Search found 117 matches

by CUBuffs
Tue Mar 24, 2020 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What have you learned from this situation that you will take action on?
Replies: 158
Views: 17479

Re: What have you learned from this situation that you will take action on?

For those investors fortunate enough to have a Thrift Savings Plan, don't use the L Income Fund for your retirement withdrawals. The TSP is an excellent vehicle for the accumulation phase, but the withdrawal options are severely limited. You can't specify which funds from which to withdraw. For example, if you have 50% in the G Fund (essentially a bond fund with a guaranteed return) and 50% in the C fund (S&P 500 fund), you cannot specify that withdrawals come from the G Fund during declining markets. The TSP withdrawals are made proportionately, e.g. 50% G Fund and 50% C Fund. This is very detrimental during declining markets. Even the L Income Fund (about 20% equities) is down today, 3/24/2020, about 6%. In my opinion, it would be bet...
by CUBuffs
Thu Jan 26, 2017 9:43 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!
Replies: 199
Views: 20684

Re: HAPPY 93RD BIRTHDAY, TAYLOR!

Happy Birthday Taylor!
You have helped me so much over the years.
May the wind always be in your sails!
CUBuff
by CUBuffs
Thu Jul 28, 2016 6:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New retirement, Inc Website
Replies: 8
Views: 2639

Re: New retirement, Inc Website

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and information. I'm going to think about it before I proceed with this website. I realize theses websites need to make money somehow, but it seems that most of the time when I try a new website, I get bombarded with new emails.
Thanks again for taking the time to comment.
CUBuffs
by CUBuffs
Wed Jul 27, 2016 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New retirement, Inc Website
Replies: 8
Views: 2639

New retirement, Inc Website

Hi Bogleheads,
Has anyone ever heard of or used a retirement planning website called Newretirement? I signed up and started entering some requested information including Social Security income, pension income, house value, net worth, etc., the got to thinking about any risks of providing this type of information. The would have my email address and a lot of personal information.

Also, on a side note, I was wondering whether this type of website sells my email address to other companies based on financial information that was provided. I would appreciate any thoughts/opinions on these questions.

Best regards,

CUBuffs
by CUBuffs
Mon Feb 29, 2016 1:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ken Heebner bites the dust
Replies: 19
Views: 7616

Re: Ken Heebner bites the dust

Thanks Larry!
A very enlightening article. Until several years ago, I used actively managed funds, many of those recommended by magazines like Money and Kiplinger. After I discovered the Bogleheads forum and saw the light, I gradually shifted to almost all index funds, mostly Vanguard's Total Stock Market and Total Bond Market. I'm satisfied with "average" returns.

Sometimes I wish I would have kept a few of the Vanguard funds, including Primecap and Healthcare. They still seem like good funds with reasonable expense ratios.

Take care,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 20th Anniversary of Jack Bogle's heart transplant
Replies: 15
Views: 2810

Re: 20th Anniversary of Jack Bogle's heart transplant

Taylor,
Thanks for letting us know about Mr. Bogle's amazing milestone! I have the utmost respect and appreciation for him as a person of great ethics and principle and for everything he has done for individual investors. I wish him many more years.

Also, I want to thank you for everything you've done for the Bogleheads board and for your service to our great country. And finally, thanks to Mel and Ladygeek for all their contributions.

Mike
by CUBuffs
Mon Feb 15, 2016 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guns for hunting/defense
Replies: 159
Views: 53506

Re: Guns for hunting/defense

TxAg wrote:I'm glad to see so many 9mm recommendations. Seems like these days guys claim you need a 45 to do any damage.
FYI, the FBI is switching to 9mm for their duty pistol. Seems like a pretty good endorsement for this caliber. Here are a couple of related articles:

bluesheepdog.com
grandviewoutdoors.com

If these sites don't work just google something like "official pistol for the FBI"

Stay safe Bogleheads and stay the course.

Mike
by CUBuffs
Sat Feb 06, 2016 9:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Vanguard Brokerage Services] 1099Bs Issued at the End of Feb
Replies: 32
Views: 5446

[Vanguard Brokerage Services] 1099Bs Issued at the End of Feb

Hi Bogleheads, I saw a question about someone's concern about Vanguard not issuing 1099Bs until the end of February for Brokerage Services accounts because they needed to complete their taxes to apply for college financial aid. I didn't want to hijack that thread, so I'd thought I'd ask another question. Does anyone know whether 1099B for Brokerage Service accounts will always be issued at the end of February or was this a one-time situation due to the conversion this year? I read the material Vanguard issued about converting to Brokerage Service accounts, but I'm not exactly sure whether there was any benefit. I only converted by taxable accounts, i.e., I didn't convert my Roth IRAs. Are there some of you that didn't convert? If so are the...
by CUBuffs
Thu Jan 07, 2016 10:32 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A time to EVALUATE your jitters
Replies: 678
Views: 632999

Re: A time to EVALUATE your jitters

Thanks Nisiprius!
I just saw your post because ray.james referenced it in the lengthy "Stocks are in a free fall" thread. Your post is very timely now and I'm sure it will continue to be timely as we experience these normal business cycles.
Thanks again for sharing your vast wisdom and calming us down!
Best wishes,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Fri Jan 01, 2016 8:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 667
Views: 60437

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2016 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

Happy 2016 to All,
2108
Mike
by CUBuffs
Fri Oct 23, 2015 7:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013
Replies: 17
Views: 2314

Re: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013

Hi Epsilon Delta, Just for clarification, when I stated that I believe the computer-generated information would be correct, I should have stated that I didn't think that the information on the original 1099s would be different than the conformation information provided after I made the redemptions. In other words, I thought that the 1099s would be computer-generated from the information in the confirmation statements. I will check my records, but I don't think there will be any discrepancies between the confirmation statements and the original 1099s. For some reason, Vanguard identified 1099 errors in 2015 that applied to 2012 and 2013. It would interesting to know how this was discovered and the circumstances that were involved. I still wo...
by CUBuffs
Fri Oct 23, 2015 11:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013
Replies: 17
Views: 2314

Re: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013

Hi livesoft,
Thanks for the related links! In regard to your questions, I selected average cost basis for redemptions. I'll need to check my records, but I think the redeemed shares were uncovered, since the shares were originally acquired before 2012. I was remiss in comparing the original 1099s to my records. I assumed it was all generated from Vanguard's computer system, so it would be accurate. I've learned a lesson to double check all statements.
Thanks again for taking the time to find the related links!
Take care,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Oct 21, 2015 11:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013
Replies: 17
Views: 2314

Re: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013

Hi sawhorse and Truebluesky, I have the original 1099s. I'll compare them to the corrected 1099s to assess whether there would be a material difference in taxes owed or refundable. After I do this, I'll post to let everyone know. dodecahedron - thanks for the cite indicating that there is not a statutory requirement to amend a return. After I compare the original and corrected 1099s, if there is not a material difference, I don't think I'll do anything. The main reason for my initial post was to see whether this was a wide-spread issue with Vanguard in 2012 and 2013. So far, it seems like it might be an isolated incident, although I don't know how this could be possible, since I'm assuming the same software calculates capital gains and loss...
by CUBuffs
Wed Oct 21, 2015 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013
Replies: 17
Views: 2314

Re: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013

DSInvestor wrote:
MikeDenver wrote:Primecap Fund.
Ouch. Nice performing fund but not tax efficient.
Hi DSInvestor
l exchanged all my shares in Primecap to Total Stock Market in 2012. As you suggest, the capital gains were killing me every year. In fact, following the general Bogleheads philosophy, I now only own Vanguard index funds.
Take care,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Oct 21, 2015 8:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013
Replies: 17
Views: 2314

Re: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013

Kevin,
The funds involved were Short-Term Investment Grade, Total Stock Market, and Primecap Fund.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Oct 21, 2015 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013
Replies: 17
Views: 2314

Vanguard - Corrected 1099-B for 2012 and 2013

Hi Bogleheads, Today I received a rather disturbing letter from Vanguard. They sent me corrected Form 1099-B documents for 2012 and 2013. The letter indicated that I should "seek the advice of a tax professional for assistance" since these corrections may require me to file amended tax returns for those years. They just sent the corrected amounts, not indicating what changes were made. They said that these corrected forms would also be sent to the IRS. Has anyone else received corrected Form 1099-Bs? If so, what do you plan to do, e.g., go back to the original forms to see what changed and file amended returns or just ignore that corrections and file your 2015 taxes as usual? I prepared my 2012 and 2013 taxes with Turbotax, but un...
by CUBuffs
Tue Jul 21, 2015 4:17 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: livesoft surpasses 40,000 posts!
Replies: 74
Views: 10443

Re: livesoft surpasses 40,000 posts!

lifelong and prosper, livesoft
by CUBuffs
Wed Jun 10, 2015 6:47 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Disadvantages from moving 401k to IRA
Replies: 37
Views: 13378

Re: Disadvantages from moving 401k to IRA

Hi joyo23,
One advantage of keeping your 401k is the ability to make penalty-free withdrawals at age 55 under certain conditions, e.g., if you lose your job. If you transfer from your 401k to an IRA, you would have to pay a 10% penalty on any withdrawals taken before age 59 1/2. There is an IRS exception, Section 72(t), that would allow you you take withdrawals without penalty, if you withdrew "substantially equal periodic payments." The Bogleheads Wiki has detailed information about this exception.

Not knowing your age, this is probably more than you wanted to know.

Best regards,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Thu Jan 01, 2015 8:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION
Replies: 557
Views: 57683

Re: 2015 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST REGISTRATION

2202.5

Thanks Taylor and Ralph for administering this contest!
by CUBuffs
Tue Dec 16, 2014 12:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car LED Lights Longevity?
Replies: 2
Views: 798

Car LED Lights Longevity?

Hi Bogleheads, I just saw a thread on the merits/lifespan of LED lights vs. incandescent home lights. It seems that some people were having issues with the lifespan of their LED lights. I have a somewhat related issue. I have a 2010 Mercury Milan car. Last week the rear passenger side brake light went out. It has about 53,000 miles. Initially, I thought I'd just replace the bulb. After looking at it, I realized that the brake light used a series of LED bulbs. I took the car to the dealer, who said they would need to replace the whole tail light assembly, since it is an integrated unit. They are unable to just replace the LEDs. The cost estimate is $450-500, including labor. Since this is a safety issue, I had them order the tail light assem...
by CUBuffs
Mon Nov 03, 2014 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Improving the TSP [for current participants]
Replies: 587
Views: 92819

Re: Improving the TSP [for current participants]

Thanks MichDad,
I appreciate the update and your continued efforts to improve the TSP withdrawal options.
Mike
by CUBuffs
Mon Oct 13, 2014 1:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Employees Group Life Insurance After Retirement
Replies: 15
Views: 4010

Re: Federal Employees Group Life Insurance After Retirement

Thanks super sharpie and MichDad,
I appreciate your insights and information. I'm thinking I don't really need life insurance at this stage of my life. I will consider canceling it.

MichDad - best wishes when you retire. I remember your helpful information and efforts to implement changes to the TSP. Hopefully, some of your suggested changes will come to pass someday.

Mike
by CUBuffs
Sun Oct 12, 2014 10:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal Employees Group Life Insurance After Retirement
Replies: 15
Views: 4010

Federal Employees Group Life Insurance After Retirement

Hi Bogleheads, I retired in 2013 and decided to continue 75% FEGLI Basic coverage at that time. After researching Office of Personnel Management RI 76-26, I am wondering whether this was a prudent decision. According to RI 76-26: "If you chooser a 75 percent reduction, your Basic insurance reduces 2 percent of the pre-retirement amount each month beginning at age 65 until 25% of the pre-retirement amount remains. If you choose the 75 percent reduction, the coverage will be free after you are retired and reach age 65". The way I interpret this is that when I turn 65, my insurance amount will decrease 2 percent each month, or 24 percent a year, until the insurance amount is 25 percent of the pre-retirement amount. This would take ab...
by CUBuffs
Tue Sep 30, 2014 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Oatmeal suggestions
Replies: 167
Views: 33971

Re: Oatmeal suggestions

We eat oatmeal almost everyday. We like "Coach's Oats", which we buy at Costco. It can be prepared in 5 minutes and the package says it has a steel cut texture. We put honey, cinnamon, blueberries, walnuts, and almonds on top. It is very good and it seems healthy.
Mike
by CUBuffs
Mon Sep 22, 2014 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Accident Responsibility for Borrowed Cars
Replies: 13
Views: 2537

Re: Car Accident Responsibility for Borrowed Cars

Thanks All! The general consensus is that my car insurance would need to cover any at-fault accidents caused by someone that borrows my car. It also sounds like I could be sued if someone used my car and caused an at-fault accident that exceeded my car insurance limits. That might be a good argument for carrying an umbrella policy. Hopefully, the chance of that type of catastrophic accident is as remote as getting hit by lightening. I guess it's just best not to try to worry about things that we don't have much control over. dm200 - if you find out that your State Farm policy definitely covers you if you borrow someone else's car, please let me know. I might have to switch to State Farm. Jeff1949 - one of my cars is 7 years old so I might d...
by CUBuffs
Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Accident Responsibility for Borrowed Cars
Replies: 13
Views: 2537

Car Accident Responsibility for Borrowed Cars

Hi Bogleheads, We loan our cars to relatives, e,g, adult kids not living with us, sister, brother, when they visit. If they were in an accident with one of our cars and they were at fault, does anyone know whether they could make a claim on their insurance policy instead of ours? This seems similar to what happens when our insurance company covers any damages in an at-fault accident. I'm afraid that if a claim were filed on our policy, it would increase our premium. I asked GEICO, our insurance company. They weren't very helpful. They said they can't answer hypothetical questions, because there are a lot of variables, e.g. the reason for borrowing the car, where they were going, the circumstances of the accident. I explained that they we lo...
by CUBuffs
Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Should I buy another fridge or freezer? Or neither?
Replies: 16
Views: 5558

Re: Should I buy another fridge or freezer? Or neither?

We bought a freezer a couple of months ago. We debated whether we should get a chest freezer, with the door on top, or an upright freezer with shelves. We decided to get the upright freezer. It is much easier to keep things organized and see what we have. Just an opinion, if you decide to go the extra freezer route.
by CUBuffs
Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Improving the TSP [for current participants]
Replies: 587
Views: 92819

Re: Improving the TSP [for current participants]

Thanks MichDad and Victoria for all your efforts to improve the TSP! I especially like the suggestion to allow annual lump sum withdrawals. As Grabiner and others pointed out in another thread, this would essentially allow us to withdraw from specific funds by making a withdrawal and immediately rebalancing.
Best wishes,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Sep 17, 2014 11:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article
Replies: 25
Views: 6013

Re: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article

Good point, David. There wouldn't be any net effect, except for some minor timing differences, as you pointed out. The only issue would be the restrictive TSP policy of only allowing one partial withdrawal, as discussed in my previous post. You could only do this once and then you would need to make a full withdrawal.
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Sep 17, 2014 8:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article
Replies: 25
Views: 6013

Re: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article

Hi Ybsybs, My wife rolled her company 401k and Roth 401 to T. Rowe Price a couple of years ago. They set up a traditional IRA for the 401k and a Roth IRA for the Roth 401k. From reviewing the TSP Summary, page 22, you would also be able to do this with your TSP accounts, including your Roth. I think any major firm, including Vanguard, would be able to se this up for you. I''me not familiar with tax exempt combat amounts. If you decide to do a rollover, I would consider leaving some amount for the G fund in the TSP. If you do a search on the G fund on this site,you will find that many people on this board think highly of the G fund. If I recall correctly someone even referred to it as a free lunch, since you earn interest income without any ...
by CUBuffs
Wed Sep 17, 2014 5:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article
Replies: 25
Views: 6013

Re: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article

rkhusky and Ybsybs, The Fedsmith article indicated that it is allowable to specify from which fund, e.g., the G fund, a withdrawal could be made. The benefit would be to not have to sell any C fund shares during a market downturn. Your proposed withdrawal method, with subsequent rebalancing seems that it would still require the sale of some C fund shares for the initial withdrawal. One issue with withdrawing and then rebalancing would be that the TSP Board only allows one partial withdrawal. For example, if a person has a $100,000 TSP balance and wants to take a partial withdrawal of $20,000,he would not be allowed to take another partial withdrawal. For the balance of his account, he would need to take a full withdrawal by one of the follo...
by CUBuffs
Wed Sep 17, 2014 12:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article
Replies: 25
Views: 6013

TSP Withdrawal Strategies - Fedsmith Article

In today's Fedsmith, Fedsmith.com, there is an article by Jason Visner on TSP withdrawal strategies. The article is entitled "Utilizing the TSP After Retirement." He states that it is allowable to withdraw from specific funds, e.g., the G Fund, and not the C Fund, i.e., if the market is bad. He suggests a 5 year buffer of G Fund withdrawals for expense needs until the market improves. From my review of the TSP brochure and some discussions on this board, it seems that the TSP Board requires a proportionate share from all funds in the retiree's TSP account for a withdrawal, i.e., it is not allowable to draw down specific funds only. I commented on the Fedsmith article indicating that this was my interpretation of TSP withdrawal req...
by CUBuffs
Tue Aug 19, 2014 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: B&H Photo - NY City Experience
Replies: 35
Views: 4307

Re: B&H Photo - NY City Experience

Thanks fellow Bogleheads!
You all are awesome! I'm always glad I check with you on major investment decisions and consumer purchases. Sounds like B & H is an incredible store with a huge inventory. I think I will be ordering a computer from them soon. I've also been thinking about getting a nice camera. I'll definitely consider B & H. Of course, I'll search the Bogleheads forum first and may also get opinions here on a nice camera.

Thanks again and best wishes to all of you!

Mike
by CUBuffs
Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: B&H Photo - NY City Experience
Replies: 35
Views: 4307

B&H Photo - NY City Experience

Hi All,
In researching prices for a new computer, I found that B&H Photo in NY City has excellent prices. I'm a little hesitant to make this type of purchase online, especially since I would need to give them my credit card number. Is this a reputable company. Has anyone had any experience with this store? If so, please share your experience, good or bad.
Thanks for any insights/opinions!
Mike
by CUBuffs
Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 7 PC?
Replies: 49
Views: 5011

Re: Windows 7 PC?

Thanks All for all the additional comments and information! Thanks denovo for the PM alerting me to the additional responses!

Best wishes,

Mike
by CUBuffs
Fri Aug 15, 2014 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 7 PC?
Replies: 49
Views: 5011

Re: Windows 7 PC?

Thanks All!
As usual, I received a lot of excellent opinions and information. I'm now leaning toward a Windows 7 PC, especially since it will be supported until 2020. Before I make a final decision though, I'd like to take a look at Windows 8.1. I just don't know anyone that has 8.1 or any place where I could take a look.
Thanks again, everyone for taking your time to respond!
Mike
by CUBuffs
Fri Aug 15, 2014 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Windows 7 PC?
Replies: 49
Views: 5011

Windows 7 PC?

Hi All,
We have Windows 8 on our laptop and don't like it much. We need to replace our desktop PC, which has the Vista operating system. I've been researching desktop PCs and found that we can get a PC with Windows 7, with either an Intel i3 or i5 processor.

Similar to Microsoft's discontinuance of updating their XP operating system, I know that they will someday discontinue support of Windows 7. I would appreciate any opinions on buying a PC with Windows 7, especially from any of you have recently purchased such a PC.

Thanks for your thoughts on this! I've always received excellent advice on this forum.

Mike
by CUBuffs
Thu Jun 05, 2014 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs
Replies: 21
Views: 2413

Re: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs

Thanks again, All!
You've all provided a lot of good information and ideas to ponder. Maybe I can get by with a laptop computer with a docking station, full sized keyboard, and mouse.

Thanks retiredjg for clarifying the terminology. I was using the term PC generically to refer to both Windows and Apple computers.

Thanks for all your input!

Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Jun 04, 2014 3:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs
Replies: 21
Views: 2413

Re: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs

Thanks again, All!
I really appreciate your insights. I now need to decide between a desktop and a laptop.
Mike
by CUBuffs
Tue Jun 03, 2014 11:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs
Replies: 21
Views: 2413

Re: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs

Thanks All! I really appreciate that you all took the time to share your experiences with Apple PCs and laptops. I have Windows 8 on our laptop and it seems very cumbersome to maneuver around, although I am getting more proficient as I use it more. One factor that appealed to me was that Apple products are less susceptible to viruses and pop-ups. Have any of you had any problems with viruses and pop-ups. Also, what virus protection do you use on your Apple PC/laptop, e.g. Norton? And finally, how often does Apple upgrade their versions and stop supporting previous versions?

Thanks again for any additional information you care to share.

Mike
by CUBuffs
Tue Jun 03, 2014 6:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs
Replies: 21
Views: 2413

Using TurboTax on Apple Mac PCs

Hi Bogleheads,
I am thinking of purchasing a new computer. I've read that Apple PCs are significantly less susceptible to viruses and spam. I would be primarily using my new computer for word processing, Excel, email, and TurboTax. For those of you that use Apple PCs would you please share your experiences in using your PC for these purposes, particularly TurboTax? Also, does Apple have their own word processing software, i.e., instead of Microsoft Word?

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Mike
by CUBuffs
Fri Mar 07, 2014 3:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Auto trailer hitch bike racks
Replies: 21
Views: 2964

Re: Auto trailer hitch bike racks

Hi Browser, We researched trailer-hitch bike racks last year, including racks by Swagman. We wanted a rack that had a bike tray so my wife could load her bike. We found that the Saris Freedom 2 was the most user-friendly and best quality. We liked the fact that it was made in the USA. Also, their customer service is excellent. When we lost the spare key to the bike hitch, I called them to ask how much a replacement key would be. The customer service rep said that they would send us a key at no charge. We are sold on Saris! Here is the link to the bike rack: http://saris.com/en/bike-racks/vehicle-racks/hitch-racks/freedom.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_images.tpl&product_id=258&category_id=8 Best of luck selecting...
by CUBuffs
Sun Mar 02, 2014 9:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Financial advisor wants me to roll a 401(k) into an IRA?
Replies: 98
Views: 11742

Re: Financial advisor wants me to roll a 401(k) into an IRA?

Hi Twokids,
One thing to consider before you roll your wife's 401k into an IRA are the tax implications. Since she left her previous company, she would be able to take withdrawals without the 10% penalty at age 55, even though she go a job with a new employer. If she rolled it into a IRA, she would pay a 10% penalty if she made withdrawals before age 59 1/2, with certain exceptions, e.g. 72t substantially equal payments. If you anticipate needing to withdraw from her 401k before age 59 1/2, you may want to consider leaving the funds in the 401k, assuming the 401k offers decent funds. I believe what I'm saying is correct. You may want to search this board for 401k and IRA early withdrawals.
Mike
by CUBuffs
Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exchange TIRA Investors Shares to Roth IRA - Taxable Amt?
Replies: 3
Views: 383

Re: Exchange TIRA Investors Shares to Roth IRA - Taxable Amt

Thanks sscritic and MN Finance for you quick replies. I'll try your suggestions on TurboTax after I receive all the required documents.
Thanks again for your help!
Mike
by CUBuffs
Sat Jan 18, 2014 5:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exchange TIRA Investors Shares to Roth IRA - Taxable Amt?
Replies: 3
Views: 383

Exchange TIRA Investors Shares to Roth IRA - Taxable Amt?

Hi Bogleheads, On Jan. 2, 2013, I made a $6,500 contribution to a non-deductible traditional IRA. On Jan. 4, 2013, I converted this tIRA to a Roth. In these few days, this account earned $29.39. I just received Form 1099-R from Vanguard. Box 2a indicates that the taxable amount is $6,529.39 and Box 2b "Taxable amount not determinted" is checked. I'm assuming that I only owe taxes on $29.39 that was earned before the conversion from a tIRA to a Roth IRA was made. Would someone be able to confirm whether this sounds right? Also, does anyone have any thoughts on how I will report this using TurboTax? When Vanguard send the Form 1099-R to the IRS, they will be able to see the total $6,529.39 distribution, but how will they know that I...
by CUBuffs
Sun Jan 05, 2014 6:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 537
Views: 44157

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

Since Victoria pointed out that 1952 was already taken, I'll guess 1979.25.
Thanks,
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:46 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 537
Views: 44157

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

1952
Happy New Year!
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Jan 01, 2014 9:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST
Replies: 537
Views: 44157

Re: REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 BOGLEHEAD CONTEST

1952
Happy New Year!
Mike
by CUBuffs
Wed Sep 04, 2013 9:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help switching Insurance - anyone use Geico??
Replies: 30
Views: 3944

Re: Help switching Insurance - anyone use Geico??

Beerwolf,
I've had GEICO for our car and home insurance for about 20 years. I had an accident in July of this year. The accident was my fault, since I backed into someone in a parking lot. The damage to my bumper was $550, but I have a $500 deductible, so it only cost GEICO $50. The damage to the other car was more extensive, i.e., the right passenger side rear was pretty damaged.

I just got my renewal notice a few days ago and my rates didn't increase. I'm thinking that it might have been because I've been with them for a long time. Or else they haven't gotten around to analyzing my rates.

I would whole-heartedly recommend GEICO.

Mike