free in TBM. So it should have increased by 7%. Instead it declined by 10%. Giving a total delta of 17%. It declined because people think the commercial part of it will have bankrupties 30% of the TBM is in commercial grade. This means the market is saying - that > 50% (17/30) of commercial paper will become worthless. Am I doing this math correct? If so, doesn't that seem excessive...
- Fri Mar 20, 2020 10:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: which Money market funds are 100% safe - so many choices?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1926
Re: which Money market funds are 100% safe - so many choices?
I have never bought CDs at fidelity. Once I bought at my bank. Mutual funds just seem so much more convenient. Plus I can sell them at any time and buy some other mutual fund or vice-versa. I think CDs are more difficult since they are for a fixed term. Of course with interest rates so low maybe even if I break the CD it hardly matters.
Still I Would prefer to keep in mutual funds...
Still I Would prefer to keep in mutual funds...
- Fri Mar 20, 2020 10:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: which Money market funds are 100% safe - so many choices?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 1926
which Money market funds are 100% safe - so many choices?
If my wish is for 100% safety, which default money market funds in fidelity are safe and which can fluctuate.
spaxx - fidelity govt MM
fdrxx - fidelity govt cash reserves
fnsxx - fidelity MM institutional
ftexx - fidelity municipal MM
(MM => money market)
I think the first two are totally safe. And the remaining two are not 100% safe. But its confusing why fidelity has SPAXX and FDRXX. They both seem to mean the same thing no?
I recently read the article that govt committed to keep all MM whole. In that case is my above concern a moot point?
spaxx - fidelity govt MM
fdrxx - fidelity govt cash reserves
fnsxx - fidelity MM institutional
ftexx - fidelity municipal MM
(MM => money market)
I think the first two are totally safe. And the remaining two are not 100% safe. But its confusing why fidelity has SPAXX and FDRXX. They both seem to mean the same thing no?
I recently read the article that govt committed to keep all MM whole. In that case is my above concern a moot point?
- Tue Mar 17, 2020 7:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Understanding REITs (VNQ) underperformance in low interest rate environment
- Replies: 2
- Views: 320
Understanding REITs (VNQ) underperformance in low interest rate environment
Needed some education here...
I am unable to understand how the REIT ETF has done so poorly even compared to the general market destruction. Its down 30% even though interest rates have been slashed.
2 questions
a) In an ideal world do REITs do better when interest rates go down.
b) Is there any other reason that REITs could have gone down ie. what other risks are there in such ETFs
I understand correlations breakdown during crises. I am trying to figure out if this something to hold onto/add to as markets normalize and starts to appreciate the lowering of interest rates or move into SPY etc. because I just never understood the risk in this asset class.
Before the crash I was 50-10-40 (50 stocks, 10 REIT, 40 bonds)
I am unable to understand how the REIT ETF has done so poorly even compared to the general market destruction. Its down 30% even though interest rates have been slashed.
2 questions
a) In an ideal world do REITs do better when interest rates go down.
b) Is there any other reason that REITs could have gone down ie. what other risks are there in such ETFs
I understand correlations breakdown during crises. I am trying to figure out if this something to hold onto/add to as markets normalize and starts to appreciate the lowering of interest rates or move into SPY etc. because I just never understood the risk in this asset class.
Before the crash I was 50-10-40 (50 stocks, 10 REIT, 40 bonds)
- Sun Mar 15, 2020 5:32 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Why are bonds falling?
- Replies: 236
- Views: 9657
Re: Why are bonds falling?
Thank you for such an informative thread. Even though I lost money investing in MUNIs this has been priceless education for me. When I retire I will know the difference between treasuries and BND, MUB etc. and not repeat this mistake!
- Fri Mar 13, 2020 8:49 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: When to Tax Loss Harvest?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4914
Re: When to Tax Loss Harvest?
One more question on Wash Sale - If I also hold VTSAX in my Roth IRA and I automatically reinvest dividends (say in March 2020), is that going to create a wash sale problem if the same fund of held in two accounts (Brokerage & Roth IRA)? YES! Turn off dividend reinvestment. That would be the worst kind of wash sale. Sorry, I don't understand what dividend re-investment has to do with TLH. If you hold the same fund in 2 accounts - one taxable and one tax deferred just sell the one in taxable at the loss. And TLH in tax-deferred doesn't make sense, right? If you leave dividend reinvestment on in your tax deferred for VTSAX, and sell your VTSAX in taxable, if your VTSAX in your tax deferred account auto reinvest dividends within 30 days o...
- Wed Mar 11, 2020 10:36 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: When to Tax Loss Harvest?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4914
Re: When to Tax Loss Harvest?
Sorry, I don't understand what dividend re-investment has to do with TLH. If you hold the same fund in 2 accounts - one taxable and one tax deferred just sell the one in taxable at the loss.anon_investor wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 6:27 pmYES! Turn off dividend reinvestment. That would be the worst kind of wash sale.ForeverInvestorILL wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 6:21 pm One more question on Wash Sale - If I also hold VTSAX in my Roth IRA and I automatically reinvest dividends (say in March 2020), is that going to create a wash sale problem if the same fund of held in two accounts (Brokerage & Roth IRA)?
And TLH in tax-deferred doesn't make sense, right?
- Wed Mar 11, 2020 8:09 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Bad Experience with personal capital during this period
- Replies: 1
- Views: 439
Bad Experience with personal capital during this period
I have relied on personal capital to track my various accounts and it has been an awesome tool. Gave me an asset allocation snapshot as well.
However, during the volatile period like past 2 weeks I have notice huge issues
a) For my wells trade accounts it didn't record cash at all. So totally underestimated the cash/MM I had in the account
b) For fidelity the amount listed in personal capital were very different from the amounts I got by logging into fidelity site
e-trade, vanguard, schwab were all fine.
This was very strange and I don't know the solution. Did anyone else have this issues. I was relying on it to do my asset allocation re-balancing and the tool fell woefully short!
However, during the volatile period like past 2 weeks I have notice huge issues
a) For my wells trade accounts it didn't record cash at all. So totally underestimated the cash/MM I had in the account
b) For fidelity the amount listed in personal capital were very different from the amounts I got by logging into fidelity site
e-trade, vanguard, schwab were all fine.
This was very strange and I don't know the solution. Did anyone else have this issues. I was relying on it to do my asset allocation re-balancing and the tool fell woefully short!
- Sun Feb 23, 2020 5:15 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: using HSA as investment account - do you need to store receipts?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 860
using HSA as investment account - do you need to store receipts?
I contribute to HSA every year but don't use it for medical expenses for that year. My plan is to just let it grow tax free and tax deferred so I may use it for any major expenses later in my life.
Given this intent is there any reason to save receipts of all your medical expenses over the years.
Given this intent is there any reason to save receipts of all your medical expenses over the years.