Search found 245 matches
- Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
- Replies: 174
- Views: 16184
Re: Supermarket pizza - any good ones? Any great ones?
+1 for Rao’s frozen pizza. Excellent product, albeit a bit pricey.
- Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What are you listening to now
- Replies: 5832
- Views: 590744
Re: What are you listening to now
Blasters- American Music
Great Rockabilly
Great Rockabilly
- Fri Jan 05, 2024 11:23 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Enormous Property Tax Increase
- Replies: 66
- Views: 9974
Re: Enormous Property Tax Increase
My wife and I live in the North suburban area of Chicago.
When we received our latest Assesor letter, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the land & structure assessed valuations were lowered. We didn’t bother appealing because the assessed value was less than the purchase price.
In our case, it’s unlikely that a lower valuation will translate to lower property taxes. The taxing entities, e.g. school, park, and sanitary districts, water reclamation, etc., almost always raise their levies to the maximum allowed by law.
I can’t remember the last time our property tax bill, was lowered.
When we received our latest Assesor letter, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the land & structure assessed valuations were lowered. We didn’t bother appealing because the assessed value was less than the purchase price.
In our case, it’s unlikely that a lower valuation will translate to lower property taxes. The taxing entities, e.g. school, park, and sanitary districts, water reclamation, etc., almost always raise their levies to the maximum allowed by law.
I can’t remember the last time our property tax bill, was lowered.
- Fri Oct 27, 2023 4:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator... [Updated question October 2023]
- Replies: 61
- Views: 10915
Re: Replacing High End Built in Refrigerator... [Updated question October 2023]
Kitchen has:
Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer
Sub-Zero dual fuel stove/oven
Appliances are 5 years old, no issues to date.
Drive a 2012 Acura TSX, great car.
Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer
Sub-Zero dual fuel stove/oven
Appliances are 5 years old, no issues to date.
Drive a 2012 Acura TSX, great car.
- Mon Oct 02, 2023 4:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Epoxy vs Ployurea waterproofing
- Replies: 1
- Views: 567
Epoxy vs Ployurea waterproofing
[Topic is now in Personal Consumer Issues - mod mkc]
Our Condo Association needs to have an outdoor concrete pedestrian ramp waterproofed.
One contractor recommended an epoxy coating. The price seems OK, but I’ve read than the epoxy coating will likely require maintenance every 3-5 years.
Another contractor told us about Polyurea concrete coating. Online material states it’s 4 times stronger than epoxy, and requires maintenance every 10-15 years.
It’s more expensive than epoxy, but the maintenance trade off is appealing
Has/does anyone on the Forum have any personal experience with either of these products? Any insight or information offered is appreciated.
Thanks
Our Condo Association needs to have an outdoor concrete pedestrian ramp waterproofed.
One contractor recommended an epoxy coating. The price seems OK, but I’ve read than the epoxy coating will likely require maintenance every 3-5 years.
Another contractor told us about Polyurea concrete coating. Online material states it’s 4 times stronger than epoxy, and requires maintenance every 10-15 years.
It’s more expensive than epoxy, but the maintenance trade off is appealing
Has/does anyone on the Forum have any personal experience with either of these products? Any insight or information offered is appreciated.
Thanks
- Sun Sep 24, 2023 3:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Fixed-Income Portion of Portfolio
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1925
Re: Fixed-Income Portion of Portfolio
I’m also in the same situation; AA is 60/38/2.
My tax deferred account is 100% fixed income, VBTLX (BND) and VBILX (BIV). I’m in the second year of taking my RMD.
To keep the AA the same, I transfer the sale dollars of the RMD to my taxable account and invest in the fund equivalent of VTEB.
At this time for me, this is the simplest approach to follow.
My tax deferred account is 100% fixed income, VBTLX (BND) and VBILX (BIV). I’m in the second year of taking my RMD.
To keep the AA the same, I transfer the sale dollars of the RMD to my taxable account and invest in the fund equivalent of VTEB.
At this time for me, this is the simplest approach to follow.
- Sat Sep 16, 2023 9:54 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What ratio are you stocks/bonds and how old are you?
- Replies: 449
- Views: 96091
Re: What ratio are you stocks/bonds and how old are you?
Age 73, retired:
Overall AA (combined taxable & tax deferred)
60 equities
38 fixed income
2 cash
Overall AA (combined taxable & tax deferred)
60 equities
38 fixed income
2 cash
- Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 07 Subaru Forester Misdiagnosed, Almost Junked at 68,000 Miles
- Replies: 101
- Views: 13918
- Tue Aug 01, 2023 6:42 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Total Portfolio Allocation and Withdrawal (TPAW)
- Replies: 690
- Views: 172331
Re: Total portfolio allocation and withdrawal (TPAW)
Ben:
To begin, thanks go out to you and your brother for developing this very elegant planning tool.
I do have a question however. I’ve input my essential and discretionary expenses. However the sum of the two categories doesn’t equal the general expenses amount.
What am I missing or not understanding?
Thanks
To begin, thanks go out to you and your brother for developing this very elegant planning tool.
I do have a question however. I’ve input my essential and discretionary expenses. However the sum of the two categories doesn’t equal the general expenses amount.
What am I missing or not understanding?
Thanks
- Wed Jul 05, 2023 9:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Trust beneficiaries
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1375
Re: Trust beneficiaries
Thanks to all who have posted replies.
As suspected, “it depends” is the prevalent answer.
Time to speak to an estate attorney.
Thanks again.
As suspected, “it depends” is the prevalent answer.
Time to speak to an estate attorney.
Thanks again.
- Sat Jul 01, 2023 11:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Trust beneficiaries
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1375
Trust beneficiaries
My wife & I each have revocable trusts, with each of us being the primary beneficiary of the others IRA(s), and the respective trust as the secondary.
My question is this; perhaps there’s no right or wrong answer, but I’m looking for best practice.
When only one spouse remains, should the primary beneficiary of the IRAs be changed to our son, and the trust remain as secondary? Or should the trust be made the primary beneficiary of the IRAs?
Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks
My question is this; perhaps there’s no right or wrong answer, but I’m looking for best practice.
When only one spouse remains, should the primary beneficiary of the IRAs be changed to our son, and the trust remain as secondary? Or should the trust be made the primary beneficiary of the IRAs?
Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks
- Wed Apr 19, 2023 7:16 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: No plans to sell equities in retirement to meet planned expenses
- Replies: 81
- Views: 7920
Re: No plans to sell equities in retirement to meet planned expenses
My wife and I have a similar plan.
We are both retired, 72 and have 2M in our tax deferred accounts. I began taking my 1st RMD last year and my wife will begin hers in 2024.
Between SS, her pension, RMDs and investment income we will not need to withdraw anything from our taxable accounts which are 90% equity ETF and MFs. That’s the plan, hopefully it has a decent chance of working out.
We are both retired, 72 and have 2M in our tax deferred accounts. I began taking my 1st RMD last year and my wife will begin hers in 2024.
Between SS, her pension, RMDs and investment income we will not need to withdraw anything from our taxable accounts which are 90% equity ETF and MFs. That’s the plan, hopefully it has a decent chance of working out.
- Wed Apr 05, 2023 9:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
- Replies: 4535
- Views: 625772
Re: What frugal thing did you do today?
Didn’t go to Starbucks for my morning Americano.
- Sat Apr 01, 2023 2:48 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
- Replies: 5250
- Views: 906790
Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
Overall AA = 58/40/2
Tax deferred is 100% fixed income
Taxable is 85/15
+6.4% YTD
Tax deferred is 100% fixed income
Taxable is 85/15
+6.4% YTD
- Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
- Replies: 11151
- Views: 2085742
Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
MHZ Choice
Nordic Noir genre
1. Grey Zone
2. Spring Tide
Grey Zone: cutting edge drone controller at the center of terrorist kidnapping plot. Swedish/Danish 1 season
Spring Tide: Swedish police university student and retired cop come together to solve 25 year old cold case. 2 seasons
Both well done.
Nordic Noir genre
1. Grey Zone
2. Spring Tide
Grey Zone: cutting edge drone controller at the center of terrorist kidnapping plot. Swedish/Danish 1 season
Spring Tide: Swedish police university student and retired cop come together to solve 25 year old cold case. 2 seasons
Both well done.
- Sun Mar 05, 2023 8:46 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you go for walks?
- Replies: 175
- Views: 17510
Re: Do you go for walks?
On alternating days (72 yo):
3-4 mile walk in Chicago Botanic Garden,
45 minute strength and weight exercises
3-4 mile walk in Chicago Botanic Garden,
45 minute strength and weight exercises
- Sun Feb 19, 2023 9:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
- Replies: 4535
- Views: 625772
Re: What frugal thing did you do today?
Ate leftovers instead of doing takeout.
- Sat Feb 04, 2023 4:46 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What is your age and asset allocation ?
- Replies: 1156
- Views: 151974
Re: What is your age and asset allocation ?
Wife and I, both 72 retired.
Overall AA is 58/40/2
Tax deferred 100% fixed income
Taxable 85/15 fixed income in Muni bond fund
Overall AA is 58/40/2
Tax deferred 100% fixed income
Taxable 85/15 fixed income in Muni bond fund
- Wed Jan 11, 2023 2:17 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard Client Level at $25 million
- Replies: 82
- Views: 15540
Re: Vanguard Client Level at $25 million
JWST level, open to a slew of new benefits and galaxies
- Mon Jan 09, 2023 2:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does Medicare cover MD visit for ear infection?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3453
Re: Does Medicare cover MD visit for ear infection?
I’m on Medicare with a BCBS supplemental plan.
I’ve had numerous issues in both ears ranging from surgery, tubes, and ear infections that required an office visit for antibiotics.
Have not had any problems with Medicare or the supplemental paying the claims.
I’ve had numerous issues in both ears ranging from surgery, tubes, and ear infections that required an office visit for antibiotics.
Have not had any problems with Medicare or the supplemental paying the claims.
- Sun Jan 08, 2023 9:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retired Bogleheads w Very Low Withdrawal Rates
- Replies: 73
- Views: 7166
Re: Retired Bogleheads w Very Low Withdrawal Rates
Withdrawal rate from portfolio is approximately 1%, entirely based on quarterly dividends from taxable accounts swept to cash.
I turned 72 in 2022, 1st RMD was handled as transfer-in-kind to taxable. DW turns 72 in 2023, so she gets a RMD reprieve until 2024. SS and a very small pension cover the majority of our expenses. There are many variables that can cause our current withdrawal rate to change.
We feel very fortunate.
I turned 72 in 2022, 1st RMD was handled as transfer-in-kind to taxable. DW turns 72 in 2023, so she gets a RMD reprieve until 2024. SS and a very small pension cover the majority of our expenses. There are many variables that can cause our current withdrawal rate to change.
We feel very fortunate.
- Sat Dec 31, 2022 2:12 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
- Replies: 5250
- Views: 906790
Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
AA = 58/40/2
Equities: VTI, VOO, and VXUS
Bonds: VBTLX, VTABX
-14.5% for the year.
Equities: VTI, VOO, and VXUS
Bonds: VBTLX, VTABX
-14.5% for the year.
- Sat Oct 15, 2022 4:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: rafting Grand Canyon
- Replies: 18
- Views: 1932
Re: rafting Grand Canyon
Martin Litton - Grand Canyon Dories
My wife and I went down the Colorado river in one of the dories (a large row boat) in 1977. If memory serves me, the trip was around three weeks in length.
45 years later, still one of our most memorable trips ever.
My wife and I went down the Colorado river in one of the dories (a large row boat) in 1977. If memory serves me, the trip was around three weeks in length.
45 years later, still one of our most memorable trips ever.
- Mon Aug 29, 2022 7:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retirees aren't spending their nestegg - how can we do better?
- Replies: 148
- Views: 13090
Re: Retirees aren't spending their nestegg - how can we do better?
I have a modest nestegg, and at 75 I'm hanging on to it. As a result of decades of saving and investing, I live quite comfortably on my Social Security and RMDs. If I want or need something, I buy it. DW and I travel and lead a good life. I do not deprive myself, but neither am I profligate. Although I do plan to leave whatever wealth remains after my passing to my two heirs, that is not the primary reason for not spending it down now. This is the reason: My parents both lived into their mid-nineties, and at the end my father was paying over $12K per month for Assisted Care. He lived in that facility for over five years had the resources to pay for living in a very nice and comfortable place with 24/7 aides who took care of him, especially...
- Tue Aug 23, 2022 8:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS tells me to call then disconnects me
- Replies: 38
- Views: 8541
Re: IRS tells me to call then disconnects me
As a reference point:
I filed a 2022 amended return in late February.
Yesterday, I had the status changed to “adjusted” on the Where’s My Amended Return IRS website.
Almost 6 months to process, patience.
I filed a 2022 amended return in late February.
Yesterday, I had the status changed to “adjusted” on the Where’s My Amended Return IRS website.
Almost 6 months to process, patience.
- Fri Jul 29, 2022 2:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Any Comcast promotions for existing customers?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 3445
Re: Any Comcast promotions for existing customers?
Our contract expires mid August. I went to a local Xfinity store (I refuse to call them on the phone), and was told to keep the same TV package (ultimate), and the same internet speed (very fast), there would be a monthly price increase of approximately $60.
I was shocked to hear this; no deals offered. For me, the only solution to lowering the monthly bill (by $4), was to downgrade the TV bundle, and or Internet speed. I opted to downgrade to the Choice TV package.
Truly, a customer unfriendly company; I wish only bad things for Comcast/Xfinity.
I was shocked to hear this; no deals offered. For me, the only solution to lowering the monthly bill (by $4), was to downgrade the TV bundle, and or Internet speed. I opted to downgrade to the Choice TV package.
Truly, a customer unfriendly company; I wish only bad things for Comcast/Xfinity.
- Sun Jul 17, 2022 9:13 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: living trust necessary? recomended?
- Replies: 56
- Views: 7032
Re: living trust necessary? recomended?
As Freddie and Lee pointed out, the far more important issue is providing for your children in trust rather than outright. If you provide for them outright at age 25, you'll be throwing a few million dollars into each of their estates for estate tax purposes, and exposing it to their creditors and spouses. You could instead allow each child to gain control of his/her trust at age 25, while still keeping their inheritances out of their estates and protecting their inheritances from their creditors and spouses. I understand how a trust reduces exposure to creditors and spouses but what is the concern with a few million dollars passing to them in terms of estate taxes as long as they are below the federal exception? Stocks would also receive ...
- Sat Jul 02, 2022 9:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Share your Net Worth Regression
- Replies: 350
- Views: 60141
Re: Share your Net Worth Regression
Overall AA = 58/40/2
Taxable AA = 80/18/2 (muni’s)
Tax Deferred = 100% fixed income
Down 14%
Taxable AA = 80/18/2 (muni’s)
Tax Deferred = 100% fixed income
Down 14%
- Sun May 29, 2022 10:41 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Share your Net Worth Regression
- Replies: 350
- Views: 60141
Re: Share your Net Worth Regression
YTD, Down 10% (700K)
- Mon May 23, 2022 4:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Anyone retired and living off SS and Dividends?
- Replies: 160
- Views: 14372
Re: Anyone retired and living off SS and Dividends?
Yes, my wife and I can manage our joint SS, wife’s small pension, and our taxable dividends. The dividends equate to approximately a 1% withdrawal rate.
Will be taking initial RMD this December, likely to transfer funds to taxable.
Will be taking initial RMD this December, likely to transfer funds to taxable.
- Thu May 12, 2022 7:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Share your Net Worth Regression
- Replies: 350
- Views: 60141
Re: Share your Net Worth Regression
AA is 60/40
YTD -14% (1MM)
YTD -14% (1MM)
- Sat Apr 30, 2022 5:54 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
- Replies: 5250
- Views: 906790
Re: What are you up YTD? [Year To Date]
AA is 60/40. Down 11% YTD
Taxable: 85/15
Tax Deferred 100% bonds
Taxable: 85/15
Tax Deferred 100% bonds
- Thu Mar 31, 2022 4:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Secure Act 2.0
- Replies: 3
- Views: 779
Secure Act 2.0
I have a question about the Secure Act 2.0, yet to be signed into law.
I turn 72 in November 2022 and am currently planning on taking my required RMD later in the year. I also understand that I have until March 31, 2023, to take the initial RMD, followed by a second RMD by Dec. 31, 2023.
The questions are:
If the Senate passes the Secure Act 2.0 in its present form, and it becomes law as of Jan. 1, 2023, will I still be required to take an initial RMD by the end of 2022? What happens if I decide to defer until early 2023, when it’s already law?
Thanks
I turn 72 in November 2022 and am currently planning on taking my required RMD later in the year. I also understand that I have until March 31, 2023, to take the initial RMD, followed by a second RMD by Dec. 31, 2023.
The questions are:
If the Senate passes the Secure Act 2.0 in its present form, and it becomes law as of Jan. 1, 2023, will I still be required to take an initial RMD by the end of 2022? What happens if I decide to defer until early 2023, when it’s already law?
Thanks
- Tue Mar 22, 2022 10:37 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Trust Question - Family member passed
- Replies: 4
- Views: 780
Trust Question - Family member passed
My brother and his wife each had revocable trusts, and from what I understand were co-trustees of each other's trust.
My brother recently passed away, and my sister-in-law has stated that at some point prior to his passing, transferred everything from his trust into his wife's trust.
I know this is an after the fact question, but I'm not sure this was the smart thing to do. Should he have left his trust alone?
Any thoughts?
My brother recently passed away, and my sister-in-law has stated that at some point prior to his passing, transferred everything from his trust into his wife's trust.
I know this is an after the fact question, but I'm not sure this was the smart thing to do. Should he have left his trust alone?
Any thoughts?
- Fri Mar 04, 2022 6:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Turbo Tax - Form 1116 Schedule B cannot be e-filed
- Replies: 7
- Views: 2463
Re: Turbo Tax - Form 1116 Schedule B cannot be e-filed
I tried the itemized deduction method. The difference between the two was ~$400. Basically, the itemized deduction gave no tax break. But perhaps given the hassle, I should just eat the cost rather than develop gray hair :) If the amount was way higher, I would go for a CPA, but the CPA fees will eat up the $400 difference, not to mention the time spent hunting for a good one and then checking their work etc. That’s what I did, I took the path of least resistance and took the deduction rather than the credit. The deduction was approximately $500 less. As mentioned, CPA fees would have consumed most of the difference had I decided to go the credit route. Admittedly, I took the easy way out. Maybe TT will have all this sorted for the 2022 ta...
- Fri Mar 04, 2022 7:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Foregoing Foreign Tax Credit Carryover
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2503
Re: Foregoing Foreign Tax Credit Carryover
I finalized our taxes yesterday with TT.
I did what the OP did; skipped the foreign tax credit and took the deduction. The deduction came out to be approximately $500 less than the credit.
Yes, TT handles form 1116, but if there’s a C/O,
it does not support or generate the new 1116 schedule B. Maybe next year?
You have to manually download the form, and do the required work.
Admittedly, I took the easy way out - personal choice.
I did what the OP did; skipped the foreign tax credit and took the deduction. The deduction came out to be approximately $500 less than the credit.
Yes, TT handles form 1116, but if there’s a C/O,
it does not support or generate the new 1116 schedule B. Maybe next year?
You have to manually download the form, and do the required work.
Admittedly, I took the easy way out - personal choice.
- Sun Feb 20, 2022 10:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Trust Experts: Co-Trustees With Full vs Joint Power To Act
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1223
Re: Trust Experts: Co-Trustees With Full vs Joint Power To Act
I am interested in learning about co-trustees with full power to act individually vs co-trustees that must act jointly. Here is the scenario. First case (co-trustee with full power): I create an irrevocable trust where I am the trustee. I open a brokerage account in the name of the trust, fund it, and I manage the account (because I am the trustee). A wealth planner at the brokerage house suggested it would probably be a good idea to amend the trust to name my spouse as co-trustee with full power to act individually. That way, spouse could also manage the account - e.g., if I were disabled, hospitalized, incapacitated or just simply wanted spouse to manage it periodically. We would do the same for spouse's trust account. In this case, it e...
- Fri Feb 18, 2022 10:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TurboTax problem with Schwab
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2633
Re: TurboTax problem with Schwab
I have both VG and Schwab accounts. The VG import didn’t require any Intuit login account information. It appears each brokerage company has specific Turbo Tax import criteria.
I did have to create an Intuit account to import my Schwab 1099 data. I also immediately changed my Schwab password.
I did have to create an Intuit account to import my Schwab 1099 data. I also immediately changed my Schwab password.
- Fri Feb 18, 2022 6:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: TurboTax problem with Schwab
- Replies: 18
- Views: 2633
Re: TurboTax problem with Schwab
For Schwab:
Login to your account. Go to the Services tab, and scroll down to 3rd Party Access
Hit the radio button allow 3rd party access.
You should bd able to import your Schwab 1099 data.
Login to your account. Go to the Services tab, and scroll down to 3rd Party Access
Hit the radio button allow 3rd party access.
You should bd able to import your Schwab 1099 data.
- Mon Feb 07, 2022 7:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How do you backup your computer?
- Replies: 159
- Views: 13342
Re: How do you backup your computer?
Win 10:
Monthly system image, and monthly backup of My Documents directory
Monthly system image, and monthly backup of My Documents directory
- Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:38 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
- Replies: 7764
- Views: 1351574
Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
I provided the best competing offer I could find at the time (Citibank, $3500), for each account over 2MM. They matched, and received 7K for the two trust accounts.gas_balloon wrote: ↑Thu Jan 27, 2022 12:02 amWow, great work!! That seems like a very large signon bonus. Did they automatically offer it to you? How large were the accounts being transferred?
Schwab held firm at 2.5K total for the three IRA accounts. Likely could have done better if I had waited a year for the second batch of IRA transfers, or had chosen a different brokerage for the IRAs.
I didn’t want to do either, consolidating with one brokerage was important for us.
Like I said, more than satisfied.
- Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:16 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
- Replies: 7764
- Views: 1351574
Re: The Final, Definitive Thread on Brokerage Transfer Bonuses
I recently transferred our five Vanguard accounts (two revocable trusts & three tax deferred) to Schwab. As has been mentioned by others, and in my case as well, Vanguard didn’t explicitly take anything away from me. We had Flagship Select status, which other than the 100 free trades, meant nothing. The mobile App ‘upgrade’, is what pushed me over the ledge. Suffice it to say, Schwab was very eager to have me as a customer. My wife and I received 9.5K in total bonus money for transferring our accounts. Truth be told, I would have transferred without the bonus money. Lastly, I didn’t want to convert the mutual funds to their equivalent ETFs. Schwab waived trading fees for all VG mutual funds for me. Very satisfied with the results.
- Mon Dec 20, 2021 4:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
- Replies: 11151
- Views: 2085742
Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Pig - Hulu w/ Nicholas Cage.
I thought it was well done, thoroughly enjoyed it.
I thought it was well done, thoroughly enjoyed it.
- Mon Nov 22, 2021 5:24 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A
- Replies: 693
- Views: 105005
Re: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A
I went to a local Schwab office, and they matched Citibank’s November transfer bonus amount. Plus they are waiving VG mutual fund trading fees.
The representative stated it takes approximately 45 days for the amount to land in the account.
I recently transferred our taxable accounts from VG to Schwab. It took 7 business days, painless.
The representative stated it takes approximately 45 days for the amount to land in the account.
I recently transferred our taxable accounts from VG to Schwab. It took 7 business days, painless.
- Wed Nov 03, 2021 10:37 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard's new mobile app (formerly known as "Beacon")
- Replies: 702
- Views: 82532
Re: "Beacon," Vanguard's new mobile app
I followed the advice from some folks here. I called Schwab and asked them if I rollover my 401(k) to them will they waive fees for the Vanguard funds. They said they would be happy to and marked my accounts accordingly. So it looks like I’ll be buying vanguard funds such as life strategy but use Schwab since I like their app, website and most importantly their customer service. I realize I could buy ETFs but honestly I can’t be bothered even rebalancing so I’ll probably just go with lifestrategy funds and be done with it. How much did you transfer in order for them to offer waiving fees for the Vanguard funds? Did you also get a bonus? I didn’t transfer anything yet but at least 2M. How much bonus should I ask for? Since Schwab matches wh...
- Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 31258
Re: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
My wife and I renewed our passports almost a year in advance, so we weren’t in a rush. That said, we opted for regular passport service.
The applications were mailed, USPS Priority Mail in mid-June. USPS never changed the status to delivered. The Passport Agency acknowledged receipt of the applications on July 24. We received our new passports on Oct 18.
Four full months to process.
The applications were mailed, USPS Priority Mail in mid-June. USPS never changed the status to delivered. The Passport Agency acknowledged receipt of the applications on July 24. We received our new passports on Oct 18.
Four full months to process.
- Mon Nov 01, 2021 5:21 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard's new mobile app (formerly known as "Beacon")
- Replies: 702
- Views: 82532
Re: "Beacon," Vanguard's new mobile app
I’m a Vanguard Flagship Select client, and haven’t been directly affected by the aforementioned customer service reported issues.
However, I made frequent use of the previous VG app, the one that got replaced with the downgraded version related to this thread. For ME, trying to make use this app just didn’t work. Each to his own, if it works for you - great.
That said, I drove over to my local Schwab office, showed them our two trust accounts balances, and am trying to get them to match Citibank’s offer of $3,500 for 2MM+ per account.
Let’s see what happens.
However, I made frequent use of the previous VG app, the one that got replaced with the downgraded version related to this thread. For ME, trying to make use this app just didn’t work. Each to his own, if it works for you - great.
That said, I drove over to my local Schwab office, showed them our two trust accounts balances, and am trying to get them to match Citibank’s offer of $3,500 for 2MM+ per account.
Let’s see what happens.
- Sat Oct 30, 2021 5:21 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Vanguard's new mobile app (formerly known as "Beacon")
- Replies: 702
- Views: 82532
Re: New Vanguard mobile app
I have the old Vanguard App on my iPad. I now get ERROR, we’re unable to complete your request. It appears the older version can’t be used.
I have deleted the app from my Apple devices, and will rely on Personal Capital for browsing VG data.
Any financial transactions will be done on home laptop.
Thinking about Schwab.
I have deleted the app from my Apple devices, and will rely on Personal Capital for browsing VG data.
Any financial transactions will be done on home laptop.
Thinking about Schwab.
- Fri Aug 06, 2021 7:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 31258
Re: Passport renewal time - what’s the current time frame?
My wife and I sent our passports in for renewal on July 6.
We just received notification the US State Dept. has received them. One month for delivery.
The not so funny follow up, is that USPS tracking still shows my package still in transit. As I understand, the passport center in Irving TX. sends couriers to the distribution center multiple times daily for applications.
USPS, doesn’t physically deliver to the passport center. They don’t bother doing the final scan many times.
4 weeks for delivery
6-8+ weeks for processing
?? Mailing back to recipient (fingers crossed)
We just received notification the US State Dept. has received them. One month for delivery.
The not so funny follow up, is that USPS tracking still shows my package still in transit. As I understand, the passport center in Irving TX. sends couriers to the distribution center multiple times daily for applications.
USPS, doesn’t physically deliver to the passport center. They don’t bother doing the final scan many times.
4 weeks for delivery
6-8+ weeks for processing
?? Mailing back to recipient (fingers crossed)
- Fri Jul 30, 2021 6:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: What is your percentage of debt to NW?
- Replies: 203
- Views: 20335
Re: What is your percentage of debt to NW?
Retired, 70
6.0% ( recent 30 yr mortgage at 2.75% - 450K)
Zero debt except for mortgage
Net worth 7M
6.0% ( recent 30 yr mortgage at 2.75% - 450K)
Zero debt except for mortgage
Net worth 7M