Search found 304 matches

by mrgeeze
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Software PC to MAC H&R Block - undertanding migration
Replies: 0
Views: 230

Tax Software PC to MAC H&R Block - undertanding migration

Longtime PC User for Tax software. Only real reason I still have a M$ PC. Otherwise we are a Mac household. PC will not support upgrade to win 10 which H&R is telling me I have to have for latest update Do NOT want to upgrade to win 10 by some circuitous method Do NOT want to buy another Win machine. Do NOT want to run Parallels or other win emulation on my Mac DO want to understand differences between MAC and PC version of H&R Block Software. First thing I notice is that there appears to be no MAC version of Premium Business. We're not as busy as we used to be business wise but still have some small home businesses. Might be able to ignore as the are tax losers. Keep good records if audited just in case. The other issue is a Schedu...
by mrgeeze
Fri Feb 02, 2024 10:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Nicknames for Vanguard Accounts
Replies: 2
Views: 2688

Re: Nicknames for Vanguard Accounts

60B4E24B wrote: Fri Jan 05, 2024 9:52 am Were you able to do this? I don’t see a “Balances and holding” page.

+1 Don't see it either... Using the Iphone App.
by mrgeeze
Thu Jan 11, 2024 10:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to sync files between multiple computers and external drives?
Replies: 47
Views: 4925

Re: Best way to sync files between multiple computers and external drives?

Store everything in the cloud.
Keep one or two local backups on your Mac’s.
Nothing to synch because stuff lives only one one place.

The law of unity.

Synch strategy will always sink you.
by mrgeeze
Tue Jan 02, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CDs a good idea now?
Replies: 25
Views: 3336

Re: CDs a good idea now?

I say YES.
I'm even thinking longer term in the high 4's.

Be aware that some great rate CD's are callable in 6-12 months.
Not trying to predict the future, just be aware.

I'm also looking at treasuries. They look good to me also. I'm still willing to bet on Uncle Sam.

Full disclosure- Analysis of my portfolio I conclude 1/3 of my assets can be in relatively safe investments at lower (4-5%) rates. So I'm happy to load up now and leave my Stocks and ETF's alone for the time being. Your situation may differ.
I am 65, retired for 10 years and pretty thrifty about things.
Lucky enough to have purchased a pile of AAPl 15 years ago. Selling some of it now to fund the CD/TBILL acquisition.
by mrgeeze
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: A short Primer on Annuities.
Replies: 44
Views: 6457

A short Primer on Annuities.

I am considering putting a portion (25-30%) of my investments into annuity by the time I'm 70 (5 years from now).
The idea is that the annuity and Social Security should provide the majority of cash flow I need for daily life.

As I read it seems there are a million types of annuities.
Many tailored to very specific needs. Others seemingly tailored to generating fees for the persons selling them

Has anyone has found a decent intro level discussion on annuities for someone just starting their research.

Has anyone identified types of annuities one generally wants to stay away from


I thank you in advance
by mrgeeze
Tue Oct 31, 2023 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?
Replies: 179
Views: 23499

Re: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?

Not the home directly, but we are regretting having rather complicated landscape installed after removing what was basically contractor landscape after purchasing our current home. For three years we have used "landscape professionals" to maintain it with poor results. The goal of having landscape that was at a higher level than some in the neighborhood has backfired, so we will terminate this year's "pro" and try again. Tim Interesting. I see lots of people spend lots of $$$ to have lots of landscaping done by professionals. Often it seems like wasted $$$. Species inappropriate to the locale. Planted way too close. Irrigation dependant. Lots of maintenance. Often lots of chemicals. Lots of NOISE (internal combustion en...
by mrgeeze
Thu Aug 31, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA income if losing job
Replies: 31
Views: 2938

Re: ACA income if losing job

The aca tax credits are based on your magi for the entire tax year, and get trued up on your tax return. Medicaid is based on monthly income. +1 Speaking only about ACA. Fortunately the subsidy cliff has been eliminated. If you under estimate your MAGI, you'll just have a clawback on your taxes. Much less worse than losing the entire subsidy. A sliding scale Do your best to estimate your income. Honestly I wouldn't sweat it much closer than 5-10k. Also mentioned by another poster was to consider your alternate (less taxable) forms of income should you need to manage it. Good Idea. I used the ACA for 7 years living entirely off investments. Its not difficult to manage your MAGI. A pencil and a napkin can get it done. keep the napkin refer b...
by mrgeeze
Wed Aug 30, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Great Migration (Africa Wildebeest)
Replies: 19
Views: 2749

Re: The Great Migration (Africa Wildebeest)

Cruise wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 1:27 pm
Barkingsparrow wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 12:14 pm Out of curiosity - which national park or area of Africa does this happen?
I'm no expert, but this map (and whole website) has great detail: https://www.asiliaafrica.com/great-wild ... n/#monthly
The Mara River is the place to go.
Masa Mara - the map is good.
by mrgeeze
Tue Aug 15, 2023 4:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wild Caught vs Farm Raised Fish
Replies: 92
Views: 10638

Re: Wild Caught vs Farm Raised Fish

ttboy wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 5:19 am Just fyi: Sardines check all the boxes, too small to have much mercury, not farm raised, maxed out with Omega 3 and a bunch of other nutrients. Kind of like natural multivitamins.
+1

Very low on the food chain.
Not many gringos eat them.
A shame they are not more available, especially fresh on the west coast.

Unless you frequent $75/plate trendy eateries in SanFrancisco.
I understand Sardines are on the menu there.

Almost any fish, fresh enough, is worth eating. There are exceptions.
by mrgeeze
Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: moving from broker x to broker y
Replies: 1
Views: 293

moving from broker x to broker y

i read with interest another thread regarding leaving vanguard (x) for somebody else (y).


Just wondering the mechanics of asset transfer from vanguard to say fidelity
I'm ignorant of the tax implication.

I have shares of common stock
mutual funds
etf's
cd's
tbills
I also have ira accounts containing the same.

Can all of these assets be rolled over to the new without incurring a tax bill?
I hope so.

thanks,
by mrgeeze
Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling house via owner financing to our son
Replies: 26
Views: 2705

Re: Selling house via owner financing to our son

KlangFool wrote: Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:49 pm OP,

1) Can you afford to give the house to your son?

2) If the answer to (1) is no, don't do it.

KlangFool
+1
by mrgeeze
Sun Aug 06, 2023 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charitable giving - donor advised fund? How much?
Replies: 51
Views: 4023

Re: Charitable giving - donor advised fund? How much?

A DAF looked appealing to me as I have a chunk of highly appreciated shares (AAPL <$20/share),
So I set one up.

Honestly I haven't used it.
We give away approximately 15% of our annual gross cash flow.
As of yet the DAF vehicle hasn't been needed.

Perhaps one day it will come in handy.
by mrgeeze
Thu Aug 03, 2023 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: AZ landlord. Renter refused to pay the last month's rent. What next?
Replies: 117
Views: 14320

Re: AZ landlord. Renter refused to pay the last month's rent. What next?

In many states, landlords have an obligation to minimize damages by renting the property promptly. You wrote that you began marketing the property for rental on May 24th, but it’s still not rented. In this market, something seems wrong — either the rent is too high, or you’re not advertising in the right places. I’d suggest you focus on the problem of finding a new tenant first. Ultimately, no matter what a spreadsheet or lease says, being a landlord does not entitle you to 100% occupancy. Hopefully you budgeted for some hiccups like this in your planning. +1 You should have a new tenant by now That would have been little or no interruption to your income stream. Focus on getting the working property working. As mentioned above, it should ...
by mrgeeze
Tue Jul 11, 2023 9:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need some Apple help please….
Replies: 38
Views: 3053

Re: Need some Apple help please….

I too am in the complete AAPL universe.
Even my portfolio is replete with AAPL.
That keeps me smiling.

I am also a musician.
Quite possible you no longer need a Mac.
Depending on the music stuff you do might help get that answer.

If you used programs like Logic Pro extensively AND exercise the CPU's doing it, maybe.
Recently AAPL introduced an IOS version of Logic that's getting great reviews.
That may be enough for you

If you do a lot of video editing with something like Final Cut (or adobe etc) you may need a mac.

Otherwise probably not.

You can hook many of the newer ipads up to larger monitors and keyboard/mice if you want.

My wife is pretty much done with anything more than a tablet.
For most people its really all you need.
by mrgeeze
Mon Jul 10, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare supplemental annual increases
Replies: 18
Views: 1977

Re: Medicare supplemental annual increases

Thats pretty the healthcare insurance story in the US for decades.
High single to double digit annual increases in insurance premiums across the board.

Increasing care denials and co-pays already underway.
by mrgeeze
Mon Jul 10, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplemental - Arizona
Replies: 12
Views: 1262

Re: Medicare Supplemental - Arizona

Sandtrap,
Is there a reason you did not go with USAA for prescriptions?
by mrgeeze
Sat Jul 08, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplemental - Arizona
Replies: 12
Views: 1262

Re: Medicare Supplemental - Arizona

Sandtrap.
I did notknow USAA offered Supplemental plans.
I'm 40+ years with USAA so leaning hard that way.

What did you end up purchasing through them?

You also mentioned Humana.
What Supplemental did you get from them ?


Thank,s
by mrgeeze
Fri Jul 07, 2023 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplemental - Arizona
Replies: 12
Views: 1262

Medicare Supplemental - Arizona

Wondering if any Arizonan BogleHead have done the analysis on Supplemental plans in our state.
I'm going to get one now. My wife in 6 months.


Would appreciate the wisdom of their efforts.
by mrgeeze
Thu Jul 06, 2023 3:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want my dog to poop in one general area
Replies: 53
Views: 3381

Re: Want my dog to poop in one general area

brian91480 wrote: Wed Jul 05, 2023 2:39 pm Time constraints are understandable with 2 young kids. But you need to find time to walk the dog once per day. That would solve the issue.

If you can't do that... you should consider not having a dog.

--- Brian
Get a cat.
They always go in the same place.
Plus they will often bury it.

Bonus.
by mrgeeze
Thu Jul 06, 2023 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Will - perhaps something a little more portable
Replies: 4
Views: 384

New Will - perhaps something a little more portable

Wife and I made a will 15 years ago.
Not much has changed. Pretty simple division of assets at the end of us.
No kids. Nieces and nephews think we're poor.
The lawyer lives in NC. We live in Az.
No bad blood but we don't really communicate any more. No reason.

Who know where we'll live in 5 years

Aware numerous options exist outside of brick and mortar lawyer approach.

Want something we can update as we need and easily (relatively) carry to other states if necessary.

Ideas?
by mrgeeze
Thu Jun 22, 2023 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home improvements budgeting
Replies: 35
Views: 2800

Re: Home improvements budgeting

Thanks for the replies. $25k was just an example and not our actual budget. I could have picked any number. Say one had an unlimited budget but did want to be over charged, should they tell the designer their budget or vision? Its quite difficult to not get overcharged for any work today. The supply of reputable, qualified tradesmen is low. They themselves have difficulties finding helpers and apprentices. Good people have all the work they need at good prices. The only bargain here is quality... if you find the right person. Anyone with a pickup truck and a chopsaw calls themselves a tradesmen today . Some of them are not too good. All of them know they can charge premium for work whether its worth it or not. See quality line above. My su...
by mrgeeze
Wed Jun 21, 2023 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2nd Florida home for weekend/vacation?
Replies: 89
Views: 9238

Re: 2nd Florida home for weekend/vacation?

So you're saying you want to buy a house in the most hurricane prone land in the country and put a boat on it.
Brave.


I believe the Florida in the next 10-20 years will be much different than the mecca its seems to be today.
I expect disappointment from many.


Of course, I am a guy on the internet predicting the future.
by mrgeeze
Mon Jun 19, 2023 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off, career advice needed
Replies: 13
Views: 3778

Re: Laid off, career advice needed

Seems you already have the background to advance a good tech career. I suggest you become a real programmer. Beef up your SQL and add some high level language (C C#, Python perhaps) Big $$$ for that. Trust me. I lived it for decades. Rather than take classes in programming I'd look for the right job opportunity now You have skills that are needed in the workplace If you're good and attentive, you'd make an ideal "digital janitor". A term we coined decades ago. A tech background but not hardcore programmer. Yet If you can find an opportunity assisting a quality programming staff, you'll be golden in a year or two. Fact is, great programmers always have an overload of work to do. If they can shuttle the simpler (and sometimes more m...
by mrgeeze
Wed May 31, 2023 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to annuitize inheritance for 63 yr old son with no assets
Replies: 66
Views: 6811

Re: How to annuitize inheritance for 63 yr old son with no assets

windaar wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 5:02 pm There's no good answer when you're trying to protect a grown adult from themselves. Just have it split 4 ways. When the 63 year old spends it all, he will come to you and your other siblings for more and will be furious when you say no. Be prepared for that. That happened with me and one of my siblings after an inheritance and I saw it all coming a mile away.
+1
by mrgeeze
Tue May 23, 2023 9:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Recommendations?
Replies: 70
Views: 4448

Re: Bicycle Recommendations?

Good suggestions above but depends on your purpose. I wanted just a bit more exercise so several years ago and wanted to try bicycling again, but wasn't sure if I would stick with it. Really had a hard time justifying the $500-$1000 cost too. So I started looking for a used bike, some newer models and some older, and I ended up with a 1972 Schwinn Super Sport. Im quite happy and comfortable riding around on it and average 50-70 miles a week which is perfect for me. For the $80 that I paid for it, plus a few bucks for a little maintenance, it's all I need. Ymmv. +1 I bought a bike (1990's vintage TREK) 3 years ago at a pawn shop for $60. Spent a few bucks on it over the last couple of years. My wife now rides it because its a hardtail (fron...
by mrgeeze
Fri May 05, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estate Matters - selling vehicles
Replies: 74
Views: 5385

Re: Estate Matters - selling vehicles

London wrote: Fri May 05, 2023 1:23 pm I’d sell to Carmax (or the like) and not think about it.
+1
by mrgeeze
Sun Apr 30, 2023 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Laid off (again)
Replies: 31
Views: 5335

Re: Laid off (again)

My job search is shaping up well so far. COBRA will be $1300/month. Sorry about the layoff, but congrats that the search is going well. I would look into ACA coverage, which may well be much cheaper than COBRA. You have 60 days to "elect" COBRA coverage, which is retroactive, so you can effectively enjoy 2 months of "free" coverage for anything catostrophic by taking advantage of this loophole. Absolutely ! If you can manage your MAGI (slight derivative of Taxable AGI) to less than about $65K per couple you can get healthcare in most states from the ACA. If you're healthy you may choose to purchase a catastrophic policy. Within a year or so your "savings" will pay your maximum out of pocket. From there on its ...
by mrgeeze
Fri Apr 28, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a car in 2023
Replies: 124
Views: 17393

Re: Buying a car in 2023

Regarding Tesla.

I think Tesla did an awful lot for EV's.
He built incredibly expensive vehicles that he sold to wealthy people.

But he built them, and they were sold.
And the majors paid attention.

Now they will begin to flex their muscles.
They will build EV's that more people can afford.
That will eventually kill Tesla. 5-10 years.
He'll probably sell it to a major before then.

I could be wrong
by mrgeeze
Fri Apr 28, 2023 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a car in 2023
Replies: 124
Views: 17393

Re: Buying a car in 2023

We've got lumber prices back to pre-pandemic levels.
We've got other prices falling.

Yet car prices continue to rise, perhaps at a decreasing rate (negative 2nd derivative).

I'm starting to smell fish on the auto industry.
Not that they are a historically trustworthy bunch

Certainly dealers must see the writing on the wall. The pandemic showed me their sales days are numbered.
The service departments will be their future.

This may be the Gettysburg of the classic car sales dealership.
All for a bunch of shoes.

Or I could be wrong.
That's happened before. Repeatedly.

I'm going to try to sit this out as long as possible
by mrgeeze
Tue Apr 25, 2023 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a car in 2023
Replies: 124
Views: 17393

Buying a car in 2023

Its frightening out there.

No easy choices.
New or used, everythings through the roof

Dealers have no cars (still).
No deals to be had.

Used cars cost 90% of new.

What's a car buyer to do ?
by mrgeeze
Sun Apr 23, 2023 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I purchase a Medicare supplement?
Replies: 202
Views: 16533

Re: Should I purchase a Medicare supplement?

As the OP I would like to thank all those who replied. I intentionally worded my post to help me filter responses.

I do appreciate those who answered yes/no.
Those responses I did read in more detail.

I learned much from your answers.
by mrgeeze
Sat Apr 22, 2023 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Burnout Retreat suggestions
Replies: 62
Views: 5820

Re: Burnout Retreat suggestions

Check it Canyon Ranch, It may fit the bill.

Its not for the weak of wallet but many guests return time and time again.
The location in Tucson is quite nice.

Staff is wonderful. A positive experience
by mrgeeze
Sat Apr 22, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Burnout Retreat suggestions
Replies: 62
Views: 5820

Re: Burnout Retreat suggestions

Canyon Ranch.
No alcohol, if that matters
by mrgeeze
Sat Apr 22, 2023 2:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ten Years In Cash, Everything Else in the Market
Replies: 356
Views: 31939

Re: Ten Years In Cash, Everything Else in the Market

dogagility wrote: Fri Apr 14, 2023 4:45 pm Doesn't make sense if you need your money to grow more than the rate of inflation. We need more information, otherwise this thread is just people cackling like chickens.
yes but chickens are so tasty.
fried,
broiled.
bar b q

I think they are both good ideas (chicken and 10 years of cash).
10years may be too much. 5 may not be enough.
So 10 may acutally be right.
Especially if you lock in some CD's and Treasuries long term at 4% or better which we may see this summer.
That would pretty much seal the deal
Replenish the cash in the good market years.

I'm on board with it.
by mrgeeze
Sat Apr 22, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I purchase a Medicare supplement?
Replies: 202
Views: 16533

Re: Should I purchase a Medicare supplement?

jebmke and desert gator - - Sorry . thanks for playing

ekid, are you generally a healthy person the last 13 years ?
by mrgeeze
Sat Apr 22, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I purchase a Medicare supplement?
Replies: 202
Views: 16533

Should I purchase a Medicare supplement?

No questions answered.

"Depends" is an adult undergarment, not an answer,

Yes or No.

Explain.

thank you for playing.
by mrgeeze
Tue Apr 18, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Most practical IT certifications
Replies: 21
Views: 2788

Re: Most practical IT certifications

I think the single most important factor in technology work is the group of people you work with.
If you're in a place where most or all of the people are technically better than you , thats where you want to be.
As long as they don't eat you up and spit you out, you'll be fine.

You'll have to work your butt off and you may end up doing a lot of digital janitor work, but in a couple of years you will be as good as them.

The apprenticeship world is alive and well in IT. Find the right shop.

Anyway, one more opinion from a guy on the internet.
by mrgeeze
Thu Apr 06, 2023 4:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Daughter wants to pursue a career in music
Replies: 86
Views: 16782

Re: Daughter wants to pursue a career in music

Forget being a pro musician to make a living. Its mostly pretty crappy way to earn money. For every decent paying jobs there are 10 people willing to do it for free. Most jobs pay lousy. But if you love to play your instrument. If you want to play, practice and improve musically on your terms,Become a nurse. Its a good job with plenty of opportunities. A disciplined nurse can work 30-40 hour a week and make enough for a decent living. With time left she can practice and advance on her terms. If she's good enough she'll get gigs. Good gigs. There aren't a lot of them. She can play the lousy ones if she wants to, not because she has to. I've been playing for 50 years now. I play every day. I've always played nearly every day. I love to play I...
by mrgeeze
Mon Apr 03, 2023 3:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ripping CDs to cloud
Replies: 19
Views: 2358

Re: Ripping CDs to cloud

i used to do all of that stuff. According to my purchased CD library i currently have 1881 albums (CD's)on Itunes stored locally on my mac, in the cloud, on iphones, ipads, etc Again, I purchased and ripped all of them. More and more I just use a music streaming service like Amazon,Spotify, or Apple. Its just too easy. I purchased 3 cd's recently and haven't bothered to rip them. I just listen on Amazon. The real joy of purchasing music was way back when we had album covers with real artwork and liner notes. We could enjoy purchasing a new album and listen and read. If it was the white album (beatles) we could then clean all the seeds out of our dope.. Bygones. CD's pretty much killed that. No more reason to own and hold the physical media....
by mrgeeze
Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What methods do you use to make sure you are fair when gifting to an adult child?
Replies: 130
Views: 10971

Re: What methods do you use to make sure you are fair when gifting to an adult child?

Over a lifetime different children need different things.
Money is but one of them.

I suggest you Give to each as they need and/or as you want while you are alive.
Then split it down the middle 50/50 once you are dead.

Don't worry about the accounting when you are alive.
Like hair curlers or badminton racquets, different kids have different needs.

And badminton racquet prices have skyrocketed.
Don't get me started on shuttlecocks.
by mrgeeze
Sat Feb 25, 2023 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Personal Finance Software for USAA members
Replies: 0
Views: 425

Personal Finance Software for USAA members

I was reading a few threads on personal finance software on this forum.
Currently I use a 10 year old version of Quicken.

I noticed USAA has a budgeting tool themselves.

Wondering if any members have used it?
Pro's & Cons? if you have.

My desire is basically expense tracking. Don't really need investment.
75%+ of my transactions go through a few USAA accounts.

TIA
by mrgeeze
Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Switch Stove-Top from Propane to Electric?
Replies: 107
Views: 5853

Re: Switch Stove-Top from Propane to Electric?

I bought an induction range about a year ago Mostly because high quality gas ranges have gotten too expensive. I do like to cook but 8-10 grand for a Viking or Wolf range and hood is a bit over the top for me. $3-4k buys you a pretty fine induction top with a killer convection oven. You can spend less, you can spend more. I think the sweet spot is around $3k. Its not everything to everybody but it is pretty good for a cook. Takes some getting used to. But the heat is almost on/off. Better than gas. The transfer to the metal on & off is better. There is a reason a lot of fine European restaurants are using them Some of you favorite pans will need replacing. But a $25 flat bottomed wok is a killer implement on induction. Don't know why th...
by mrgeeze
Tue Jan 10, 2023 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Single stocks
Replies: 13
Views: 1576

Re: Single stocks

I believe maintaining single issue shares to around 10% of the portfolio is probably safe enough. you may get a bee sting doing it but you're unlikely to get a full on murder hornet attack. Using the hymenopteran metaphor. Maintaining that 10% can be a problem 10 years ago I bought a pile of AAPL. Now 10 years later its 25% of my total portfolio valuation. I've pared 90% of the other single issue stuff away but there stands AAPL. Even with the lousy 2022 performance I believe its a quality company and a hold. I'm not in a hurry to sell it. RIght now I don't need the $$$. I've got my income streamed planned for 5-10 years. I may sell some of it via the DAF for charitable but that won't be much. My notion is to just let it ride. Sell a hundre...
by mrgeeze
Wed Nov 02, 2022 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cap Gains Vs Roth Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 923

Re: Cap Gains Vs Roth Conversion

Never mind
by mrgeeze
Wed Nov 02, 2022 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cap Gains Vs Roth Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 923

Re: Cap Gains Vs Roth Conversion

to others ....

this is NOT a question about the ACA or MAGI or cliffs.

Its a question on whether a person with low taxable income should take one or the other options presented.

I would appreciate the focus there

Thank you
by mrgeeze
Wed Nov 02, 2022 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Cap Gains Vs Roth Conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 923

Cap Gains Vs Roth Conversion

I wish to stay below the ACA MAGI cap for 2022.
I realize the cliff is gone till 2025.

I have relatively low taxable income

For discussion, I estimate about $30k gain/income I can play with.

Should I take some gains on some really (REALLY) appreciated stock in a non-IRA account.
or
Should I roll over some $$$ from my regular IRA to a ROTH.

Not sure I need the $$$ from the stock sale. I guess I could probably buy a car sometime in first half of 2023.
The stock in question is about 90% per share long term cap gains.

Comments and questions welcome
Thanks
by mrgeeze
Wed Oct 26, 2022 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed on Car Buying: New Civic 2022 vs Used BMW 320i 2017
Replies: 49
Views: 5076

Re: Advice needed on Car Buying: New Civic 2022 vs Used BMW 320i 2017

I love BMW's
I've owned 3 of them.

Buy the CIVIC.

Perhaps consider a 3 year old Civic and spend 10 grand less.

Its just a car. One day you will get another.
by mrgeeze
Mon Oct 17, 2022 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow
Replies: 12
Views: 3392

Re: Early Retirement - Pre-59.5 cash flow

One thing to plan for is the cost of healthcare insurance between now and 65 (medicare).
Its 10-15 grand a year for the two of you unless you get creative.
by mrgeeze
Sat Aug 06, 2022 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Plum Tomatoes for Italian Cuisine: Roma or San Marzano?
Replies: 26
Views: 2959

Re: Best Plum Tomatoes for Italian Cuisine: Roma or San Marzano?

A great raw tomato is unlikely to be found more than 25 miles from the vine it came from. My comments that follow refer only to cooking Italian cuisine with plum tomatoes. Best is a silly notion for a tomato. Can something so fleeting and variable really be best? I'm sure once you get to a satisfactory tomato the quality of the meal may then depend more on other ingredients,possibly even the ability of the cook. A good tomato is good enough for a good meal. Its just dinner, it'll be gone in an hour or two. Coursing through our digestive system along with the tacos we had for lunch. You'll have to make breakfast soon enough. Get over it, sling some hash, because people are hungry. Dare to use a "good enough" tomato. fwiw, I buy Cen...