Search found 4560 matches

by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 23
Views: 1648

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

what is your definition of a true seller's market? A seller's market in the Bay Area is certainly different than one in say, St. Louis. And doesn't it also depend on price? An inoperable bathroom is not gonna be too attractive in a $1.5m home. What if this was the only bathroom or the master? (another unknown) Gonna turn off a lot of potential buyers, which shrinks the bidding.
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 23
Views: 1648

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

deleted, dupe
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 23
Views: 1648

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

Nothing "wrong" per se. This happens all the time. Perhaps the bathroom was dated? Sure, the seller may not get a 100% return on the BR investment, but it could help sell the place faster. Many RE agents have a buyer in their pocket already. It makes for a quick and easy sale. Does it mean that the buyer left some money on the table, sure, but again, quick and easy sale. Does the Agent make a quick buck? Yes, to that too. If it is really a "seller's market" - it is hard to imagine a bathroom remodel causing a house to sell faster. How long did the remodel take? Everyone I know in true sellers markets have done one open house and gotten multiple offers. It's like an incredible 2 week process or less to get under contract...
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Realtor has ideas and a buyer
Replies: 23
Views: 1648

Re: Realtor has ideas and a buyer

Nothing "wrong" per se. This happens all the time. Perhaps the bathroom was dated? Or, really ugly grout that was chipped and could not be cleaned? Sure, the seller may not get a 100% return on the BR investment, but it could help sell the place faster.

Many RE agents have a buyer in their pocket already. It makes for a quick and easy sale. Does it mean that the seller left some money on the table, sure, but again, quick and easy sale. Does the Agent make a quick buck? Yes, to that too.

It's in the Agent's best interest to get the highest price with the least amount of work. The seller coudl have said, No, to the pocket friend, and marketed teh house for a few weeks.
by Big Dog
Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15026

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

gift article on teh WSJ on this very topic with some examples of how Buyer's agents could be compensated in the future.

https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/a-look- ... _permalink
by Big Dog
Sun Mar 17, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?
Replies: 29
Views: 2169

Re: Garmin Watches: do you wear it at night? if not, does it affect stats?

I have a 265, but do not wear it to bed. Don't see the actionable value of any sleep reports. As to the article, not sure anyone who purchases a Garmin is gonna have a high RHR to begin with.


https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/healt ... -to-sleep/
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help my kid out - International Relations Masters
Replies: 38
Views: 3402

Re: Help my kid out - International Relations Masters

02nz wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 9:57 pm I don't have in-depth knowledge of the individual programs, but from my experience working in this area, my impression is that Tufts is the best-regarded of the programs to which she was accepted.

But: If her main interest is in the think-tank world, she may want to think about a Ph.D. My impression is a master's won't get you far in that area, unless you are already well-known in the field for other reasons.
I agree, and as a result, I'd suggest the financial deal at Michigan which has plenty of connections to DC. UM will also prepare her well should she consider a PhD. But if not a doctorate, she definitely needs some overseas work.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 7:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?
Replies: 51
Views: 3945

Re: Which industry will benefit from new real estate commission fee structure?

I think all aspects of the real estate business from benefit from the collapse of the fixed fee structure. They will add new fees and hide them in all kinds of new ways we can't even imagine today. In place of a single bundled commission fee there will be a plethora of new fees and charges to deal with. The possibilities are endless, advertising fees, fees for "for sale" sign placement, rental, and removal, open house charges, walk-through fees for showing the home to prospective purchasers, listing fees, hourly charges for accommodating appraisers and home inspections, etc, gobs and gobs of fees like you've never seen before. Many of the fees might not be dependent on the closing of a sale. That's a good point. Heck, top agents ...
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:45 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15026

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

The seller has never paid for the buyer's agent. That was all a scam perpetuated by NAR. The buyer has always paid the full commission for both sides. Just because the closing sheet shows the commission coming out of the seller's cut, doesn't mean that's where the money originated. That's simply shifting around numbers. I get what you're saying from a logic standpoint - ultimately all the money is coming from the buyer. But people don't always behave logically. You could say the exact same thing about employer-provided health insurance, since ultimately the employee is paying for that insurance by forgoing a larger salary and paying for it themselves. But that's not how it works in reality, since we see posts all the time in this forum fro...
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Death of Joint Tenant/Owner
Replies: 20
Views: 1726

Re: Death of Joint Tenant/Owner

ComputerShare has only one way of doing things: their way. Definitely ask about cost basis, which should be adjusted as of the date of death upon transferring of shares. Personally, I'd then ask for a check and close out the account.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dealing with empty tIRA account after back door Roth IRA
Replies: 13
Views: 1665

Re: Dealing with empty tIRA account after back door Roth IRA

I had something similar at Fido, which was a few bucks, so I called them and told them that I wanted the total balance transferred plus any residual interest. They made it happen. (btw: Vanguard has a box to check to make it happen automatically.)
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dumped from PT due to low Medicare reimbursements?
Replies: 59
Views: 3769

Re: Dumped from PT due to low Medicare reimbursements?

If your current provider doesn't want your business for whatever reason, time to try a different provider. why not ask friends and neighbors for recommendations to another PT service in your town? Ask your doc's office for a different PT recommendation and to give you a hardcopy of the orders. Do you have an academic medical center nearby? Go on Yelp or other reviews and search. Simple.
by Big Dog
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should "fellowship" be taxed ?
Replies: 7
Views: 844

Re: Should "fellowship" be taxed ?

the portion of a fellowship that covers tuition is not-taxable, but the portion that covers room & board, general living expenses, or reimbursement for teaching (TA)/conducting research (RA) is taxable.

If you are asking whether it "should be" is a political question and not discussable on this forum.
by Big Dog
Fri Mar 15, 2024 3:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15026

Re: Great news! No more agent commission

Much ado about nothing, IMO. And I think the relatively small settlement shows that.

Gonna cause house prices to decline? hahahahaha
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 14, 2024 11:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA and year after LCE
Replies: 8
Views: 1171

Re: IRMAA and year after LCE

I had two years of LCE. But the second year was initially denied. This was during the end of COBRA, so SS offices were only partially open, and most SS employees were working from home. I requested reconsideration from the Regional SS office, and complained to my Congressional Rep. The reconsideration was approved in the next week.
by Big Dog
Thu Mar 14, 2024 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?
Replies: 19
Views: 2107

Re: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?

I did hire an attorney to navigate probate and this is what her paralegal sent me regarding these shares: "First, all the certificated and uncertificated shares need to be transferred into the estate’s name using the EIN. Then, as the executor of the estate, you can instruct Citibank to sell them (there may be some forms you have to complete to get them sold). Once they are sold, the proceeds of that sale need to be deposited into the estate checking account. Distribution to yourself and your brother does not happen until the accounting phase." I met with her in person to sign the inventory of assets and she said that normally most people just cash out the shares instead of transferring them to the heirs but that I could split th...
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?
Replies: 19
Views: 2107

Re: Cost basis inherited shares - what date?

fwiw: the cost basis for inherited stock is calculated as the average between the high and low on the day of death. For mutual funds, its the closing price of the day of death.
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 13, 2024 12:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell relatively expensive fund and generate tax hit?
Replies: 8
Views: 648

Re: Sell relatively expensive fund and generate tax hit?

Make sure you have dividend reinvestment turned off.

How much money in tax are you talking about? $1k or $100k? If the former, I'd simplify life and sell teh fund since you no longer have interest in it.

btw: don't forget that you can always donate appreciated shares to your favorite charities. Or gift them to kids if they are in lower tax brackets. (cost basis transfers to them)
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College degree worthwhile for marketing?
Replies: 112
Views: 7097

Re: College degree worthwhile for marketing?

how are her math skills? Could she take a class in Finance or Data Analytics? (any quant-style course woudl make her more marketable if RE doesn't work out)

But yes, finish the degree.
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 12, 2024 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental upcharges?
Replies: 13
Views: 1408

Re: Dental upcharges?

my dentist does stop by during a cleaning to take a look, but doesnt charge for it. Sometimes he's looking for future work -- hmm, see a possible cavity on #32, but we'll watch it. Or, he's doing quality control on the hygienist: don't' forget to get those stains on #7.

You should ask your dentist if there is a fee to take a look outside of the annual exam?
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sell Home or Keep and Rent It
Replies: 11
Views: 1007

Re: Sell Home or Keep and Rent It

why would you want to be a long-distance landlord in tenant-friendly state? Take the cap gain exclusion of $500k, pay tax on the balance, and don't look back.
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DH Got Rear-Ended Saturday. What to Expect from Insurance Process
Replies: 21
Views: 1532

Re: DH Got Rear-Ended Saturday. What to Expect from Insurance Process

under CA law, you have the choice to take your car to any body shop of your choosing. You can use SF's recommendation, or find your own. CA is an at-fault state. As long as they can collect from the other guy, your rates should not increase. When my D was rear-ended, I told her to take teh car to an approved Audi body shop, with great reviews, but which was 2x the approved insurance rate. They ended up haggling, and finally split the difference. Total repairs cost significantly more than initial insurance estimate. Once they started taking things apart, they found more damage underneath. Refused to accept a second-hand, aka junk yard, quarter panel as recommended by insurer. So my rec is to go to an independent shop of yoru choice that does...
by Big Dog
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted
Replies: 15
Views: 1145

Re: Confused--Part D (Drug Plan) Much More for Certain Prescriptions than Originally Quoted

is your local pharmacy the preferred provider in your Part D plan? What is the deductible amount of the plan he chose?

Have you rerun the prescriptions in the Medicare site to see if the drug plans have changed?

https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/# ... &year=2024
by Big Dog
Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update
Replies: 33
Views: 2898

Re: Non-WiFi Dishwasher Needed Software Update

billaster wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:42 am
hammockhiker wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:49 am The notable decrease in efficiency can be traced to federal regulations regarding water usage by dishwashers. Currently the standard is that dishwashers use no more than 5 gallons, but there's a proposal to cut that to 3.5 gallons. Older dishwasher weren't constrained by regulations, used more water and cleaned better.
One of the most popular dishwashers often recommended here is the Bosch which uses 2.5 to 3.0 gallons per cycle. More water doesn't necessarily mean better.

Perhaps not, but more water does mean faster. :D
by Big Dog
Tue Mar 05, 2024 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Kitchen Cabinet Cost
Replies: 37
Views: 3165

Re: Kitchen Cabinet Cost

jfmiii wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:20 am
gotoparks wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 9:17 am If you live in a high-end neighborhood and house, it is probably OK. I wouldn't over-improve a kitchen with high-end cabinets if the neighborhood didn't support it.
We do live in a wealthy area, so I am sure there is zip code inflation. Our home is worth $1.3-1.4mm and that price point is about the average.
it does depend on the local area. Homes in our VHCOL suburban tract run in that price range, but no way would anyone pay that much extra for such cabinets. They will look beautiful, but teh fanciest cabinets on the block are not much of an upsell. When we move, I will just pay a cabinet specialist to have ours painted and add some new hardware.
by Big Dog
Sat Mar 02, 2024 3:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cigarette Smell In Now Former Rental Property
Replies: 26
Views: 2478

Re: Cigarette Smell In Now Former Rental Property

paint, clean the carpets, wash windows, and wipe down the counters & cabinets. Should take care of 99%.
by Big Dog
Thu Feb 29, 2024 9:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mid-career change to law?
Replies: 127
Views: 11682

Re: Mid-career change to law?

law pay for Jr Associates is bimodal.

https://www.nalp.org/salarydistrib
by Big Dog
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I want to pay off car using money from Roth IRA
Replies: 40
Views: 4468

Re: I want to pay off car using money from Roth IRA

Do you still need two cars?
by Big Dog
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help me choose: Garmin watch or Apple Watch Ultra 2?
Replies: 23
Views: 2485

Re: Help me choose: Garmin watch or Apple Watch Ultra 2?

I wouldn't be concerned with obsolescence with Garmin. They last a long time, and customer service is excellent. I've had an issue or two over teh years, and they have comp'ed me a replacement refurb. Gotta a 265 for a birthday present, but I still have my two original gamins working, one is going on 20 years.

(I'm a runner, so not concerned with swimming.). My D's fiancé used to work for AAPL, and on their watches. He loves is AAPL watch but said for serious athletes/training, Garmin is better.
by Big Dog
Mon Feb 26, 2024 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: umbrella insurance tiered pricing choices
Replies: 7
Views: 946

Re: umbrella insurance tiered pricing choices

Parkinglotracer wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:58 pm
SunRainSnow wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:53 pm
Parkinglotracer wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:39 pm I just bought a 2 M policy from Usaa for about $300 a month ... I don't know if you need to be a service member to buy an umbrella policy from Usaa. I know you don't have to be a member to buy life insurance from them.
$300/mth? $3,600 a year for $2 million is very expensive I think. Maybe you’re a high risk but I’d shop around a bit more. Mine is a tenth of your cost for $2M.
my mistake $300 a year - sorry about that.
I also have USAA for $2m, at $350/yr. Definitely shop around
by Big Dog
Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Health Insurance question for 22 year old.
Replies: 9
Views: 1215

Re: Health Insurance question for 22 year old.

I'm a big fan of HD+HSA plans for young health folks. Surprised that the company does not make a starting contribution to the HSA, such as $250.

But what is the cost for you to keep him on your plan (until 26?) and just have him pay you the delta?
by Big Dog
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vehicle damaged and liable party has low coverage limits
Replies: 45
Views: 4028

Re: Vehicle damaged and liable party has low coverage limits

scophreak wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 2:23 pm
Rotarman wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 6:35 pm - My insurance advised me this is NOT what uninsured/underinsured insurance is for(I carry both). That is only for bodily injury at least in my state, this will be a collision coverage claim thus my premium increasing and being on the hook for deductible
What state are you in?

I could be mistaken, but as far as I am aware, underinsured motorist coverage covers BOTH medical and property damage.
It certainly does cover property in CA (per state law), but unless teh OP wants to share his/her state, we can't be more helpful.
by Big Dog
Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Roof repair - reasonable?
Replies: 40
Views: 3567

Re: Roof repair - reasonable?

The flashing itself is really cheap. Cost for repairs is mostly labor. Have you obtained any other bids? As noted upthread, roof sealing deteriorates over time. Perhaps it can be re=sealed as is and get you another 5+ years.
by Big Dog
Sat Feb 24, 2024 5:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited accounts adjustments
Replies: 28
Views: 3529

Re: Inherited accounts adjustments

The funds / stocks I’m looking to sell are showing losses since I inherited them (reset cost basis), so I should have no tax obligations. Is there a maximum I should sell - I think the maximum I can write off as a loss is $3000/year, the losses will be well over that depending on how much I decide to sell. I plan to reinvest and maybe take advantage of the wash rule, but I am not well versed with the rule. I'd just harvest all the losses. If they are over $3,000 then they will carry over to future years. For more detail on tax loss harvesting and the wash sale rule, see the wiki. tax loss harvesting: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax_loss_harvesting wash sale rule: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Wash_sale Regards, Agreed. If you have lo...
by Big Dog
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dealing with minor accident situation
Replies: 28
Views: 3086

Re: Dealing with minor accident situation

Depends on your state laws. For example, California is a fault-state, so filing a claim with your carrier when the other guy is at fault will not increase your rates (by law). Other states may be different.

So, if in CA, definitely give it over to her insurer. They will pay to get the car fixed (less her deductible) and get reimbursed from the other driver's insurance. They shoudl also go after teh deductible amount.
by Big Dog
Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Insurance question for a car that was given away
Replies: 7
Views: 1074

Re: Insurance question for a car that was given away

is she still driving another car? Is that wise? If not, why does she still have auto ins?

In any event, he'll need his own new policy or go on his parents if still living at home.
by Big Dog
Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD's - Calendar Year Sequencing
Replies: 56
Views: 3826

Re: RMD and Roth--How does IRS know which came first?

ehh wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:44 pm Is there an advantage in doing the Roth conversion first and then taking the RMD? I can't think of one - you pay tax on both. Why not do things in the approved sequence? Best not to poke the bear.

Once you reach RMD age, the sequence for withdrawals is: QCDs, remainder of RMD, Roth conversions and/or withdrawals in excess of RMD.
Absolutely. If you convert early in a year when the market is increasing, you can convert more shares due to the lower price. That said, I agree that it's best to follow the rules.
by Big Dog
Thu Feb 22, 2024 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: In the event of an untimely death, what is the best way for family members to have immediate access to funds?
Replies: 53
Views: 5156

Re: In the event of an untimely death, what is the best way for family members to have immediate access to funds?

I am in my 50's and in good health, but it occurred to me recently that if I were to be hit by the proverbial bus and killed today, my sister and brother-in-law would end up having to do a lot of work to settle my affairs. (I am single with one minor child and both of my parents are deceased). What is the best way for my sister to have immediate access to, say, $5,000.00? If I open a separate HYSA at Ally with her named as the beneficiary, would it be quick and easy for her to access that money? My son is currently named as the beneficiary of all of my accounts. When you designate 'beneficiary', then the transfer should be quick and easy. You just need to let the beneficiaries know that they are the beneficiaries, so they know to contact t...
by Big Dog
Thu Feb 22, 2024 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Windshield Chip - Insurance claim or Self Fund
Replies: 61
Views: 5511

Re: Windshield Chip - Insurance claim or Self Fund

I'd go to the shop (likely Safelife) recommended by the insurance company and let them pay for it. (In fact, that is what I have done in the past on two cars as my insurer said that they would rather pay for the chip repair than for a new windshield replacement.). In any event, I followed their advice so if the crack gets larger somehow and teh whole windshield needs replacement later....To me, a windshield chip is a much different deal than body repair. (I live in an at-fault state.)
by Big Dog
Wed Feb 21, 2024 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CA Proposition 19 - Need help estimating taxes
Replies: 33
Views: 3094

Re: CA Proposition 19 - Need help estimating taxes

I can't speak to the dollar amount, but I inherited a house last Feb, sold it in August, and I still haven't received the supplemental tax bill from L.A. County for the period between death and sale. are you sure that the escrow agent did not hold back and pay the tax differential? Definitely. We just got a notice that the property has finally be reappraised. No bill yet. call the county registrar. (When I bought my CA home years ago, the RE Agent said that the Registrar would send us a bill, but they never did. ) LA County doesn't take calls. We did send an email, after which we got the notice. If a bill doesn't show up relatively soon we will contact them again. you don't need a bill to pay the taxes due. Just look up your parcel Assesso...
by Big Dog
Wed Feb 21, 2024 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CA Proposition 19 - Need help estimating taxes
Replies: 33
Views: 3094

Re: CA Proposition 19 - Need help estimating taxes

SC Anteater wrote: Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:45 pm
Big Dog wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:28 pm
SC Anteater wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 4:43 pm I can't speak to the dollar amount, but I inherited a house last Feb, sold it in August, and I still haven't received the supplemental tax bill from L.A. County for the period between death and sale.
are you sure that the escrow agent did not hold back and pay the tax differential?
Definitely. We just got a notice that the property has finally be reappraised. No bill yet.
call the county registrar. (When I bought my CA home years ago, the RE Agent said that the Registrar would send us a bill, but they never did. )
by Big Dog
Wed Feb 21, 2024 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I move my inherited IRA to Vanguard?
Replies: 19
Views: 1509

Re: Should I move my inherited IRA to Vanguard?

Update: Just happened to check today and, after a month, it appears that the funds are in the process of being transferred today to the inherited IRA account. I thought it was going to be all MM, but it looks like Fidelity split all the holdings amongst the beneficiaries. First thing will be to sell the holdings and move everything to MM and next will be to move to Vanguard. you may not need to sell the holdings, as many can transfer in-kind to Vanguard electronically. (For example, Fido's zero expense funds cannot be transferred.). Pull up the account tickers and call Vanguard and ask. OTOH, if you don't like how the inherited the investments fir with your portfolio and Plan, you can sell first and transfer cash, or transfer in-kind and t...
by Big Dog
Wed Feb 21, 2024 12:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?
Replies: 30
Views: 1921

Re: Was it a mistake to suggest allocating developing markets in roth ira?

I'm looking at the the last 15 years of returns comparing SCHE, SCHF, and SCHB and I'm wondering if the suggestion on the forum to have developing markets in Roth IRA was a good one? For context, the difference in returns is quite stark: https://imgur.com/a/Jnz6M7x. The premise was that we want to put the highest growth potential stocks in roth due to preferential tax treatment, but the last 15 years really showcase that was a bad bet. I'm wondering what do folks on the forum think and what people have been allocating to their Roth IRA? Not been a fan of International (having worked in that arena and kept 3 sets of books as CFO), and therefore it's not in my Plan which is Two-Fund plus small tilt. My Roth is relatively small (as a % of por...
by Big Dog
Wed Feb 21, 2024 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I move my inherited IRA to Vanguard?
Replies: 19
Views: 1509

Re: Should I move my inherited IRA to Vanguard?

Update: Just happened to check today and, after a month, it appears that the funds are in the process of being transferred today to the inherited IRA account. I thought it was going to be all MM, but it looks like Fidelity split all the holdings amongst the beneficiaries. First thing will be to sell the holdings and move everything to MM and next will be to move to Vanguard. you may not need to sell the holdings, as many can transfer in-kind to Vanguard electronically. (For example, Fido's zero expense funds cannot be transferred.). Pull up the account tickers and call Vanguard and ask. OTOH, if you don't like how the inherited the investments fir with your portfolio and Plan, you can sell first and transfer cash, or transfer in-kind and t...
by Big Dog
Tue Feb 20, 2024 6:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Excluding a young adult driver who no longer lives at home from my insurance policy
Replies: 34
Views: 2499

Re: Excluding a young adult driver who no longer lives at home from my insurance policy

why no wait until May after she graduates and gets a full time job in the Big City where a car is not needed.
by Big Dog
Wed Feb 14, 2024 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: CA Proposition 19 - Need help estimating taxes
Replies: 33
Views: 3094

Re: CA Proposition 19 - Need help estimating taxes

SC Anteater wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 4:43 pm I can't speak to the dollar amount, but I inherited a house last Feb, sold it in August, and I still haven't received the supplemental tax bill from L.A. County for the period between death and sale.
are you sure that the escrow agent did not hold back and pay the tax differential?

Agree with the others. ~1.2% over $1m for starters, plus any local assessments approved over the years.
by Big Dog
Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I say no to my first federal job?
Replies: 65
Views: 7477

Re: Should I say no to my first federal job?

A G9 is basically starting salary for someone right out of college with a bachelor's. You will not just automatically move up to 12 unless folks above you retire opening that grade slot. If you wanted to step down in career, a comfy work life balance AND the family would move, then sure, consider it. Otherwise, hard pass.
by Big Dog
Sat Feb 10, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Medigap Insurers
Replies: 21
Views: 2745

Re: Medicare Medigap Insurers

bernoulli wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 9:13 pm Healthcare professionals do not recommend Humana, denies legitimate claims for profit.
That maybe true for their Medicare Advantage plans, but for Medigap, doesn't Medicare itself makes the pay/no-pay decision first?
by Big Dog
Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should my 21-year old nephew fire his financial advisor?
Replies: 99
Views: 10668

Re: Should my 21-year old nephew fire his financial advisor?

she recently called the advisor to inquire why a 21-year old would have such a conservative asset allocation and he replied that a recession is coming. This would be the easiest decision of my day, yes, yes, yes, fire this person and move the funds to Vanguard or such. A fun question, if this “expert” can so clearly read the future why is he still putting a tie on and going to work as a retail financial salesmen and not enjoying the good life with all of his riches? Why not working on the top floor of Wall Street instead of, what I envision, as a strip mall suite flanked by a dry cleaner and Chinese take out joint? Once you have moved the funds, please ask the very kind and helpful people on this forum for advice on how to best invest it. ...