Search found 1899 matches

by mrc
Thu Feb 29, 2024 4:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No IRA beneficiary pending new estate documents
Replies: 3
Views: 513

No IRA beneficiary pending new estate documents

My [late] wife and I each named the other as 100% beneficiary on our IRA retirement accounts. So I'm currently in a no man's land until I meet with the estate planning attorney in late May to create new estate documents, which may include a trust. There is no one person (or a group) I want to name as beneficiary, even in the interim several months. Am I correct in thinking that if I died now, a) the funds would be distributed to the heirs named in my current will (which names some contingent charity heirs in case my spouse isn't living at the time of my death), and b) that this is OK to do for the short term? Or should I name those charities explicitly at Fidelity in a beneficiary designation to avoid a prolong probate? After all, I'll be d...
by mrc
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)
Replies: 10
Views: 1591

Re: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)

It this case, the website throws up a "Validate your phone number" screen, and when I enter my phone number I see an error, "This number cannot be validated. Contact customer support." And CS is not talking to me timely. The entire site is locked (none of the controls are active), and the failed validate page just remains. It has to have something to do with the carrier, or does it? I ran into an issue some time after I switched from Verizon to US Mobile, even though I'm using the Verizon network on the latter. I wasn't able to receive text messages, but I could receive MMS. I could make and receive phone calls. It took US Mobile a few days to figure it out. They had to reset something on the backend. I don't know what....
by mrc
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)
Replies: 10
Views: 1591

Re: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)

It this case, the website throws up a "Validate your phone number" screen, and when I enter my phone number I see an error, "This number cannot be validated. Contact customer support." And CS is not talking to me timely. The entire site is locked (none of the controls are active), and the failed validate page just remains. It has to have something to do with the carrier, or does it?
by mrc
Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)
Replies: 10
Views: 1591

Re: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)

Good thought. However, my CC SIM connects to Verizon. They sent an AT&T card in the beginning, and I had terrible service at my location. Plus, this problem began before the outage yesterday, and continues now that service is restored (so they said).
by mrc
Fri Feb 23, 2024 3:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)
Replies: 10
Views: 1591

Mobile number verification fails (Consumer Cellular)

Has anyone else seen website and mobile app phone number verification fail when the carrier is Consumer Cellular?

I've seen it with some VoIP numbers, where sites won't accept that number for 2FA, but didn't expect to see it with by CC number.

I'm locked out of an app I paid for, and support is stumped.

I really don't want to return to Verizon, for about twice the cost, but I need a reliably verifiable number.
by mrc
Mon Feb 19, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Healthcare expense planning in retirement — a case study
Replies: 6
Views: 812

Healthcare expense planning in retirement — a case study

I want to relate our experience with my wife's brain cancer diagnosis and treatment, with Medicare as primary insurance and BCBS Basic FEP as secondary. She had the BCBS as a retired FERS annuitant. Her medical (not including prescription drug) total provider charges were $181,781. BCBS paid $8470 (for would have been basic Medicare copay), implying the Medicare allowed amounts on that $181K was $42,350. Services included a surgical brain biopsy, five brain MRIs with and without contrast, 33 radiation treatments, 46 physical therapy sessions, and many office visits. Her out of pocket total for medical charges was $0. Her prescription drug copay totaled $1,120, of which $500 was for a single round of chemo that she did not complete. Total ca...
by mrc
Tue Feb 13, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21637

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

My wife passed away yesterday. These answers are so helpful.

Two of my nieces have graciously agreed to help out as my agent/personal rep and contingent same. Things are looking up now.

I'm off to the Estate law attorney soon to begin probate of my wife's will, and to create a new set of estate instruments going forward. And also to be sure this "Solo Ager" plan is bulletproof. It's a comfort to know this board is here, and that so many are so willing to help.
by mrc
Sun Feb 11, 2024 5:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs
Replies: 11
Views: 1175

Re: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs

Thanks Alan, I will look into one last Roth conversion while I'm filing MFJ.
by mrc
Sun Feb 11, 2024 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs
Replies: 11
Views: 1175

Re: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs

Sorry to hear of your situation. It's not clear if your wife is still living or not. If she passes in 2024, you should submit a copy of the death Cert and have the custodian establish an inherited IRA. Immediately thereafter notify the custodian that you have elected to assume ownership of that inherited IRA. The custodian will then transfer the funds to an owned IRA account, which you can then directly transfer into your own IRA if you already have one. For the year that she passes you must complete her RMD for that year if she did not do so, and that will be the only RMD you must take. If you were born in 1958 or 1959 your own RMDs will not start until you are 73, so you will have several years before another RMD is due. There is no bene...
by mrc
Sun Feb 11, 2024 2:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs
Replies: 11
Views: 1175

Re: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs

That IRS page was what I was looking for. Thanks everyone.
Death of the account holder occurred in 2020 or later

Spousal beneficiary options

If the account holder's death occurred after the required beginning date, the spouse beneficiary may:

Keep as an inherited account
Take distributions based on their own life expectancy, or
Rollover the account into their own IRA
by mrc
Sun Feb 11, 2024 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs
Replies: 11
Views: 1175

RMDs on IRA inherited from spouse when I'm too young, she was taking RMDs

I am going to inherit my wife's IRA. I'm 65 and not subject to RMDs until age 73. My spouse began taking her RMDs in 2022 (b. late 1950, and delayed one year by COVID if I recall). I am the sole beneficiary of her IRA.

I'm confused by the tangle of rules surrounding inherited spousal IRAs. So here's what I think I must do, and I would be delighted for others to confirm or set me straight:

1) Move her funds into an inherited IRA account under my name.

2) Then must I take an RMD from that account even though I'm not subject to RMD yet?

2b) If so, I would use her age to compute the amount?

3) It is not possible for me to postpone RMDs on the inherited amount — I just can't transfer her funds to my IRA and wait 8 more years.

Thanks.
by mrc
Sat Feb 10, 2024 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Furniture - It's glued, right?
Replies: 91
Views: 7539

Re: Furniture - It's glued, right?

You're gonna need a bigger house!

Sorry. Take the door off its hinges, and get some help. It will fit, but solving that puzzle before you run out of gas moving the piece in three space without dinging it makes the problem 10x harder.
by mrc
Tue Feb 06, 2024 3:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed
Replies: 71
Views: 6828

Re: Sleeping struggles with two people one bed

We've used side-by-side twin beds for 40 years. We like different mattress firmness. Me: not hard, waterbed for years. She: concrete slab. Me: top sheet in summer to keep the hair on my legs quiet, cotton blanket in winter. She: always cold, from one to 3 blankets year round. Me: light sleeper don't want to feel anyone (or any dog) moving. She: two dog nights are the norm. Never really thought about the planning here, it just happened. OPs problem is solvable with separate mattresses. Hubby can even tuck in both sides.

PS Such an amusing thread. It's interesting to read others' takes on this. Probably been an issue since our days in the cave.
by mrc
Fri Feb 02, 2024 5:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21637

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

I'd be interested in hearing from others, because I wouldn't have guessed most of the OP's requirements would suggest a role for a typical elder care attorney. I found this site helpful: Elder law and estate planning serve two different -- but equally vital -- functions. The main difference is that elder law is focused on preserving your assets during your lifetime, while estate planning concentrates on what happens to your assets after you die. Elder law: long term care, Medicaid, guardianship and conservatorship Estate law: all ages, wills, trusts, avoiding probate, estate taxes I think my OP touched on both, and identifying and separating the different parts is part of the resolution. I was clearly at the "I don't know what I don't...
by mrc
Thu Feb 01, 2024 1:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How can I tell if Solar Panels are working effectively?
Replies: 21
Views: 1892

Re: How can I tell if Solar Panels are working effectively?

I installed my solar system in 2009. I didn't begin recording weekly readings until 2016. So any first- or second years loss had already happened. Every week, I record the cumulative kWh the solar has produced at the inverter, and subtract the last week's reading to obtain the weekly net. I then plot the 4 week average of this weekly production to see how the array is performing. The four week average should smooth out some of the snow covered or extended periods of grey weather. You can see from my graph production is lower in winter and higher in summer. Production has inched downward every year. I wish I had the complete record.


Image

Here's the total kWh produced (actual) each calendar year. The first year is incomplete.

Image
by mrc
Thu Feb 01, 2024 2:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21637

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

There are some terrific ideas here, and I'm so grateful. I will return with updates after I run all these tasks to ground. I'm also glad others are finding this a useful thread. This could be a wiki topic, if not for a specific checklist because circumstances are so varied, at least for general "where to start" advice. So far, I have signed up for a daily call check service from the state department of aging. If you don't answer, they call a contact, and if that falls through summon EMS for a wellness check. Now, to name a trustworthy neighbor to contact. I subscribed to Life Alert (mobile). It's expensive but there's a discount for AARP members. Yeah, these are the, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up." people. But th...
by mrc
Tue Jan 30, 2024 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21637

Re: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

Thanks all for the thoughtful and helpful replies. I have some ideas where to start now. I agree this is a service area ripe with opportunities — we don't all have trustworthy family. Some details on me : Age 64, I exercise (walk every day in the woods with the dogs, do resistance training, take care of my house and landscaping), never smoked, stopped drinking alcohol 10y ago, have mild hypertension well-controlled with a single med. I eat well, no diabetes, BMI 22. I'm quite healthy and physically active. My wife is a few years older than me. We have no children. My relatives live 650 miles away, my in-laws live 500 miles away. Both groups are thinning out and steadily dispersing. I like it here, and also have no desire to move closer to a...
by mrc
Mon Jan 29, 2024 5:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends
Replies: 133
Views: 21637

Managing your affairs when you live alone and have no family or true friends

My wife is now admitted to hospice and I face a future living alone — no children or family, and limited acquaintances. Just my dogs. We are both introverts, and during our working years we spent our "social capital" interfacing with coworkers. When we retired we were glad to be rid of that obligation, eager to be with each other and live out our golden years. We relied on each other for everything, and would be married 40 years this fall. Our estate planning documents (will, durable power of attorney, advance directive, and medical power of attorney) all name the other spouse and thus must be updated. We both knew how to access critical account information, and open the safe for important papers. Among the things broken by the lo...
by mrc
Mon Jan 29, 2024 2:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FERS Retirement...Have done everything right (I think) and still nervous..
Replies: 56
Views: 9641

Re: FERS Retirement...Have done everything right (I think) and still nervous..

Kevlar wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 8:19 pm FOLLOWUP:

I pulled the plug December 30th...

Well done! Congratulations. My wife's FERS retirement illustrated to us that it isn't an event, it's a process.
by mrc
Fri Jan 12, 2024 3:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 9927

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

CatsAreCute wrote: Thu Jan 11, 2024 6:08 pm Miele is fantastic! We save a ton on water and power usage. No need for a dryer vent. Fantastic machines.

Our machines are 4 years old and act like new.
A 4 year-old Miele is new! Ours are 22 years old and act like new. The washer and dryer are both 220v. They do use very little water and power compared to the w/d that were in the house when we moved in. Clothes are cleaner and less traumatized too.
by mrc
Sat Jan 06, 2024 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELOC/boat purchase
Replies: 33
Views: 3011

Re: HELOC/boat purchase

Invictus002 wrote: Sat Jan 06, 2024 2:08 pm
They also have generous pensions and 9 month work year! :)
My dad taught junior high band and chorus. He did have summers off, but a typical day was 12 hours for before school practice and after school lessons, many evenings for concerts and contests, and he bought kids black slacks and white shirts with money out of his own pocket when they couldn't afford the required performance "uniform." He had no pension. He taught private lessons on weekends, taught summer school, and was a paid tenor soloist at church to make ends meet. Anyone who thinks teachers have it easy, work short days, and "only" during the school year is sadly mistaken.
by mrc
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13157

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

Last summer I was without AC for a month (they had to wait for a part to repair the central AC). I then discovered the incredible beauty of window fans - something people used to use a long time ago before AC. I had two window box fans on the main level pulling in cooler night air, and three fans on the second floor pushing out hot indoor air. On days when the high was around 95F and humid, low 72F overnight - without the fans I would wake up at 6 am and my house would be about 92F still. With the fans I would wake up freezing and the house would be about 72F. Using this system to cool the house in the evening isn't as simple as turning on the AC. But it works. That worked pretty well for us in Ann Arbor, MI for all but about two weeks of ...
by mrc
Thu Jan 04, 2024 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13157

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

Barefoot wrote: Thu Jan 04, 2024 1:52 pm When I was a kid, my Dad would put saran wrap over the downstairs return during the summer months. This forced the A/C to suck all return air from upstairs and it kept the temps upstairs pretty much the same as downstairs.

Cost was less than a buck.
You run a risk of impeding airflow across the evaporator coil and freezing it up. It's the hot air passing over the coil that prevents freeze ups.
by mrc
Thu Jan 04, 2024 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic
Replies: 90
Views: 13157

Re: The "Hot Upstairs" Topic

This is a perfect illustration of Roger Pressman's (software engineering) adage: "Are we solving the right problem, and are we solving the problem right?" My two story mid-80s colonial house is half the size of yours, with one central ducted HVAC plant. Every tech that's been here for 20 years says houses like this generally have two plants, including a dedicated unit for the upstairs. I should add, the rear of the house (with most of the glass) faces southwest. The second story ducts are in the ceiling, and run through an unconditioned attic. Oh, they are flexible ducts. It is humid here. Cold air is heavy, and there is no way the fan can push air up three floors, across a hot attic, through too-small flex ducts, and adequately c...
by mrc
Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD from TIAA
Replies: 10
Views: 1173

Re: RMD from TIAA

We just completed spouse's RMD at TIAA this morning. I'm required to consent to the withdrawal. We downloaded the form, drove to my bank branch for the notary, and uploaded the completed form. It's a PITA but not all that bad. We'll close this account as soon as the 10-year TPA is complete in 2025.

On a tax withholding note: I was able to override the default 10% to zero. I was surprised. I should say that the total RMD was less than $1300. Perhaps the MANDATORY withholding has changed, or is waved below a certain amount. I don't care because we're getting out next year. FWIW, I will withhold our taxes from spouse's much larger Fidelity IRA RMD.
by mrc
Tue Jan 02, 2024 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: your system for reviewing credit card transactions
Replies: 86
Views: 9309

Re: your system for reviewing credit card transactions

I have all my cards to send new charge notifications. Some have a low dollar limit such as $5. I would prefer to see them all, so that any small dollar test charges come to my attention. But that's not possible with every card issuer. If an unauthorized charge hits one of my account, I'll know about it near real time.

Occasionally, I receive a notification for an amount that I'm not sure about, and so far, when I check, I find out that it's a legit charge.

I also review my statements every month to double check.
by mrc
Mon Jan 01, 2024 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD acknowledgment letter
Replies: 50
Views: 4558

Re: QCD acknowledgment letter

stan1 wrote: Mon Jan 01, 2024 1:08 pm Thanks that's what I've used in the past too. I think some have now posited that it is also necessary to add a statement that it is not a Donor Advised Fund contribution?
Re a DAF statement in the body of the cover letter: I don't think so. First, I state "from my IRA custodian," but second, I doubt the charity cares. The IRS does, but not the charity. You should, of course, be certain you're cutting QCD checks to a qualified charitable organization.
by mrc
Mon Jan 01, 2024 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD acknowledgment letter
Replies: 50
Views: 4558

Re: QCD acknowledgment letter

It's QCD time again, did the forum ever agree to a template for a compliant cover letter to send to the charity along with the check issued by the IRA custodian? Seems like this should be easy not hard :-) I have Fidelity send the checks (made out the the charity) to me. In my donation cover letter, I ask the charity to send me a letter with the IRS Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements. So far, so good. A donor cannot claim a federal income tax deduction for any single contribution valued at $250 or more unless the donor obtains a contemporaneous written acknowledgment of the contribution from the donee charitable organization. An organization that does not acknowledge a contribution incurs no penalty; but, without a contemporaneous ...
by mrc
Mon Jan 01, 2024 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QCD acknowledgment letter
Replies: 50
Views: 4558

Re: QCD acknowledgment letter

It's QCD time again, did the forum ever agree to a template for a compliant cover letter to send to the charity along with the check issued by the IRA custodian? Seems like this should be easy not hard :-) I have Fidelity send the checks (made out the the charity) to me. In my donation cover letter, I ask the charity to send me a letter with the IRS Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements. So far, so good. A donor cannot claim a federal income tax deduction for any single contribution valued at $250 or more unless the donor obtains a contemporaneous written acknowledgment of the contribution from the donee charitable organization. An organization that does not acknowledge a contribution incurs no penalty; but, without a contemporaneous ...
by mrc
Tue Dec 26, 2023 4:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
Replies: 209
Views: 49661

Re: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"

rule of law guy wrote: Tue Dec 26, 2023 3:55 pm does anyone (other than me) worry that if you are an organ donor, the DNR might be triggered a bit too hastily?
Nope. No more than that 7 figure IRA balance.
by mrc
Mon Dec 25, 2023 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I spend $1500 for a kitten?
Replies: 71
Views: 8455

Re: Should I spend $1500 for a kitten?

sevenseas wrote: Mon Dec 25, 2023 12:24 pm Our first family dog was a purebred collie obtained from a good breeder, who was a most wonderful dog, but who came with many of the issues of the breed (colitis, excessive barking/high strung personality, and who ultimately died relatively young of gastric dilatation-volvulus). Speaking personally, I have only ever adopted mixed breeds since.
All six of our purebred collies and one pure Aussie outlived my all time favorite dog - a collie/beagle cross pound puppy. I expected her to live the longest at 42 lb vs the 55-72lb collies. You just never know. I 100% agree that choosing a good breeder is paramount.
by mrc
Mon Dec 25, 2023 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I spend $1500 for a kitten?
Replies: 71
Views: 8455

Re: Should I spend $1500 for a kitten?

You've paid your "rescue" dues. Get the cat you want. Please be sure you can handle that breed, they are different.
by mrc
Mon Dec 25, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pull-ups and Push-ups
Replies: 678
Views: 182127

Re: Pull-ups and Push-ups

LadyGeek wrote: Mon Dec 25, 2023 11:28 am Whenever I do pull-ups / push-ups, I always go into a pike position to help strengthen my abs. It's a good way to enhance a workout.
That's also a great way to deal with having to use a lower bar.
by mrc
Sun Dec 24, 2023 10:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is Your Biggest "Good Problem to Have"? [Financial]
Replies: 97
Views: 13672

Re: What is Your Biggest "Good Problem to Have"?

Jumping to the next tax bracket

IRMAA

The former suggests blessed success, and the latter confirms you possess healthcare insurance.
by mrc
Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"
Replies: 209
Views: 49661

Re: Pros and Cons of "Do Not Resuscitate"

G3VALD1G wrote: Sun Dec 24, 2023 2:23 am I don't think I would sign a DNR unless in end of life situations.
That is precisely the point. Some people would not want to be brought back to their present life circumstances. Others, like your family members, would. My wife has a DNR, I don't.
by mrc
Fri Dec 22, 2023 5:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Essentially target date funds become too conservative
Replies: 83
Views: 10582

Re: Essentially target date funds become too conservative

Before I found out about total index funds, I was using target date funds. The way I handled the AA was just to choose a more distant date fund. For example, instead of choosing a 2030 fund, I'd choose a 2060 fund.
by mrc
Thu Dec 21, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: security - last 4 of SSN
Replies: 12
Views: 1430

Re: security - last 4 of SSN

I bet you're right.
by mrc
Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: security - last 4 of SSN
Replies: 12
Views: 1430

Re: security - last 4 of SSN

TheTimeLord wrote: Thu Dec 21, 2023 11:30 am
Okay, what am I missing here, if they are using it to look your insurance up doesn't that mean it is already stored in the system?
Yep. All the OP did was confirm what the clerk had on the screen. Those four numbers served as an alternative key to verify your account.

FWIW I never give my SSN to an office.
by mrc
Tue Dec 19, 2023 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tempting 7-figure job offer (FAANG vs AI startup)
Replies: 93
Views: 13170

Re: Tempting 7-figure job offer (FAANG vs AI startup)

If I were paying someone $6M of real money, I would expect that person to work every waking minute, and not have many minutes not awake. Are you up for that?

What happens when this collapses and you make only what you're making now, or not even that much, after say a year or two. Can you go back to the $1.2M job or similar.

I'd try for more base, less gravy. A bird in the hand and all.
by mrc
Tue Dec 19, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My car was stolen Saturday night!
Replies: 62
Views: 9375

Re: My car was stolen Saturday night!

cdc wrote: Tue Dec 19, 2023 9:37 am Our new car was stolen a few years ago. I accidentally left the key fob inside, so it was a crime of opportunity. It was recovered a couple of days later with an empty tank, a strong stench of weed, extra rolling papers, and glitter. No physical damage. The car probably had the time of its life.
This post made my day.
by mrc
Sun Dec 17, 2023 9:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation
Replies: 60
Views: 9927

Re: 2023 Washer/Dryer Recommendation

We need stackable units to fit in the laundry closet area. As other folks have suggested, buy Miele. Buy once, cry once. We've had our set for 3+ years now and no regrets. They replaced an 18 year old Asko set. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm a believer in "buy quality" but the Miele machines look too small for my needs. I'm only seeing them with a 2.25 gal capacity tub, whereas the LG has more than twice as much at 5 Gal. I need to be able to wash a King comfortor semi regularly as we have bad dogs. Price of some of the Milie units verges on 2x the LG. If I get 10 years out of this set odds are high that the next homeowner will be the one replacing them. I second the vote for Miele, our washer/dryer is 21 years old and still goin...
by mrc
Sun Dec 17, 2023 7:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SIL considering a PhD in Engineering, worth it?
Replies: 97
Views: 14268

Re: SIL considering a PhD in Engineering, worth it?

RedKlotz wrote: Sun Dec 17, 2023 7:37 am Phds do not make sense from a financial perspective.

Do it because you want to, not because it pays a financial dividend.

As an engineer myself, the talented ones do the the best financially, not the ones with the most advanced degrees
And in my experience, the Venn diagram of the talented ones and those with advanced degrees is a sparse overlap. The saying amongst the working staff at several places I worked was those who can do, do. Those who can't, stay in school longer hoping the extra degrees compensate. If SIL doesn't want to teach, I'd say work for a few years and see if an employer will send him to school for that doctorate. It's all about the job afterward.
by mrc
Sun Dec 17, 2023 3:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When Did You Feel Financially Secure and Comfortable?
Replies: 134
Views: 29393

Re: When Did You Feel Financially Secure and Comfortable?

I finally felt secure and comfortable when just after the mortgage was paid, and I ran the numbers to find our pensions (SSx2 and FERS, all COLA) plus required RMDs would more than cover our annual expenses (with extra padding and including taxes and healthcare).

Helpful aids: DINK couple, FEHB for us plus Medicare provides primary plus secondary healthcare coverage with predicable OOP costs.
by mrc
Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: trashmen tipping conumdrum
Replies: 73
Views: 11986

Re: trashmen tipping conumdrum

When faced with a similar situation, I have everyone $20 on the theory that a) I'm paid more than they are, 2) I'm lucky and blessed (yes I worked hard but still), and 3) I would not want to do that job, and 4) What would I do if they weren't there. OTOH if you can't afford a gift to all of them, don't. That's OK too.
by mrc
Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity free Turbotax 2023
Replies: 435
Views: 154004

Re: Fidelity free Turbotax 2023

stocknoob4111 wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 5:08 pm
MisterBill wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2023 3:55 pm If you do not qualify for the free copy and are looking for the download version, the Fidelity discount is not the way to go. Look on Amazon, Costco or Newegg for the best price.
got it, thanks, i'll keep an eye out for the other sources.
This place seems the cheapest at $60 but never heard of this site before: https://bighometax.com/
They may not be an Intuit authorized reseller, so beware.
by mrc
Thu Dec 14, 2023 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fidelity free Turbotax 2023
Replies: 435
Views: 154004

Re: Fidelity free Turbotax 2023

I'm thinking of writing a book:

The Psychology of Free Stuff: An Annual Bogleheads' Perspective on the Value of $56

Or is that psychopathology? :greedy