Search found 388 matches
- Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:16 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Fidelity landing page - accounts randomly missing
- Replies: 37
- Views: 4908
Re: Fidelity landing page - accounts randomly missing
Fidelity now has a recording on their private client number saying they are aware of the problem and are working to fix it.
- Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: US/NZ taxes
- Replies: 5
- Views: 340
Re: US/NZ taxes
Her partner is a US citizen currently working on his Doctorate in NZ.
No telling where they will live/work after graduation.
No telling where they will live/work after graduation.
- Sat Jan 04, 2020 12:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: US/NZ taxes
- Replies: 5
- Views: 340
US/NZ taxes
I have a friend in her late 20’s who emigrated to New Zealand as a little girl, thus having dual citizenship.
After frittering away her youth , she is now going to nursing school, after which she can expect to earn decent money.
She has never filed a US tax return (never made much if any income).
Friends are now telling her that she should have been filing all along and there may now be penalties. Also that when she starts making an income, the US will impose taxes on top of the NZ taxes.
She is starting to get worried, and I wouldn’t want her to make a bad decision.
Any advice would be appreciated.
After frittering away her youth , she is now going to nursing school, after which she can expect to earn decent money.
She has never filed a US tax return (never made much if any income).
Friends are now telling her that she should have been filing all along and there may now be penalties. Also that when she starts making an income, the US will impose taxes on top of the NZ taxes.
She is starting to get worried, and I wouldn’t want her to make a bad decision.
Any advice would be appreciated.
- Sat Jan 13, 2018 5:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone have a home elevator?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2219
Re: Anyone have a home elevator?
Sorry. I somehow deleted this part.
The house will have a wheelchair accessible elevator, and I do expect to spend $30-40k.
I'm looking for brand recommendations.
Garden Web had lots of general advice, but not that.
The house will have a wheelchair accessible elevator, and I do expect to spend $30-40k.
I'm looking for brand recommendations.
Garden Web had lots of general advice, but not that.
- Sat Jan 13, 2018 5:19 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Anyone have a home elevator?
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2219
Anyone have a home elevator?
Building a house in the pnw.
- Wed Sep 14, 2016 4:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Anybody using Andrews CU 3% IRA CD?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7949
Re: Anybody using Andrews CU 3% IRA CD?
Thanks mouses,mouses wrote:You realize you're going over the insurance limit the first time interest is credited...musbane wrote:I bought $250k cd at Andrews for part of my fixed part of our asset allocation. I'm considerating buying another for my wife's IRA.
I did worry about that, but it turned out that I could have the interest put in a separate savings account at Andrews. From there, I intend to spend it I'm retired, and withdraw money to live on regularly any way.
- Tue Sep 13, 2016 10:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Anybody using Andrews CU 3% IRA CD?
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7949
Re: Anybody using Andrews CU 3% IRA CD?
I bought $250k cd at Andrews for part of my fixed part of our asset allocation. I'm considerating buying another for my wife's IRA.
I'm doing this because I can't find anything else even close to 3% guaranteed by the government.
I'm worried because I can't find anything else even close to 3% guaranteed by the government.
What could go wrong? Seriously.
I'm doing this because I can't find anything else even close to 3% guaranteed by the government.
I'm worried because I can't find anything else even close to 3% guaranteed by the government.
What could go wrong? Seriously.
- Sun Sep 04, 2016 11:39 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Getting mortgage to avoid depleting Roth
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1865
Re: Getting mortgage to avoid depleting Roth
Thank you for all the responses so far. We retired early. I was 53. We traveled extensively during my career and again after retirement. We have not had a house for over 15 years. We want to 'retire' now to our own house and garden. Yes, that was always the plan. But it's not a big, expensive house. It's a small, expensive house. Asset allocation. Yes. To the extant that we get a loan, I would want to match that amount with a guaranteed 'bond' investment. I'm thinking long term 3% CDs. I know stocks will probably go up more than that, but they might not, and I'm not looking for a way to leverage stocks. There are certain inefficiencies in doing this. Origination fees and the relatively high cost of a construction loan for the first year com...
- Sat Sep 03, 2016 9:02 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Getting mortgage to avoid depleting Roth
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1865
Re: Getting mortgage to avoid depleting Roth
Sorry. Yes, there is about 2 million in TIRAS. I'm 68. Wife 59 (been married 40 years :beer) ss will average about 40k real for the rest of our lives. Expenses - whatever we can afford. Variable. The concern is that with almost all the Roth gone, how will I deal with emergencies? Plus the original idea was to use ss plus RMDs up to the end of the 15% bracket to live on and any excess to that would come from Roth. I hadn't thought that I'd have any problem getting a loan, but then I hadn'thought about this at all. Still I wouldn't want to borrow more than the limit for a jumbo at most, and if necessary even a couple hundred thousand would help. In any event, I'd be borrowing less than half the market value of the asset. But that all will be ...
- Sat Sep 03, 2016 5:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Getting mortgage to avoid depleting Roth
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1865
Getting mortgage to avoid depleting Roth
On another thread, someone is being generally advised not to use his Roth to pay down a mortgage. Is the reverse true?
For years, since early retirement, I have been converting to Roth to the end of the 15% bracket. Taxable is now gone and we will now be living of IRAs and ss.
But we have $1.O million in the Roth.
We are building a house on property that we own outright. Cost to be $800,000.
We have no other debt.
I was going to use the Roth to pay for the house, but I hate to see most of the Roth disappear.
I also hate debt, but in this case, should I take out a mortgage after all?
For years, since early retirement, I have been converting to Roth to the end of the 15% bracket. Taxable is now gone and we will now be living of IRAs and ss.
But we have $1.O million in the Roth.
We are building a house on property that we own outright. Cost to be $800,000.
We have no other debt.
I was going to use the Roth to pay for the house, but I hate to see most of the Roth disappear.
I also hate debt, but in this case, should I take out a mortgage after all?
- Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:45 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 3% cd
- Replies: 23
- Views: 6917
Re: 3% cd
Kevin, I'm not sure, but I think I heard of this CD from you. If so, thanks.
One thing. You can set up your CD for the full $250k and have the quarterly interest sent to your other bank. I am doing this as a withdrawal from the IRA (I'm retired and have to withdraw some anyway) but there is likely a way to keep it in another IRA.
One thing. You can set up your CD for the full $250k and have the quarterly interest sent to your other bank. I am doing this as a withdrawal from the IRA (I'm retired and have to withdraw some anyway) but there is likely a way to keep it in another IRA.
- Thu Jul 21, 2016 4:58 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 3% cd
- Replies: 23
- Views: 6917
Re: 3% cd
Fan mail.
I can't believe I forgot that. Yes, it is seven years. Thanks.
I can't believe I forgot that. Yes, it is seven years. Thanks.
- Wed Jul 20, 2016 12:42 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 3% cd
- Replies: 23
- Views: 6917
Re: 3% cd
Whodidn'tante
The only fee I see on their web site is $25 for a wire transfer out.
I'v never experienced a fee for moving an Ira.
The only fee I see on their web site is $25 for a wire transfer out.
I'v never experienced a fee for moving an Ira.
- Wed Jul 20, 2016 12:20 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: 3% cd
- Replies: 23
- Views: 6917
3% cd
Since I was at risk of hijacking another thread, I've started a new one. I heard (through the other thread) that a company called Andrews Federal Credit Union is offering IRA(only) CDs at a 3% APY. Like many others, I have been having difficulty in finding good rates for the fixed portion of my AA. I checked them out as best I could and found: Assets slightly over one billion dollars Listed by NCUA as covered up to $250k Reviews are easy to come by. Mostly complaining about poor customer service which I did NOT experience. The credit union was set up for members of the Andrews Airforce Base. They provided me with a work around to this that is similar to that used by Penfed. Oh yes. The penalty for early withdrawal is 6 months interest. I ho...
- Wed Jul 13, 2016 11:28 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: CD question: would you take 3% guaranteed for 7 years?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 8004
Re: CD question: would you take 3% guaranteed for 7 years?
Sorry, Raven, I was typing while you were posting
I think this can be good for some people like me.
I am retired and have more than 250k sitting in mm accounts, short term CDs and short term treasuries.
3% is better than I can get anywhere else with a guarantee.
I will still have enough other cash for rebalancing.
Note that the penalty is now shown to be 180 days, not 3 years.
I'd like more real return, but I don' know where to get it.
I think this can be good for some people like me.
I am retired and have more than 250k sitting in mm accounts, short term CDs and short term treasuries.
3% is better than I can get anywhere else with a guarantee.
I will still have enough other cash for rebalancing.
Note that the penalty is now shown to be 180 days, not 3 years.
I'd like more real return, but I don' know where to get it.
- Wed Jul 13, 2016 11:16 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: CD question: would you take 3% guaranteed for 7 years?
- Replies: 45
- Views: 8004
Re: CD question: would you take 3% guaranteed for 7 years?
Called Andrews credit union.
Polite phone person knew little, but said would leave msg for IRA specialist who called back in 10 minutes.
So.
Roth or TIRA only.
3% APY for 7 years.
180 days early withdrawal penalty.(still)
They were set up to be a credit union for Andrews Airforce base personal, but
there is an easy workaround in their web site. Much like penfed.
Review of Andrews center around lousy website, hidden loan fees, poor customer service, etc. but all
referring to loans. No comments about CDs.
The Cd is not callable and the rate is fixed.
The interest (payable quarterly) can be paid out with no penalty. So you can buy the full $ 250,000
Looks good to me.
Polite phone person knew little, but said would leave msg for IRA specialist who called back in 10 minutes.
So.
Roth or TIRA only.
3% APY for 7 years.
180 days early withdrawal penalty.(still)
They were set up to be a credit union for Andrews Airforce base personal, but
there is an easy workaround in their web site. Much like penfed.
Review of Andrews center around lousy website, hidden loan fees, poor customer service, etc. but all
referring to loans. No comments about CDs.
The Cd is not callable and the rate is fixed.
The interest (payable quarterly) can be paid out with no penalty. So you can buy the full $ 250,000
Looks good to me.
- Fri Mar 04, 2016 2:42 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Cast Iron Frying Pans
- Replies: 71
- Views: 11742
Re: Cast Iron Frying Pans
I love cast iron for anything that requires browning or searing meat.
People pay large premiums to buy antique pans made by now defunct companies like Griswold and Wagner. The reason is that in olden times makers would perfectly smooth the bottom (cooking surface) of the pan which together with the curing of the pan makes it virtually non stick.
New pans -Lodge are good - eliminate this step which is why they are cheap though otherwise well made.
My solution is to spend a half hour with a vibrating palm sander and 60 grit sand paper to remove the pebble finish left by the sand in the casting process. Then cure. Any fat will do but the fanatics mostly use flax seed oil. I used bacon fat and am quite happy.
People pay large premiums to buy antique pans made by now defunct companies like Griswold and Wagner. The reason is that in olden times makers would perfectly smooth the bottom (cooking surface) of the pan which together with the curing of the pan makes it virtually non stick.
New pans -Lodge are good - eliminate this step which is why they are cheap though otherwise well made.
My solution is to spend a half hour with a vibrating palm sander and 60 grit sand paper to remove the pebble finish left by the sand in the casting process. Then cure. Any fat will do but the fanatics mostly use flax seed oil. I used bacon fat and am quite happy.
- Wed Jan 13, 2016 7:36 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: worst first four opening days in HISTORY for S&P 500
- Replies: 125
- Views: 19097
Re: worst first four opening days in HISTORY for S&P 500
I believe that a number will have in mind, or even as instructions to their broker, that at a certain point- for example "a 10% drop in the S&P" they will want their broker to "Get me out"
- Sat Dec 26, 2015 4:01 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Seattle-what can we really afford?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 6089
Re: Seattle-what can we really afford?
I would recommend Bainbridge if the office is in easy walking distance from the Seattle ferry. I did this for about 15 years (different ferry just a few miles north of Bainbridge).
I kept a beater car for driving to the ferry and walked on and off. much cheaper than driving across.
The surprising thing to me was that although the door to door time for me was just over an hour, it was a relaxing time. During the 30 or 40 minutes that you spend on the ferry, you will do relaxing stuff like read the paper (or I guess nowadays surf the Internet), have a cup of coffee - it's Seattle - even the ferry coffee is pretty good, phone, or just look out the window and look at the scenery.
And yes, rent first.
Good luck!
I kept a beater car for driving to the ferry and walked on and off. much cheaper than driving across.
The surprising thing to me was that although the door to door time for me was just over an hour, it was a relaxing time. During the 30 or 40 minutes that you spend on the ferry, you will do relaxing stuff like read the paper (or I guess nowadays surf the Internet), have a cup of coffee - it's Seattle - even the ferry coffee is pretty good, phone, or just look out the window and look at the scenery.
And yes, rent first.
Good luck!
- Thu Jul 23, 2015 4:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is the entire Car Transport Industry this Shady? Need help in getting a reliable transport company...
- Replies: 25
- Views: 8879
Re: Is the entire Car Transport Industry this Shady? Need help in getting a reliable transport company...
It does seem to be mostly about brokers now and there are many shady tricks. When I moved my new to me very expensive car from a New Hampshire dealer to my home near Seattle, the dealer was responsible for arranging (not paying) for the trucking. Almost a month went by as the broker offered up excuse after excuse for the delay. It turned out that in order to obtain the business, they had offered the dealer a price so low that no trucker would actually do the job. The lies just kept getting more complicated... I finally got the name of a good and honest broker from a website devoted to the brand of car I had bought. I forced the dealer to fire their broker and said I would arrange it myself. It was like night and day! They were on top of eve...
- Sat May 09, 2015 10:38 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: New Math for Retirees and the 4% Withdrawal Rule
- Replies: 96
- Views: 22432
Re: New Math for Retirees and the 4% Withdrawal Rule
Nisiprious stated that with a zero % real return, 4% / year would last 25 years. This is true. There is no degradation due to inflation.
- Thu Apr 23, 2015 11:14 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: cleaning plastic eyeglass lenses
- Replies: 30
- Views: 8474
Re: cleaning plastic eyeglass lenses
My glasses salesman just showed me a new wrinkle.
Do everything Nisiprious said except at the end, instead of wiping them with ANYTHING, reduce the flow of warm water to little more than a trickle. Then, while holding the lenses vertical, let the water flow over the lenses as you move them from one side to the other.
For some reason, if you get it right, there will be NO WATER left on the lenses, they will be crystal clear and you won't have used any cloth or paper on them.
Do everything Nisiprious said except at the end, instead of wiping them with ANYTHING, reduce the flow of warm water to little more than a trickle. Then, while holding the lenses vertical, let the water flow over the lenses as you move them from one side to the other.
For some reason, if you get it right, there will be NO WATER left on the lenses, they will be crystal clear and you won't have used any cloth or paper on them.
- Tue Apr 14, 2015 12:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vehicle for tall people/Spouse wants 50k car help!
- Replies: 77
- Views: 24736
Re: Vehicle for tall people/Spouse wants 50k car help!
6'4" here and my Porsche Cayenne is the first car I have been in with more room than I need.
Also a superb drivers car. Used CPO is the way to go.
Post 2010 they get high reliability ratings.
Very safe.
All the nice options are cheap or free if buying used. I guess there's just a huge snob premium for having a new one.
Also a superb drivers car. Used CPO is the way to go.
Post 2010 they get high reliability ratings.
Very safe.
All the nice options are cheap or free if buying used. I guess there's just a huge snob premium for having a new one.
- Wed Apr 01, 2015 11:55 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: New Car Tires from Discount Tire
- Replies: 23
- Views: 11626
Re: New Car Tires from Discount Tire
Just purchased tires from Discount for the first time.
You do not have to buy any extra warrantee to get the free tire rotations. Interestingly, the guy said that the tire company would live up to its 75,000 warrantee only if the tread wear was even.
Also, while I never buy aftermarket warranties, you might consider it if you have an all wheel drive car. Putting one only new tire on with 3 used ones is considered by some (debatable) to be a bad thing. My guy said that with the warrantee, they would replace them all. I'd want that in writing...
You do not have to buy any extra warrantee to get the free tire rotations. Interestingly, the guy said that the tire company would live up to its 75,000 warrantee only if the tread wear was even.
Also, while I never buy aftermarket warranties, you might consider it if you have an all wheel drive car. Putting one only new tire on with 3 used ones is considered by some (debatable) to be a bad thing. My guy said that with the warrantee, they would replace them all. I'd want that in writing...
- Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:41 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Boglehead Jeep owners? ("real Jeep's")
- Replies: 51
- Views: 10588
Re: Boglehead Jeep owners? ("real Jeep's")
Now, don't be offending all the Cherokee owners out there. I don't know about the newer ones but I have an '89 which I bought new. Three inch lift, 31 inch tires, adjustable shocks, 410 gearing, winch,locking ARB locking differentials front and rear. Extra cooling capacity, other stuff I can't even remember.
I also have a 2005 Tj unlimited rubicon with the same sort of stuff except 513 gearing (the stock automatic's gearing is awful) and 33 inch tires. The Tj is only slightly more capable offroad and on high speed desert roads, I actually prefer the Cherokee. But the Tj looks like a real Jeep and the Cherokee looks like a disaster.
Interestingly, they both have the 4.0 liter straight six which is a great off road engine.
I also have a 2005 Tj unlimited rubicon with the same sort of stuff except 513 gearing (the stock automatic's gearing is awful) and 33 inch tires. The Tj is only slightly more capable offroad and on high speed desert roads, I actually prefer the Cherokee. But the Tj looks like a real Jeep and the Cherokee looks like a disaster.
Interestingly, they both have the 4.0 liter straight six which is a great off road engine.
- Wed Apr 01, 2015 10:11 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Tesla to start making Batteries for Home Solar
- Replies: 61
- Views: 7192
Re: Tesla to start making Batteries for Home Solar
A few points.
Lithium batteries have several advantages. But one of them is their light weight compared to lead acid technology. This makes them ideal for vehicles. Houses on the other hand, don't much care about weight. So there will have to be a bigger spread in other attributes (cost, life, safety?) before they will be practical for home use.
RVs - especially for people who want to live off the grid would be an obvious though small ,relative to houses, market.
A house designed for solar will use only a fraction of the electricity of a conventional house. There will be lots of stuff like LED lights, propane referigeration, swamp cooler air conditioning, insulation, passive solar positioning,etc
Lithium batteries have several advantages. But one of them is their light weight compared to lead acid technology. This makes them ideal for vehicles. Houses on the other hand, don't much care about weight. So there will have to be a bigger spread in other attributes (cost, life, safety?) before they will be practical for home use.
RVs - especially for people who want to live off the grid would be an obvious though small ,relative to houses, market.
A house designed for solar will use only a fraction of the electricity of a conventional house. There will be lots of stuff like LED lights, propane referigeration, swamp cooler air conditioning, insulation, passive solar positioning,etc
- Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Are 10% of American Households Millionaires?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3394
Re: Are 10% of American Households Millionaires?
You're right. I was actually responding to Felix. Sloppy on my part.
- Tue Mar 10, 2015 7:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Are 10% of American Households Millionaires?
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3394
Re: Are 10% of American Households Millionaires?
But if 9% of households make millionaire by retirement that means 9% of retiree households have a million. And retirees are what? Maybe 30 % of the population? So millionaires would equal about 2.7% of the households.
- Mon Mar 09, 2015 4:10 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: If you could send an investment message 10 years in the past
- Replies: 62
- Views: 8131
Re: If you could send an investment message 10 years in the
For those considering heavy leverage, think about the scenario whereby you, say, go long Apple and, even though you have the end points correct, the stock dips in the early days, and you get a huge margin call.
- Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:48 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Father / Son Deep Sea Fishing Trip
- Replies: 21
- Views: 3066
Re: Father / Son Deep Sea Fishing Trip
If traveling is possible, think about Baja.
Cabo if you like night life. Los Barriles if you don't.
Cabo if you like night life. Los Barriles if you don't.
- Fri Feb 27, 2015 11:30 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How much did you have saved up for retirement at age 30?
- Replies: 173
- Views: 27842
Re: How much did you have saved up for retirement at age 30?
At 30 I was newly married and our net worth in today's dollars was about minus $50,000. (Boat loan plus credit card debt.)
At that time I first realized that I really was going to have to work for a living.
Got a job paying $7,000/ yr (1977 dollars) went back to school nights.
Retired at 53. That was 14 years ago.
At that time I first realized that I really was going to have to work for a living.
Got a job paying $7,000/ yr (1977 dollars) went back to school nights.
Retired at 53. That was 14 years ago.
- Wed Feb 25, 2015 11:53 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Guns for hunting/defense
- Replies: 159
- Views: 53448
Re: Guns for hunting/defense
I think I'm related to the OP.
1. Glock 23 in .40. Generation 2.
I think .40 is becoming less popular but I like the compromise between 9 mm and .45.
2. Remington 700 in 30-06. As versatile a rifle as you can get. Bought it at Doc Holliday's hock shop in Albequerque in 1973. Absolutely beautiful piece.
3. 12 gauge Benelli. For those who say a hunting shotgun is too long for home defense, I have two barrels. One is a shortie about 20 inches with rifle sights. Plastic stock. Not pretty.
4. .22 Remington Speedmaster. Bought new about 50 years ago. Lovely wood. I think they made a mistake.
1. Glock 23 in .40. Generation 2.
I think .40 is becoming less popular but I like the compromise between 9 mm and .45.
2. Remington 700 in 30-06. As versatile a rifle as you can get. Bought it at Doc Holliday's hock shop in Albequerque in 1973. Absolutely beautiful piece.
3. 12 gauge Benelli. For those who say a hunting shotgun is too long for home defense, I have two barrels. One is a shortie about 20 inches with rifle sights. Plastic stock. Not pretty.
4. .22 Remington Speedmaster. Bought new about 50 years ago. Lovely wood. I think they made a mistake.
- Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:12 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Pellet stoves -- whats your take?
- Replies: 38
- Views: 6831
Re: Pellet stoves -- whats your take?
This is not a balanced report. I would just add that one of the advantages of a wood stove is heat during a power outage.
This doesn't work with a pellet stove.
This doesn't work with a pellet stove.
- Fri Feb 13, 2015 11:17 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: I'm not a bad Boglehead [buying Powerball ticket]
- Replies: 101
- Views: 12566
Re: I'm not a bad Boglehead [buying Powerball ticket]
I think of it as a religious question.
If God doesn't want me to win, I won't.
If She wants me to win, She only needs me to buy one ticket. In my life.
I haven't bought it yet.
If God doesn't want me to win, I won't.
If She wants me to win, She only needs me to buy one ticket. In my life.
I haven't bought it yet.
- Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:34 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Get 17% in russian savings account?
- Replies: 49
- Views: 8338
Re: Get 17% in russian savings account?
No expert here, but if the gamble is at least partly that Russia gets its inflation under control, well if you win, what is to keep Russia from calling their bonds? Changing their bank rates?
I don't think they have to let you win even if your assumptions are correct.
Unless they really are a bunch of nice guys.
I don't think they have to let you win even if your assumptions are correct.
Unless they really are a bunch of nice guys.
- Sat Jan 03, 2015 12:10 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Do you usually order (not-free) beverage at restaurants?
- Replies: 89
- Views: 11539
Re: Do you usually order (not-free) beverage at restaurants?
Quit drinking alcohol so, making a virtue out of necessity, I usually order water.
Actually, quit last year and figure I save $10,000 per year.
Actually, quit last year and figure I save $10,000 per year.
- Tue Dec 30, 2014 12:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Advice Regarding the Best Method for Selling Silver Items
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1241
Re: Advice Regarding the Best Method for Selling Silver Item
Silver and other precious metals are sold by the Troy ounce of which there are 14.583333... in a pound.
- Wed Dec 24, 2014 7:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Vacuum Food Sealers - Love it or gimmick?
- Replies: 23
- Views: 4533
Re: Vacuum Food Sealers - Love it or gimmick?
Used to live on a sailboat and had to provision some items for six months. Worked great.
Also there is an attachment to let you use Mason jars. Very useful for cereals, pasta, all kinds of things.
Interestingly, the straw method with zip loc bags described above works well and has the advantage of the bagged food taking up less space in the freezer. Vacuum bags have large flanges that take up room.
Also there is an attachment to let you use Mason jars. Very useful for cereals, pasta, all kinds of things.
Interestingly, the straw method with zip loc bags described above works well and has the advantage of the bagged food taking up less space in the freezer. Vacuum bags have large flanges that take up room.
- Wed Dec 24, 2014 6:30 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Poll: Include Pensions/SS/Annuities in NW Calculations?
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4665
Re: Poll: Include Pensions/SS/Annuities in NW Calculations?
Thought experiment.
Assume 2 millian in liquid assets .
Assume 40,000 in yearly ss payments.
Assume the cost of buying a $40,000 inflation adjusted annuity is 1 million.
Object : how much can I spend yearly?
I believe I can spend more than 4% if I am prepared to cut this drastically if the market treats me poorly.
A). I have net worth of 3 millian. I believe 5% to start is OK. I spend $150,000.
B). I have net worth of 2 million plus an income stream of $40,000. I spend $140,000.
There is a distinct difference between A and B and B is correct.
Assume 2 millian in liquid assets .
Assume 40,000 in yearly ss payments.
Assume the cost of buying a $40,000 inflation adjusted annuity is 1 million.
Object : how much can I spend yearly?
I believe I can spend more than 4% if I am prepared to cut this drastically if the market treats me poorly.
A). I have net worth of 3 millian. I believe 5% to start is OK. I spend $150,000.
B). I have net worth of 2 million plus an income stream of $40,000. I spend $140,000.
There is a distinct difference between A and B and B is correct.
- Mon Dec 15, 2014 9:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Helping out family members
- Replies: 64
- Views: 7468
Re: Helping out family members
Agree strongly with others suggesting you consider it a no strings gift.
Forgiveness is good for the soul. It is not the same as forgetting.
You would not be taking this money out of net savings because you don't as yet have any. Therefore, since you would be using other funds that would otherwise go toward debt retirement, what you propose has exactly the same effect as if you borrowed money to transfer to your relative. Would you actually do that?
Just some random thoughts.
Forgiveness is good for the soul. It is not the same as forgetting.
You would not be taking this money out of net savings because you don't as yet have any. Therefore, since you would be using other funds that would otherwise go toward debt retirement, what you propose has exactly the same effect as if you borrowed money to transfer to your relative. Would you actually do that?
Just some random thoughts.
- Mon Dec 08, 2014 10:45 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Hudson Bay Company Blanket
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2619
Re: Hudson Bay Company Blanket
LL Bean has been selling them since 1925.
Still have ours from about 1978. Still in good condition. Don't use it any more. Prefer fairly heavy down comforter.
After you get used to one , your body learns to stick more or less arms and legs outside it to regulate temperature without waking up.
Price today is $399 for the blanket.
Still have ours from about 1978. Still in good condition. Don't use it any more. Prefer fairly heavy down comforter.
After you get used to one , your body learns to stick more or less arms and legs outside it to regulate temperature without waking up.
Price today is $399 for the blanket.
- Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: how to join nylon webbing?
- Replies: 26
- Views: 16257
Re: how to join nylon webbing?
Sailers are faced with this task all the time.
Overlap the two ends by at least the width of the strap. Then, using sailmakers thread (Dacron - won't rot from the sun) sew them together in an 'X' pattern.
A palm would be useful, but you can probably do it with a thimble.
Overlap the two ends by at least the width of the strap. Then, using sailmakers thread (Dacron - won't rot from the sun) sew them together in an 'X' pattern.
A palm would be useful, but you can probably do it with a thimble.
- Sun Dec 07, 2014 10:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Family jewels, kind of.
- Replies: 44
- Views: 5341
Re: Family jewels, kind of.
Agree with all the 'no' posts above.
Small additional point. If the inlaws really believe they got a good deal on these, then by accepting the deal, you will not only have a bad deal, but you will OWE them forever .
I've been married almost 40 years. Talk to your girlfriend. If she really does want them, then they ARE a good deal. If not, use one of the exit lines provided above.
Small additional point. If the inlaws really believe they got a good deal on these, then by accepting the deal, you will not only have a bad deal, but you will OWE them forever .
I've been married almost 40 years. Talk to your girlfriend. If she really does want them, then they ARE a good deal. If not, use one of the exit lines provided above.
- Sat Nov 22, 2014 11:15 am
- Forum: Non-US Investing
- Topic: Help with global ETfs from New Zealand
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3858
Re: Help with global ETfs from New Zealand
I agree with Value Thinker here.
Sounds like a combination of the 80-20 rule and "Don't let the desire for a perfect plan ruin a good plan".
So precisely how would a NZ citizen invest in this ETF with the least cost?
And what about a dual USA/NZ citizen residing in NZ? (Two different people)
Sounds like a combination of the 80-20 rule and "Don't let the desire for a perfect plan ruin a good plan".
So precisely how would a NZ citizen invest in this ETF with the least cost?
And what about a dual USA/NZ citizen residing in NZ? (Two different people)
- Wed Nov 05, 2014 10:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Planning to Retire at 55
- Replies: 22
- Views: 4816
Re: Planning to Retire at 55
You look good. Think seriously about converting IRAs to Roths gradually up to maybe the end of the 15% bracket in the early years of your retirement while you are living on taxable funds and before taking SS.
Also agree on waiting till 70 for SS.
You have a long time till Medicare. Make sure you are comfortable with your health insurance.
Also agree on waiting till 70 for SS.
You have a long time till Medicare. Make sure you are comfortable with your health insurance.
- Wed Nov 05, 2014 12:15 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: LED Christmas lights?
- Replies: 19
- Views: 6488
Re: LED Christmas lights?
Not for us .
We still use candles...
We still use candles...
- Sat Nov 01, 2014 11:08 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Where to with Cash?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4300
Re: Where to with Cash?
I know the feeling. My CDs are all coming due this January. I know I need to keep it in fixed income, but there are no good choices.
- Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:38 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Where to with Cash?
- Replies: 34
- Views: 4300
Re: Where to with Cash?
Well, I'm 67 too.
2008 was hard for me also. After it went back up again, we decided that we had too large a pct. in stocks and we altered our plan to include more bonds. Well, in our case CDs.
They're right, above, you know. Read some of the recommended books
Likely, you are simply realizing that you should increase your allocation to bonds as you age. Actually 50/50 stocks/bonds would not be sneared at.
But read the books. You'll enjoy them.
2008 was hard for me also. After it went back up again, we decided that we had too large a pct. in stocks and we altered our plan to include more bonds. Well, in our case CDs.
They're right, above, you know. Read some of the recommended books
Likely, you are simply realizing that you should increase your allocation to bonds as you age. Actually 50/50 stocks/bonds would not be sneared at.
But read the books. You'll enjoy them.
- Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:13 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Investing in Art, Antiques, and Collectibles and wines
- Replies: 56
- Views: 7608
Re: Investing in Art, Antiques, and Collectibles and wines
An interesting point about investing in great wine is that it should grow in value for three distinct reasons. I can think of no other commodity where this is true.
1) assuming something like a Latour from a good recent year, it will keep up with inflation like other commodities.
2) it will get rarer and thus more valuable as others drink their bottles.
3) it will actually get better, and thus more valuable with age.
Having said all that, I still wouldn't advise this as a way to wealth due to all the problems such as large buy sell spreads, storage costs, provenance issues, etc.
Unless you have a taste for mature Latour.
1) assuming something like a Latour from a good recent year, it will keep up with inflation like other commodities.
2) it will get rarer and thus more valuable as others drink their bottles.
3) it will actually get better, and thus more valuable with age.
Having said all that, I still wouldn't advise this as a way to wealth due to all the problems such as large buy sell spreads, storage costs, provenance issues, etc.
Unless you have a taste for mature Latour.
- Thu Oct 30, 2014 2:55 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Are we really in the 0% bracket?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5243
Re: Are we really in the 0% bracket?
I must apologize for appearing to not follow up sooner than this.
I actually did yesterday and submitted it only to find out now that it disappeared - went poof!
In the mean time a lot of great answers/theories were brought forward by the members of this forum and we thank you all for chiming in and for bringing the TaxCaster bug to light.
This thread is an excellent example of the richness and value of the Bogleheads forum.
We will now try out the H&R Block tax calculator to see if we can determine if we would be better off taking more LTCG this year or push it into 2015 and make a higher Roth conversion for 2014.
Thank you all for your clarifications of the tax issues.
I actually did yesterday and submitted it only to find out now that it disappeared - went poof!
In the mean time a lot of great answers/theories were brought forward by the members of this forum and we thank you all for chiming in and for bringing the TaxCaster bug to light.
This thread is an excellent example of the richness and value of the Bogleheads forum.
We will now try out the H&R Block tax calculator to see if we can determine if we would be better off taking more LTCG this year or push it into 2015 and make a higher Roth conversion for 2014.
Thank you all for your clarifications of the tax issues.