Search found 1474 matches
- Thu Mar 14, 2024 1:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cost of roofing and siding as a percent of house value
- Replies: 25
- Views: 1918
Re: Cost of roofing and siding as a percent of house value
Last time I did both roofing and siding, no I did not consider percent of house value. Not at all, because both were integral to the long-term preservation of the house. Unless I wanted to scrap the house or substitute a cheaper alternative there was really no choice. In my case, cheaper alternatives (mainly siding, where I selected HardiPlank lap siding) were not all that much cheaper anyway. Asphalt shingles here are required by my HOA and nearly universal in use in this part of the state anyway, so only choices were between good shingles and cheap shingles, good installers and bad installers. I picked good. So all-in-all, I had little discretionary room because this was not a place where I wanted to pinch pennies. Looking back at my reco...
- Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:20 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Portfolio line of credit
- Replies: 3
- Views: 377
Re: Portfolio line of credit
These lines, commonly termed pledged asset credit lines, might accomplish what you need. There is risk, but IRAs aren't eligible anyway. To assess the risk, take a look at your exact portfolio composition and both the maximum size of your needed draw and the maximum time the loan might be outstanding. They aren't necessarily cheap (rates are usually SOFR plus, Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or other benchmarks), but they are extremely flexible. Generally fee free. If you are uncomfortable with margin lending, you won't likely be comfortable with pledged asset lines. Although they are different in that pledged asset lines cannot be used to buy securities of course. Really, a lot comes down to what percentage of your portfolio can be pledg...
- Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:22 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Your Original Medicare OR Advantage Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
- Replies: 156
- Views: 9927
Re: Your Original Medicare Experience: Nightmare or Sublime?
Sublime would be a bit much, but my original (+supplement) Medicare experience has been good. Basically it's same healthcare system with different insurers. Better in some respects than with my prior HMO. Certainly easier in terms of insurance interactions. Slightly easier in terms of provider selection (no network restrictions). Much easier in terms of billing (almost none with my supplement). I am coming to believe that I will never again have to call an insurer to get something cleared up. No practical difference in what gets covered. All good. Going in to Medicare, I had expected some difficulty coming into a new practice as a Medicare patient. Because of reimbursement levels, claim processing, etc. So far, in my experience that has not...
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 11:25 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: When do you tax-loss harvest?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1502
Re: When do you tax-loss harvest?
I don't use any particular rule as to size of loss to harvest. I do use two different triggers: 1)I keep a running spreadsheet estimate of the current tax year and the following tax year. I use that to identify opportunities to save tax. Could be by tax loss harvesting, or by delaying income, or both. Once I find the need/benefit, I go looking for tax loss harvesting opportunities. 2)I keep an eye on portfolio for sudden large losses. Then, if they can generate a big tax difference over the current or next few years, I'll take them. More than half the time, I will repurchase after the 30 day wash period. Or I might sell an investment purely because it no longer meets my criteria, in which case the loss harvesting is more incidental than pur...
- Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:12 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Age 60+ AND retired? What's your asset allocation? What type of bonds/Fixed Inc instruments do you use?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 8538
Re: Age 60+ AND retired? What's your asset allocation? What type of bonds/Fixed Inc instruments do you use?
Here's ours - married 68 and 63, retired for years.
Our asset allocation aggregates to about 25% fixed income and cash. Pure retirement accounts, IRA's, about 30%
The breakdown of the fixed income/cash allocation at the moment:
40% core-type bond mutual funds, mainly Dodge & Cox Income, a few others
32% individual Treasury notes and bills
2% individual TIPS
14% TIPS ETF
4% Money Market
8% All Other (mutual funds, emerging markets, global, etc.)
Our asset allocation aggregates to about 25% fixed income and cash. Pure retirement accounts, IRA's, about 30%
The breakdown of the fixed income/cash allocation at the moment:
40% core-type bond mutual funds, mainly Dodge & Cox Income, a few others
32% individual Treasury notes and bills
2% individual TIPS
14% TIPS ETF
4% Money Market
8% All Other (mutual funds, emerging markets, global, etc.)
- Wed Mar 06, 2024 11:37 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: AARP/UHC Medigap policies
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3180
Re: AARP/UHC Medigap policies
I don't have a data source for this, but while researching changing my Medigap plan I recall reading articles claiming high increases are common throughout the US due to post covid. Insurances companies are getting slammed by elective procedures and surgeries' that were put off 2020 - 2021. I know from personal experience I had 2 elective procedures that I myself put off during that time period. I don't know, but that would really make sense. For 2023 on Plan G/ AARP/UHC posted a loss ratio here of 94%. Mid-80's would be historically common. And their 2020 COVID year, ratio was an extremely low 73.9%. Same happened with their N plans - 2023 loss ratio was 84%, versus a long-term average of 77.2% and a COVID year low of 70.6%. Those were cl...
- Wed Mar 06, 2024 10:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: AARP/UHC Medigap policies
- Replies: 40
- Views: 3180
Re: AARP/UHC Medigap policies
From Michigan.... Rates have in general been relatively stable for AARP/UHC here, both N and G. Going back to 2012, from their actuarial filings, N has typically been under 5%. G goes back to 2015 here and same - generally under 5%. These are base rates. Their "early enrollment" discount hasn't changed during these periods - consistently 39% through age 68, then down 3% yearly after that. The 2023 and 2024 rates have been an exception. Higher. For 2023 (for G), I got a 9.7% increase. They increased their rates by 7% across the board in Michigan, then tacked on a territory surcharge for my section of the state (2 other territories got a reduction in that surcharge). For 2024, they just announced a 12.56% increase (both G and N) . T...
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Schwab Investing Themes - Opinions?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1261
Re: Schwab Investing Themes - Opinions?
I just started looking at this on their website. Seems like an interesting application for doing this type of thing, slick and easily customizable. But I would never, ever use it myself. While I do use a mix of fund and stock investing, I don't execute either strategy using these types of narrow themes. Seems like the worst of both worlds to me.
Nor would I, just because I like or believe in a theme, want pieces of 25+ stocks within that theme (yes, you can customize down). I can, however, see myself using their theme lists as another short-cut research tool once in a great while (i.e. for idea shopping). In the end, I just don't invest this way.
But my intuition still tells me this idea will take off, for a while.
Nor would I, just because I like or believe in a theme, want pieces of 25+ stocks within that theme (yes, you can customize down). I can, however, see myself using their theme lists as another short-cut research tool once in a great while (i.e. for idea shopping). In the end, I just don't invest this way.
But my intuition still tells me this idea will take off, for a while.
- Mon Mar 04, 2024 12:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Can excess ACA PTC trigger an underpayment penalty?
- Replies: 6
- Views: 733
Re: Can excess ACA PTC trigger an underpayment penalty?
Yes it is possible. But it is the repayment amount that gets included in total tax (1040, Line 24), not necessarily the entire underpayment (the amount on Schedule 2, Part I, Line 2). Repayment amount is limited for those under 400% of Federal Poverty Level, three limitation cutoffs exist depending on your MAGI. But after 400%+, repayment is not limited. Repayment limits change yearly.
Total tax less Total Payments will tell you what you then owe. Penalty, if applicable, is based that number and on particulars including safe harbor and total size, etc.
Been there. If you are < 400% FPL, the key is to consider the payback limitation and not the whole difference between premium tax credit and advances.
Total tax less Total Payments will tell you what you then owe. Penalty, if applicable, is based that number and on particulars including safe harbor and total size, etc.
Been there. If you are < 400% FPL, the key is to consider the payback limitation and not the whole difference between premium tax credit and advances.
- Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:32 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65, even with a well-planned budget?
- Replies: 66
- Views: 6334
Re: Even with a well-planned budget, does healthcare remain a significant concern for retirement before 65?
I retired before ACA, stayed on ACA from the inception until Medicare, wife is still on ACA. Comparing employer, pre-ACA individual and ACA policies - at no time did our coverage generate any fear of medical bankruptcy or more uncertainty than earlier in life. Ironically, my employer coverage (major corporation) was mediocre and expensive, individual coverage (pre-ACA) here was mediocre in a different way, and ACA coverage choices varied from poor to excellent depending on making good selections. For us it was/is excellent from the start, and cheaper (net premium, plus out of pocket). My judgement on all this was highly dependent on where we live and specific policy choices available. It was also made more palatable under ACA by my ability ...
- Fri Mar 01, 2024 3:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: NY State tax treatment of Accrued Market Discount for US Treasury Note
- Replies: 66
- Views: 5130
Re: NY State tax treatment of Accrued Market Discount for US Treasury Note
I faced the same issue in another state. Since you are not getting definitive answers, and likely will not, I will just share how I am handling it. Ignore it if you wish. As you can see, using forums for this answer is a bit like herding cats. You have a specific question on one single aspect of Treasuries without an answer. Yet accrued market discount has existed for ages. I'm guessing you are not the first NY resident who ever faced this. Makes me cynical... My approach: - Did a quick search of revenue rulings issued in my state - available online and printable. Found one that covers Treasuries in detail, but not quite the exact question at hand (issued in 2022, it covers state treatment of capital gains/losses on Treasuries and amortized...
- Fri Mar 01, 2024 9:39 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare Claim Denials
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1864
Re: Medicare Claim Denials
Yes, but nothing major over my 3 years on Medicare. So far, so good.
I've had certain line items within a Part B claim submission denied. Providers (all participating) have always resubmitted or accepted results. No follow up needed on my part.
A couple of lab tests have been denied. Solely because of improper coding on lab orders. According to a nurse at the lab, my pc often codes his test incorrectly. Only one has ever bounced back to me - under $10 - and I just paid to save time.
I've had certain line items within a Part B claim submission denied. Providers (all participating) have always resubmitted or accepted results. No follow up needed on my part.
A couple of lab tests have been denied. Solely because of improper coding on lab orders. According to a nurse at the lab, my pc often codes his test incorrectly. Only one has ever bounced back to me - under $10 - and I just paid to save time.
- Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
- Replies: 164
- Views: 11500
Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
OP, you asked exactly for examples of what people pay. Here's my current data - obviously everyone's will vary A LOT in total: Monthly: Medicare Part B, no IRMAA surcharge: $174.70 (standard for everyone w/o IRMAA for 2024) AARP/UHC Supplement Plan G: $140.74 Prescription Drug Plan (D): $35.40 - RX coverage, premiums, deductibles will all vary. I made my choice so as to minimize total expense (premium + drug out of pocket) for drugs that I know I need. I also considered general breadth and quality of formulary. There are material differences between insurers. My share of drug costs excluding premium (so copay + deductible) are typically in the $800 to $1100 range annually without any exotics. At least so far. Similar to what I paid under AC...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: A confident Boglehead in his 60s pondering managing a portfolio in their 80s and beyond?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 5535
Re: A confident Boglehead in his 60s pondering managing a portfolio in their 80s and beyond?
Late 60's here, early 60's for wife. As my wife and I pondered this for the distant (hopefully) future, we discussed these general concerns with our local Schwab rep. My wife would definitely require professional assistance should I be out of the picture. Our rep then set up a meeting with a comprehensive financial planner that I would feel comfortable with - when and if needed. They also softly pitched an immediate relationship but I don't feel the need and declined. But during our extensive meetings, we discussed approaches and services in sufficient detail for both of us to have a good level of comfort. No reservations on my part should the need arise. But no need to act far in advance. Our plan now is simply to repeat this process every...
- Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:09 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: RMD Tax Withholding
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4997
Re: RMD Tax Withholding
It doesn't really matter, just do whatever yields enough withholding.
Based on our tax situation, I find it far easier to just do estimated payments via my IRS account (safe harbor with adjustments) and withhold nothing from anywhere. This is because my total annual income is relatively variable. So I estimate current year's needs when I do prior years taxes - then adjust quarterly payments if something changes significantly. Minimal time, minimal interaction with IRA custodians etc. Estimated payments are extremely quick and easy - no forms, no time lag.
Based on our tax situation, I find it far easier to just do estimated payments via my IRS account (safe harbor with adjustments) and withhold nothing from anywhere. This is because my total annual income is relatively variable. So I estimate current year's needs when I do prior years taxes - then adjust quarterly payments if something changes significantly. Minimal time, minimal interaction with IRA custodians etc. Estimated payments are extremely quick and easy - no forms, no time lag.
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5211
Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
To the OP - for what it's worth - when I made my decision, appearance was a concern to me too. Yes, I'll admit it. But 2 things happened to change my mind. First, the ideal system for me happens to be invisible to anyone from more than 4-5 feet away. If I cared, I could shrink that further with minor hair style changes. But this is the nature of modern hearing aids. Second, and more importantly, the realization that half of the world now walks around with bluetooth earbuds - means that hearing aids just don't attract attention anymore. Not to mention that my bluetooth-capable aids perform all those same functions (streaming music, taking calls), plus the more-important hearing related functions. I would seriously doubt, though, that this as...
- Sun Feb 25, 2024 11:59 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
- Replies: 168
- Views: 18042
Re: What email address is "okay/acceptable" to use then?
I don't see why it matters much. Within reason. Particularly for non-job or professional communications.
I use 3, all preceded by initials and last name (easy to remember):
prodigy.net (legacy yahoo)
gmail.com
proton.me
If I've had an address forever, I'm unlikely to ever delete it. None of them hurt my non-professional image. Although that prodigy address gets an occasional comment.
I use 3, all preceded by initials and last name (easy to remember):
prodigy.net (legacy yahoo)
gmail.com
proton.me
If I've had an address forever, I'm unlikely to ever delete it. None of them hurt my non-professional image. Although that prodigy address gets an occasional comment.
- Fri Feb 23, 2024 6:51 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Invoicing Question/Health Insurance?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 420
Re: Invoicing Question/Health Insurance?
Just from my own experiences with employer insurance, pre-ACA individual, ACA and Medicare - date of service to determine policy year. I've yet to ever see an exception to that. As far as to which calendar year each charge is applied.
edited to clarify: Regarding accumulation of deductible and out of pocket maxes within a given policy calendar year, I've always seen them applied in order of date of claim processing.
edited to clarify: Regarding accumulation of deductible and out of pocket maxes within a given policy calendar year, I've always seen them applied in order of date of claim processing.
- Thu Feb 22, 2024 4:24 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Best way to keep money in a main checking account safe?
- Replies: 57
- Views: 3475
Re: Best way to keep money in a main checking account safe?
There are tons of alternatives, and there (obviously) is no uniform agreement on this. Here is what I do, and it's good enough for me: 1)Minimimze the payments I make from my main account by using credit cards when possible and practical 2)Don't use paper checks. 3)Set up and use 2fa on the account, then use normal decent security practices on my devices when accessing account 4)Monitor - alerts to all transactions via app, plus Quicken downloads. It takes seconds a day to simply pay attention. 5)Maintain a separate bank account elsewhere with no overdraft protection and minimal funding to use when I have to pay somebody or some company who has not proven themselves completely trustworthy or reliable in payment processing. Only account wher...
- Wed Feb 21, 2024 10:10 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5211
Re: Hearing aids: Costco or audiologist?
The value proposition will vary. I can't say anything one way or the other about Costco. When I initially sought a solution 1-1/2 years ago, I felt I would benefit from an integrated practice with a large selection of devices, multiple audioligists, audiology techs and an ENT (doctor). I was lucky to find a highly-recommended one, and these are a bit unusual, very close to where I live. Proximity helps too - given adjustments, repairs, and followup exams. Not everyone will derive value from this, but I did. My ultimate solution depended heavily on both product and service. Pricewise, I also did not face that $7000+ choice. Ultimately I paid $4,500 for a good quality Sonova pair. One year later, after some very unusual interference-related i...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 2:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
- Replies: 1028
- Views: 149580
Re: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
Also using TurboTax Premiere, Windows 10. However the 1099 with TIPS interest and accrued market discount was from Vanguard. I had to manually subtract that from my Federal return. When I looked at my State return (Indiana), it had subtracted the accrued market discount without my having to do anything special. YMMV. I see where that would work, from the standpoint of not having the accrued market discount in state income. But it if I manually subtract on my Federal, my income would be understated. Because that accrued market discount is federally taxable. Or maybe you are referring to subtracting from Federal in your state worksheets. Which would be extremely logical. But that field on my state return is locked and would require override....
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 2:28 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
- Replies: 1028
- Views: 149580
Re: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
Thanks, that may work. I then just have to figure out whether the resulting change in adjustment code (D to O) on the 8949 will cause any different issue. Maybe not?nalor511 wrote: ↑Sun Feb 18, 2024 2:04 pm
One thing you can try (worked for me) instead of using the "accrued market discount" adjustment, change it to "other adjustment" for the same amount, then do a dummy 1099int.box3 so that it gets onto schB, and then it will correctly be taken off your state taxes
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 2:21 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
- Replies: 1028
- Views: 149580
Re: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
So there are no other lines in the TT state income tax worksheets where you can enter additional subtractions? Some else mentioned that this was the case for their state. I do appreciate the suggestion. Yes, that would be logical. There is a field accessible in TT's forms view for any additional subtractions. That was actually my initial plan. But that field (Michigan, Schedule 1, Miscellaneous Subtractions, can only be entered with an field override as well). Back to the potential (still trying to verify) e-file issue. So at this point, yes I can either override that field, or I can just override (Michigan Schedule 1, Line 10) the Income From US Gov't Obligations field. Override either way. I don't doubt that TurboTax allows this for some...
- Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
- Replies: 1028
- Views: 149580
Re: Taxation of Treasury bills, notes and bonds
I will just add, for anyone facing this problem (Accrued Market Discount) using TurboTax (me - Premier, desktop, Windows): I'm finding that, using Schwab's downloaded 1099 Composite, my Federal return is correctly computed. With regard to US Treasury interest specifically for my Notes and Bills. Exactly as you've been describing. No adjustments needed. The Accrued Market Discount field from the 1099-B correctly flows to Schedule B (each AMD as a separate line) for Notes. Bills discounts are in Schwab's 1099-INT Line 3 anyway. The only manual entry I needed was the accrued interest paid at purchase. Simple enough using the interview field. As your comment above mentions, the only issue is subtracting the Accrued Market Discount on my state r...
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 5:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Turbotax "support" is the worst!
- Replies: 41
- Views: 3791
Re: Turbotax "support" is the worst!
I agree it's horrible. I expect little and have always been underwhelmed. I've only called in a few times, and vowed never to do so again.
My strategy for avoidance is similar to many others - don't start return until late February at the earliest (I typically can't anyway), never file before March (just my personal rule to make life easier) and use their online support community to find answers. As I've realized my rare issues are never really unique - I will let others go first in order to avoid contact with Support. I really have never gotten a sense that TT competitors are consisently better - so I stick with "the devil I know".
My strategy for avoidance is similar to many others - don't start return until late February at the earliest (I typically can't anyway), never file before March (just my personal rule to make life easier) and use their online support community to find answers. As I've realized my rare issues are never really unique - I will let others go first in order to avoid contact with Support. I really have never gotten a sense that TT competitors are consisently better - so I stick with "the devil I know".
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 12:35 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Who is buying bonds?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 8753
Re: Who is buying bonds?
This month and last month, yes. I've been re-balancing back to my intended bond allocation (from equity and cash) and also rearranging some of my fixed income holdings. After just getting a fee waiver, I shifted some things within the intermediate fixed income category (better choices, similar funds). At the same time, I've reduced a small portion of my individual Treasury holdings (mainly 1.5 years +) in favor of intermediate bond funds. Nothing real major, just normal maintenance.
- Mon Feb 12, 2024 10:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is it foolish to keep driving my old car?
- Replies: 138
- Views: 12254
Re: Is it foolish to keep driving my old car?
We're also trying to make this decision right now. Likewise, I also don't consider it an emergency and can swing the price if I need to. We're mainly looking at Highlander (vs. your Grand) and 4Runner. The biggest factor in my indecision now is lack of inventory, and the resulting higher prices. I can't touch a Highlander here for much under $50k (AWD versions, XLE trim) out the door. Grand Highlanders here are closer to $60k. Although I am starting to see slight discounts off of MSRP (usual $1k to $3k). Typical inventory for Grand Highlander and Highlander, here, each are 0 to 3. Not ideal for bargain hunting. These things are just plain expensive now, in my opinion, compared to my last buying exercise a few short years ago. The tough part...
- Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:21 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Why BlackRock not used as much?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 5377
Re: Why BlackRock not used as much?
Can't speak for others, but I do use BlackRock extensively. Their iShares series. They comprise about 14% of my portfolio now, and I may migrate that up to around 20% soon. The ETF's that I use are extremely liquid, low cost, track indices well and have been established for a while. I have no particular bias though, and also hold Schwab and Vanguard ETF's. All are decent for the same reasons. As beyou explains thorougly upthread, BlackRock is not BlackStone, and I have no issue with them or their business model.
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 3:35 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Cash offer on home needing proof of funds
- Replies: 39
- Views: 3333
Re: Cash offer on home needing proof of funds
Schwab has two choices when generating their balance letter online:
- Current average balance (account must be at least 2 months old)
- Balance in excess of a defined amount (date must be in the past 24 months, then you specify any amount less than account balance).
So if both Schwab and Fidelity do this from their websites, it must be common and easy to obtain. We'll be in this same boat sometime soon, and I hadn't thought of this documentation yet. Glad the solution is pretty simple. Certainly beats turning over statements. Although I do sort of laugh when pdf printouts are viewed by recipients as reliable documentation, since they are not hard to "create".
- Current average balance (account must be at least 2 months old)
- Balance in excess of a defined amount (date must be in the past 24 months, then you specify any amount less than account balance).
So if both Schwab and Fidelity do this from their websites, it must be common and easy to obtain. We'll be in this same boat sometime soon, and I hadn't thought of this documentation yet. Glad the solution is pretty simple. Certainly beats turning over statements. Although I do sort of laugh when pdf printouts are viewed by recipients as reliable documentation, since they are not hard to "create".
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:15 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Do Bond Funds Really Make Sense for the Long Run?
- Replies: 399
- Views: 38710
Re: Do Bond Funds Really Make Sense for the Long Run?
Bond funds, together with laddered Bonds (it's not an either/or choice), have and will continue to make sense for me. In moderation. I can't speak for other investors. Except for this past brief period of rapidly rising interest rates, bond funds have nearly (nearly, not 100% of the time) always done their job in my portfolio. They largely provided portfolio stability and positive real returns for me, except for mostly the spring 2022 time period through the middle of last year. And a few other select periods. Ironically this last two-year rising rate period has been over-predicted for years - so of course it would eventually be "right". When it became temporarily clear that interest rates were going to be rising for a while, and ...
- Wed Jan 31, 2024 9:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 3692
Re: 2FA seems out of control; any way to make it better?
One thing I've done to mitigate the problem with 2fa is to use Microsoft's Phone Link app so that I don't have to constantly pick up my phone for 2fa when using my laptop or desktop. You can link one or more phones, and then send/receive text and receive app notifications. There are some applications where I don't want to skip authentication from registered device. Like my accounts at Schwab (hardware token) or T Rowe Price (Google Authenticator). For most others I register my device, but do find a few sites that keep asking anyway. I suppose I should rexamine my cookie control. At you posted, it gets to be a hassle in a few cases where wife's phone is authenticator. While I could use the app listed above to also link her phone, I personall...
- Tue Jan 30, 2024 6:33 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Aggregator Software
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1512
Re: Aggregator Software
I use Quicken for all financial tracking. Manual entry for me would be impractical because of the sheer volume of transactions - assuming I want to track income, spending and investments. If I were only managing investment allocations, then I probably would just use a spreadsheet. But for multiple reasons, I need a comprehensive and limited-touch tracking system. Similarly if I weren't managing investments, I might pick a different online tool to track income, spending and account balances. In Quicken, everything is updated with a single click (once it's set up) and my data entry is limited to the need to categorize certain expenses (meaning little actual input, really). Step 1 is to figure out what you need and want to track. Then pick the...
- Mon Jan 29, 2024 11:30 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?
- Replies: 100
- Views: 10097
Re: How has your Health Changed after Retirement; What are you doing to Stay Healthy?
My health, other than pure aging (which beats the alternative), has changed somewhat for the better since retiring. Specifically, weight improved, back issues resolved, gout went away, blood pressure decent. So far, the only things that have gotten worse is knees (I was a runner) and minor sleep issues. But I don't want to jinx it....
To stay healthy, I walk year round about 5 days per week, 4miles per day. I watch my diet to a greater degree, but not obsessively. I have a series of exercises for back and knees, from physical therapy years ago, that I still do. Tremendously helpful. Beyond that, I just stay active via spouse, dog, chores, hobbies and recreation.
To stay healthy, I walk year round about 5 days per week, 4miles per day. I watch my diet to a greater degree, but not obsessively. I have a series of exercises for back and knees, from physical therapy years ago, that I still do. Tremendously helpful. Beyond that, I just stay active via spouse, dog, chores, hobbies and recreation.
- Fri Jan 26, 2024 12:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Is it worth it to import data into Turbotax?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1209
Re: Is it worth it to import data into Turbotax?
Sometimes I import broker data (the composites), sometimes I enter manually. Other data, I find manual entry easier and faster (examples a 1099-INT or 1099-R), because those forms just takes seconds to enter.
For years when I have long 1099 broker composites, I absolutely import to save time. For years with less activity I often don't bother. But again, it all boils down to data quantity. I make a fresh decision each year.
I have no concern about input errors either way, I proof sufficiently to avoid risk. This entry process is not really where my time gets used up during tax prep anyway.
For years when I have long 1099 broker composites, I absolutely import to save time. For years with less activity I often don't bother. But again, it all boils down to data quantity. I make a fresh decision each year.
I have no concern about input errors either way, I proof sufficiently to avoid risk. This entry process is not really where my time gets used up during tax prep anyway.
- Thu Jan 25, 2024 5:13 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
- Replies: 429
- Views: 41955
Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Wishing you a very happy 100th birthday celebration. Hope you have a very special day. Thank you for your service, both military and civilian (to the investor community).
All the best,
Rick
All the best,
Rick
- Thu Jan 25, 2024 1:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
- Replies: 117
- Views: 12899
Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
For planning prior to retirement, I roughly looked at Bengen's studies and applied to my situation.
For actual withdrawals during retirement, I use my judgement and flex both withdrawals and spending to match. I don't find further precision to be useful in our case. Right now I do frequent small withdrawals, mainly due to wanting flexibility because of temporary considerations. Eventually I will shift to semi-annual or quarterly withdrawals. The same judgement process gets applied to choosing between various sources of my withdrawals.
For actual withdrawals during retirement, I use my judgement and flex both withdrawals and spending to match. I don't find further precision to be useful in our case. Right now I do frequent small withdrawals, mainly due to wanting flexibility because of temporary considerations. Eventually I will shift to semi-annual or quarterly withdrawals. The same judgement process gets applied to choosing between various sources of my withdrawals.
- Wed Jan 24, 2024 3:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Washington Post: "That 'free' annual checkup might cost you"
- Replies: 112
- Views: 11778
Re: Washington Post: "That 'free' annual checkup might cost you"
Personally, when I've gone in for either (ACA, or employer insurance) preventive physicals or (Medicare) wellness visits, I just address what is needed. I'm not concerned with the additional billing, because if it's important I would be going back anyway. If not important, I wouldn't be discussing. One trip vs. two trips, same combined fees, less time for me. That is and has been my pcp's preference anyway, and I've always asked how they prefer it handled. I'm referring to office visits, normal preventives and routine bloodwork. For any rarer/complex things, I just go in with a basic understanding of my current coverage. Including once or twice calling to confirm my exact coverage in advance (tough with Medicare, but reasonably easy with ot...
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 4:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?
- Replies: 113
- Views: 8872
Re: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?
Right Now:
Real Estate Assets 19%
Other Assets 81%
Total Assets 100%
Mortgage 0%
Other Liabilities 0.5%
Total Liabilities 0.5%
Net Worth 99.5%
Projected for sometime this year - more-expensive house, new car loan, probably still no mortgage
Real Estate Assets 28%
Other Assets 72%
Total Assets 100%
Mortgage 0%
Other Liabilities 2%
Total Liabilities 2%
Net Worth 98%
Real Estate Assets 19%
Other Assets 81%
Total Assets 100%
Mortgage 0%
Other Liabilities 0.5%
Total Liabilities 0.5%
Net Worth 99.5%
Projected for sometime this year - more-expensive house, new car loan, probably still no mortgage
Real Estate Assets 28%
Other Assets 72%
Total Assets 100%
Mortgage 0%
Other Liabilities 2%
Total Liabilities 2%
Net Worth 98%
- Tue Jan 23, 2024 1:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Estimated Payment Still Pending
- Replies: 38
- Views: 2972
Re: IRS Estimated Payment Still Pending
For what it's worth, today my payment shows as processed instead of pending (so my Q4 payment was deducted on Jan 4 and didn't move from pending to processed until late yesterday or today). And as I mentioned, my Q3 was deducted on Sep 1 and stayed on my account as "pending" until sometime last month (100 days +). Actually, I only checked now because this thread piqued my curiousity. I'll stick with my previous supposition that none of this matters, that these are just processing delays in recording that status, and you can ignore this given that you know payment was deducted, you have email confirmation from IRS, and you have IRS's eft number. This is just slow IRS bookkeeping as far as status notice goes. It will eventually show...
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 4:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
- Replies: 165
- Views: 15908
Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
Since OP mentioned possibility of moving, albeit within Florida, one of the things I originally liked about my AARP/UHC supplement (Plan G, but not important) was their explicit inclusion in my contract of what happens to rates when moving. This is their verbiage from my actual contract: "What happens if you move? If you change your Primary Residence, we may adjust your Premium. Your new Premium will be the Premium we are then charging for this Plan in the state where your new Primary Residence is located. Your new Premium will be the same as everyone who is in a situation similar to yours with respect to age, health conditions, tobacco use or other factors we consider when we determine Premiums." While obviously all insurers have...
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 12:25 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Estimated Payment Still Pending
- Replies: 38
- Views: 2972
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 12:22 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Part D payment SS deduction
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2237
Re: Part D payment SS deduction
Regarding the original question as to grace period, I found this last week when SS processed my January 2024 Plan D premium incorrectly: https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/outreach/partnerships/downloads/11338-p.pdf Summary - Can a Plan (Plan D or health) disenroll somebody for non-payment of premium? First answer: "A plan can’t disenroll a member for failure to pay any outstanding monthly premiums if the member has plan premiums deducted from their Social Security payment" Second answer: There is a grace period that cannot be shorter than 2 months anyway. Third answer: Before a plan can disenroll a member, they have to first send a bill and send a written notice of non-payment One problem that some of us encounter is that...
- Mon Jan 22, 2024 11:57 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: IRS Estimated Payment Still Pending
- Replies: 38
- Views: 2972
Re: IRS Estimated Payment Still Pending
This behavior, showing a payment as pending (in your IRS.gov account), is completely normal for the IRS. If the EFT has been made (and you have confirmation), you should be good. They take a long time, sometimes and not always, to move payments from "Pending and Scheduled" to "Processed". My Sep 2023 (Q3 estimate) payment still showed as pending in late December 2023. Now it magically shows as processed. But the EFT number shows/showed, I had a confirmation email after making it, and it was deducted from my bank. My January 4, 2024 paymen t(Q4 estimate) is still showing as pending today, but again shows the EFT number on my IRS account, was properly confirmed by IRS via email and was deducted from my bank. I have zero co...
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Explain to Me Like I'm Five, Husband Going From ACA Plan to Medicare, I'm/Daughters on ACA Plan
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1902
Re: Explain to Me Like I'm Five, Husband Going From ACA Plan to Medicare, I'm/Daughters on ACA Plan
Again it makes no difference whatsoever on Healthcare.gov who is primary and who is secondary. Obviously as long as both parties are still in the same household. Now that I'm off ACA and wife is on, when I do her yearly sign up, Healthcare.gov clearly allows me to identify myself (primary) as not needing ACA coverage and spouse (secondary) as needing. Zero difference had we done the opposite with primary and secondary. Applications are fine, enrollments are fine, tax documents are fine. Wife can and has called her insurer, without my presence, to discuss billing and enrollment questions. Healthcare.gov is a conduit - insurer will not initiate policy or premium changes without getting info from Healthcare.gov first, at least that is what our...
- Fri Jan 19, 2024 9:33 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Explain to Me Like I'm Five, Husband Going From ACA Plan to Medicare, I'm/Daughters on ACA Plan
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1902
Re: Explain to Me Like I'm Five, Husband Going From ACA Plan to Medicare, I'm/Daughters on ACA Plan
I did this in January of 2020, having a similar situation (except for daughter): Healthcare.gov account in my name, two of us on ACA, I was going to Medicare February 1. Here's exactly what happened then: - Called on January 30, 2020 to get me off ACA, leave wife on, and move Healthcare.gov account to her name - It turned out that there was no need to move Healthcare.gov account to her name - account is still active today in my name, and it doesn't cause any issues whatsoever. It's just an account. - Healthcare.gov Rep cancelled my coverage effective midnight on January 29 - the day prior to call. This was my error - but I just wanted to get it done. I should have called on February 1, my first day of Medicare, insurance would have then end...
- Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:21 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: TSM dividends for US investor
- Replies: 9
- Views: 922
Re: FOREIGN TAX CREDITS
I hold positions in TSM as well. There is no tax treaty between Taiwan and US, so US taxpayers are subject to dividend withholding at 21%, which is exactly what I'm paying now. I think it went up from 20% in 2018 or so. As you mentioned, all foreign dividend taxes should appear on your brokerage 1099-DIV, added together on line 7 (Foreign Tax Paid). I'm no foreign tax expert, other than my own situation. But basically you have option to take as credit or deduction. In my own case, with aggregate foreign taxes always under $600 (married, $300 single), my credit choice is a no brainer and I don't have to file Form 1116 at that level. In distant past, when I did, the form was easy enough. There are situations that are more complex, but your ta...
- Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
- Replies: 413
- Views: 39201
Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
In retirement, cost of living as a whole is a consideration for us. But just one of many. For most states we have considered, state income tax vs no state income tax, was never a primary consideration. Even looking only at cost of living, the income tax by itself typically doesn't tell you much about total cost load. Indirectly, maybe. Personally, I would rank subjective quality of life issues much higher. Even if you try to get really analytical about income tax load, you may also need to consider how much it can change within your retirement. Not so much in terms of imposing or revoking an income tax - but rather in how its impact changes. I've seen that happen in my own state over the last decade - my tax situation is far different from ...
- Thu Jan 18, 2024 10:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Microsoft One Drive
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4537
Re: Microsoft One Drive
I use One Drive for nearly all Excel and Word files. My directory is divided into 7 subdirectories, with a default document directory being primary. All pdf's are also generally on my One Drive, except for bill/statement related (where I still use hard-drive storage). Those files are all synched to pc. For all other software, I still use hard drive or Google Drive: photos (Google Drive, except for some older scanning projects still on hard drive) Quicken (hard drive, due to various potential "usage" issues) TurboTax (hard drive, slight privacy concerns) ripped music (hard drive, may switch, but limited benefit for me either way) My One Drive storage is included in cost, conceptually, of my annual Microsoft 365 subscription. I pay ...
- Tue Jan 16, 2024 10:43 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When Exactly to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Policy?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1355
Re: When Exactly to Apply for a Medicare Supplement Policy?
OP, you are into the easiest part of the process now. Sound like you've made your decision, or narrowed down to 2 specific choices. When you apply for your supplement, you will have the ability to choose a supplement start date coinciding with your Medicare start date. For most cases, that is the norm if you are on both Medicare Part A and B at that time. So March 1. Then both Medicare and supplement will take effect on same day. While you have a 6 month forward window, you might as well pick the same date. Both AARP and BCBS (at least in Michigan, where I've seen both online applications) completely facilitate online applications. Both offer assistance by phone if needed. You need your Medicare number, Medicare start dates (A & B), cho...
- Sun Jan 14, 2024 11:59 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
- Replies: 165
- Views: 15908
Re: I'm having a hard time deciding if I should pick Medigap Plan G or Plan N because of my history
What's also interesting that Medicare.gov might not even be incorporating the age enrollment discount into it's search results. If I search for zip codes in Arizona, for example, on Medicare.gov the premiums for the UHC plan are quite a bit higher on medicare.gov than they are on www.aarpmedicareplans.com I'm not sure either, but I thought they did. I just did a quick check again of both for my zip and age and both Medicare.gov and AARP/UHC did tie to my actual bill, including this early enrollment discount. Same if I used older ages with same start date and checked again my state's rate book. However, if you plug in different ages, there is one additional consideration. At least in Michigan (no idea elsewhere), if you are plugging in ages...