Search found 563 matches

by Taz
Sat Mar 16, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricare Retired Reserve: wow it sucks wth?
Replies: 25
Views: 2333

Re: Tricare Retired Reserve: wow it sucks wth?

I don't get why your medical care isn't "free for the rest of your life" or your need for a snotty reply for that matter. But thanks for sharing. ------------------------------ gunny2 - I apologize. I didn't intend to denigrate your service. My current frustration with TRICARE should not have entered the forum. It wasn't helpful. What I should have said is that there is a tiered system for premiums, copays, and caps based upon when you first entered service for both active and reserve retirees. We both probably used to be able to get care in a military facility but due to budget cuts, even many active duty and their families have been pushed out into the community. Finding PCMs is nearly impossible in many places A retired reserv...
by Taz
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tricare Retired Reserve: wow it sucks wth?
Replies: 25
Views: 2333

Re: Tricare Retired Reserve: wow it sucks wth?

DELETED -- With apologies
by Taz
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth Conversion Triggered Estimated Tax Penalty
Replies: 17
Views: 1860

Re: Roth Conversion Triggered Estimated Tax Penalty

Regarding Form 2210 and Schedule AI: I use H&R Block Deluxe (download) and am having difficulty getting the return accepted by the IRS. The program does not indicate any errors. I do owe some taxes but the program is clearing me of any penalties. HOWEVER, it appears Form 2210 and Schedule AI are not yet finalized for H&R Block, due to be available 3/1/2024. Should I expect this issue to resolve after the update on 3/1/2024? Has anybody in a similar situation have their return successfully accepted using H&R Block this year? https://www.hrblock.com/tax-software/updates-back-editions/federal-forms-available/ I'm waiting for the 3/1 update as well. In my case, I made two estimated tax payments for a Roth conversion plus unplanned ...
by Taz
Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window
Replies: 19
Views: 2303

Re: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window

nps wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 7:18 am
Taz wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:42 pm We only hold the G Fund which continues to disappoint.
It does what it says it will do. Being disappointed in the G fund is like being disappointed that there is an inverted yield curve.
I know. Glad to have had it as a major part of our fixed component ... but one can dream.
by Taz
Fri Feb 09, 2024 10:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Moving Tax-Exempt TSP Funds (Combat Zone Contributions) to Roth IRA
Replies: 12
Views: 1976

Re: Moving Tax-Exempt TSP Funds (Combat Zone Contributions) to Roth IRA

Over the last few years, there has been a lot of information put out on how to pull out TSP money that is tax-exempt (combat zone contributions) and get it into a Roth IRA. It was my understanding that in years past, this effort took quite a bit of attention to make it happen, but I just did it and want to let folks know that the process now is extremely easy. - Log into TSP and select Withdrawals and Rollovers - I then selected a Partial Distribution as I still have Roth TSP money I wanted to keep in the TSP. - TSP will show you your Traditional Balance, with Tax-Exempt contributions, and also your Roth Balance. I chose to rollover my entire traditional balance. - During this process you'll need to identify where you want the funds to go ...
by Taz
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 81208

Re: What have you baked recently?

Sicilian (grandma's) pizza. We used the book, "Perfect Pan Pizza: Square pies to make at home, from Roman, Sicilian, and Detroit, to grandma pies and focaccia." We are trying to dial in modifications for baking at altitude (6600 ft).
by Taz
Fri Feb 09, 2024 9:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window
Replies: 19
Views: 2303

Re: The TSP's Mutual Fund Window

I'm not surprised by the lack of interest in a mutual fund window. Most individuals are content to maintain fairly static positions in their TSP. Those timing the market may play the in/out of the G fund game, but aggressive traders will move balances out.

I think the same applies to non-TSP 401k plans. When I was in charge of finance and HR at a small company, we added a trading window" to our Vanguard/Ascensus 401k. Only 1 out of 40 employees signed up.

Frankly, it's a waste of money/effort which should be used to cut expenses and improve service. We only hold the G Fund which continues to disappoint.
by Taz
Sat Jan 27, 2024 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Taxes, How close were your estimates
Replies: 55
Views: 4454

Re: 2023 Taxes, How close were your estimates

Looks as if I overpaid about $1,000. Monthly retired pay plus 2 Roth conversions early in the year had me right on track until we decided to sell a house and move out of state. That required selling a chunk of VTSAX and leftover EE bonds so I had to make a estimated payment in Sep. The tax program is telling me that owe a $5 penalty for underpayment. I guess I could fill out the form but for $5 .......
by Taz
Thu Jan 11, 2024 6:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good quality Air Compressor for car and bike tires, etc
Replies: 58
Views: 5606

Re: Good quality Air Compressor for car and bike tires, etc

Dewalt pancake compressor at home. Useful for handyman projects. Recently bought a Fanttick for quick fills and less slightly less noise, and to keep in the car for trips, especially since temperature and altitude can easily result in a 5-6 PSI change. Costco was the cheapest the last time I checked. Makes for a good present.
by Taz
Fri Dec 29, 2023 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: To move or not to move that is the question
Replies: 23
Views: 3938

Re: To move or not to move that is the question

Please compare costs if you are considering FL because of "low cost of living." FL is not as cheap as it sounds. On the other hand, FL would have plenty of scope for nurse jobs. Of course, many of folks like us in FL cannot have fun in colder climes :shrug Is this really true though? Real estate taxes seem a lot lower in Florida. I pay about 10K a year for a house appraised at $500K. I was just looking at Winter Park outside of Orlando and 600K houses has a tax about half that. I can also buy a comparable house to what we currently live for about 70% of what our house costs. The insurance is definitely an issue but it seems like it impacts primarily the coastal areas. What am I missing? My main concern with Florida is the quality...
by Taz
Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best tires for Subaru Outback
Replies: 31
Views: 5288

Re: Best tires for Subaru Outback

finite_difference wrote: Fri Dec 15, 2023 10:14 pm Easy. Michelin CC2.
Agree. Bought a set of the Cross Climate 2 in July anticipating moving to a snowier location than NE Florida. A bit noisier on highways than the Pirellis which replaced the OEM set. Handling on wet roads has been solid as have a couple of slushy drives.
by Taz
Sat Oct 21, 2023 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2905
Views: 515370

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

The number of new houses in our area and high interest seems to have almost instantly hit prices in our area. Builders are cutting prices. Appraisers have done a 360. Not happy. Not happy at all.

Timing. Timing. Timing.
by Taz
Tue Sep 12, 2023 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does “decluttering” save money?
Replies: 90
Views: 12455

Re: Does “decluttering” save money?

We are "decluttering" as we prepare to list our house to sell and move about 1,700 miles. Feels good to get rid of stuff. Not sure why I had 15 different souvenir beer glasses. One large POD almost full. Second POD will be our large furniture and remaining kitchen stuff & clothes once the house sells. So far, 4 car loads to charity thrift shops; 1 not so successful garage sale (no one wants home theater systems and oak furniture/entertainment hutches); twin bedroom set given to a young family; 4 tubs of Christmas decorations (still have 4 tubs); 10 extra large contractor garbage bags for the trash truck. Expect another 5-8 bags. Will also be taking old paint, various chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and other hazmat to...
by Taz
Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot
Replies: 462
Views: 98995

Re: need403bhelp

beyou wrote: Sun Aug 20, 2023 6:31 pm (SNIP)
So if one wants to change from Cash Deposit, you can select to move back to the Federal MMKT Fund online ? Or are these 2 separate accts ?
(SNIP)
I transfered money from cash deposit to the Federal market fund and changed my settlement account back to the MM. The cash deposit rate initially matched the Fed MM act but drifted away. When I changed back the rates were 3.7% vs 5.3%.
by Taz
Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Asking price for a house
Replies: 26
Views: 4493

Re: Asking price for a house

Sorry to hijack but perhaps this might clarify what happens when you seek an estimate and the fees that are charged. I ran the online Zillow selling options/preliminary offers yesterday for our house if I were to go on the market a month. The Zillow option used the Z-estimate $594k ($562-625 value bracket) to list out their traditional listing with the estimated agent fee (6%), 1% closing costs, an unspecified repair cost pending walkthrough. Est cash proceeds $521-583k. Essentially, Zillow is marketing their affiliated agents, one will be calling today. I don't see any benefit in using their services instead of a local agent. The Zillow summary page also had the Opendoor option for $531k -- That's $30k less than the bottom Zillion market v...
by Taz
Sun Aug 13, 2023 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2905
Views: 515370

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

We are considering moving to the Los Alamos, NM area to be near family. Prices are still rising. Supply is very limited. Pre-fab homes from 1972 with almost no lot are going for nearly $450k. Others look like they were cobbled together to fit in small lot. Records of sale amounts aren't public record, so we'll have to rely on an agent. Los Alamos has extremely limited supply and, with the way that the lab is hiring (and plans to keep hiring), things will likely only get worse. Consider Santa Fe instead. Los Alamos is a very charming town, but other than having a great library, a lot of churches, and a very nice grocery store, there isn’t much else there. Santa Fe may close up at 10; Los Alamos practically closes up at 7. And you will very ...
by Taz
Fri Aug 11, 2023 6:56 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Alternative to Federal Money Market [Vanguard Cash Deposit]
Replies: 21
Views: 4864

Re: Vanguard Alternative to Federal Money Market

Well, I was offered it and bit. At the time, the interest rate was close and I only shifted $10k into the program. The rates are no longer anywhere near competitive so I changed it back.
by Taz
Fri Aug 11, 2023 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2905
Views: 515370

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]

We are considering moving to the Los Alamos, NM area to be near family. Prices are still rising. Supply is very limited. Pre-fab homes from 1972 with almost no lot are going for nearly $450k. Others look like they were cobbled together to fit in small lot. Records of sale amounts aren't public record, so we'll have to rely on an agent.
by Taz
Fri Aug 11, 2023 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Settlement Fund
Replies: 35
Views: 4607

Re: Settlement Fund

I initially bit on VG's Cash Deposits for receiving the dividends from my taxable account. Switched back to the MM fund because the Cash Deposits failed to keep up with interest rates (3.7% compared to 5.3%). Right now, I'm selling and parking some of my VTSAX anticipating moving within the next 5 months.
by Taz
Fri Aug 04, 2023 8:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Polar Bear tours, Churchill CA or ?
Replies: 7
Views: 843

Re: Polar Bear tours, Churchill CA or ?

my sister did the tundra vehicles at Churchill & thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Great pictures.
by Taz
Fri Aug 04, 2023 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Best way to treat an unlikely-to-be-used 529
Replies: 21
Views: 3563

Re: Best way to treat an unlikely-to-be-used 529

While the 529's are your money, C2 may feel slighted that C1 received a greater benefit from you funding a portion of C1's law school.

For us, C1's 529 was used up for his 4+1 masters. We changed the ownership of the remaining funds (~$8k) in C2's 529 so that she had control over it after graduation. We saved it for her and felt that it belonged to her, regardless of whether or when she went on for a higher degree. She decided to pay the taxes and withdraw the money to help pay for a car. Her employer is funding her masters, so it worked out well.
by Taz
Thu Jun 15, 2023 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need help to buy new Tires quickly
Replies: 22
Views: 2275

Re: Need help to buy new Tires quickly

8301 wrote: Tue Jun 13, 2023 5:17 pm I'm getting tires from Costco. First, call and locate a store which has tires for you. Otherwise, order tires online. When they have tires, go to the tire shop and line up outside the door early in the morning, before 8 am as a walk-in. If you are #1 in the line, you will get your car back in about two hours. Make sure bring newspapers with you to read. Sorry, you just missed $150 off for 4 Michelin tires.
hijacking the thread -- Did they call you when the tires came in?
by Taz
Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?
Replies: 362
Views: 53939

Re: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?

ichee_marone wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:31 am
Taz wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:28 am It's been quiet on the bourbon thread. Have definitely seen 15-25% increase in prices since the last post here in 2021.
Here's what I've been drinking lately:
Barrell Vantage (actually, I like anything from Barrell but starting price is $70)
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (best price has been Wal-mart)
Russell Reserve 10 (about $34)
+1 on Russell Reserve 10, but it's in the low 40s by me
Ouch. Costco in our area has Rare Breed for $49.99 so I think I'd jump up.
by Taz
Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?
Replies: 362
Views: 53939

Re: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?

homebuyer6426 wrote: Thu Jun 15, 2023 8:23 am Evan Williams Black Label is the best one at its low price point. Last I checked it was around $17 for a 750ml bottle.
You might try one of the Benchmark varieties. They are cheap in FL, although they might be hard to fine because that are a Buffalo Trace product. The full proof makes a decent cocktail.
by Taz
Thu Jun 15, 2023 7:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?
Replies: 362
Views: 53939

Re: What is your favorite reasonably priced bourbon?

It's been quiet on the bourbon thread. Have definitely seen 15-25% increase in prices since the last post here in 2021.
Here's what I've been drinking lately:
Barrell Vantage (actually, I like anything from Barrell but starting price is $70)
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (best price has been Wal-mart)
Russell Reserve 10 (about $34)
by Taz
Tue May 30, 2023 5:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Netflix Household Verification
Replies: 141
Views: 23884

Re: Netflix Household Verification

We told our daughter that we would uninstall/stop being part of the extended household so she could drop to the basic plan. If we want to watch Netflix in the future, then we would subscribe for a month or two and drop it. We'll take advantage of short-time specials that pop-up such as $4 a month for 3 months Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+. Once the Stanley Cup is over, we'll drop YouTube TV for just OTA.

Need to remind ourselves that it is OKAY not to have every flavor in the freezer all the time. Somehow we lived with 4-5 channels as a kid.
by Taz
Thu May 25, 2023 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Countertop Ice Makers?
Replies: 15
Views: 1758

Re: Countertop Ice Makers?

My sister has one similar to the GE model which makes soft nuggets. (Her indoor make broke.) If you don't mind watery drinks then it is fine. The ice bin is barely at freezing so it constantly recycles the melted nuggets. It would be better if she took out the ice and put it in her freezer.
by Taz
Tue May 23, 2023 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retired Military w/Gov Contractor Job - Portfolio Questions
Replies: 52
Views: 6714

Re: Retired Military w/Gov Contractor Job Converting to GS - Rollover/TSP/401k Questions

Out of curiosity, can you use your GI Bill benefits for your children's education? I cannot. I initially enlisted, and then went to college on a ROTC scholarship, where I used my Ch. 31 GI Bill. I still have a little Post-9/11 GI Bill remaining that I haven't used. When they changed the policy allowing benefit transfer, I had fewer than four years left before retirement, so I couldn't (and didn't transfer those benefits). If you want, you can use your benefits to work towards another degree (MBA, systems management, etc.). I was in the same boat and took courses towards an AA in accounting just for grins after retiring to be the house husband. The nice part is that I received a little tax-free BAH as well. Ended up using the courses as the...
by Taz
Wed May 03, 2023 6:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Smart Sprinkler Timers - Orbit B-Hyve Smart Sprinkler? Paying for "turn on"?
Replies: 19
Views: 1953

Re: Smart Sprinkler Timers - Orbit B-Hyve Smart Sprinkler? Paying for "turn on"?

Check with your utility company. For us, the Rachio was free after rebate. Costco had a good price.
by Taz
Wed May 03, 2023 5:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it ever make sense not to take the joint and survivor pension option?
Replies: 62
Views: 7027

Re: Does it ever make sense not to take the joint and survivor pension option?

mrc wrote: Mon May 01, 2023 4:46 am
Taz wrote: Sun Apr 30, 2023 3:26 pm We will likely not take the survivor's options for my wife's small FERS pension. I am already paying Survivor Benefit Plan premiums for my military pension. Our rationale is that if I die first, my military pension will be reduced by 45% so we want to maximize her pension. Since her SS benefit is higher than mine so she will wait until 70 to claim.
One consideration: The only reason we chose a survivor benefit (for me) for my wife's FERS is to provide me with lifetime health insurance in the event of her death.
That is a major consideration. In the case of a military retiree, the health insurance continues for the spouse. I was already retired when she started working for the feds so we only used the dental plan.
by Taz
Sun Apr 30, 2023 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does it ever make sense not to take the joint and survivor pension option?
Replies: 62
Views: 7027

Re: Does it ever make sense not to take the joint and survivor pension option?

We will likely not take the survivor's options for my wife's small FERS pension. I am already paying Survivor Benefit Plan premiums for my military pension. Our rationale is that if I die first, my military pension will be reduced by 45% so we want to maximize her pension. Since her SS benefit is higher than mine so she will wait until 70 to claim.
by Taz
Thu Apr 27, 2023 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?
Replies: 382
Views: 33110

Re: What watch do you wear on a daily basis, or are you wearing today?

f35phixer wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 6:37 am Dad just gave me his Falcon Airman GMT-2001. He said he had bought it from a P-3 pilot.
(SNIP).
No danger of having been subject to high G maneuvers :wink: .
by Taz
Sat Feb 18, 2023 8:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another Heat pump water heater recommendations
Replies: 24
Views: 2660

Re: Another Heat pump water heater recommendations

We have a Rheem and generally like it. Go with a 65 - 80 gallon system if possible. The recovery time is slower than electric or gas only.

As far as the cost, if the rebate(s) and/or tax credits from the layers of government is X, then the price is likely to increase by X or rise to X. Most business won't leave available money on the table. Similar with military housing allowances and rental costs.
by Taz
Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Nailed It! (tax refund)
Replies: 54
Views: 5422

Re: Nailed It! (tax refund)

My wife resigned/retired in Feb so 2022 our income drastically changed & will have no more earned income. I would have been within $100 except for an extra mid-Dec Roth conversion which resulted in being short $1060. Looks like like estimated tax payments will be in our future as conversions will continue for several more year.
by Taz
Thu Jan 19, 2023 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windshield replacement $1,800. Would you use insurance?
Replies: 45
Views: 4681

Re: Windshield replacement $1,800. Would you use insurance?

We have USAA & live in FL. Regretfully, we needed a replacement in December. In fact, when we reported the need for a claim to USAA, their system immediately defaulted to Safelite. Did not speak with anyone. USAA covered replacement and the eye-sight calibration. No deductible. Dropped it off the next day. Done in 3 hours.
by Taz
Tue Nov 29, 2022 9:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio
Replies: 649
Views: 112408

Re: Don't pay full price for SiriusXM radio

Have received the offer a few times in the mail for our 2012 Hyundai. I tried to get them to honor the offer for our 2016 Outback instead. The guy on chat wouldn't budge. Will try again tomorrow to see if another agent will play. It's not as if I need it since I enjoy Amazon Music Unlimited, have hours of podcasts on my cell phone, and can even play stuff from a USB stick to amuse me on long trips.
by Taz
Wed Nov 23, 2022 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: FYI, Kindle Fire Black Friday upgrade deal.
Replies: 12
Views: 2764

Re: FYI, Kindle Fire Black Friday upgrade deal.

I took advantage of the deal last year. We've used it primarily for watching Prime movies and reading articles/news when traveling. Not as good as an ebook reader but very suitable indoors.
by Taz
Thu Nov 10, 2022 8:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Math for when or if to trade in a phone
Replies: 27
Views: 3288

Re: Math for when or if to trade in a phone

(6) Substantially improved feature(s).

I upgraded from the Pixel 3a to the 7 Pro for the vastly improved camera and 5G. First flagship phone. We were heading out on a short vacation to the PNW and wanted a better camera without having to get an SLR. Slow-mo waterfall shots and the magic eraser were great to have. Voice typing noticeably better.

It was a pain to reconfigure apps and some settings.
by Taz
Wed Oct 12, 2022 7:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Marine Corps NROTC program for daughter
Replies: 67
Views: 6638

Re: Marine Corps NROTC program for daughter

CletusCaddy wrote: Sun Oct 09, 2022 3:48 pm Northwestern Naval ROTC. Even with that ACT score she may not get in, but if she does she will be surrounded by excellence
I attended NU on an NROTC scholarship a few years back when tuition was only $9k a year. FWIW, one of my female classmates made 4-star.

I also was the XO of an NROTC unit before retiring. We always updated the admissions committee when a scholarship was awarded. Not to be too cynical, having scholarship money in her back pocket will certainly be a plus on her side. Pretty sure that helped me 8-)

In any event, I recommend that anyone interested in a particular school's program drop-in or setup an appointment to go by the unit during a campus tour.
by Taz
Sat Sep 03, 2022 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What have you baked recently?
Replies: 538
Views: 81208

Re: What have you baked recently?

Used our Ooni pizza oven to bake fresh naan for shawarma spiced pork tenderloin/tzatziki. A second rising after the dough was pressed out helps. Takes about a minute.

If you like spicy. try spreading Trader Joe's Zhoug sauce on a few before baking.
by Taz
Wed Aug 24, 2022 6:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering Internships
Replies: 14
Views: 1539

Re: Mechanical/Aeronautical Engineering Internships

Daughter interned at Boeing the summer prior to senior year. No tech/mechanical related job experience. Did rocket team design/leadership.
Apply early. She met interviewers at job fair & an engineering society convention. They offered her FT position in the fall after the summer. Helps to have clean record to get security clearances.

DoD also has internships (USA Jobs). Near me there is a aircraft rework facility. Daughter's friend interned in a materials lab.
by Taz
Thu Apr 28, 2022 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dog breeds
Replies: 150
Views: 12312

Re: Dog breeds

Whippets. They are not very common. Think of a medium sized greyhound. 28-33 lbs. Sweet natured but not the sharpest knife in the block. I raised ours from a pup and would recommend as they are rather sensitive. Loved to cuddle. Cannot keep off of the couch. Minimal grooming except for nails. Two speeds - on & off. Short bursts of speed. Loved having other dogs chase him. Our had the first 30 yards on a former racing greyhound until he was bodychecked. They are sighthound so they are NOT good with cats and will chase anything small and furry with no regard to its environment. Must be on a leash unless in a fenced area. (See above) We had a fenced yard so he could burn off energy. Some like to swim, ours didn't. Ours lived 9 years but ha...
by Taz
Mon Feb 21, 2022 4:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Best Companies for Reg 401k Setup
Replies: 4
Views: 617

Re: Best Companies for Reg 401k Setup

My old company switched to Ascensus/Vanguard several years ago. We looked at others, including the two mentioned by terrran, but thought that the overall costs to the company (no cost to the employees other than very low ER) would be less if the company grew. Some of the other firms we reviewed charged by the program balances similar to AUM. That was a good call as the company has grown by 40% and the market has done well. The plan offered only Vanguard funds unless an individual chose the brokerage option (at their cost).

Ascensus customer service was exceptional through last Feb and I assume it has remained so.
by Taz
Sun Feb 13, 2022 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Place to see manatees, north/central Florida ?
Replies: 11
Views: 1972

Re: Place to see manatees, north/central Florida ?

Blue Spring State Park, if you're there in cooler months https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Spring_State_Park Water was crystal clear, several manatee and calves and other wild life. No swimming d/t the moms and their calves. I'll second (or third) that recommendation. Lots of manatees and crystal clear water is a hard combination to beat. And it's in Central Florida which was one of the areas where you said you wanted to see them. Visited Friday mid-day with FIL. 25 minute wait to enter the park at noon. The ranger count was 308 manatee. No swimming but you could rent kayaks/paddle boards through a vendor but you couldn't enter the spring area. Mid-summer they move north as the water warms and we see onesies or pairs further north in the ...
by Taz
Tue Feb 08, 2022 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Iberian Peninsula Activities
Replies: 21
Views: 1674

Re: Iberian Peninsula Activities

We lived in SW Spain for about two years. Highly recommend renting a small car unless you will stay in the city or join a tour. I think you'd miss out on the small towns & countryside. Buses might work if you had a very flexible schedule.

As a reminder, please tip the gentlemen helping you into the on-street parking spaces. :)
by Taz
Mon Feb 07, 2022 8:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Florida home to snowbird: Buy now, or wait?
Replies: 51
Views: 7733

Re: Florida home to snowbird: Buy now, or wait?

We bought in 2006 at the height of the market in St Johns County. It's not really a snowbird haven, at least compared to counties further south. Most of the county development is geared toward families because of the schools. Latest Zillow estimate for our 22 year old house (2280 sqft with pool/enclosure) in a large, established HOA development is $525k. Could probably sell in two weeks but my wife doesn't want to move. :( Current assessed value is $235k. My homestead exemption (since 2006) further reduces assessed value. Resulting taxes for both ad valorem and non ad valorem (waste, recycling, & CCD) assessments are about $3.5k after early payment discount. Newer homes in developments will have higher CCD fees for infrastructure.
by Taz
Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ID.me [Identify verification site]
Replies: 363
Views: 41896

Re: ID.me [Identify verification site]

Tubes wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 10:46 am All you having luck: did you do it through your phone or through a computer?
I had problems setting up a SSA account since I moved around quite a bit. Tried the ID.me route. I already had an account to get a military discount.

Started on a PC, used a phone to take my driver's license photo, but needed a video interview. They also wanted more documents which I uploaded via the phone. Once uploaded, the system switched back to the PC for the interview using an old webcam. At the end, they wanted me to look straight at the camera to get my eyes.

Easy login to the SSA. Was surprised to see my estimated amounts -- even going forward with zero earnings.
by Taz
Thu Jan 13, 2022 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: In Kind Transfer of MF's - Partial/Fractional Shares
Replies: 14
Views: 1110

Re: In Kind Transfer of MF's - Partial/Fractional Shares

Transferred VTSAX shares to Fidelity Charitable from Vanguard in Dec. My letter of instruction stated xx5.946 shares which matched a lot purchased in 2008. VG transferred xx6.00000 shares -- slight round up.