Search found 758 matches

by Swimmer
Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bank’s savings account vs. US treasuries
Replies: 34
Views: 4468

Re: Bank’s savings account vs. US treasuries

What is “reverse repo?”
by Swimmer
Wed Jan 24, 2024 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I came into a lump sum - ideas ??
Replies: 15
Views: 2170

Re: I came into a lump sum - ideas ??

One thing to keep in mind that took me a while to grasp when I was new to investing is that it’s not all or nothing. For example, you could put half in a high yielding CD and the other half in a broad market fund at a low cost brokerage. There are many good ideas upstream on this thread.
by Swimmer
Sat Nov 04, 2023 10:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: “Borrowing” from my Roth
Replies: 2
Views: 534

“Borrowing” from my Roth

Hello all,
Several years ago, I withdrew funds from my Roth. At that time, it was legal to redeposit to the Roth if completed within 60 days.

Does anyone know if this is still within the rules? Are there any other limitations? Thanks!
by Swimmer
Wed Oct 18, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Do You Keep Your Schwab Checking Balance at Zero?
Replies: 30
Views: 3419

Re: Do You Keep Your Schwab Checking Balance at Zero?

guppyguy wrote: Wed Oct 18, 2023 1:15 pm We have a Schwab Checking account linked with a Schwab Taxable Brokerage account. All of our deposits and bills are paid thru the checking account.

Is there any reason to keep any cash in checking if adequate actually cash (not MMF) is kept in the linked brokerage account?

I've been moving cash between the accounts for months without realizing that they will auto sweep from brokerage to checking to cover all overdrafts.

Just curious what others are doing and is there a risk to always keeping the checking side at or near zero???

Are you sure your third paragraph is true? Are you referring to funds held in a Schwab money market? I’ve been doing as you describe.
by Swimmer
Wed Oct 04, 2023 2:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to roll over a maturing T-Bill at Vanguard?
Replies: 13
Views: 1153

Re: How to roll over a maturing T-Bill at Vanguard?

I use Schwab. I let it mature and immediately reinvest the proceeds. Easy peasy.
by Swimmer
Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Recent Travel Insurance use
Replies: 5
Views: 1409

Recent Travel Insurance use

In March 2024 we are taking a transatlantic cruise that sails through the Mediterranean ending in Rome. Cruise is 22 days and end stop in Rome another 2-3 days.

Has anyone used CoverMore travel insurance (owned by Zurich)?

Their price is significantly less than many others, but I’m having difficulty finding reviews on this company.

Costco sells this company’s insurance with their cruises. However, Because it is a Viking cruise (Costco doesn’t sell Viking) we would need to purchase the policy outside of Costco. This makes the cost higher than with Costco but still significantly less than other companies, including all Tripinsurance Store.com options.

Any recent experience with CoverMore or insurance suggestions?
by Swimmer
Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Home erratic at times?
Replies: 3
Views: 310

Re: Google Home erratic at times?

jebmke wrote: Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:30 pm I've had similar issues with Homekit. I just create shortcuts on my device home screen that toggle each smartplug on or off. Works flawlessly. In general I've found talking to my devices is not reliable but my fingers are. If I lose them, I'll figure something else out.
I understand what you’re saying, but neglected to mention that I’ve tried controlling these by the Home Screen. It says OFF and will not switch to ON.
by Swimmer
Sat Sep 09, 2023 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Google Home erratic at times?
Replies: 3
Views: 310

Google Home erratic at times?

I have Google Home. Attached to it I have four speakers, five lamps, my coffee pot. Nine times out of ten everything works like it should. But there have been several times where, say, two lamps will turn on/off on command while the other three disregard the commands. Sometimes Mr. google even says he’s turning the specified lamp on but it doesn’t happen.

The four speakers always seem to work as commanded. I’ve unplugged/replugged thinking offenders would reset, but no. Last night, I gave up and went to bed. This morning, everything worked perfectly!

Any thoughts? BTW, the internet works fine through all this.

My coffee maker hasn’t failed me. It’s the best to lie in bed and say, “Hey Google, coffee on.”
by Swimmer
Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What airlines should I use-Orlando to Honolulu?
Replies: 10
Views: 1099

Re: What airlines should I use-Orlando to Honolulu?

bd7 wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:03 pm :?
That's a ways off so if you change your mind look at Delta One via SLC. That would be the only way I would want to go and it's about $4K.

I looked at that. The best I could do was $4844++. Alaska came in $2k less. I also needed to appease travel partner :?
by Swimmer
Wed Sep 06, 2023 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best way to store physical gold Jewellary
Replies: 28
Views: 2683

Re: Best way to store physical gold Jewellary

Cruise wrote: Wed Sep 06, 2023 5:18 am The option that is least expensive and affords easiest access is placing the jewelry in an empty can of Illy coffee stored deep in your pantry.

+1 on shelf in kitchen
by Swimmer
Wed Sep 06, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What airlines should I use-Orlando to Honolulu?
Replies: 10
Views: 1099

Re: What airlines should I use-Orlando to Honolulu?

Thanks, all, for your comments. All things considered, I’m going with Alaska. I wish I enjoyed flying.
by Swimmer
Mon Sep 04, 2023 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What airlines should I use-Orlando to Honolulu?
Replies: 10
Views: 1099

What airlines should I use-Orlando to Honolulu?

I am planning to fly first class MCO-HNL next July. So far, I’ve looked at Delta and Alaska Air. Costs are close, but Alaska seems to have better connections. I’ve never flown on Alaska. I need very comfortable seats and, hopefully, a pleasant ride. I’m open to other airlines. Does anyone have any suggestions/recent experiences? Thanks so much!
by Swimmer
Sat Sep 02, 2023 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I have a 529?
Replies: 217
Views: 22461

Re: Should I have a 529?

Just my opinion. I understand the cons of 529 since I think I may have overfunded (still remains to be seen).

The most significant thing to me is that my late husband and I were very dedicated to saving for the grands education. I’m proud to say that about a month ago, I made the very first 529 withdrawal for our eldest grandchild’s first tuition bill. The day had finally come! So happy for the 529.
No regrets.
by Swimmer
Sat Sep 02, 2023 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct and canceling trust
Replies: 20
Views: 2183

Re: Treasury Direct and canceling trust

Interesting. This is raising questions I hadn't considered before, regarding trust accounts in TD. Let's say a couple has purchased I Bonds in three accounts, as discussed in other threads at length... one for him, one for her, and one for joint revocable living trust. They are now being advised by attorney that estate planning goals can now be accomplished without a trust (given changes over the years in federal and state laws, etc), and that they should consider shutting down the existing trust. In this case, unlike the OP, there would be no new trust to replace the old. If they "deactivate" their trust and hold those assets (formerly held under trust) as JTWROS, will this force a change to that one account in TD?? For example,...
by Swimmer
Fri Sep 01, 2023 2:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Daughter 19, got 20k inheritance. Where ti put it short term? CD?
Replies: 21
Views: 2166

Re: Daughter 19, got 20k inheritance. Where ti put it short term? CD?

comehither2k18 wrote: Fri Sep 01, 2023 2:05 pm After talking to her, she said if all goes well she'd plan keeping this as a more long term start to saving/investing. So as some suggested, Vanguard or Fidelity. Any advantage to one over the other for someone just starting out?

I had so much difficulty helping my granddaughter open a Roth at VG, that I gave up! They didn’t want her money. I took her to a Schwab office and we walked out within half an hour with her new account. Shortly after that, she opened a taxable brokerage. She has learned so much. I’ve done everything I can think of to stimulate her interest in investing.

I had been about a 40y VG customer. I have since moved everything to Schwab and couldn’t be happier.
by Swimmer
Thu Aug 31, 2023 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help for "Under Spenders"?
Replies: 62
Views: 5625

Re: Help for "Under Spenders"?

OP, Sorry! When you asked the wrong question, you will never get the right answer! The correct question is Are you living the kind of life that you want in your retirement? Yes or no. If the answer is no, is money the reason why you cannot live the kind of life that you want? Money is just a tool to live your life. It is not the goal by itself. So, by focusing on whether you are overspending or under spending, you are looking at the wrong thing. You should look at what you want to do instead. IMHO, you should keep a lot of cash as the buffer to be spent. Then, you could just spend the money instead of thinking whether you are losing the money to be invested. Anyhow, this is just a few cents of my opinion. KlangFool I love this.
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 30, 2023 2:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to gift to grandchildren
Replies: 43
Views: 4957

Re: Best way to gift to grandchildren

The funding of the 529 in that case is a completed gift to the grandchild. What is meant by “completed gift?” This never occurred to me many years ago when we were establishing the 529s. To my mind, I did not intend to gift unless the funds were used for their education only. I would have wanted unused funds to go back into my estate to be divided as directed in my estate documents. I think I made a big mistake. In most situations where someone with assets designates another person as a beneficiary (e.g., a will or trust), the gift is not completed until some future date, typically when the grantor dies. When you designate a beneficiary of a 529, however, it is considered a gift at the time. However, unlike other gifts, the account owner c...
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 30, 2023 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to gift to grandchildren
Replies: 43
Views: 4957

Re: Best way to gift to grandchildren

If the grandparent is the owner of the 529 plan, and the grand children are the beneficiaries, will these assets be taken out of their grandparents estate. The funding of the 529 in that case is a completed gift to the grandchild. What is meant by “completed gift?” This never occurred to me many years ago when we were establishing the 529s. To my mind, I did not intend to gift unless the funds were used for their education only. I would have wanted unused funds to go back into my estate to be divided as directed in my estate documents. I think I made a big mistake. In most situations where someone with assets designates another person as a beneficiary (e.g., a will or trust), the gift is not completed until some future date, typically when...
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:33 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Daughter 19, got 20k inheritance. Where ti put it short term? CD?
Replies: 21
Views: 2166

Re: Daughter 19, got 20k inheritance. Where ti put it short term? CD?

HomeStretch wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 2:24 pm Open a Fidelity brokerage account and invest in short term T-Bills to make it a bit more difficult to access the funds.

+1
Have her open a taxable brokerage account and teach her how to roll Tbills. Buy her an investment book to read while she recovers and her savings grow. Best of luck to you and her.
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 30, 2023 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to adjust a 529 for delayed entry to college
Replies: 17
Views: 1677

Re: How to adjust a 529 for delayed entry to college

michael4161 wrote: Wed Aug 30, 2023 10:25 am OK, so turns out my daughters 529 allocation are oriented more toward growth...as follows:
Current Assets

JPMorgan 529 Large Cap Growth Portfolio - A % of Total Balance 54%
JPMorgan 529 Small Cap Equity Portfolio - A % of Total Balance 39%
JPMorgan 529 International Equity Portfolio - A % of Total Balance 7%
Total Balance100%

She is starting to take funds out now at age 19yo. for school.
Should I reallocate this investement to make these more conservative, and into what low fee funds would you recommend??

Maybe I’m misunderstanding but if she is delaying the start of school, why is she “starting to take funds out”?
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 30, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Custodial ROTH IRA question
Replies: 9
Views: 1024

Re: Custodial ROTH IRA question

Shortly before my granddaughter turned 18, Schwab contacted her to complete form to end custodianship and take control of the account effective her birthday. She lives in PA.
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 30, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to gift to grandchildren
Replies: 43
Views: 4957

Re: Best way to gift to grandchildren

toddthebod wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 9:03 pm
dave1054 wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 8:59 pm If the grandparent is the owner of the 529 plan, and the grand children are the beneficiaries, will these assets be taken out of their grandparents estate.
The funding of the 529 in that case is a completed gift to the grandchild.

What is meant by “completed gift?” This never occurred to me many years ago when we were establishing the 529s. To my mind, I did not intend to gift unless the funds were used for their education only. I would have wanted unused funds to go back into my estate to be divided as directed in my estate documents. I think I made a big mistake.
by Swimmer
Tue Aug 29, 2023 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Athletic Trainer vs Physiotherapist
Replies: 7
Views: 955

Re: Athletic Trainer vs Physiotherapist

I’m currently under the care of a PT. My progress has been excellent and I feel very confident working with her. I would want to know in detail the kind and extent of training/experience the AT possesses. I’m sure it varies but, at least in my state, AT training can consist of only a few weeks.
by Swimmer
Tue Aug 29, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Best way to gift to grandchildren
Replies: 43
Views: 4957

Re: Best way to gift to grandchildren

I have 2 grandchildren age 4 and 1 and another in the oven. I have started funding 529 plans but wondering if better way to gift money. Revocable trust? Custodial accounts? Thanks for your advice. What are you goals/hopes for this gifted money to be used for? I hope to have 200k plus in each grandchild’s account. That’s a lot of money for an 18 year old to handle. So my goal is to reduce our estate and at same time not have the grandchildren become “trust babies” with no incentive to work. I would caution you against the possibility of overfunding. Despite all familial indications that a baby will grow up and be an excellent, motivated student, sometimes they’re not. My personal situation remains to be seen over the next several years. If ...
by Swimmer
Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1203061

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

dogagility wrote: Sun Aug 27, 2023 10:52 am I Googled and FAQ-checked TD without getting an answer, so I'm asking the good folks here.

Is it possible to place an I-bond sell order at TD for the bond to be sold at a defined future date? I'd like to sell a bond on Sept 1 without having to remember to do this on that exact date.

Thanks for asking this question. I’ve been trying to figure out how to do this without success. I’d also like to know if federal tax can be withheld.
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 23, 2023 5:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VikingOcean early payment date
Replies: 6
Views: 934

Re: VikingOcean early payment date

Thanks so much for your responses. Very helpful.
by Swimmer
Tue Aug 22, 2023 4:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: VikingOcean early payment date
Replies: 6
Views: 934

VikingOcean early payment date

Hello all, we booked a Viking Ocean cruise for April 2025. Viking expects final payment in February 2024. 14 months in advance! Travel agent says she tried to push the date out but no luck! Thoughts?
by Swimmer
Fri Aug 18, 2023 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investable fund for 0-6 month treasury exposure
Replies: 6
Views: 1308

Re: Investable fund for 0-6 month treasury exposure

By “investable,” I assume you wish to be able to add to it over time? Sorry, I’m not familiar with that term.

Why not invest the lump sum directly into a Treasury bill? Then, over time, save enough for another Tbill or add to the original one when (if) you roll?
I assume this is a taxable account?
by Swimmer
Mon Aug 14, 2023 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NOW TV through Comcast / Xfinity
Replies: 8
Views: 1110

Re: NOW TV through Comcast / Xfinity

Buy a Roku or Apple TV and get rid of cable. How much are you saving? Everything i read says streaming is going up just like cable. I'm thinking streaming only saves money if you don't need local channels. That means no local tv or you can use an antenna (i cannot). You could price dropping the phone line & using a 3rd party VOIP. YouTube TV, as an example, is $73 per month after an initial promo period with more or less the same offerings as Comcast in terms of stations. If you get internet-only from Comcast, make sure you get an unlimited plan for any streaming you will do, even if only Netflix, Hulu, etc. I am getting internet only from Comcast. They never even mentioned “unlimited plan.” As I said I’m streaming PBS and Netflix with...
by Swimmer
Sat Aug 12, 2023 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NOW TV through Comcast / Xfinity
Replies: 8
Views: 1110

Re: NOW TV through Comcast / Xfinity

prd1982 wrote: Sat Aug 12, 2023 10:54 am
mw1739 wrote: Sat Aug 12, 2023 7:58 am Buy a Roku or Apple TV and get rid of cable.
How much are you saving? Everything i read says streaming is going up just like cable. I'm thinking streaming only saves money if you don't need local channels. That means no local tv or you can use an antenna (i cannot).

You could price dropping the phone line & using a 3rd party VOIP.

I cut the cord. I do not get local channels and do not miss them. I got a fire stick and stream only PBS. Just splurged and added Netflix. I never see commercials. Never happier.
by Swimmer
Fri Aug 11, 2023 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NOW TV through Comcast / Xfinity
Replies: 8
Views: 1110

Re: NOW TV through Comcast / Xfinity

Experience has taught me to call them and explain “I cannot afford this—please transfer me to the appropriate person to cancel.”

Suddenly, they’ll come up with “specials.”

I was paying $80 for internet only. My special price now is $45.20.
by Swimmer
Sun Aug 06, 2023 2:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment advice for low income senior
Replies: 47
Views: 4659

Re: Investment advice for low income senior

Honestly some of these answers are far too complex. Someone approaching 70 who has scraped by all her life and knows nothing of investments should not be putting a portion in stocks, a portion in SPIA, a portion in Treasury ladders, and a portion in cash. It's going to be a mess. Two thirds into SPIA and the rest into a CD as an emergency fund. The SPIA becomes just another direct deposit every month and the CD is never to be touched unless she faces eviction. I'd be much more worried about vultures than optimizing returns here. Keep it simple and reduce the odds of someone trying to "help" her. I actually wouldn't have a problem dumping 5 or even 10k into a round-the-world trip, long cruise, or whatever. She's 69. Might not ever...
by Swimmer
Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:22 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1203061

Re: Selling I Bonds

dbr wrote: Wed Aug 02, 2023 10:15 am Giving up real valued cash that lasts 30 years and is hard to replace in favor of a current money market rate may be short sighted.

+1 Consider also that tax on interest is deferred.
by Swimmer
Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water softener choice
Replies: 4
Views: 705

Re: Water softener choice

Thank you all for your comments and for sharing your experiences.
by Swimmer
Fri Jun 23, 2023 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Water softener choice
Replies: 4
Views: 705

Water softener choice

I’m looking for a water softener.

Two brands—Puronics and Rain Soft. Both very pricy. Has anyone had experience with either company?
by Swimmer
Sun Jun 11, 2023 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I need a POA if I have a RLT?
Replies: 5
Views: 456

Do I need a POA if I have a RLT?

Hi everyone, I’m a widow with 2 adult children. Everyone gets along and my estate is to be split 50-50. I’ve been a Florida resident since 2014. I am meeting with a new attorney next week and trying to prepare with the appropriate questions to ask. My documents were all drawn up in 2014. I just read through the RLT. It, essentially, gives full power to the successor trustee (one of my children). Question is: why do I need a Durable POA if trustee has full power to jump in to handle, what seems to me, anything and everything? I don’t recall questioning this back in 2014 when docs were drawn (spouse still alive). Further, the appointed DPOA is the same person as the RLT successor trustee. Taking this one step further, should I become incapaci...
by Swimmer
Sun May 21, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: First 529 withdrawal approaching—help!
Replies: 17
Views: 1909

Re: First 529 withdrawal approaching—help!

You might get more clarity if you provide this info: How much is in the 529? What are total annual tuition +Room and Board costs? Is your intent to pay for everything or just cover tuition? Are the parents contributing, do they also have a 529, and are they eligible for the AOTC? When the dust settles, is your goal to empty the 529 for this grandchild or will you use excess funds for other grandkids or keep the balance for yourself? As far as direct transfers from 529 to university, that doesn’t matter as far as legitimacy of expenses in the IRS view. What matters is distributions vs qualified expenses. However, where distributions are directed does affect who reports nonqualified distributions on tax forms (owner vs beneficiary). The latt...
by Swimmer
Sat May 20, 2023 3:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Questions about Funding a Living Trust
Replies: 11
Views: 1142

Re: Questions about Funding a Living Trust

TomatoTomahto wrote: Sat May 20, 2023 2:30 pm
CeeKay1729 wrote: Sat May 20, 2023 1:13 pm Reason why I haven't changed ownership in my financial accounts is that it’s administratively burdensome (notary, etc etc).
My memory might be wrong, but I believe I changed ownership at Vanguard without a notary and opened RLT at Schwab also without a notary. I think both wanted a copy of the first page and signature page via their secure message facility. IIRC, Fidelity did require a notary.

Same experience here.
by Swimmer
Sun May 14, 2023 10:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: First 529 withdrawal approaching—help!
Replies: 17
Views: 1909

First 529 withdrawal approaching—help!

After 18 years, sometime during the next few months, I’ll need to (proudly) pay a university for dear granddaughter’s first semester tuition. I haven’t paid a lot of attention to the 529 rules since they seemed to be quite fluid over the years. Now I need to educate myself. I went on VGs site to see where to start. I’m given options like send a check directly to the university, send check to me, etc. She has received a scholarship that covers the difference between instate and out-of-state tuition. This is an academic scholarship. I think I recall reading that the total, including the value of the scholarship, may be withdrawn from the 529. Am I understanding this correctly? Assuming this is correct, I guess I’d want the check sent to me si...
by Swimmer
Thu Mar 09, 2023 4:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 College Savings Plan Questions
Replies: 17
Views: 2818

Re: 529 College Savings Plan Questions

As a grandparents, we saved in 529 for our three grandchildren who are now teens. The eldest will begin college this fall. I am ready to write a check sometime soon, but I seem to recall having heard not to use the 529 initially because of the effect on the child’s income tax (or is it FAFSA?). I don’t remember details since it always seemed so far away. Now it’s here!

Does this sound familiar or make sense? I really want to use the 529 money from the get go because I suspect we overfunded the accounts.
by Swimmer
Tue Feb 07, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can you really not ACH cash to/from another institution into Vanguard? (Initiated by other institution?)
Replies: 25
Views: 4525

Re: Can you really not ACH cash to/from another institution into Vanguard? (Initiated by other institution?)

I had a similar situation when I tried to transfer from Discoverbank to Schwab (with appropriate routing numbers). Discoverbank wouldn’t do it. I gave up and use a workaround.
by Swimmer
Tue Feb 07, 2023 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Leaving vanguard? [How do I move from Vanguard to Fidelity?]
Replies: 29
Views: 4881

Re: Leaving vanguard?

Your post reminded me to check my settings to be sure I turned mine back on. It’s been like this for years! In my case, I have this issue when I want to check cash flow, etc. on my remaining munis.

I moved almost my entire portfolio to Schwab after VG proved incompetent following the death of my spouse. Schwab’s website is wonderful as is 24/7 customer service.

I was able to move IRAs very easily (actually, Schwab did it.) VG is making moving the RLT difficult, however.

Oh, your question wrt converting to ETFs…I did. However, my Schwab contact told me they’d waive fees on MFs. I thought it’d be cleaner if they were in ETFs.

If you move, be sure to pursue the transfer bonus!
by Swimmer
Sun Feb 05, 2023 9:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: From which accounts should my mom gift a large sum of money?
Replies: 90
Views: 8643

Re: From which accounts should my mom gift a large sum of money?

If mom is aware that her “gifts” are being kept in accounts earmarked “hers,” then they are not really gifts. How could she possibly have warm feelings about that? A gift is given without conditions.
by Swimmer
Thu Feb 02, 2023 3:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Newly widowed - last year to file MFJ
Replies: 7
Views: 1250

Re: Newly widowed - last year to file MFJ

My condolences. I was suddenly widowed 4 years ago, and the brain fog is real. I couldn’t deal with Roths that year, esp since we weren’t yet doing them (both working, early 60’s) If you ever want to find your posts, find your profile name at the upper right corner of the forum screen. Click on the down arrow, and you’ll see “user control panel”. Click on that, and at the bottom of that screen you’ll see a bold face option to “show your posts”. It will show all your posts, including responses to other people, which I’ve often found handy to search as well. You can also search within the the list of posts. Hope this helps. It does help and I’m sorry for your loss as well. Sometimes I feel like I used to be smart and I no longer am. I need t...
by Swimmer
Tue Jan 31, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Newly widowed - last year to file MFJ
Replies: 7
Views: 1250

Re: Newly widowed - last year to file MFJ

That’s it! Thanks so very much!
by Swimmer
Tue Jan 31, 2023 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Newly widowed - last year to file MFJ
Replies: 7
Views: 1250

Newly widowed - last year to file MFJ

Hello everyone, Some time ago I asked about this. I received a lot of helpful suggestions/information. At that time, I was deep into brain fog having lost DH suddenly. Now I can’t find the thread. I made significant Roth conversions in 2022 knowing full well that I’d feel the pinch tax-wise. My concern is IRMAA. Several Bogleheads indicated that the death of spouse can exempt the widow from IRMAA. There was a specific form that should be filed to claim the exemption (probably not the correct terminology). I’ve searched but cannot find information wrt this form. Can anyone tell me: 1. Name of this form 2. When should it be filed 3. Is it filed with the Federal tax return Thank you all for your help and past encouragement. I truly feel my Rot...
by Swimmer
Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth for 17 y.o. child
Replies: 24
Views: 2110

Re: Roth for 17 y.o. child

I would open the Roth account for a minor and match (from Bank of Mom & Dad) every penny she earned last year. May as well maximize it. It's not a lot of work to transfer it later to an adult account. That's what we did - 2 years of minor earnings worthwhile! Keep in mind the Roth contribution cannot exceed her earnings in a given year. That's what I meant by "matching the earnings". Kid keeps money for pizza/fun, parents salt it away for the future (not doubling up). Note that this works a lot better once they have a real job with W-2 income and SS paid by employer. Just take the amount off the top line. Not many young people are interested in deferred savings... So far we are going with mutual funds because I don't want to ...
by Swimmer
Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: From which accounts should my mom gift a large sum of money?
Replies: 90
Views: 8643

Re: From which accounts should my mom gift a large sum of money?

Does mom live in a state like Pennsylvania with a very high inheritance tax?

That could make her want to give as much away as possible while alive. Still a bad idea.
by Swimmer
Mon Jan 30, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth for 17 y.o. child
Replies: 24
Views: 2110

Re: Roth for 17 y.o. child

There are many good choices. You can’t go wrong with something like VTI.
by Swimmer
Mon Jan 30, 2023 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth for 17 y.o. child
Replies: 24
Views: 2110

Re: Roth for 17 y.o. child

CAsage wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:48 pm I would open the Roth account for a minor and match (from Bank of Mom & Dad) every penny she earned last year. May as well maximize it. It's not a lot of work to transfer it later to an adult account. That's what we did - 2 years of minor earnings worthwhile!
Keep in mind the Roth contribution cannot exceed her earnings in a given year.