Search found 181 matches

by jpohio
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Return My New Apple Watch?
Replies: 83
Views: 6305

Re: Return My New Apple Watch?

DW and I both have an Apple Watch. She walks daily and fell once. Fall detection worked as advertised, she was fine. I use mine for exercise tracking, health features. I am sure I could live without it, but am happy I have it Both of us are 70+ years old so maybe health stuff is more important
by jpohio
Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?
Replies: 24
Views: 3915

Re: When does Vanguard update its RMD calculations?

First year I am required to take RMD, my calculation is not yet available. My mother has been taking RMD for years, her 2024 amount was available Jan 2. I am assuming my information is not yet available as it is the first year for my RMD.
by jpohio
Fri Dec 22, 2023 2:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Re: Backing up my computer & External Hard Drive Recommendations for Apple MacBook
Replies: 56
Views: 4913

Re: Backing up my computer & External Hard Drive Recommendations for Apple MacBook

I have Time Machine set to back up daily. You might also consider an online backup service like Carbonite, iDrive, etc.
by jpohio
Wed Dec 06, 2023 4:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare part d shopping was surprising
Replies: 19
Views: 3166

Re: Medicare part d shopping was surprising

I have used SilverScript SmartSaver for a couple years, price remains best for my area and drugs. Have used mail order delivery, never an issue.
by jpohio
Tue Nov 14, 2023 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?
Replies: 34
Views: 6326

Re: Anyone buy a '23 or '24 Lexus RX350h recently?

Largest dealership in Cleveland area show 100 23/24 RX 350 and 350h in stock. I didn’t count how many 350h vs 350, but am guessing vast majority are 350. Per website selling at MRSP. I have no idea how accurate the website information is.

We have owned several RX hybrids and loved them. My wife is still mad that I traded in her 2010 hybrid. I do not own either a 23 or 24 RX now but have two friends that do, both 350. They love the design changes from 23, and really like the car.
by jpohio
Fri Oct 27, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: MacBook Air 13, 15, or certified MacBook Pro 14?
Replies: 51
Views: 5058

Re: MacBook Air 13, 15, or certified MacBook Pro 14?

15” Air is an amazing computer. Based on your description I would think the Air would work fine. There is an event this coming Monday and rumors suggest new MacPros, 14 and 16”. I don’t think you can make a bad decision.
by jpohio
Thu Oct 19, 2023 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: future RMD funding TIPS vs Treasury
Replies: 1
Views: 389

future RMD funding TIPS vs Treasury

I am looking to prefund DW's RMD, which she begins taking in 2025. Using www.tipsladder.com I got the following data: Year - 2025, CUSIP - 912810FR4, Coupon 2.38%, YTM 3.29%, Inflation adjusted principal $1,608.06 Year - 2026, CUSIP - 912810FS2, Coupon 2.00%, YTM 2.95%, inflation adjusted principal $1,544.09 Alternatively, I could purchase a 1-year Treasury bill with a current projected rate of 5.47% and a 2-year Treasury with a projected rate of 5.2%. I am aware that these projected rates can change. I am asking for some help on how to evaluate these choices. I have purchased numerous individual treasuries, so I know how those work. I have never purchased individual TIPS, thus am not sure how to intelligently compare the two choices. Thank...
by jpohio
Thu Sep 14, 2023 8:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Simple iPhone question
Replies: 3
Views: 685

Simple iPhone question

I am considering selling my iPhone to a third party and one of the questions is whether the phone is locked. How do I figure out whether it is locked?
by jpohio
Wed Sep 13, 2023 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: retirement laptop?
Replies: 146
Views: 14111

Re: retirement laptop?

Another vote for MacBook Air. With your background you will master the OS quickly. Build quality and performance are superb and interaction with othe Apple products seamless.
by jpohio
Sat Aug 26, 2023 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Husband cracked his iPhone screen
Replies: 53
Views: 6498

Re: Husband cracked his iPhone screen

Does he have AppleCare?
by jpohio
Wed Aug 09, 2023 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard QCD Checks
Replies: 12
Views: 1603

Re: Vanguard QCD Checks

Glad you asked this. I have been doing QCD’s through VG for a couple years. I have sent only the check to the charity, no cover letter. I scan the stub that was attached to the check and give it to the guy who does my taxes, along with the contribution acknowledgment letter from the charity. So far, no issues, but I think I will start mailing the check and stub to the charity with a cover letter.
by jpohio
Mon Jul 17, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ideas to experience Alaska as a tourist?
Replies: 23
Views: 2518

Re: Ideas to experience Alaska as a tourist?

We flew to anchorage, took a side trip to Katmai national park to see the bears (amazing). Then took train from Anchorage to Seward where we boarded a ship for week long cruise, ending in Vancouver. Used excursions to see whales, glaciers, fjords, and lots of other stuff.

Highly recommend
by jpohio
Thu Jul 13, 2023 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best anti virus ap for Mac users accessing VG account
Replies: 15
Views: 635

Re: Question on anti virus app for Mac

I use Intego antivirus on my iMac. It has been highly rated by Macworld and 9to5mac for a while now. Never had any issues, does not take up a lot of resources when it runs.
by jpohio
Mon Jul 10, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Compression socks
Replies: 25
Views: 2252

Re: Compression socks

To answer your question, I wore compression socks on one leg for about 3 months. A pain to put on and take off, but worked very well. I used Jobst as recommended by my doctor.

Sorry, but I have to second the suggestion that you see a doctor if you have not already done so.
by jpohio
Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to go mid-March
Replies: 15
Views: 1576

Re: Where to go mid-March

Another vote for Belize. World class scuba and snorkel, nice beaches, great opportunity to see Myan ruins.
by jpohio
Thu Jun 29, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska Cruise in 2024 - Best for kids?
Replies: 14
Views: 2372

Re: Alaska Cruise in 2024 - Best for kids?

We took a week-long cruise (Seward to Vancouver) on Celebrity with our son who was 20 at the time. In my opinion, the value of an Alaskan cruise is what you can see by taking the various excursions - glaciers, whale watching, etc. We went in mid-July and weather was too cold to use the pool on the ship. As others have said, I think any of the major cruise lines that offer Alaskan trips will have plenty to do onboard. Cruisecritic is a wonderful resource, again as others have said. Celebrity did a great job, but I suspect you could pick any of the major lines and be happy with your choice. You don't say where the ship ends the cruise. Assuming it is somewhere like Seward or Anchorage, Denali is not a short trip. I would explore that further ...
by jpohio
Wed Jun 14, 2023 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New small SUVs with the most comfortable seats
Replies: 44
Views: 7750

Re: New small SUVs with the most comfortable seats

Volvo had most comfortable seats of any car I have owned. I am tall, XC60 has extender on front seat for more support. Second place for me was my wife’s RX400h.
by jpohio
Thu May 11, 2023 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 16-17 inch laptop and traveling
Replies: 72
Views: 6925

Re: 16-17 inch laptop and traveling

Rumor is that Apple will announce 15.5” Mac Air at their development conference in early June. Nobody knows how real that rumor is and nobody knows the specs (max memory, weight). Might be of interest to you.
by jpohio
Fri May 05, 2023 3:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help my niece choose a marketable college major
Replies: 173
Views: 14100

Re: Help my niece choose a marketable college major

Based on recent experience I would tell your niece to skip college and become either an electrician or plumber. They can’t hire enough people and my guess is they make more than a high percentage of college graduates and will never want for a job. I write this somewhat in jest, but not really.
by jpohio
Sun Apr 30, 2023 8:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Password managers [LastPass alternatives]
Replies: 180
Views: 17949

Re: Password managers

Lots of threads on this. I have used Keeper and 1Password and much prefer 1Password - but that is just me. YouTube has lots of comparisons on all of them.
by jpohio
Sun Apr 30, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: best stand up comedy
Replies: 95
Views: 7256

Re: best stand up comedy

Lewis Black
Kathleen Madigan
by jpohio
Fri Apr 21, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Confirm brokered CD understanding
Replies: 4
Views: 628

Re: Confirm brokered CD understanding

Had not checked new issues, but found one issued by Morgan Stanley maturing in Oct 2024 paying 4.80 and one maturing in April 2025 paying 4.7.
by jpohio
Fri Apr 21, 2023 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Confirm brokered CD understanding
Replies: 4
Views: 628

Confirm brokered CD understanding

Sorry, first time looking at brokered CD's on VG and want to be sure I understand what I would be buying. I found two that appear to match the timeframe I am looking for, and both are non-callable: First CD: Issuer is Morgan Stanley Maturity date is 3/17/2025 Coupon is 5.250 Bid price = $100.365 Ask price = $101.339 Yield worst to bid 5.040 Yield worst to ask 4.500 Yield to maturity bid 5.040 Yield to maturity ask 4.500 Second CD: Issuer is Morgan Stanley Maturity date is 9/3/2024 Coupon is 4.900 Bid price = $99.620 Ask price = $100.118 Yield worst to bid 5.182 Yield worst to ask 4.800 Yield to maturity bid 5.182 Yield to maturity ask 4.800 Questions: If I buy the first CD I would pay a price above par, and interest rate would be 5.25% annu...
by jpohio
Wed Apr 19, 2023 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Exercise planning for first year of retirement
Replies: 71
Views: 9223

Re: Exercise planning for first year of retirement

Another vote for swimming. However, I think the best exercise is the one that you enjoy enough to do consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. For me that is swimming and hiking. To each his own, and congrats on your retirement
by jpohio
Fri Mar 10, 2023 4:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FLA gulf coast Red Tide - Plan B - FLA east coast?
Replies: 10
Views: 1360

Re: FLA gulf coast Red Tide - Plan B - FLA east coast?

I am in Naples now, but far enough inland where red tide doesn’t affect me. That said, the consensus is to stay out of the Gulf. Lots of dead fish up and down the beach. I went to the beach about a week ago, got out of my car and immediately started coughing and throat hurt. The minute I got away from the beach I was fine.

I don’t know if 5 blocks is far enough to avoid it. Assuming 5 blocks is ok, if you are ok with staying away from beach then you will likely be ok.
by jpohio
Thu Mar 09, 2023 1:09 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Automatic RMD service
Replies: 10
Views: 1423

Re: Vanguard Automatic RMD service

My error. My first RMD is 2024, not 2023.
by jpohio
Thu Mar 09, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Automatic RMD service
Replies: 10
Views: 1423

Re: Vanguard Automatic RMD service

I am following this as I take my first RMD in 2023 and was planning to utilize the VG automated service. It is hard to imagine that you cannot edit the automated settings from year to year, and I don't understand why the IRS would care how you take your RMD as long as you do take it. That all said, I will be interested to see how those with more knowledge/experience respond.
by jpohio
Wed Mar 01, 2023 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Rafting Trip in September
Replies: 10
Views: 1018

Re: Rafting Trip in September

If you want to stay closer to home, consider the Gauley river in WV. I did a two day trip there years ago, amazing white water rafting. Only open for I think four weekends in late September or October, but an amazing trip.
by jpohio
Mon Feb 13, 2023 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired 7 years, asking for portfolio review
Replies: 3
Views: 1352

Re: Retired 7 years, asking for portfolio review

Thanks to both of you for taking the time to respond. Very helpful
by jpohio
Mon Feb 13, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired 7 years, asking for portfolio review
Replies: 3
Views: 1352

Retired 7 years, asking for portfolio review

I believe I have provided all the information in the recommended format. I am looking for any suggestions and comments. Thank you in advance. Emergency Funds: 1 year living expenses in HYSA No Debt Both DW and I are drawing Social Security and I have a pension with no COLA Current withdrawal rate is 2% per year of total portfolio. My plan is to keep 1 year living expenses in HYSA and probably keep the iBonds for the foreseeable future. Tax filing status: MFJ Tax Rate: 22% Federal, 3.7% State State of Residence: OH Age: me 71, DW 70 Desired AA: 35-40% Stocks, 60% - 65% Bonds, undecided on % international Portfolio size: mid 7 figures Current Portfolio: IRA’s = 70% of portfolio, Taxable = 30% Actual AA today - 35% Equity, 65% Fixed Individual...
by jpohio
Sat Feb 11, 2023 7:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Volvo owners (2020 and newer): real world reliability, cost of ownership, would you buy another?
Replies: 21
Views: 2768

Re: Volvo owners (2020 and newer): real world reliability, cost of ownership, would you buy another?

I have owned two XC60's, a 2020 that I still own and a 2021 that was leased and turned in early (Volvo wanted the car, agreed to take it several months early, no cost). My wife drives the 2020 and really likes the car. I drove the 2021 and am glad to be rid of it. Both had the most comfortable seats I have ever had in a car, the car drives very smoothly, and seems to be built like a tank. I can't explain why, but the 2020 seems to drive different/better than the 2021. We had no issues with either car but in fairness I had the lease car 3 years and my wife's 2020 we have had 3 1/2 years. First three maintenance visits included. The infotainment system in both is really annoying. My wife doesn't care as she basically listens to one radio stat...
by jpohio
Tue Jan 10, 2023 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Incorrect 1099R from VG?
Replies: 4
Views: 774

Re: Incorrect 1099R from VG?

Thank you. Learned something new today
by jpohio
Tue Jan 10, 2023 5:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Incorrect 1099R from VG?
Replies: 4
Views: 774

Incorrect 1099R from VG?

Viewed my 2022 1099R from Vanguard yesterday and noticed that lines 1 and 2 (Gross Distribution and Taxable amount) show an amount that includes both my 2022 Roth conversion and three QCD's I took in 2022. The QCD's were done through the VG website, checks mailed to me payable to the respective charities. The total of the three QCD's and the actual Roth conversion equal the amount shown on the 1099R.

It is my understanding that the QCD's are not taxable distributions, thus did not think they would be included in the Gross distributions and taxable amount on my 1099R.

Is my understanding correct, that the 1099R is wrong?

Thanks
by jpohio
Wed Jan 04, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Quicken One Step Update Not Working
Replies: 3
Views: 348

Re: Quicken One Step Update Not Working

Yes, widespread problem that is now supposedly fixed. Mine worked normally this morning
by jpohio
Sat Dec 24, 2022 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to cancel VG RMD service
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

Re: How to cancel VG RMD service

I would love to, just can’t figure out how to do that online. Looks like I may need to call them
by jpohio
Sat Dec 24, 2022 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to cancel VG RMD service
Replies: 8
Views: 1372

How to cancel VG RMD service

I turn 72 in 2023 and a month ago signed up for the automated Vanguard RMD service, thinking at the time I had to take my first RMD in 2023. Passage of Secure Act 2.0 delays my first RMD to 2024 so I logged in to my VG account, intending to cancel the automated RMD service. I cannot find any links or options to view the RMD service that I enrolled in. I have the confirmation statement showing the details, but cannot find any way to cancel it via their website.

Does anyone know how to cancel the RMD service online?
by jpohio
Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Computer security audit/review
Replies: 3
Views: 371

Computer security audit/review

There have been a number of threads lately. I am sure I am not doing everything I could be to provide myself strong security, which caused me to wonder if there are organizations/folks who perform a computer security review, similar in theory to portfolio reviews done through this forum.

Is there such a thing as an independent personal computer security audit, or at least a checklist?
by jpohio
Thu Dec 22, 2022 6:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct Gift Box question
Replies: 6
Views: 900

Re: Treasury Direct Gift Box question

I believe the answer is no, once put in gift box buyer cannot get $ back. But I am following this as I have two gifts set up for nieces whose father won’t set up TD account, which you need to retrieve the gifts. Will be interested as to what others say
by jpohio
Mon Dec 19, 2022 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: SoftwareGeek's Guide to Computer Security
Replies: 608
Views: 71448

Re: SoftwareGeek's Guide to Computer Security

Thank you for posting. Very useful information.
by jpohio
Sun Dec 18, 2022 6:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 Rav4 Prime SE - $3500 over MSRP
Replies: 67
Views: 9609

Re: 2023 Rav4 Prime SE - $3500 over MSRP

Another vote to look at 2023 CRV. Redesigned for 2023, a bit bigger inside. Selling around us for MSRP, maybe a bit more. Hybrids are more scarce at the moment but non-hybrids seem to be available
by jpohio
Sun Dec 04, 2022 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: iPhone and Macbook: what system do you use to back them up?
Replies: 37
Views: 3740

Re: iPhone and Macbook: what system do you use to back them up?

Ditto on iCloud. Using Time Machine gives you another backup for photos, etc.
by jpohio
Wed Nov 09, 2022 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Experiences with the USPS Residential Premium Forwarding Service?
Replies: 7
Views: 1467

Re: Experiences with the USPS Residential Premium Forwarding Service?

Used it for last 3 years, each time for 3 months plus. Be careful on the dates at the end. I agree it is carrier dependent. I give our carrier the dates before we leave. No issues, the email notification is a good feature
by jpohio
Wed Nov 09, 2022 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Katmai NP, Alaska
Replies: 12
Views: 2046

Re: Katmai NP, Alaska

We went to Katmai, it is amazing. It is a full day, you will fly out from Anchorage early and leave the park late afternoon. There are plenty of tour operators with whom you can book the day. Bears are everywhere, bring a good camera. Your kids are perfect age. If you want details pm me and I will provide you lots of info
by jpohio
Fri Oct 28, 2022 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Very confused with recent purchases of US Treasury Bills on Vanguard and want to make sure everything was done right
Replies: 9
Views: 1381

Re: Very confused with recent purchases of US Treasury Bills on Vanguard and want to make sure everything was done right

Many others here know much more than me about treasuries, but I believe the shorter term treasuries were “reopened”, which is why the dates are older.
by jpohio
Fri Oct 21, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Long legged Bogleheads recommend Large or Luxury SUV awd
Replies: 33
Views: 3805

Re: Long legged Bogleheads recommend Large or Luxury SUV awd

Volvo XC 60 also has extender for front seats, which I use (6’4” 34” inseam). They help, but Volvo seats very comfortable to begin with.
by jpohio
Tue Oct 18, 2022 6:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Eggs in One Basket (banking/brokerage/savings)
Replies: 46
Views: 4397

Re: Eggs in One Basket (banking/brokerage/savings)

Fifth Third for checking, Ally and Marcus for emergency funds, Vanguard for all investments. I am curious about the lockdown feature Fidelity offers. If Vanguard offers it, I can’t find it to activate.