Search found 79 matches

by newstreetnj
Fri Jul 29, 2022 11:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Viking River cruises
Replies: 4
Views: 1247

Viking River cruises

We've signed up for a trip centered around the Bordeaux wine region in 2023. 1. Price has gone up beaucoup since our trip on the Rhone 4 yrs. ago. What with the passage of time and inflation, some price increase is understandable but a 2K price increase for each of us seems a lot. Any comments? ( Precovid they did sometimes offer 2 for one deals but don't know if that will happen again Postcovid) 2. Viking sells a "travel protection plan" that Tripmate originates for $619/person. Do any of you have experience with this company? 3. When we last sailed with Viking, we were very happy with most everything but I was a bit disappointed with the wine that was supplied at dinner. They do have a "Silver Spirits beverage" package...
by newstreetnj
Thu Jun 30, 2022 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: IRA CD with low yield
Replies: 1
Views: 270

IRA CD with low yield

Hi Friends, Have an IRA CD with a credit union which pays low rates i.e 1.35% on a 3 yr CD. Ally, by comparison pays 2.25%. I want to switch banks: one option that was mentioned was to send me a cashier's check for the amount but I fear that my taking physical possession of the IRA would trigger a tax event. Am I correct or is there a grace period? Thank you for your help.
by newstreetnj
Sat Jan 08, 2022 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What charities did you give to in 2021?
Replies: 134
Views: 8658

Re: What charities did you give to in 2021?

Sierra Club
Nature Conservancy
Church
ACLU
by newstreetnj
Mon Dec 07, 2020 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ventless Clothes Driers
Replies: 19
Views: 2235

Re: Ventless Clothes Driers

Thank you all for the many excellent comments. Duh, a window could be used for the vent. I hadn't thought of that; also, the comments on Bosch and Miele were helpful as were the comments on Europe and Japan being mainly unvented territories.
by newstreetnj
Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ventless Clothes Driers
Replies: 19
Views: 2235

Ventless Clothes Driers

Hi Friends, As we plan to "age in place", we are considering doing our washing and drying upstairs probably using "stackable" units. Some of these stackables feature unvented driers(Bosch, Miele) and we're wondering about your experience/opinion.
I should add that the unvented driers appeal to me because we have a stone house and venting might involve breaching the stone. We do realize that the unvented type take longer to dry clothes but that doesn't seem like a deal breaker.
Thank you for your help.
by newstreetnj
Sun Aug 30, 2020 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Yellowjackets
Replies: 11
Views: 1532

Yellowjackets

Hello Friends,

It's yellowjacket(YJ) season here in MD. Our hummingbirds are driven away from their feeder and, despite 2 traps( one a meat and OJ trap and the other a pheromone trap), the YJ are still around. Tonight, we couldn't dine on our patio due to them.

Don't know where their nest is and I'm not sure it's possible to visually follow them to their lair.

Do any of you have a solution? Thank you in advance Bob
by newstreetnj
Thu Jul 30, 2020 10:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a new car using Costco
Replies: 42
Views: 5629

Buying a new car using Costco

Hello Friends,

We're in the market for a Honda or Subaru and I'm wondering if Costco is the way to go. Have any of you used Costco to buy a new car? Were you happy with the results?
Thanks for your help.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Aug 12, 2019 5:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: madsinger monthly report (July 2019)
Replies: 6
Views: 1614

Re: madsinger monthly report (July 2019)

Hi Madsinger,

What happened to the data on the "newsletter" funds?

Bob
by newstreetnj
Thu Jul 18, 2019 7:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Mutual Fund Reports
Replies: 3
Views: 815

Vanguard Mutual Fund Reports

Hi Bogleheads

Lately, I've noticed that the fund reports have changed. They now have no data on index returns or peer fund returns. Likewise, there is no discussion of fund results by the people who run them which is especially important for actively managed funds. In essence, they are dummed-down in all respects.

Any thoughts?

Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Feb 18, 2019 8:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: CCRCs - problems with the transition process to higher care levels?
Replies: 39
Views: 3498

Re: CCRCs - problems with the transition process to higher care levels?

My sister was at a lovely CCRC but as her dementia progressed, the nursing facility was unable/ unwilling to handle her and we were encouraged to find a memory care facility for her. So, it's important to make sure that the nursing care facility is competent and structured for memory care.

I do want to add that a CCRC that is owned and run by those living in it is better than a for-profit.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Sun Jan 13, 2019 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Diagnosing Knee Problems over the Phone - Medicare
Replies: 119
Views: 6707

Re: Diagnosing Knee Problems over the Phone - Medicare

Sorry to hear about your wife's pain.
I'm a physician and have loads of experience with orthopods after having a bad femur fracture about 5 yrs ago.
Physical therapists(PTs) made all the difference for me and still do. A good one will teach her how to strengthen the muscles around the knee etc. PTs will also steer her to the best orthos. She will need a referral for a PT from her PCP.
Hope this helps. Bob
by newstreetnj
Thu Nov 08, 2018 3:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: help this RN negotiate job change
Replies: 28
Views: 4178

Re: help this RN negotiate job change

Hi! Sorry that you are not getting as much pay as you had hoped.

I'm struck by how different in size the units are:120 vs 15. That's a big change. You did use the word "primitive" for the 15 bed unit but that was due their continued use of paper charting. Just read an article in the New Yorker about the horrors of computers for M.D.s, so maybe paper isn't all bad. I wonder though if the 15 bed unit differs in other ways. For example, I would guess that there would be fewer educational opportunities than in the 120 bed unit.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spouse Diagnosed Non-curable Cancer -- what now?
Replies: 54
Views: 11934

Re: Spouse Diagnosed Non-curable Cancer -- what now?

So sorry to hear about your spouse.

To focus on Social Security, my experience has been that children DO receive benefits if their dad is receiving benefits. This I know for a fact because my minor children did receive benefits until graduation from high school. I began taking benefits at age 66 for that reason.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Sat Nov 03, 2018 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: help this RN negotiate job change
Replies: 28
Views: 4178

Re: help this RN negotiate job change

I'm a M.D. and have great respect for nurses. You all should think seriously about unionizing! I base that on my dealings with hospital administrators, who I generally do not respect. Bob
by newstreetnj
Sun Oct 14, 2018 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard and Equities
Replies: 1
Views: 813

Vanguard and Equities

Hi Friends

Vanguard offers 2 rating services for individual equities: Argus and MarketGrader(MG). Argus is up to date but MG is 8 months outdated for all equities that I have checked. I've noted this to my V rep but the best he can do is to say that "it's a vendor problem"

I get it that V probably doesn't "approve" of equity investing but I do find it remarkable that they would not keep MG up to date. Why even offer it, then?

Actually tried a different browser but that made no difference.

Do any of you have any insights? Thanks Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Sep 04, 2018 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird song apps
Replies: 2
Views: 394

Re: Bird song apps

Actually live in MD now and am reacting to the frequent situation where I can HEAR an unusual song but can't see the bird. Hence, looking for the song app. Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Sep 04, 2018 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird song apps
Replies: 2
Views: 394

Bird song apps

Hello Friends,

I'm guessing that some of you may be birders; I'm looking for an app for my Apple 8 that identifies bird songs. I'm thinking that I could hold the phone toward the tree in which the bird is singing and get an ID!!!

Any thoughts? Thanks Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Aug 21, 2018 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VFSUX [Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Adm.]
Replies: 8
Views: 1922

Re: VFSUX [Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Adm.]

As an alternative to CDs, why not Prime money market? Last week the SEC yield was about 2%. Loss of capital is unlikely but if that is a concern, then why not the Federal MM?
unless Mr Powell is deterred, there look to be several rate increases by the Fed in the next yr or so. I switched all of my VFSUX to Prime last week.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Mar 20, 2018 9:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need advice re: Liberal Arts Colleges...
Replies: 235
Views: 20577

Re: Need advice re: Liberal Arts Colleges...

Hi Cheapskate,

Have 2 D myself. Your D sounds like a gem "hardworking etc" You seem to be absolutely convinced that she can't make it into Amherst etc. Has she taken her SATs yet? Maybe she's done the PSAT and she's not ,say,in the top 2% but scores sometime change for the better and there are SAT prep courses.

I just don't think you're going to sway her based on my own lack of success with my 2. Well, maybe with one. The other did get her CPA but is now the mom of 3 kids. However, going into accounting was her own idea, so I get no credit.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Wed Feb 07, 2018 6:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Larry Swedroe: 4 Horsemen Of Your Portfolio
Replies: 111
Views: 15023

Re: Larry Swedroe: 4 Horsemen Of Your Portfolio

The New England J of Medicine had a great article on the rate for Alzheimer's disease dropping.It was featured as one of the 10 most important articles published in 2016. I was so surprised that I sent news of it to several of my friends. These data have not gained wide acknowledgement but there it is. I hope that this post is not too medical for this forum. I did think it important to share this optimistic finding. Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Feb 05, 2018 2:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard site is crashed now?
Replies: 188
Views: 24923

Re: Vanguard site is crashed now?

I was able to log in just a few minutes ago but the T Rowe Price site is down! :( :(
by newstreetnj
Thu Dec 28, 2017 7:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What non fiction book will you be reading in 2019?
Replies: 198
Views: 23379

Re: What non fiction book will you be reading in 2018?

The Elephant in the Mind: Hidden Motives in Everyday Life by Simler and Hanson. See here: https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Brain-Hidden-Motives-Everyday/dp/0190495995/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1514475781&sr=1-1&keywords=the+elephant+in+the+brain One review summed the book up nicely: “Charles Darwin, Dan Kahneman, and Malcolm Gladwell walk into a a bar. . . It's no joke! Reading The Elephant in the Brain is like eavesdropping on a fascinating conversation among a group of well-read and clever iconoclasts as they speculate on why we vote against our economic interests, spend too much on health care, give to the wrong charities and pray to gods we aren't sure really exist." It takes a lot to motivate me to drop $20.00...
by newstreetnj
Sun Dec 10, 2017 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What did you do with your first RMD withdrawal money?
Replies: 71
Views: 9317

Re: What did you do with your first RMD withdrawal money?

montanagirl wrote: Thu Dec 07, 2017 9:06 am When you get RMDs from Vanguard, can they go straight to a taxable account at VG, or do they need to come all the way "home" to your bank, and then be reinvested (for appearance's sake)?
V will put your $ into the taxable acct Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Oct 23, 2017 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TIAA Allocation Question
Replies: 13
Views: 1552

Re: TIAA Allocation Question

Hi,

Agree that an annuity might be good for you. Depending on how long you have been with TIAA, the return on an annuity can be as high as 8%. That was true for me, since I had vintages dating back to 1977. Another point is that they sell inflation-adjusted annuities, which might be especially good for you two.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Jul 04, 2017 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplement Policies?
Replies: 56
Views: 8422

Re: Medicare Supplement Policies?

neilpilot wrote:
dm200 wrote:I also recommend investigating and considering a Medicare Advantage plan (or the similar Medicare Cost). Such plans differ greatly from each other and differ greatly by locality. With such plans, you do not get a supplement.
However, with a Medicare Advantage plan you often also do not get the freedom to choose the doctor or specialist you want to see.
Totally agree; No choice with Medicare Advantage, a real disadvantage. Have AARP and did get an initial discount but they are slowly reducing that.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Jul 04, 2017 6:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long term care insurance - is it worth it?
Replies: 160
Views: 25418

Re: Long term care insurance - is it worth it?

I got LTCI ~15 yrs ago, when I was recently divorced, through TIAA due to my strong family history of dementia. It's now "administered" by Metlife and I've had 2 premium increases since I got it. I do sleep better knowing that I have it and the premiums are still < 2K/ yr.

So much of the decision to buy is or should be based on your family history!! Just finished reading "The Gene" by Sidharthe Murkeejee(sp?)

Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Jun 27, 2017 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England
Replies: 15
Views: 2016

Re: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England

Many thanks to all of you! I feel a lot more secure in doing the Cambridge trip. We will take Ryan to Stanstead and then the Cam train. Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England
Replies: 15
Views: 2016

Re: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England

Oops, went back to Ryanair and found Stansted. Airfare is quite reasonable but I guess it is a no frills airline. Do the trains from Stansted go to Cambridge a few times a day?

Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Jun 26, 2017 7:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England
Replies: 15
Views: 2016

Re: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England

I went on the Ryanair website but could not find Stansted altho did see Luton. Does Stansted, perhaps, have another name? Bob

PS I take it that Ryanair has a bad rep?
by newstreetnj
Mon Jun 26, 2017 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England
Replies: 15
Views: 2016

Travel to Ireland and, hopefully, to Cambridge, England

Hello Friends,

We are going to Ireland in early Sept but would then like to go to Cambridge for a few days in mid Sept. I went on Kayak to research flights from Dublin to Cambridge but almost all/ all the flights leave us at Heathrow or Gatwick in London. So, are there trains from Gatwick to Cambridge?? Or, more likely, do we need to get to a particular train station in London to be able to ride to Cambridge? Or, are there really flights to Cambridge?

Thanks for your comments. Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Apr 04, 2017 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are people aware that Verizon email is being terminated?
Replies: 67
Views: 22502

Re: Are people aware that Verizon email is being terminated?

No, I wasn't aware that Verizon was ending it's email service.
If I wanted to transition to gmail, what steps would I need to take? Would my contacts transfer?

Thanks for your help Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Mar 14, 2017 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Labcorp Bill
Replies: 6
Views: 1838

Re: Labcorp Bill

Thank you so much, friends. Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Mar 14, 2017 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Labcorp Bill
Replies: 6
Views: 1838

Labcorp Bill

Hi Friends,

I recently had biopsies done at a medical school hospital. I was surprised to get a bill from Labcorp within 2 weeks and more surprised to see that they had not bothered billing Medicare(I'm 72) or my Medigap.

Has this happened to any of you? What did you do?

Thanks for your help Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Mar 14, 2017 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Specific Book Recommendations - passing the time on Amtrak
Replies: 13
Views: 1304

Re: Specific Book Recommendations - passing the time on Amtrak

Hi

The Emperor of All Maladies by S Mukerjee. A great book on cancer history/research. Bob
by newstreetnj
Sat Feb 25, 2017 7:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Allocation - International Stock
Replies: 4
Views: 1271

Re: Vanguard Allocation - International Stock

HI,

Vanguard does have a hedged low volatility global fund which has done well over the 3 yrs since its inception. Mea culpa, it's not an index fund, nor is it an international fund but was recommended in the Vanguard Investors Newsletter(independent from Vanguard). I did transfer my holdings in the European Index Fund to it.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Feb 13, 2017 7:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Ned Said Effect strikes again
Replies: 52
Views: 6757

Re: The Ned Said Effect strikes again

Hi Ned,

Here's a variant of the Nedsaid effect. Many times I've sold covered calls on equities for a few hundred bucks only to see the equity rise to beyond the strike price and, consequently, lose out on the long term gain.

I think I've by now convinced myself that covered calls are a bad idea for me.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Wed Dec 07, 2016 8:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Veterans Administration(VA) benefits for my sister
Replies: 10
Views: 1846

Veterans Administration(VA) benefits for my sister

Hello Friends,

Got an 88 yr old sister with dementia whose husband served in the Navy during WW2. Bro and I while looking at memory care centers were told about a VA survivor benefit that pays ~$1,100/month to surviving spouses.

It sounds great but almost too good to be true. Do any of you have any familiarity with this program?

Thanks in advance for your comments. Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Long Term Care Insurance Premium Increase
Replies: 29
Views: 4468

Re: Long Term Care Insurance Premium Increase

Bought a policy from Tiaa ~ 15 yrs ago. Now administered by Metlife. Only 1 increase so far. Bob
by newstreetnj
Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Oregon
Replies: 43
Views: 5571

Trip to Oregon

I want to thank all of you who replied to my request for tips about OR.

We saw the resident gray whales at Depoe Bay with Captain Carrie who was also great with bird IDs. Cape Perpetua and Yachats were very nice as several of you said. Saw our daughter in Eugene and then to Ashland for Hamlet.

Special thanks to the poster who mentioned Jo's Motel near Crater Lake. It was much better than the Mazama Cabins at Crater!

More thanks to the person who suggested the High Desert Museum near Bend.

The vineyards near Eugene+ Ashland were much fun, in particular the King Estate near Eugene which has a very good restaurant attached.

Thanks so much! Bob
by newstreetnj
Wed May 18, 2016 6:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is anyone here currently getting an annuity payout?
Replies: 19
Views: 3821

Re: Is anyone here currently getting an annuity payout?

I too annuitized with TIAA and am DELIGHTED. I get about 8% on the amount deposited like clockwork in my bank account. The amount is slowly increasing, even though it's not inflation indexed. Bob
by newstreetnj
Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Verizon set top box rental
Replies: 4
Views: 807

Verizon set top box rental

Hello Friends,

We pay V $12/month to rent a Motorola set top box. Ideally, I would buy one and not have the monthly fee. But, I wonder how much hassle that would entail- I am almost a Luddite and am 71 yrs old- so please bear that in mind. Buying the box itself is easy but it's the installation that gives me the willies. Thank you for your thoughts.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Sat Mar 12, 2016 12:16 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Transfer IRA from T. Rowe Price to tiaa-cref?
Replies: 7
Views: 1246

Re: Transfer IRA from T. Rowe Price to tiaa-cref?

I love both Price + TIAA but Price has some very good funds such as CapApp which does as well as Wellington.

Bob
by newstreetnj
Tue Jan 26, 2016 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Oregon
Replies: 43
Views: 5571

Re: Trip to Oregon

Thank you one and all for the many insights and great suggestions. How very kind of all of you.

I'm leaning toward flying into Portland on Southwest out of Baltimore and then heading to the central coast, probably staying 2-3 nights in Yachats before heading for Florence(dunes) and Eugene. From Eugene, it's on to Crater Lake with 1 night at Mazama Village and another at Jo's( lovely people on the phone!).

The bookstore in Portland is a real temptation as is the Slumgullion. I'm impressed with the person who picked up on my Birthstate(NJ) from my screenname. I assume that he/she is a fellow rockhound? I will follow their advice and not visit Seaside. We may hit Cannon Beach though before going south to Yachats

Thanks again to all. Bob
by newstreetnj
Mon Jan 25, 2016 12:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Oregon
Replies: 43
Views: 5571

Trip to Oregon

Hello Friends,

I want to visit OR in late June-early July and visit Crater Lake and the OR Coast but know hardly anything about OR. Will also visit with my daughter in Eugene. Plan to spend ~ 2 weeks there

Does one usually fly into Portland? If so, with what carrier from the DC Metro area? What's the best part of the Coast to visit? Florence is due west of Eugene. Is it a good town to visit the Coast from?

I attempted to get reservations for the Crater Lake Lodge but had no luck 5 months in advance. Did succeed in getting one night at the other lodging at the Park. Any recommendations for hotels in towns close to Crater Lake?

Thanks in advance Bob
by newstreetnj
Thu Oct 01, 2015 7:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: stolen 2003 Honda
Replies: 6
Views: 1349

stolen 2003 Honda

Hello Friends,

Asking your advice on any aspect of dealing with a stolen car which the police probably will not be able to recover. So, one ? is how to deal with the insurance co. They will propose a value for the car. Do I accept that offer or it is wise to ask for more?

I take it that any loss not covered by insurance is a tax deduction if one itemizes.

Perhaps those of you who have experienced this will have insights that I don't know to ask about.

Thanks in advance Bob
by newstreetnj
Thu Jun 11, 2015 4:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TIAA-CREF help
Replies: 10
Views: 2062

Re: TIAA-CREF help

I have a TIAA annuity and love it because it was based on older vintages and therefore pays 8%. The local TIAA rep was wonderful for that and for our total estate planning. He even went over power of attorney with us, the need to have a will and the need to consider having some else run our money if/when I become demented. I can't imagine paying for advice after that lovely experience.
by newstreetnj
Sun Jan 04, 2015 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: social security(SSA) payments to child of a retiree
Replies: 11
Views: 1475

Re: social security(SSA) payments to child of a retiree

Thank you all for your good thoughts. I did start SSA at age 66 to answer one ?. This year's 1.7% COLA is what actually caused me to begin researching this issue once again. I'm pretty much convinced now that my son gets 50% of my benefit and will until he graduates from high school. Enjoyed the comments on the legal system and tend to agree with the poster who feels that a day in court is a "crapshoot". Add to that that my ex is a lawyer and has greater financial resources than me!. Here in MD, the court can impute what a person's wages would be if they are not working, as one poster mentioned. This can also be by agreement between the 2 parties' lawyers. I liked the suggestion to call SSA and hypothetically ask about what the su...
by newstreetnj
Sat Jan 03, 2015 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: social security(SSA) payments to child of a retiree
Replies: 11
Views: 1475

social security(SSA) payments to child of a retiree

Hello Friends, I'm 69 yrs old, am receiving SSA benefits and have a 16 yr old son who is also receiving SSA benefits based on my benefits. My son is living with my ex; communication with her is very difficult. In particular, she won't tell me how much SSA is paying her per month as my son's custodial parent. This makes it very difficult for me to figure out how much child support I should pay , because we have an agreement that my support payments are reduced by the amount of the SSA payment. My research so far : she should be getting 50% of my SSA payment. Are any of you in a similar situation? Or, even if you are not divorced, you may have dependent children who have qualified for SSA payments. Am I correct in my assumption that a child q...
by newstreetnj
Mon Sep 08, 2014 7:57 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Investing in Japan with a NISA
Replies: 15
Views: 3268

Re: Investing in Japan with a NISA

Yes, if Japan's economy is, say, 15% of the world's economy, then allocate only 15% to it. China being the 2nd largest economy would get a higher allocation and Germany, the 4th largest, a lesser amount.
by newstreetnj
Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:23 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Investing in Japan with a NISA
Replies: 15
Views: 3268

Re: Investing in Japan with a NISA

In response to ? 4. Why not allocate a small fraction of your funds to the Nissei index fund and allocate other fractions to the other major economies, so you might allocate 50% to the S+P 500 but only 10-20% to itsjjapenese equivalent. That way you're diversified.