Search found 1944 matches

by Artful Dodger
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 40
Views: 2043

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D onlyp

Pretty much all physicians services, outpatient hospital care, ambulance, plus a slew of other services. See below… I’d advise you sign up for B. What Medicare Part B Covers Part B helps cover costs associated with: General services from doctors and other health care providers Outpatient care provided at Medicare-participating hospitals Preventative screenings and services (like diabetes screenings and annual flu vaccinations) Approved ambulatory surgical center services Durable medical equipment, such as blood glucose meters, wheelchairs, crutches and canes After reaching one’s annual deductible of $226, a Medicare Part B beneficiary is responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services provided at ambulatory surgical centers...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Mar 15, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax ACT HSA questions
Replies: 4
Views: 349

Re: Tax ACT HSA questions

Is there a "forms mode" where you can override the software and put in the amount you know is correct?

Turbo Tax allows this in their desktop version for e-filing but not in their online version. I don't know about Tax ACT.
by Artful Dodger
Fri Mar 15, 2024 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax ACT HSA questions
Replies: 4
Views: 349

Re: Tax ACT HSA questions

What questions are you asking? What answers are you getting?
by Artful Dodger
Wed Mar 13, 2024 5:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Calculating Time to $1MM and each $100k
Replies: 22
Views: 3116

Re: Calculating Time to $1MM and each $100k

You can also go from $1M to $550K very quickly. Ask me how I know.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Mar 13, 2024 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066478

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

physics911 wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:47 pm I am ashamed to say it, and I have no idea how I never watched it before, but I just watched The Big Short for the first time yesterday.
Probably around the same time as you, we watched an even older movie (that I’d never seen) based on a Michael Lewis book, Moneyball.
by Artful Dodger
Sun Mar 10, 2024 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29211

Re: What's normal for grocery costs for a family?

Tip #2. Shop at a supermarket instead. Costco intentionally sells things in large quantities so that you buy (and eat) more. If you had smaller packages, you would eat less. But once a large package is open, it is so easy to just eat a little more (and then some more). As an example, I buy refill liquid soap in large containers and put it in the kitchen sink "pump" bottle. It's easy to see that when the soap is getting low, we all use less. If we were taking from a large bottle, all that soap would probably be used up at the same time. The same goes for bags of chips, mustard, cookies, peas. You name it and when there is an excess amount, people tend to help themselves, while smaller packaging encourages you to save some for othe...
by Artful Dodger
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1471

Re: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]

We took lots of vacations with our toddler(s). I think you have the same challenges you have in every day life with the known differences. Ie, you’ll be together much more and how well does your child do in new environments. We found it easy with one child, visiting restaurants, parks, tourist attractions, etc. Ours never had issues with different sleeping places. I think some places supplied cribs and we had a portable crib we took as well. I can remember traveling up and down the Oregon coast, up the Columbia river, and up to Mt. Hood with our 10 month old. I still have a picture of our daughter in a baby backpack while we were hiking through the Oregon dunes. Then a few months later we drove 10+ hours to northern Michigan. We stayed a fe...
by Artful Dodger
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712686

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta From Amazon: Evangelical Christians are perhaps the most polarizing—and least understood—people living in America today. In his seminal new book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, journalist Tim Alberta, himself a practicing Christian and the son of an evangelical pastor, paints an expansive and profoundly troubling portrait of the American evangelical movement. Through the eyes of televangelists and small-town preachers, celebrity revivalists and everyday churchgoers, Alberta tells the story of a faith cheapened by ephemeral fear, a promise corrupted by partisan subterfuge, and a reputation stained by perpetual scandal. I'm really enjoy...
by Artful Dodger
Sat Mar 02, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689905

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

We just finished watching the Christmas Special for the last season of "All Creatures Great and Small" so I was happy to read today that the show has been renewed for two new seasons (5 & 6) consisting of six episodes each plus Christmas Specials. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/specialfeatures/all-creatures-great-and-small-seasons-5-and-6-coming-to-masterpiece-on-pbs Returning for the fifth season is Nicholas Ralph as vet James Herriot, and Samuel West as his mercurial mentor Siegfried Farnon. Anna Madeley returns as the matriarch of Skeldale House Mrs. Hall, along with Rachel Shenton as the charismatic Helen... James Anthony-Rose also reappears as Richard Carmody. Also returning is Patricia Hodge as the wonderfully sop...
by Artful Dodger
Thu Feb 29, 2024 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When did your Net Worth surpass your lifetime earnings?
Replies: 93
Views: 11639

Re: When did your Net Worth surpass your lifetime earnings?

Based on the SS website earnings history, our lifetime earnings are about twice our current liquid net worth.

Why is this important to know?

Based on my Fidelity retirement planner calculation, we'll die with between $1.8M and $4.5M left over.
by Artful Dodger
Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA planning
Replies: 3
Views: 356

Re: IRMAA planning

ehh wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:29 pm IRMAA gets reset each calendar year, so a high 2027 income will cause IRMAA for only 3 (at most) months you are on Medicare in 2029. IRMAA for calendar year 2030 will be based on 2028 income. Here is a helpful IRMAA web page: https://thefinancebuff.com/medicare-irm ... ckets.html
I guess brilliant minds think alike... :beer
by Artful Dodger
Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRMAA planning
Replies: 3
Views: 356

Re: IRMAA planning

redwine wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 1:18 pm Trying to make sure I understand the IRMAA look back period correctly for my situation. I will turn 65 in the last quarter of 2029, so I assume the 2 year tax return look back for IRMAA is for tax years 2027 and 2028, is that correct?
Basically yes. 2027 income would be used in computing your 2029 IRMAA upcharges if any, 2028 income for 2030.

I find this guy's blog helpful in understanding and forecasting my future IRMAA expense.

https://thefinancebuff.com/medicare-irm ... ckets.html
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8117

Re: How do you live healthy?

I get off the train to work 1.45 miles from the office (3 days a week) and walk the rest of the way. Coming home too. The other days I walk but less than office days. Drink significantly less. There are many great non alcohol beers out there that I drink. any you recommend highly? I only have a real one once or twice a month at lunch. I don't like that drowsy feeling in the afternoon so I often pass despite liking the taste of a good brew. I like the Athletic Brewing brand. They have a good mix of beers including some IPAs I especially like. The IPA brands are Run Wild and Free Wave (hazy). You can order directly from them but Whole Foods carries some of their beers. To clarify .... non-alcohol beers get that name because their percentage ...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8117

Re: How do you live healthy?

I get off the train to work 1.45 miles from the office (3 days a week) and walk the rest of the way. Coming home too. The other days I walk but less than office days. Drink significantly less. There are many great non alcohol beers out there that I drink. any you recommend highly? I only have a real one once or twice a month at lunch. I don't like that drowsy feeling in the afternoon so I often pass despite liking the taste of a good brew. I like the Athletic Brewing brand. They have a good mix of beers including some IPAs I especially like. The IPA brands are Run Wild and Free Wave (hazy). You can order directly from them but Whole Foods carries some of their beers. To clarify .... non-alcohol beers get that name because their percentage ...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8117

Re: How do you live healthy?

Carguy85 wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:59 pm Just finished eating my one meal a day…1.5lbs of chuck steak and 4 eggs salted to taste with a little side of yogurt (no sugar) and some cheese sticks…it’s quite despicable what is touted as healthy in general these days. It’s not even disputable or a secret the strong ties on the board to big food/big Pharma that sets US nutrition guidelines.
I think you’re a tad paranoid.
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you live healthy?
Replies: 107
Views: 8117

Re: How do you live healthy?

jebmke wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:04 pm
mrmass wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 11:55 am I get off the train to work 1.45 miles from the office (3 days a week) and walk the rest of the way. Coming home too. The other days I walk but less than office days.

Drink significantly less. There are many great non alcohol beers out there that I drink.
any you recommend highly? I only have a real one once or twice a month at lunch. I don't like that drowsy feeling in the afternoon so I often pass despite liking the taste of a good brew.
I like the Athletic Brewing brand. They have a good mix of beers including some IPAs I especially like. The IPA brands are Run Wild and Free Wave (hazy). You can order directly from them but Whole Foods carries some of their beers.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Feb 21, 2024 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances
Replies: 108
Views: 10070

Re: The Shrinking Lifespan of Large Appliances

In our office breakroom we have an ancient (early 50s) GE refrigerator. I have no idea how efficient it is, but it still does the job.

I remember my parents had an old Maytag dryer that was probably 50 years old when my dad passed away.

Any more I just buy the cheapest appliance available with decent reviews and the features we want.
by Artful Dodger
Mon Feb 19, 2024 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 20-30X income, is that the "retirement rut"?
Replies: 90
Views: 13503

Re: 20-30X income, is that the "retirement rut"?

Agreed. I see this comment frequently and fail to understand the connection. Paying daily attention to one’s portfolio swings isn’t being mindful. Perhaps it suggests boredom or some other fixation that is not productive, but it’s also irrelevant to making long term life decisions. Unrelatedly, but found scattered in many threads like this one, I also fail to appreciate the correlation between financial independence and the middle finger. Your OP implied that the volatility in your portfolio value somehow was correlated with your ability to stop working, because you could gain or lose your salary in a day (not weeks). And you provided the $100,000 benchmark. So what’s the relevance of your comment about your portfolio ups-and-downs to your...
by Artful Dodger
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thoughts on buying cheap, used, "intermediate" range EV?
Replies: 168
Views: 13604

Re: Thoughts on buying cheap, used, "intermediate" range EV?

Since EV sales have cooled off recently, you may also may want to look at lease deals on NEW EVs. My local dealer is offering a 2 year lease on a new Nissan Leaf SV+ for $149/ month. It’s a pretty good way to get a cheap ride and buy some time while waiting for the next EV technology generation to arrive. I've been looking at Teslas lately and leases look attractive to me. Relatively cheap, brand new, and better than intermediate range. The base Model 3 with rear wheel drive and an estimated 272 mile range is $294 a month after $3444 down (36 months and 10,000 annual miles). That's a total three year cost of $13,236. The Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive with an estimated range of 315 miles is $422 a month after $4500 down (36 ...
by Artful Dodger
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth withdrawals after conversions
Replies: 5
Views: 560

Re: Roth withdrawals after conversions

Yes, you're good to go. You had the account more than five years and you're older than 59 1/2. No tax or penalties on distributions.
by Artful Dodger
Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is anyone using cash for a discount on everyday items?
Replies: 83
Views: 6088

Re: Is anyone using cash for a discount on everyday items?

Seeing it more often.

Last year, had a new HVAC system installed and there was an 3% upcharge to use a CC.

My auto dealer service shop charges a similar fee.

One restaurant we visit offers a 10% discount if paying in cash.

I've been seeing more restaurants include a CC surcharge on their bill.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Guilt about having to spend Roth IRA money
Replies: 33
Views: 5335

Re: Guilt about having to spend Roth IRA money

I take it most of your other funds are in tax deferred accounts and withdrawals will add too much income to your tax return thereby lowering your ACA subsidy. I would forecast your income from the work that has been completed and add enough taxable income from your accounts to get you above the 138% of poverty level to make you eligible to apply for ACA and at the same time qualify you for the maximum subsidy. Then use the Roth funds to cover any further expenses.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Feb 14, 2024 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Disability Insurance?
Replies: 11
Views: 955

Re: Disability Insurance?

Since you may only want for ten years or so, I believe there are policies that go up in premium every year similar to annual renewable term. They start off less expensive than the level premium policies but more expensive in the later years. That's what I had in the mid 80s. I ended up dropping it later and changing to a policy with a flat premium until age 65.
by Artful Dodger
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574758

Re: What are you listening to now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHtYxLPRFLc MOUNTAIN - "THE SHOW 1970" PBS (FULL SET) One of my all-time favorite bands. I think I may have seen them five times. Then Leslie West in other bands about three or four more times. I used to have a live Mountain album and not sure whatever happened to it. I don’t remember the songs on the first side but side 2 was a great version of Nantucket Sleighride. I should look for it on Apple Music. This was a favorite Mountain record of mine. But I don't think it is one you are referencing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flowers_of_Evil_(Mountain_album) This must be the one you are referencing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live%3A_The_Road_Goes_Ever_On Looks like a good one. Cannot remember if...
by Artful Dodger
Tue Feb 13, 2024 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ignore collections?
Replies: 72
Views: 5622

Re: Ignore collections?

Another thought: As previously stated, when I retired from EDS and went onto Medicare, I kept my EDS insurance as secondary payer (supplement). But EDS never notified Medicare. Consequently, Medicare didn’t know this and didn’t forward the claims information to them. As a result. I was getting bills from my medical providers for the unpaid balances. When I investigated, I learned there was nothing in the Medicare crossover file telling them EDS was the secondary payer. I contacted EDS to have them send the correct information to Medicare so they could create a crossover record, and everything went smoothly after that. So, my suggestions: 1. Verify the NY plan is still active. 2. If no, pay the bill and investigate MA plans in her area whic...
by Artful Dodger
Mon Feb 12, 2024 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19929

Re: What is your favorite book?

I feel boring but Lord of the Rings is one that comes to mind. I have probably read it four or five times since first read it when I was a teenager. The movies are really good but they are not the same. I’ve read the trilogy four times starting in 1968 (when Tolkien was still alive!) but not since the early eighties. My favorite part of the trilogy would have to be the chapter The Bridge of Khazad-dûm from The Fellowship of the Ring . I’m glad I read them before the films came out. The films were good (though no Tom Bombadil!) but that would’ve ruined the reading experience for me. However Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit was awful. Almost no resemblance to the book. I believe I first read LOTR in 1968 as well. I used to reread the books every s...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 09, 2024 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite book?
Replies: 186
Views: 19929

Re: What is your favorite book?

I'm just finishing this one now and would recommend. It is really eye opening. From the write up in Wikipedia... Ishmael is a 1992 philosophical novel by Daniel Quinn. The novel examines the hidden cultural biases driving modern civilization and explores themes of ethics, sustainability, and global catastrophe. Largely framed as a Socratic conversation between two characters, Ishmael aims to expose that several widely accepted assumptions of modern society, such as human supremacy, are actually cultural myths that produce catastrophic consequences for humankind and the environment. The novel was awarded the $500,000 Turner Tomorrow Fellowship Award in 1991, a year before its formal publication. The first-time award is for the best work of f...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 09, 2024 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Healthcare exchange for grown children living at home
Replies: 6
Views: 523

Re: Healthcare exchange for grown children living at home

teen persuasion wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 3:25 pm Adults, not your dependents for tax purposes? Yes, they apply based on their own income.
Yes, I agree.

OP, it's as if they are each a household of one, just as if they were unrelated to you and renting one of the rooms in your house.
by Artful Dodger
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574758

Re: What are you listening to now

vnatale wrote: Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:22 pm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHtYxLPRFLc

MOUNTAIN - "THE SHOW 1970" PBS (FULL SET)


One of my all-time favorite bands.

I think I may have seen them five times. Then Leslie West in other bands about three or four more times.
I used to have a live Mountain album and not sure whatever happened to it. I don’t remember the songs on the first side but side 2 was a great version of Nantucket Sleighride. I should look for it on Apple Music.
by Artful Dodger
Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712686

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

ekid wrote: Sat Jan 27, 2024 12:06 pm "We've Got You Covered"

https://www.amazon.com/Weve-Got-You-Cov ... C79&sr=8-1

Required for health/insurance policy experts/specialists.
Thanks for posting this. As someone who’s worked in the employee benefits / group insurance field for four plus decades, I can certainly agree our system is a mess.
by Artful Dodger
Sun Feb 04, 2024 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7638
Views: 1712686

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Goodreads describes it : "Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders ..." It's a repeat #1 entry on NYT fiction best sellers; the author is also #2 on that list last week. I grabbed it as a lucky day book on Libby. It's fantasy, but Lord of the Rings it's not. I wouldn't read it aloud with my family, or in fact with anyone. I'm skimming a lot. I too am reading Fourth Wing as my teen daughter is reading it and I try to keep up on where she is at / what she finds interesting. So far I enjoy it, I also liked the Hunger Games books and this feels in that style. Just with Dragons and hormones… “Just with Dragons and hormones…” That may be the best description of these books I’ve ...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA Spending--EOBs Suffcient for IRS??
Replies: 19
Views: 2027

Re: HSA Spending--EOBs Suffcient for IRS??

At this point I have not seen anyone actual post anywhere about an IRS audit that looked at this so it's honestly hard to nail down the acceptable level of documentation. IANAL but I would think that any discharged or written off medical debt would trip a 1099-C so there would be a reasonable to assume that an EOB is intent for keep a record. Thanks. I plan to go, for the most part, with EOBs and credit card statements showing payment. I think that would work. I posted this a couple of days ago in another post. From the IRS Recordkeeping. You must keep records sufficient to show that: The distributions were exclusively to pay or reimburse qualified medical expenses, The qualified medical expenses hadn’t been previously paid or reimbursed f...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 02, 2024 2:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689905

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

I’m watching the new Zorro series on Amazon. It’s a little stupid, but enjoyable. I think by default we have subtitles turned on for Amazon. What’s strange is the difference between what the actors are saying and what’s in the subtitles. It looks to be a Spanish or Mexican made show and I’m pretty sure the English is lip synced. I’m thinking the subtitles are a direct translation of the original language used and the vocals we hear is language chosen to better match the actors lip movements. It’s actually pretty interesting. They both convey the same basic content but sometimes in totally different words. It’s been awhile since I last checked in with Amazon and I noticed they now have short commercials. Maybe two in an hour show and so far ...
by Artful Dodger
Fri Feb 02, 2024 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Transition from COBRA back to employer sponsored health insurance
Replies: 7
Views: 624

Re: Transition from COBRA back to employer sponsored health insurance

I would check with HR.

The simplest way to proceed is just leave her on the current plan with no changes. When her temp assignment ends, it’s another qualifying event and she could elect another 18 months.

But, they may have other requirements and want to terminate the COBRA plan and then re enroll her in the active employee plan.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Jan 31, 2024 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?
Replies: 36
Views: 3600

Re: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?

jbowman wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:15 pm
Artful Dodger wrote: Wed Jan 31, 2024 1:18 pm The qualified medical expenses hadn’t been previously paid or reimbursed from another source
How do you document a negative?
I thought the same thing. :?
by Artful Dodger
Wed Jan 31, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?
Replies: 36
Views: 3600

Re: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?

From the IRS

Recordkeeping.

You must keep records sufficient to show that:

The distributions were exclusively to pay or reimburse qualified medical expenses,
The qualified medical expenses hadn’t been previously paid or reimbursed from another source, and
The medical expenses hadn’t been taken as an itemized deduction in any year.

Don’t send these records with your tax return. Keep them with your tax records.


My personal strategy for using my HSA is to pay any recent (say the last year or two, where I have the records) then current out of pocket eligible medical expenses plus my Medicare B and LTC premiums. That should exhaust the account in three years.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Jan 31, 2024 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Restaurant prices - 'I won't be back anytime soon" list
Replies: 28
Views: 2465

Re: Restaurant prices - 'I won't be back anytime soon" list

I don’t eat at any of the places you mention except Panera and I’m happy with their food quality, service, and have no issue with their prices.

Some of the places you mention were only good because they were cheap and convenient. Now they’re not. You were always going to get a better quality sandwich made at home versus Jersey Mikes or Subway.

I do agree that restaurant food has gotten more expensive since Covid and the recent spike of inflation. But, at least with those that turn out a good product, I have no problems with their pricing. I think it’s a tough business to be in and they lost a lot of employees during Covid with many choosing not to come back. People need to be paid a living wage.
by Artful Dodger
Mon Jan 29, 2024 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574758

Re: What are you listening to now

Nicolas wrote: Sun Jan 28, 2024 2:58 pm Brothers in Arms — Dire Straits
Image
so beautiful…
Agreed, stunning album. This was the first CD I purchased after buying a CD player.
by Artful Dodger
Mon Jan 29, 2024 6:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574758

Re: What are you listening to now

I'm not AnnetteLouisan but ELP's album by that name is an adaptation from the original piece by Mussorgsky. I've heard sections from both... Much prefer the original. Classical music re-imagined into art rock just seems a bit excessive. I tend to favor Russian composers and have heard the piece a number of times from our local symphony. But, there’s a good chance the first time I heard it was on a ELP album that I definitely owned. I think they only released a live recording. I remember that there is some connection between the noted Russian painter Kandinsky and Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. Unfortunately, not. Kandinsky is one of the abstract painters whose work I actually really like, but he would have been only 8 when Mussor...
by Artful Dodger
Sun Jan 28, 2024 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574758

Re: What are you listening to now

Mussorgsky, Pictures at an Exhibition Was Emerson, Lake, & Palmer using the same name - Pictures at an Exhibition - in any way related? I'm not AnnetteLouisan but ELP's album by that name is an adaptation from the original piece by Mussorgsky. I've heard sections from both... Much prefer the original. Classical music re-imagined into art rock just seems a bit excessive. I tend to favor Russian composers and have heard the piece a number of times from our local symphony. But, there’s a good chance the first time I heard it was on a ELP album that I definitely owned. I think they only released a live recording. I remember that there is some connection between the noted Russian painter Kandinsky and Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky...
by Artful Dodger
Sun Jan 28, 2024 2:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Roth conversion
Replies: 41
Views: 2867

Re: Roth conversion

If there's any question what your income will be and if that's important in deciding how much to convert, either waiting until December or doing some in January and the balance in December makes sense. I'm currently doing the January/December move. I don't know exactly what my interest and dividend income will be this year. I am converting to a number below the IRMAA limit. If I were to do the entire conversion in January and then some mystery income pushed me $2 over the IRMAA limit, that would be an expensive mistake. This is where I'm at. I have a general idea of my income for the year but won't know the exact until December. I'll usually do a large conversion in January then top off in December. I am converting into the first IRMAA cat...
by Artful Dodger
Thu Jan 25, 2024 10:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you retire when you love your work?
Replies: 163
Views: 12987

Re: How do you retire when you love your work?

I’ll go a step further and applaud you for staying in your career, following your Hippocratic oath, and benefiting others. You put a lot of time into your medical education and I think it’s great you continue finding your work rewarding.

You’re still young. Possibly you can find some ways to introduce a little more flexibility into your career and take a little more time off.
by Artful Dodger
Thu Jan 25, 2024 7:30 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ELI5 on t-bills - what if I need to redeem early?
Replies: 12
Views: 1088

Re: ELI5 on t-bills - what if I need to redeem early?

Chances are for a bill with that term and the price you indicated you’ll get slightly more. Bonds that are below their redemption value will increase slightly over time until the redemption date where they are priced at face value.

Normal settlement should be one business day.
by Artful Dodger
Wed Jan 24, 2024 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone ever hear of "The American Worker" Insurance Company
Replies: 5
Views: 669

Re: Anyone ever hear of "The American Worker" Insurance Company

They are a limited benefit company. So low premiums with some basic services covered, but if you end up with something serious you’re out of luck. They are not considered a qualified healthcare plan that covers essential benefits. Honestly you’re better off skipping. The company reviews are pretty bad.

Check out ACA plans for long term coverage options. If you’re in good health, United healthcare offers temporary plans in some states and that might be an option. They are underwritten with preexisting conditions waiting periods but if you have no ongoing medical, the basic medical coverage is pretty good, though I believe there are RX limits.
by Artful Dodger
Tue Jan 23, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to keep cash for future Roth conversions?
Replies: 2
Views: 455

Re: Where to keep cash for future Roth conversions?

Hi all. In 5 years, my DW and I will no longer receive W2 income. At that point, we plan to do Roth conversions through what is now the 24% tax bracket at least for a few years (am 57 now). We’ve started stockpiling “cash” (Tbills, Ibonds, etc.) in our taxable brokerage to pay taxes and to live on during those years. I know that there is a cash drag with what we are doing and I understand that keeping stocks only in our brokerage is better for taxes. So, should we be keeping our cash in a 401k money market? I guess I can wrap my head around using cash from our brokerage for taxes and life, but can’t understand how to do it where we keep cash in a 401k, assuming that’s the best way to do this. There’s gotta be a good fungible discussion bur...
by Artful Dodger
Tue Jan 23, 2024 2:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 689905

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

mancich wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 7:37 am L.A. Law on Amazon Prime. That show feels like a guilty pleasure. Lot of fun, good story lines, and so late 80's / early 90's. Seems like yesterday...
You might want to check out Hulu. I compared the shows on Amazon to the newly remastered versions on Hulu and there was quite a difference in quality.

https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/l ... 235753956/

I’m enjoying the show as well. :)
by Artful Dodger
Tue Jan 23, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?
Replies: 113
Views: 8869

Re: How much is owned real estate (primary/secondary homes) as a percent of your net worth?

We’re in a low / medium cost of living area. Home value is roughly 12% of total assets. Home equity is 9% of total assets.
by Artful Dodger
Tue Jan 23, 2024 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are you listening to now
Replies: 5802
Views: 574758

Re: What are you listening to now

Nicolas wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:49 pm
iceport wrote: Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:37 pm
Nicolas wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 11:37 am Fillmore West 1969 — Grateful Dead
Image
New digs, Nicolas?? :-D :beer

(Hopefully, the ghosts of Janis and Pigpen aren't keeping you up at night! :wink: 8-) )
Ha! Yes, I like to use famous addresses instead of revealing my true location. :D
(I didn't think anyone would notice that)
Of course we notice. I just figured the rent at Chess Records got too high. :D
by Artful Dodger
Mon Jan 22, 2024 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?
Replies: 31
Views: 3659

Re: Decent Pinot Noir < $20 possible?

tennisplyr wrote: Mon Jan 22, 2024 5:58 am Here's a few

California:
Hahn Pinot Noir
Benziger Pinot Noir
Kosta Brown Pinot Noir
Kosta Browne, < $20 hahaha :wink: