Search found 247 matches
- Wed Jan 17, 2018 11:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
- Replies: 483
- Views: 40796
Re: What frugal thing did you do today?
I keep an old pair of wrecked shoes that I wear when I need to buy a car.
- Thu Nov 30, 2017 11:20 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: VWIUX recent share price decline [Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt]
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1823
Re: VWIUX recent share price decline [Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt]
Thanks David for your note. Although as you say the muni fund does accrue daily, there is a payment (as a whole, as long as you haven't sold anything) that appears at the end of the month. As I don't sell shares of this muni fund unless for tax loss harvesting, I was thinking of the dividend payment...
- Thu Nov 30, 2017 8:22 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: VWIUX recent share price decline [Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt]
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1823
Re: VWIUX recent share price decline [Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt]
Monthly payment of dividends by the fund at end of each month causes the price to drop a few cents. It usually rises back up the following week.
- Thu Nov 09, 2017 5:14 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: NY investigation of TIAA
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1064
NY investigation of TIAA
For all who are currently invested in TIAA or thinking to do so.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/busi ... -news&_r=0
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/busi ... -news&_r=0
- Fri Nov 03, 2017 9:52 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Complaint Resolution
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1494
Re: Complaint Resolution
My point about repetitive requests is that eventually someone will give the correct information as to what happened, and hopefully why it happened. That was my experience but it took some time before one of the reps told me it had to do with my not requesting a transfer to the money market. I don't ...
- Fri Nov 03, 2017 9:29 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Complaint Resolution
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1494
Re: Complaint Resolution
I had an experience in July with a RMD transfer from an IRA to a taxable fund. The RMD lot was placed in the fund's nonqualified shares section of the cost basis. Eventually I learned that this had to do with not transferring the lot first to the taxable account's money market fund, from which it co...
- Thu Oct 26, 2017 5:46 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: For Those Without a State Income Tax Break, Which 529 Do You Use and Why?
- Replies: 10
- Views: 969
Re: For Those Without a State Income Tax Break, Which 529 Do You Use and Why?
I have used the Utah plans for my two grandchildren now for several years. I chose them because they have been recommended by Morningstar after their careful analysis of all the available plans throughout the US. The Utah website is easy to use.
- Mon Oct 16, 2017 2:25 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Help understanding cost basis mismatch at Vanguard
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1308
Re: Help understanding cost basis mismatch at Vanguard
I'm still being told by Vanguard after three months that this year's RMD transfer balance from my IRA equity fund (after correct tax and QCDs) to the same equity fund in the taxable account can't be considered a covered shares lot because I didn't send it from the IRA fund to my taxable money market...
- Mon Oct 09, 2017 9:08 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Help understanding cost basis mismatch at Vanguard
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1308
Re: Help understanding cost basis mismatch at Vanguard
After three months, I had seen no change today in the cost basis listing where my RMD balance transferred from my IRA should have appeared. I called yet again and spoke with one of my representative's assistants. After over an hour of checking amounts and speaking with the cost basis people, he lear...
- Sun Aug 06, 2017 10:53 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: "Feds charge brokers in TSP fraud scheme"
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3594
Re: "Feds charge brokers in TSP fraud scheme"
Yes, that was the fraudulent matter: they pretended they were part of TSP in their conversations with clients and in the kinds of TSP-like seemingly governmental logos they used. What is surprising is that TSP themselves didn't (still don't?) warn their investors about this kind of scam.
- Sat Aug 05, 2017 1:26 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Help understanding cost basis mismatch at Vanguard
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1308
Re: Help understanding cost basis mismatch at Vanguard
After making a RMD and transferring the balance after taxes and charitable distributions to my taxable account, I have been waiting over a month for the transfer (correctly noted in my transfer listings) to be included in the cost basis listing. I was just told the cost basis area of Vanguard is 8-1...
- Tue Jul 18, 2017 10:58 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: 2017 RMD Timing
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3157
Re: 2017 RMD Timing
For Bogelheads about to take their RMD, I suggest an earlier date for this procedure than year-end for the following reason. I have taken RMD now for four years; three of those years included qualified charitable distributions so everything was done over the phone in order that checks for QCD could ...
- Mon Jun 19, 2017 2:10 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax Exempt Bond Funds Questions
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1289
Re: Tax Exempt Bond Funds Questions
I use the intermediate fund in my taxable account. On two occasions I was able to do a tax loss harvesting, buying the limited term fund which I held for several months until I could shift back to the intermediate fund. I was able to save two quarter's worth of estimated federal taxes this way durin...
- Fri Mar 31, 2017 2:33 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Sleep well or not ? [Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt]
- Replies: 45
- Views: 8663
Re: Sleep well or not ? [Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt]
I currently transfer monthly income from this fund to my savings account. Together with unused sums from my pension (also in the savings account) I can prepare easily for one or more large payments in 1-3 years. When I don't anticipate any such payments, I return to reinvesting the monthly income pa...
- Sun Feb 19, 2017 6:08 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: How do you invest the proceeds [from your RMD?]
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2387
Re: How do you invest the proceeds [from your RMD?]
I take my yearly RMD towards mid-year. I give about 1/3 of the amount as qualified charitable distributions, which Vanguard sends to me as checks written in the names of the charities. I forward these on. Another 1/3 or so goes to my sons to help them out with their particular needs. This year it he...
- Wed Jan 25, 2017 1:28 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Telephoning Vanguard
- Replies: 77
- Views: 6962
Re: Telephoning Vanguard
I have finally received a call today from Vanguard's 'claim answers' division regarding the double contributions mistakenly made by VG December 10. I did receive the extra amount back to my credit union account and now they are apparently trying to understand what happened. More later!
- Wed Dec 14, 2016 10:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Bosch - Ascenta 24" Dishwasher experience
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1361
Re: Bosch - Ascenta 24" Dishwasher experience
I have the simplest kind I could find, which I bought a year ago and so far it has done quite well as long as I don't interrupt the cycle. It is quiet and I like the do-it-yourself filter you have to clean yourself. There are various ways to move the racks to place the dishes according to size which...
- Mon Dec 12, 2016 11:36 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Thinking of Going Solo from My Advisor – Need Portfolio Review and Advice
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1733
Re: Thinking of Going Solo from My Advisor – Need Portfolio Review and Advice
529's are very flexible (with the better plans - see Morningstar.com for their evaluations - you can pick from a good number of options and change if you feel the need). You can contribute yearly much more than to a Roth and the funds won't be taxed when they are withdrawn for college expenses. You ...
- Mon Dec 12, 2016 11:11 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Telephoning Vanguard
- Replies: 77
- Views: 6962
Re: Telephoning Vanguard
I made one last call late in the evening, after I had sent an email (and the eventual response to that said no reply regarding my account could be given, and that I should call!). Someone answered my evening call after an hour and a half. Warning to others: if you have placed an order with Vanguard,...
- Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:56 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Telephoning Vanguard
- Replies: 77
- Views: 6962
Re: Telephoning Vanguard
Finally after 1-1/2 hours I got a response. The rep told me both withdrawals from my checking account have already received a confirmation date so unless I keep one in my mm account (with its 7 day hold) I will have to have the credit union disallow one of the withdrawals tomorrow. This is intolerab...
- Mon Dec 12, 2016 8:26 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Telephoning Vanguard
- Replies: 77
- Views: 6962
Re: Telephoning Vanguard
Yesterday I placed an order to one of my funds from my credit union. Checking the order status today (I didn't expect it to be completed in just one day, of course), I saw there was a double listing. I tried all day at various times to get in touch with a representative but after 1/2 hour waiting ea...
- Sat Dec 10, 2016 10:49 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Warning: BH may be hazardous to your financial health
- Replies: 63
- Views: 11272
Re: Warning: BH may be hazardous to your financial health
Be sure to only buy things suggested here you can return if you see that you don't really want or need them. I've never bought any such thing but I have suggested some things that others bought. Good luck.
- Sat Dec 10, 2016 10:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Learning Violin as an adult...now with progress Audio
- Replies: 186
- Views: 25132
Re: Learning an instrument as an adult?
A friend in his mid 70's has been playing the upright bass in a community orchestra with good reputation, after beginning to play about nine years ago. His wife started playing the piano around the same time. Taking lessons is important I think as you will learn what you have to do to make good prog...
- Sat Dec 10, 2016 10:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Kitchen Cabinet Info
- Replies: 10
- Views: 2035
Re: Kitchen Cabinet Info
About five years ago I had to replace several broken handles on an old cabinet. More recently I had a carpenter refinish my 75 year old cabinets which needed some new handles and hinges in an unusual style . Using ebay in each case, for reasonable prices I was able to get some used and some newly ma...
- Mon Nov 14, 2016 12:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Drain Cleaner or Plumber for slow drains?
- Replies: 52
- Views: 5501
Re: Drain Cleaner or Plumber for slow drains?
Taylor, slow drainage often has to do with tree roots getting into the drain pipe. To use chemicals would not only be environmentally dangerous but wouldn't have a lasting effect as roots would eventually regrow. I would recommend a plumber look at your pipes.
- Sat Oct 08, 2016 8:20 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I upgrade my beat up car?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5962
Re: Should I upgrade my beat up car?
Drifting: Sorry that you were hurt by my remarks, critical but intended only to be helpful as you are concerned to 'set the right tone'. If you don't care, be prepared to be ridiculed.
- Fri Oct 07, 2016 6:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Should I upgrade my beat up car?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 5962
Re: Should I upgrade my beat up car?
As I read all the responses to your OP, I have been thinking that another matter regarding how you present yourself to others with whom you work is your grammar so.... 'my wife and I's safety' should be: 'my wife's and my safety'. Along with a car upgrade, I suggest a copy of the classic William Str...
- Wed Oct 05, 2016 2:29 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Brokerage account instead of 529
- Replies: 4
- Views: 450
Re: Brokerage account instead of 529
Consider tax differences and fees charged in each case. 529 accounts are flexible plans, which when withdrawn for college expenses are free from federal taxes and in some cases state taxes. There are many different 529 accounts (these are managed by states but you don't have to open one managed by t...
- Wed Sep 21, 2016 5:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: "Women and Investing" class offered by Employer
- Replies: 84
- Views: 7736
Re: "Women and Investing" class offered by Employer
I agree pennywise. This spousal difference is often explained as 'my wife doesn't like or want to deal with financial issues, so I (husband) do everything'. Nothing said about WHY his wife is this way, and what (if anything) the husband tried to teach his wife and what he knows himself. Notice he do...
- Mon Sep 19, 2016 8:46 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: About Vanguard advisors: opinions, thoughts?
- Replies: 78
- Views: 9132
Re: About Vanguard advisors: opinions, thoughts?
Did your advisor explain why he didn't want you to invest in W and W? And WHY his recommendations were suitable for the type of account you wanted to open? It would seem that such explanations would help you understand the reasons for conflicts you are having with him. More discussion is needed.
- Sun Sep 18, 2016 11:20 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: CREF variable annuity in 403(b) -- any reason to pay the high expense ratio?
- Replies: 37
- Views: 3103
Re: CREF variable annuity in 403(b) -- any reason to pay the high expense ratio?
I signed up for one of these 'supplemental retirement annuities' accounts, which was the name given to certain TIAA-CREF accounts owned by workers at non-profits like universities and certain hospitals. I was able to save quite a lot during the years I had one of these 403B plans as I put everything...
- Sun Sep 11, 2016 8:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: car air conditioning problem
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1449
Re: car air conditioning problem
Where do you live? Do you have any animals (mice, rats) nesting in cars? I have had my air conditioner checked and the filter was filled with sign of pack rats (mesquite beans, droppings). Once the filter was replaced the conditioner worked fine.
- Sun Sep 11, 2016 1:56 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Your Questions for the Experts Panel Q&A @ Bogleheads Conference
- Replies: 52
- Views: 8195
Re: Your Questions for the Experts Panel Q&A @ Bogleheads Conference
Thank you for considering my question. Background: Over many years, we have been reading a great deal about unethical/criminal behavior on the part of various kinds of financial institutions and their participating staff who interact with customers. Numerous threads on this site have shown us detail...
- Tue Sep 06, 2016 11:02 am
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: Viewing Treasurydirect.org account balance on Vanguard.com
- Replies: 7
- Views: 789
Re: Viewing Treasurydirect.org account balance on Vanguard.com
When I added my Treasury direct account I simply listed it as 'I-bonds' and gave the amount. I didn't have to go to a special Vanguard link to do that within the 'outside' investments section.
- Sat Sep 03, 2016 3:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mother, retired, newly widowed, finding a path ahead (also example of what not to do)
- Replies: 20
- Views: 3479
Re: Mother, retired, newly widowed, finding a path ahead (also example of what not to do)
With regard to selling topsoil from your mother's land following your father's earlier practice, I'd seriously look into what this is doing to the quality of the land. Should you or siblings later decide to lease or sell it for an agricultural use, removing the topsoil for someone else's use might d...
- Mon Jul 04, 2016 10:11 am
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3521
Re: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
No chart available, it says. Same for Morningstar and Yahoo finance (as of Saturday).
- Sun Jul 03, 2016 11:50 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3521
Re: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
Regarding my original comment about volatility, I tried to create a comparative chart showing the behavior of these two funds over time. However, I couldn't find any QREARX chart to compare with the long term behavior of the Vanguard fund. Anyone have an idea about why this is the case?
- Sun Jul 03, 2016 12:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3521
Re: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
sorry, it should be QREARX, less volatile.
- Sat Jul 02, 2016 9:15 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3521
Re: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
AValpert: As a non-diversified fund, TIREX should be particularly susceptible to changes in real estate values. The Total Stock Fund should be less volatile when a particular type of asset is affected by such valuation changes but this is not to say that there is never any volatility with this fund ...
- Fri Jul 01, 2016 3:04 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3521
Re: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
They have included REITS in this fund for some time. Tax consequences are different for REITS and real estate property for both owners and sellers. Have they withdrawn those REIT investments recently? Sorry if I have not paid attention as I have been away from this fund for a number of years.
- Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:26 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Retirement Security and Personal Savings (June 2016 report)
- Replies: 1
- Views: 445
Re: Retirement Security and Personal Savings (June 2016 report)
Benefactors of BPC? Who are they?
- Fri Jul 01, 2016 2:23 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: As a new investor that is still learning I am making it through Brexit!
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3800
Re: As a new investor that is still learning I am making it through Brexit!
Ulysses Contract: Tie yourself to the mast (or your canoe stern ) before you paddle past the sirens.
- Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:39 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: after tax 401k contributions?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1459
Re: after tax 401k contributions?
Saving more is a great idea but I wouldn't recommend using your 401k. The more you have in that account (or an IRA), the higher is your required minimum distribution and the 28% taxes you will pay for THAT after 70 1/2. Your taxable account allows you to sell stock (or funds) at a 15% tax, lower tha...
- Fri Jul 01, 2016 1:25 pm
- Forum: Investing - Help with Personal Investments
- Topic: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
- Replies: 26
- Views: 3521
Re: TIAA Real Estate vs. Vanguard REITS
Years ago before retirement I had a 403B in TIAA real estate. This did very well until real estate began to fall. By that time TIAA had already added REITs to their fund, which also enabled greater volatility. When I began to prepare for retirement, I rolled over this account to Vanguard where good ...
- Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:48 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: NY Times Op-Ed: Pension Holders Need a New Retirement Plan, Not Stock Tips
- Replies: 65
- Views: 5947
Re: NY Times Op-Ed: Pension Holders Need a New Retirement Plan, Not Stock Tips
Today's Morningstar Christine Benz interview with Michael Kitces discusses the positive and negative issues regarding the new Fiduciary Rule established by the Department of Labor, covering investment advisors. Of particular interest is that the DOL could only legitimately cover retirement accounts,...
- Mon May 23, 2016 11:35 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How to stop MS loading Windows 10?
- Replies: 70
- Views: 8323
Re: How to stop MS loading Windows 10?
Windows 10 was being automatically downloaded early this morning. However, when it came to the 'license agreement' at the end I could decline, and this led to Windows 7 being restored. So far the only problem was my modem connection was deleted; I had to restore my connection using the modem pin.
- Sun May 08, 2016 12:22 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is buying organic really that expensive?
- Replies: 111
- Views: 13454
Re: Is buying organic really that expensive?
Not all farmers are able to acquire the 'Organic' label due to certain federal and state requirements they may be unable to meet but more frequently small scale farmers are growing sustainably without chemicals. Sustainability has much to do with the development and maintenance of good soil over tim...
- Tue May 03, 2016 11:58 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Women business clothes - what brands make the right impression?
- Replies: 64
- Views: 8608
Re: Women business clothes - what brands make the right impression?
I agree that well made clothing will last for many years and you can update things with a new belt, jewelry, and especially scarves. Once you find what you like and what looks and fits well, you most likely will find them on ebay for far less, where you can buy and return (in most cases) if they don...
- Fri Jan 29, 2016 10:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Most efficient way to improve my writing ability?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 4044
Re: Most efficient way to improve my writing ability?
Many academic programs organize student conferences which are excellent occasions for presenting a paper and answer questions from the people attending. This is a very good way to practice writing and to learn what you need to do better if you find that others can't understand you very well. I agree...
- Sat Oct 03, 2015 12:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Formal Dinnerware
- Replies: 82
- Views: 7132
Re: Formal Dinnerware
] . [quote]She wants something with a silver band around the edge.[/quote] Anything with gold or silver on it must be washed by hand as a dishwasher will eventually destroy the finish. If you want something of good quality that you could use more than just for these parties, I recommend Ceralene or ...