Search found 351 matches

by Kitty Telltales
Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 187
Views: 20505

Re: What is your favorite book?

Just finished Iberia by Michener. One of his non-fiction and I felt like I travelled through Spain and the entire area including some history of N. Africa. Loving that there are some other Michener fans here. Legacy by Michener is just under 100 pages and can be read in two relaxed evenings. It was written to celebrate the Constitution’s 200 year anniversary and walks you through it’s writing and Amendments. You’ll feel like a “fly on the wall” in the Constitutional Convention. Michener’s The Source tells the story of Israel and gives incredible insight to today’s events. Poland helps one understand not just that country’s history but also of Ukraine. I have yet to read his Space but it’s on my bucket/retirement reading list.
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Jan 16, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Munich in July
Replies: 26
Views: 2531

Re: Munich in July

Do like the Germans would in July, go hiking.

I live north of Bavaria in the state of Thuringia. There’s a hiking trail called the Rennsteig https://mein-rennsteig.de/prospekte/rennsteigkarte/#0. It’s sort of like walking a mini version of the Appalachian Trail, with lodging and restaurants along the way.

It’s still on my bucket list.
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Jan 03, 2024 10:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?
Replies: 89
Views: 10994

Re: Miele OR Bosch Dishwasher?

We replaced the Bosch, purchased by the previous homeowner, with our current Miele. The Bosch had a leak in the water tank and problems with the pump and for years gave a sign for being blocked with food.

I wasn’t yet used to the silverware drawer on top with the Miele. I negotiated with the appliance salesman for an extra basket for below, for free. I’m so glad I did. I like taking it out and sorting things right at the draw instead of reaching back and forth. I use the top dishwasher drawer for larger utensils and other flat items.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Oct 16, 2023 3:03 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: ITIN for non-resident alien spouse
Replies: 6
Views: 3110

Re: ITIN for non-resident alien spouse

crre wrote: Mon Oct 16, 2023 9:05 am a huge issue with a non-resident alien beneficiary is that if you die first and your non-resident alien spouse inherits then dies before transferring the money outside of the u.s., the estate tax kicks in at a ridiculously low threshold ($60,000), as opposed to the much higher threshold for u.s. citizens. if you have children who are u.s. citizens and sufficient assets outside of the u.s., you may want to consider leaving the u.s. assets directly to your children (this is what we chose to do). alternatively, you may want to consider moving the assets out of the u.s. now.
Thank you for this tip...I do have son who is a US citizen and currently have him a beneficiary. I'll make sure I stay within the $60,000 limit.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Oct 16, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: ITIN for non-resident alien spouse
Replies: 6
Views: 3110

Re: ITIN for non-resident alien spouse

One question I have at the moment is about getting a US ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) for my non-resident alien spouse. Has anyone got one for their foreign (NRA) spouse and is it advisable? Mostly I want to apply for an ITIN for my husband so that I could easily add him as a beneficiary to my American accounts without spending frustrating time on the phone explaining why he doesn't have a social security number. They say it's possible to add a spouse without a social security number, but have you ever tried it online? Without a SS number, the form freezes and I can't make any progress. I want to focus on estate planning to be sure that he would have an easier time dealing with things--IRA, bank accounts, selling real es...
by Kitty Telltales
Sun Oct 01, 2023 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else had Capital One cancel credit card with no notice?
Replies: 23
Views: 3678

Re: Anyone else had Capital One cancel credit card with no notice?

Capital One closed my IRA account about 2 years ago, without my receiving a letter or email until they had made their own arrangements to send my money off to another company. I spent a very hectic week or so preventing that transfer. Vanguard was very helpful btw. With great satisfaction, I then cancelled my CapitalOne credit card! Capital One used to be a good all around online bank, which I used for over 20 years. Now they are only interested in churning credit cards. Glad to say goodbye to CapitalOne. You should be too.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dollars to Euros
Replies: 57
Views: 5402

Re: Dollars to Euros

You haven’t mentioned which country you will be travelling to. Germany has come a very long way with accepting Visa credit cards, but definitely not everywhere. Ask before you order your meal at restaurants. Often a 3% charge is added by the vendor for credit cards, which was the case in a hotel we stayed in last weekend. We also asked when checking in. They accept an IC card which is like a debit, almost everywhere without charge but I don’t know if your American debit card will work in the same way. Also when you pull money from your bank card at an ATM, you will be paying charges to Visa 5 or 10 euros plus whatever interest or fees your bank charges on cash withdraws. Having 200-300 Euros in your wallet isn’t a bad idea. Check if there i...
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jul 10, 2023 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Social Security Bridge Portfolio?
Replies: 30
Views: 3410

Re: Social Security Bridge Portfolio?

I thought I would spend down my brokerage account between 62 and 70 leaving my IRA. I’ve shifted that idea and will pull some from IRA during this phase to reduce later RMD’s when I do collect Soc. Sec. I’ve also built up some I Bonds, which I call my self insurance, and will pull a fixed amount from there each year when I do retire.

My a little from here a little from there theory is the result of my busy mental accounting. :D. Hope I can remember the plan in the later years.
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Jun 28, 2023 11:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Interest rate increases
Replies: 139
Views: 12443

Re: Interest rate increases

TacoLover wrote: Sun Jun 25, 2023 3:26 pm I hate that we can’t just talk about things on this board. It’s going to get locked soon because some mod is going to say it’s not actionable. I thought they’d keep rates unchanged for this year then begin decreasing sometime next year. Based on what Powell said I assume they’re raising a little next meeting. I assume banks are failing stress tests and he’s hesitant to raise too much but the economy seems surprisingly resilient and inflation is still too high so I’d think a small raise at the next meeting.
Is Lady Geek on vacation this week at the Jersey Shore?

I agree that after a little summer pause, rates will go up 1%
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jun 26, 2023 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: International Long Haul Flight - Premium Economy?
Replies: 61
Views: 6422

Re: International Long Haul Flight - Premium Economy?

Premium Economy is worth it going from the US to Europe for the chance to sleep slightly more comfortably. Flying back from Europe to the US, I don’t need any extra comfort. I’d almost agree to sit in the baggage compartment if I could take a good book. No jet lag issues flying East.

We recently flew on Norse Air from Fort Lauderdale through Oslo for a reasonable price and caught a budget airline to Berlin. You can even book one-ways easily. We spent one night in Oslo in a lovely grand old hotel. There’s a speedy train from the airport to the center. We got a good night’s sleep, saw 2 museums, ate some Schmorrebrod and had an easy flight to Berlin the next afternoon. Jet lag was never easier.
by Kitty Telltales
Fri Dec 30, 2022 4:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 198
Views: 31147

Re: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!

Lindt Linder Pralines 70%, because you only live once. I’ve limited myself to 2 pieces a day.
by Kitty Telltales
Thu Dec 29, 2022 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085530

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

We just finished this as well. I liked it more than the first but you're both right, the ending left something to be desired. Still entertaining. If you like Monae, you might want to check out Antebellum. I thought it was a really interesting idea for a movie and she was excellent in it. Last night we also watched Polar with Mads Mikkelsen because I think he's great. He was good in this but it was a very weird movie. I didn't realize it was based on a graphic novel until we finished. The ending was a very nice twist but the movie is very violent and mostly silly. It was mindless entertainment but I don't think I'd recommend it unless you were a fan of the novel. I watched "Glass Onion" last night. I really liked "Knives Out,...
by Kitty Telltales
Thu Dec 29, 2022 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Flight attendant travel tips
Replies: 193
Views: 22966

Re: Flight attendant travel tips

  • Say please and thank you to flight attendants who offer you help or services.
  • Get over your addiction to your electronics and don’t wait until the last possible moment to stow them when asked. Checking in with relatives is not the most important thing when disembarking. That can actually wait 5 minutes until you are not blocking the aisle.
  • Keep in mind that taking a plane is public transportation, getting you to point A to point B safely and not more than that.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Dec 19, 2022 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085530

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Desk Set 1957 with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Have seen it countless times because it’s one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Each year I try to spot something on the set that I never noticed before. This year I realized she has a bonsai in her office. Perhaps the Blue-ray disc I currently use has the full screen version that I missed all those years I watched it on TV or on VHS. My tradition goes back decades.

The plot is about how the computer will make the network research department become obsolete. Now we have Google and the “girls in the research department” have all been fired for sure.

Love it, love it, love it!

Merry Christmas Bogleheads.
by Kitty Telltales
Thu Dec 08, 2022 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: After living abroad, now need to buy US health ins.
Replies: 3
Views: 556

Re: After living abroad, now need to buy US health ins.

AlohaJoe wrote: Thu Dec 08, 2022 6:23 am healthcare.gov

Just follow the instructions there.
Danke, danke
by Kitty Telltales
Thu Dec 08, 2022 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: After living abroad, now need to buy US health ins.
Replies: 3
Views: 556

After living abroad, now need to buy US health ins.

I’ve been living in Europe for 16 years and I now will start a job in the US, in Florida, living there half the year. The employer has a QSEHRA (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement), which I believe requires me to have health insurance to use. I hope to use the benefit to pay for premiums.

It’s been a while since I’ve lived in the States, I am not sure how one can pick up a high deductible policy without falling prey to eager/greedy insurance agents.

I will continue to carry health insurance in Germany. I am in excellent health, so I plan to use the German policy mostly.

Please educate me on the process and any tips you may have. As a Boglehead, I like to keep things simple and avoid any avoidable costs.
by Kitty Telltales
Fri Nov 25, 2022 2:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I Overpay Taxes to Get I Bonds?
Replies: 15
Views: 2209

Re: Should I Overpay Taxes to Get I Bonds?

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 6:54 am
Kitty Telltales wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 3:41 am They are held in a separate place on your account page, like inventoried EE bonds, but I am used to it.
I assume you are referring to the "Conversion Linked Account". As soon as they appear (or anytime thereafter), you can transfer them to your main account so they are all in the same place. That's what I've started to do.
Helpful tip! Thanks. This is why I love Bogleheads.
by Kitty Telltales
Fri Nov 25, 2022 3:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I Overpay Taxes to Get I Bonds?
Replies: 15
Views: 2209

Re: Should I Overpay Taxes to Get I Bonds?

I overpaid by filing an extension with a payment, all digitally. You could do this too if you don’t want an extra amount withheld from your pay. I requested the refund in Ibonds when I e-filed my return and they were even mailed to me abroad. I was excited when the $1,000 paper bonds with Einstein’s face arrived safely in Germany, where I live. In the past, I had already sent in EE bonds to my Treasurydirect account so I knew the routine. It is a little nerve racking to send off the bonds. Make a copy of them if something should go wrong. After a not too unreasonable time, TD sent an email confirming receipt advising that it may take up to 12 weeks to see the bonds credited to my account. Perhaps it took about 10 weeks for the bonds to fina...
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Nov 21, 2022 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: iBonds [How are they viewed as part of your portfolio strategy?]
Replies: 35
Views: 3917

Re: iBonds [How are they viewed as part of your portfolio strategy?]

Instead of the I Bond vs TIPS route, I am combining both and building a bonds ladder. There are years where TIPS maturities aren’t available, so I am plugging my I Bonds into that gap in my withdraw schedule. I am able to pick up the TIPS in my tax-deferred space as suggested.

I am working on building a 20 year ladder for now.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Nov 21, 2022 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What did you do with your monthly mortgage payment amount after your house was paid off?
Replies: 48
Views: 4515

Re: What did you do with your monthly mortgage payment amount after your house was paid off?

Throughout my life, I’ve paid off the mortgages on 4 homes, all within the first 5 years of owning them. After each pay-off, I saved for the next house, each an upgrade to the last. Perhaps it would have been better to focus more on investing in the stock market, but this came later for me.

Our last home purchase was 12 years ago and the mortgage got paid off a year or so before my husband retired. Loss of the mortgage payment was similar to our expected reduction in income.

The plan worked…We feel grateful and financially secure in our last home.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Oct 10, 2022 10:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!
Replies: 172
Views: 29627

Re: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!

We’ll be flying in to O’Hara tomorrow evening (6.50) on Southwest from our layover in Nashville. If anyone would like to share a ride, hold up your index finger to identify yourself at the gate.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Aug 01, 2022 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 82894

Re: What have you baked recently?

Don't forget what Julia Child said. Two things somewhat like the following: 1) "Only *you* know what happens in the kitchen" (apparently mentioned at a time like when her Thanksgiving turkey fell onto the floor); 2) [Just declare the disaster to be something else]. I made great use of that second suggestion many years ago, when I had the bright idea to make something like (forgetting exact name/recipe) salmon dumplings salmon quenelles . Suffice it to say that I found it absolutely impossble to avoid having each one completely fall apart shortly after being introduced to the water. So I took the remainder of the contents of the mixing bowl, buttered a souffle pan, put the rest of the thick batter into that pan, and baked it. My &...
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Jul 27, 2022 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheriting a Home with Siblings
Replies: 31
Views: 3482

Re: Inheriting a Home with Siblings

Sounds like the situation will only become more complicated with time. I found myself in the similar place as you when my mother died in 2005 and left her condo in Florida to me and my 3 siblings. Unlike you, no one needed it as their permanent residence. I believe my mother imagined we would all share it amicably as a winter vacation place. Unfortunately we were not all that close and some of us were not able to keep contributing indefinitely to the property’s upkeep and running costs. I offered to buy them all out of their shares for a VERY fair market price…pre Florida real estate price collapse. Two siblings preferred to sell and take their part immediately. My younger sister had the idea that I would buy the others out and that “someda...
by Kitty Telltales
Fri Jul 15, 2022 1:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 90 Days in Europe Puzzle
Replies: 28
Views: 2432

Re: 90 Days in Europe Puzzle

Think about the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden. Of course my favorite is Germany, where we live. So far I have not yet thought about the need for any air conditioning this summer, which is why we wait until the autumn to travel elsewhere. There are concerts and events going on in most towns and cities and living is focused on being outside. This summer the DeutscheBahn has a deal for a 9 Euro monthly ticket for all the regional trains and you can travel all over the country for 30 days on one ticket. Yes, it’s the slow way but you have time and can enjoy the scenery. We have clean running water, a generous supply of gummy bears and beer, safe streets and internet all over the country. Almost all younger folks speak English well (50% of the en...
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jul 11, 2022 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Epic" and Memorable Family Vacation Ideas
Replies: 66
Views: 8922

Re: "Epic" and Memorable Family Vacation Ideas

Then there’s wild pony watching on Chincoteague Island and I believe we camped on Assateague. In October visit the Oyster Festival in St. Micheals Maryland and visit the new Harriet Tubman Museum. I read James A. Michener’s Cheasepeake before visiting this area in 2018 after attending the Bogleheads Conference. Michener’s book made the landscape and history come to life. This is for the adults, I guess. I sometimes give my family reading assignments to prepare for trips. I’m waiting to hear back from my son. But I believe his epic childhood trip was abroad to Ireland. He was 10 when we travelled there. He learned about his roots, found some independence by taking walks alone near the hotel in Dublin and became a child of the world. Today li...
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jul 11, 2022 4:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Epic" and Memorable Family Vacation Ideas
Replies: 66
Views: 8922

Re: "Epic" and Memorable Family Vacation Ideas

Camping or renting a house with a dock around the Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore of Maryland or Virginia Beach. Our most memorable holidays always included crabs; catching them, cooking them, eating them and sometimes swimming with them. One year in Virginia Beach, they were hatching and the water was swarming with the biting babies. Instead of going into the water, we played in amazing dunes, running around and playing imaginative games. I imagine they take more nature conservation measures now but certainly many open places to still enjoy

A visit to the historical site of the Jamestown settlement is interesting. There’s an ongoing archeological dig at Jamestown with the finds in a museum onsite.
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Jul 05, 2022 7:05 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Meaning of the 4th of July
Replies: 17
Views: 3153

Re: Meaning of the 4th of July

Thank you Taylor! Hope you were lucky enough to see some fireworks and eat a grilled hot dog or hamburger with all the fixings. We had friends over for a BBQ on our terrace, some German friends who have relatives in Texas and had always wanted to celebrate the 4th as Americans do. We grilled bockwurst and I put out the usual fixings; onions, pickles, mustard, sauerkraut, etc. I tried to convince my guests that sauerkraut does in fact go well with hot dogs. Believe it or not, Germans don’t like that combination, it’s a big “yuck”. My friend topped it off with ketchup. My German friends asked me what Independence Day meant to me since they grew up in East Germany and know little of US history. I explained that I was born in Philadelphia, wher...
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Jun 21, 2022 7:32 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Buying I-Bonds from overseas
Replies: 15
Views: 3217

Re: Buying I-Bonds from overseas

I used the second link for Navy Federal. They were quite helpful over the phone and totally understood the issues for Americans abroad. I imagine the other military credit union would work in the same way. I wonder, can you still make an estimated payment for 2021? I doubt the IRS would reject any payment. You could try and then let the dust settle before filing your return for 2021. What is the worst that could happen, they might apply it to 2022 or send it back to you. Like I said, it was all a bit of an experiment for me, it worked out. Are you able to send payments to the IRS? Do you use WIRE? I believe they are connected to Wells Fargo. These living abroad challenges are what make life interesting, don’t you think? Have you joined up w...
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Jun 21, 2022 6:14 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Buying I-Bonds from overseas
Replies: 15
Views: 3217

Re: Buying I-Bonds from overseas

If you haven’t filed your US taxes yet, you can overpay estimated taxes with an extension and they will mail your refund, when you file your return, in I bonds up to $5,000 to your German address. I file my 2021 tax return and extension using OLT.com for free. Since the current I bond rate is good until Oct. 1, and the time for American’s abroad to file their taxes with an extension is Oct. 15, you are under little time pressure to catch this recent high rate. I paid $3,000 with the extension this year, as an experiment, knowing that I would not owe any tax for 2021. Now I wish I had done the full $5,000, but hesitated since I wasn’t sure how it all would pan out. It took about 6 weeks for the return to be processed and the I bonds to be ma...
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Jun 15, 2022 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?
Replies: 181
Views: 14443

Re: where to buy good quality bread and pastries i.e: similar to Europe?

An English friend once said to me, “one can build furniture with German bread.”

Aldi does sell a block/brick/loaf of German rye bread that my husband, born in Thuringia, approves of when we visit the States.
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Jun 08, 2022 6:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Capital One stops offering IRA's
Replies: 11
Views: 4354

Re: Capital One stops offering IRA's

One of my capital ira transfer to milenium happened already on one cd. It’s staggered in stages but I was angry cause it was prior to the date mentioned on the letter. But my other one (ira money market account) I caught in time and transferred to vanguard without calls to anyone in about 3 weeks Yesterday a nice Vanguard crew member helped me fill out the transfer form and I faxed it in to the same crew member. Fingers crossed that Vanguard processes it asap because CapitalOne said they were scheduled to send my money off the Millenium Trust next week, against my wishes and instructions. I unfortunately had 9 CD’s with CapitalOne. CapitalOne has now closed the CD’s and deposited the balance plus interest through the maturity dates (from 2...
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Jun 07, 2022 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Capital One stops offering IRA's
Replies: 11
Views: 4354

Re: Capital One stops offering IRA's

They are switching accounts to Millennium Trust. Is there anything Millennium offers that Vanguard doesn't or other reason to leave any IRAs there? Do you know when they intend to transfer this next round of IRA’s to Millennium? I received an email from Millennium today that the transfer will be happening, but I haven’t received any info from CapitalOne yet. In September I filled out the paperwork to transfer a part of the IRA at CapitalOne to Vanguard. Vanguard sat on the paperwork for ages because they believed that CapitalOne had already transferred all IRA’s to Millennium Trust (who I never heard of before). Vanguard didn’t inform me that they were not processing the transfer. It took a very long, frustrating phone call with Vanguard t...
by Kitty Telltales
Thu Apr 21, 2022 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5832
Views: 590584

Re: What are you listening to now

Nicolas wrote: Sun Apr 17, 2022 12:30 pm Boieldieu Harp Concerto — Nadja Dornik, harpist. A beautiful piece for Easter Day.
This is lovely. Thank you for posting the link. It is the sound of spring.
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!
Replies: 172
Views: 29627

Re: IT'S TIME! Registration for the 2022 Bogleheads Conference is NOW OPEN!

I missed the link for hotel reservations on the registration page. Is there a way to access this?
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Apr 20, 2022 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual citizenship?
Replies: 76
Views: 6322

Re: Dual citizenship?

I thank my dear Irish/American Grandfather for passing on his legacy of dual citizenship to me. Thank also the influence of Irish cultural organisations in America in the 19th and 20th century. These were politically influential and thus there has always been a close relationship with the Republic of Ireland since its foundation (1921/22?) As I understand it, Ireland and US granted reciprocal citizenship rights and also there are some work permit rules for young people. I always wondered if Ireland kept the right of citizenship reciprocity to maintain strong political ties and financial support with later generations. Ireland tweaked the citizenship rules in the 80’s before I got my citizenship, passing the right only to grandchildren of I...
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Apr 19, 2022 1:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dual citizenship?
Replies: 76
Views: 6322

Re: Dual citizenship?

I cannot comment on other countries but as others mentioned, it is country specific and it may be more desirable to have dual nationality in some countries than others. I will simply give my experience of why I relinquished dual nationality. I had dual US/South African citizenship a long time ago (maybe 30 years). It proved to be a complex administrative nightmare as I worked in both countries. While living in the US, I bought property in South Africa and had to have an accountant submit tax returns to both countries. As the tax laws are different in both countries it was complex - fortunately my CPA accountant had a sister who lived in South Africa so she knew how to wade through the complexities. I sold the properties because of the comp...
by Kitty Telltales
Fri Apr 08, 2022 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raising chicken in backyard for eggs
Replies: 76
Views: 7313

Re: Raising chicken in backyard for eggs

I've had backyard chickens before. A few comments: Good: They can be fun to watch running around. I liked giving them leftover kitchen scraps. Felt better about wasting food. They also make great compost if you put leaves, straw, or hay in their run with the food scraps. The eggs are great. Putting in an automatic door and auto feeders and waters makes it so you can leave them for a few days. Bad: They are very messy. If you let them out they kick your flower bed mulch everywhere. They can be loud. Everything want's to kill them and they die very easily. They're expensive, the food, the coop, etc. The first 6 months they give you no eggs. It's cheaper to just buy eggs from a neighbor. This is a good overview. I had chickens for many years ...
by Kitty Telltales
Tue Mar 22, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Bogleheads Conference is Back in 2022!
Replies: 59
Views: 12575

Re: The Bogleheads Conference is Back in 2022!

Rick Ferri wrote: Mon Mar 07, 2022 9:05 pm
tiresias wrote: Mon Mar 07, 2022 11:56 am Will those of us on the west coast be at a disadvantage in buying tickets since we begin our day 3 hours later?
There are 500 seats. But I see your point. We'll figure a release time that's fair.
And please consider us who are across the pond! :D
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jan 03, 2022 4:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Buy I bonds now or wait until may?
Replies: 109
Views: 13658

Re: Buy I bonds now or wait until may?

I’ve started the new year with the same question. Would the base interest rate be adjusted if the Federal Reserve increases rates between Jan and April?

Since I plan to hold the bonds as a form of long-term, long-life insurance/emergency fund, I want to allow for more interest rate adjustments in the future and not focus on January base rates. Of course, I want to grab this year’s inflation rate bonus too.

My plan is to buy 5,000 the last week of January and another 5,000 in April.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jan 03, 2022 4:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: bucket list ideas?
Replies: 77
Views: 7822

Re: bucket list ideas?

MA405 wrote: Sun Jan 02, 2022 7:45 pm I took a train ride one time from Nuremberg to Amsterdam that ran along Rhine river for a while. The views of the picturesque medieval riverside towns and castles above them were breathtaking, right off my childhood fairy tales. Ever since then I so wanted to take either a Rhine river cruise or a drive along the river (I would prefer that, to be on my own time). Just HAVE to do that sometime.
Friends of mine have done a cruise on the Danube from Pressau, in Bavaria, through Vienna to Budapest. One can bike part of the way each day. This is on my list

Also want to sail across the Atlantic from Europe to South Florida.

South Africa and Namibia are on my list too.
by Kitty Telltales
Sat Dec 25, 2021 4:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5832
Views: 590584

Re: What are you listening to now

Nicolas wrote: Sat Dec 25, 2021 2:11 pm Happy Christmas (War is Over) — John & Yoko and The Plastic Ono Band, with The Harlem Community Choir

Wonderful Christmastime — Paul McCartney

I Wanna Be Santa Claus — Ringo Starr

(I couldn’t find a George Christmas song)
My Sweet Lord should complete the set nicely

Merry Christmas dear Bogleheads
by Kitty Telltales
Wed Dec 15, 2021 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for 3 weeks in Europe w/kids
Replies: 39
Views: 4336

Re: Suggestions for 3 weeks in Europe w/kids

rich126 wrote: Tue Dec 14, 2021 3:09 pm I avoid summer travel so someone experienced in that should weight in. Excluding the season, a place like Munich would be a great base since it has excellent train connections and you can visit a variety of places in Germany as well as Austria.

Many of my friends with children head to the Alps in summer, Austria or South Tyrol in Northern Italy. A trip including a long train ride would be eye opening and education for them. Later they would realize just how easy it is to travel to anywhere in Europe by train.

I’ve just heard that there is a new high speed train from Milano to Paris for 30 Euro, beginning December 18.

https://www.wantedinmilan.com/news/ital ... ember.html
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Oct 25, 2021 4:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Extended travel - keep car or not?
Replies: 13
Views: 1224

Re: Extended travel - keep car or not?

For the last 15 years, I’ve opted to rent rather than worry about and pay for a sitting car in the USA. We returned each year for about 8 weeks. Renting from Europe gave us better insurance coverage on a rental at no extra charge. It was easy picking it up at the airport and we enjoyed trying out new cars each trip.

Now that we are more retired and hope to spend a little more time over there, plus the outrageous prices of renting, I’m thinking differently. I wouldn’t mind my own car waiting for me in the US.

If you aren’t sure, keep for another year and reconsider next year, if you can live with the depreciated value.
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Sep 06, 2021 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Coffee Maker Out There Right Now (Parent Edition)?
Replies: 47
Views: 5536

Re: Best Coffee Maker Out There Right Now (Parent Edition)?

For the last 15 years we’ve only used a French press. It doesn’t take up any space, no filters or even electricity. We’re purists. We have one that makes about a liter of coffee for our usual morning consumption and another for when we have guests which makes 2 liters.

Although we did buy a bean grinder when my husband retired at the beginning of the pandemic and I wake up to the lovely sound of it churning the beans.
by Kitty Telltales
Fri Aug 13, 2021 5:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085530

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Dottie57 wrote: Fri Aug 13, 2021 4:12 pm
If you want a nice sappy winter into spring movie, try “Enchanted April”.
Thank you Dottie57!! This film looks wonderful!
by Kitty Telltales
Mon Jun 21, 2021 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11149
Views: 2085530

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

I'm a seasonal movie fan...

During the hottest days of summer I've got to see The Seven Year Itch. All Marilyn Monroe can think about is how to cool down and love when she almost kills her downstairs neighbor by accidentally dropping a tomato plant on his head, but misses.

When the peonies bloom in our garden, as they are now--My Fair Lady. We watched it over the last two evenings and this morning we woke up singing "I'm Getting Married in the Morning"

In late summer, early autumn, On Golden Pond

Then there is Steel Magnolias--Last summer I had an outdoor film evening on our terrace with some dear girlfriends.