Search found 140 matches

by TXJeff
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2601

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

familythriftmd wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:21 pm Air France and Delta both do direct from MSP to CDG.
If we book regular economy, what sounds better to you guys?
For US-France travel, Delta and Air France flights are the sweet spot of reliability and general comfort, with AF just a shade better.

Only potential downside of an AF flight: in case of a French transit labor strike, Air France may suffer flight cancellations. The flights of non-French airlines won't be cancelled directly, though they will experience some knock-on strike effects.
by TXJeff
Fri Nov 10, 2023 12:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medical Insurance for year-long visit in Spain, over 75 years old
Replies: 24
Views: 2612

Re: Medical Insurance for year-long visit in Spain, over 75 years old

Try the website https://www.insubuy.com, a travel insurance aggregator. I've used it several times for visas similar to yours.  I just tested it for an age 76 US male; there were options from 9 providers, all at lower cost than what you've described. Due diligence needed, of course.
by TXJeff
Thu Jul 27, 2023 12:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Edinburgh sightseeing ideas
Replies: 18
Views: 1871

Re: Edinburgh sightseeing ideas

For a museum, head to the Museum on the Mound about the history of money, coinage and economics. I know--it sounds like a museum only a Boglehead would love. But displays are interactive and great for teens. Shows what a million dollars (well, pounds) actually looks like. Lets kids design their own bank notes and coins. https://museumonthemound.com/

For bookshops, this article is accurate: https://edinburgh.org/blog/eleven-of-ed ... bookshops/. There is also Blackwells--huge and Edinburgh's oldest bookshop, though it's mostly educational and academic books. https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/home
by TXJeff
Mon Jul 24, 2023 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Maui or Scotland trip with kids?
Replies: 72
Views: 6118

Re: Maui or Scotland trip with kids?

With kids those ages, I'd suggest a trip to Scotland in late June, so you can see the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh and catch some Scottish Highland Games. The Royal Highland Show is like an American agricultural county fair on super steroids. It's a huge, multi-day, family-oriented extravaganza of animals, food, agriculture and scottish rural traditions. All interactive. You'll want to go for more than one day. https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/ As for highland games, a big thumbs up for the games in Ceres, a ridiculously charming village--rural--yet an easy train ride from Edinburgh. Lots of music, good food and all the highland game activities--from dancing to wrestling to wheat sheaf pitch to caber toss. Very family oriented. Not ove...
by TXJeff
Thu Apr 27, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Casual dinner meeting/job interview
Replies: 62
Views: 6128

Re: Casual dinner meeting/job interview

Also, one technique that is sometimes used is to prearrange with the restaurant to make a mistake in the interviewee's meal to see how they react. Wow. I had no idea. Is this common? Used to do something similar for the business I ran--because we were testing for the exact skills the interviewee would need on the job.  It's best to treat everything in an interview like a test. Because, in a way, it is.  So what would I do as the interviewee in the "pre-arranged mistake" case? After the waiter left, I'd say the following to the interviewer: "Hmm, I ordered lamb chops, but it looks like they brought me pasta. You know, in a situation where my meal was the most important thing, I'd call back the waiter and bring it politely to ...
by TXJeff
Thu Apr 27, 2023 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Casual dinner meeting/job interview
Replies: 62
Views: 6128

Re: Casual dinner meeting/job interview

Also, one technique that is sometimes used is to prearrange with the restaurant to make a mistake in the interviewee's meal to see how they react. Wow. I had no idea. Is this common? Used to do something similar for the business I ran--because we were testing for the exact skills needed on the job.  It's best to treat everything in an interview like a test. Because, in a way, it is.  So what would I do as the interviewee in the "pre-arranged mistake" case? After the waiter left, I'd say to the interviewer: "Hmm, I ordered lamb chops, but it looks like they brought me pasta. You know, in a situation where my meal was the most important thing, I'd politely bring this to the waiter's attention. But I don't mind pasta, and our d...
by TXJeff
Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Personal Travel Insurance: Two weeks in France (May)
Replies: 6
Views: 726

Re: Personal Travel Insurance: Two weeks in France (May)

You first need to decide on your main objective with this policy.

For example, are you just looking for the cheapest way to satisfy your tour company's requirements, and not much concerned about the insurance quality? Are you looking for the best possible coverage in case you have an accident/need to be medivac-ed somewhere? Do you want coverage of a pre-exisitng condition? How important are things like lost luggage/trip cancellation reimbursement?
Once you've nailed down your objectives, the choice becomes easier. 

+1 for TripInsuranceStore, as ResearchMed suggests. Insubuy.com is also good.

As for individual company recommendations, I've often used World Nomads, and can vouch for their honesty as far as claims. 
by TXJeff
Fri Mar 10, 2023 3:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Unwise move? Major home purchase before retirement
Replies: 42
Views: 4182

Re: Unwise move? Major home purchase before retirement

Sailfish wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 1:57 pm 6,000 sf is overkill but the home is in the gated neighborhood I want. The garage is a big factor. It is a 3 car and a 90 degree turn with another two. That leaves a lot of space for working on the cars too. Although I dont do much - change tires, occasional fluids. I mostly pay a team to manage my cars. I have a 991 cup car, GT4 clubsport, Radical, older BMW's. I could easily store all the cars here using lifts + my non=track cars. I'd have room for trailer too.
So, the home is in a gated community. These often have strict vehicle-related rules. Are you sure you'll be able to do everything you want to do with your cars? (Store them using lifts, work on them, store a trailer, etc . . . )
by TXJeff
Thu Mar 09, 2023 1:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fine (but not too fine) dining in Paris with kids
Replies: 14
Views: 2085

Re: Fine (but not too fine) dining in Paris with kids

We are heading to France in June with a group of 6: parents, grandparents, and 2 kids ages 9 and 6. For one of our nights in Paris, we'd like to have a nice dinner out . . . . I'd love to hear your recommendations for really nice but not 3-Michelin star restaurants that you think would be appropriate for kids. They are well behaved and can sit for a 2+ hour dinner. Expensive is OK, but preferably a la carte rather than a tasting menu. In my very brief research, Dourant came up a few times. Where else? Yes, the restaurant you've identified ticks all your boxes. It would be an excellent choice. And it's very central, in the second arrondissement, so easy to get to no matter where you're staying. Note that the name is "Drouant" not ...
by TXJeff
Fri Mar 03, 2023 2:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Guided Tours in London and Paris
Replies: 18
Views: 1428

Re: Guided Tours in London and Paris

Commenting on the Paris locations: Eiffel Tower: no tour needed. Book ahead and use it's online visitor's guide: Prepare your visit |Eiffel Tower official website: https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/planning-smooth-visit Louvre: tour or no tour depends on your interests/priorities. If your group has one or two specific areas of interest--like Egyptology--just proceed to those rooms. If you want to see "the greatest hits," then take one of the Louvre's own tours. Definitely book ahead. https://www.louvre.fr/en/what-s-on/guided-tours Versailles: Versailles cannot be visited roundtrip from Paris in 3 hours. Four hours would be a mad rush, and most tours that fit your budget will be group tours and take at least 5 hours. (I do see ads fo...
by TXJeff
Wed Jan 11, 2023 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I sold my car on Craigslist
Replies: 65
Views: 11164

Re: I sold my car on Craigslist

urban wrote: Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:31 am You can skip going to the vehicle registration office by signing your title in the bank, in front of a notary public, and taking a copy of it (or a picture). Though it may be specific to your state.
https://carbrain.com/car-title-transfer/ohio
Very useful if available!
In my two transactions it wasn't available. Signing at the vehicle registration office was the only real way to make sure, right from the time of sale, that the buyer properly registered the car.
by TXJeff
Wed Jan 11, 2023 11:22 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I sold my car on Craigslist
Replies: 65
Views: 11164

Re: I sold my car on Craigslist

Since it hasn't been mentioned yet: the two times I sold cars via Craigslist, a main concern was that the car got properly registered to the new owner, so I wasn't potentially responsible for their tickets, toll violations or even crimes.

As a result, my process has been: agree on sale price, seller has/gets cash, we go to the vehicle registration office and finalize the transaction in front of one of their reps. That way, the buyer knows the title is OK, we ensure that the sales receipt has all the info the govt requires, and I know for sure that I'm off the title.
by TXJeff
Tue Jan 10, 2023 2:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Slow Travel and Financial Planning
Replies: 27
Views: 4005

Re: Slow Travel and Financial Planning

307068304 wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 1:23 pm
TXJeff wrote: Mon Jan 09, 2023 7:24 am Longtime slow traveler, mostly in Europe these days.
what is the budget for you?
My budget is higher than yours, and just for one person.

But the important thing here: as an experienced slow traveler familiar with pre- and post-pandemic Euro-travel, I think your budget is realistic for what you want to do. Especially if you travel in the shoulder season, play a decent points/cc game, and remain flexible.
by TXJeff
Mon Jan 09, 2023 1:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel luggage preferences
Replies: 58
Views: 4942

Re: Travel luggage preferences

We are inexperienced compared to the rest of this group… We are fit, but we are 63 years old… Going to Asia for a few months and traveling around (our experienced traveler son lives there). Wondering if those of you using the backpack only option are younger? We’re thinking about a medium sized checked suitcase per person, and a carry-on, like a backpack or duffel. What are your insights for us? Thank you. I've traveled in Asia for a total of more than 6 years. In general, a backpack is more convenient there than a suitcase. And I agree that carrying a pack is not a matter of age. It's a matter of a certain type of fitness. A small to medium suitcase translates into about a 40 to 45 liter pack. If you're willing to go more minimalist, many...
by TXJeff
Mon Jan 09, 2023 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Slow Travel and Financial Planning
Replies: 27
Views: 4005

Re: Slow Travel and Financial Planning

Longtime slow traveler, mostly in Europe these days. You've received good, thoughtful advice here. I'd just add that if you'll be traveling mostly in Europe, keep in mind that with a US passport, you're limited to 90 days in 180 days in the Schengen area. (Map and list: https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/schengen-visa_en ) In the past, it was possible to overstay a bit without serious repercussions, especially if exiting via one of the more "lax" Schengen borders. But that will change in 2023, with the introduction of the Schengen ETIAS, a new, required, electronic Schengen travel pre-authorization. https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/smart-borders/european-travel-information-authorisation-system_en...
by TXJeff
Sun Aug 14, 2022 5:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: France trip in June 2023 advice needed - Paris and Normandy
Replies: 67
Views: 6718

Re: France trip in June 2023 advice needed - Paris and Normandy

OP here, thanks for the additional information, and thanks to Small Law Survivor for his post - he got me looking in the same general area. Your thoughts on this hotel in the 7th arrondissement? Hotel de Lille - tripadvisor.com I haven't stayed at the hotel, so I can't comment on that. But I know the neighborhood well.  The one minor downside to that location: transit. The nearest metro stations are on lines 4 and 12--not the most useful for tourists. So metro rides will require changing lines, which adds some time and can be confusing the first trip or two. Note that the Tuileries metro stop, which I mentioned in a previous post as being on a metro line great for tourists, is just shy of a kilometer away from this hotel--and would usually...
by TXJeff
Fri Aug 12, 2022 9:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: France trip in June 2023 advice needed - Paris and Normandy
Replies: 67
Views: 6718

Re: France trip in June 2023 advice needed - Paris and Normandy

Timely thread since wife and I are traveling to France (from Boston) in mid-September. We are taking a Road Scholar "Art Voyage" that starts in Nice and travels up the Rhône to Paris, with lots of art along the way (!). However, we are spending five nights in Paris before the Road Scholar program begins. We are Paris neophytes - my wife has never been to Paris, and the last time I was there was ... 1972. We are also AirBNB neophytes. All that said, we have an AirBNB reservation on Pl. du Marché Saint-Honoré. This is just north of the Jardin des Tuileries and just north west of the Louvre. Map here - https://www.google.com/maps/place/22+Pl.+du+March%C3%A9+Saint-Honor%C3%A9,+75001+Paris,+France/@48.8674579,2.3285593,14.77z/data=!4m...
by TXJeff
Thu Aug 11, 2022 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any BHs retire in France? 401k, IRA withdraw Pension and SS tax issues.
Replies: 57
Views: 7177

Re: Any BHs retire in France? 401k, IRA withdraw Pension and SS tax issues.

In France, apartments are typically rented "empty." Actually, the number of available furnished apartments often exceeds the number of unfurnished (and the unfurnished can come very bare). People often have trouble finding suitable unfurnished places. This is because lease terms are shorter for furnished (1 year vs. 3) and individual owners can depreciate only furnished properties (among other incentives that favor furnished property rental). LeBonCoin.com is the French craigslist and can give you a better idea of apartments prices in your target area. I agree they are often very small and foreigners with no job can have trouble finding a place (due to a strong preference for permanent residents with an employment contract) I hav...
by TXJeff
Thu Aug 11, 2022 4:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Any BHs retire in France? 401k, IRA withdraw Pension and SS tax issues.
Replies: 57
Views: 7177

Re: Any BHs retire in France? 401k, IRA withdraw Pension and SS tax issues.

I am going to explore one city per year so no plan to purchase real estate. Look at www.numbeo.com, the housing price/rent is to renter's favor. So I will just do one year rent and do a lot of traveling. I don' t have to back to US to claim SS. I am now considering Portugal (NRH Portugal 10% tax), France (0% French tax), Spain (40% Spanish + wealth tax). The only challenge is to master the French language. I will withdraw 401K +Roth convert up to 8000USD+24000USD stand deduction to 12% tax (15% after 2026 maybe) bracket. Portugal 10% NRH will probably offset France living cost. I looked at numbeo, Lisbon rent and house cost is more than many cities in Spain and Frane. The country is too small to meet demand flood of American and northern e...
by TXJeff
Wed Aug 10, 2022 2:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To move or not to move...
Replies: 16
Views: 2607

Re: To move or not to move...

Three words: Seattle Earthquake Zone

As described in this New Yorker article: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015 ... ly-big-one
by TXJeff
Fri Jul 15, 2022 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Thinking about longer-term places to live
Replies: 85
Views: 11228

Re: Thinking about longer-term places to live

Well, the thing is, the cost/work stress is very much there, despite the fact that we live fairly comfortably. Admittedly, some of that is in my mind. My family struggled with finances due to some unfortunate circumstances when I was growing up, and a lot of my life is based around trying to never end up in that hole again, which is why I'm really into the whole FIRE thing. Needless to say, living in an expensive places makes FIRE expensive. If I won the lottery, a lot of that anxiety would go away overnight, but that hasn't happened yet ;). I'd say it'll take another 5-10 years for me to reach another milestone of feeling financially comfortably. It doesn't sound like a long time, but work has really been wearing me down lately, and with ...
by TXJeff
Fri Jun 03, 2022 5:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: UK Trip: Scotland vs SW England with kids
Replies: 35
Views: 3619

Re: UK Trip: Scotland vs SW England with kids

You said your kids love the Great British Baking Show. Have you thought about visiting the filming site? The show has been filmed at a couple of spectacular country houses/hotels. You could stay overnight or just check it out for an afternoon: Down Hall, location for the show since 2020: https://www.downhall.co.uk/ Essex Park, location for the show prior to 2020: https://www.welfordpark.co.uk/ Or maybe a baking lesson? Airbnb "experiences" can be a great local source. And here is a list of classes all around the country: https://www.britain-visitor.com/british-culture/cooking-courses . This cooking school in Bath, https://www.thebertinetkitchen.com/, has a one day "Summer Baking" class featuring scones, jammy dodgers, an...
by TXJeff
Fri Jan 14, 2022 12:25 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Europe: can you be not resident in any country for tax purposes?
Replies: 15
Views: 2870

Re: Europe: can you be not resident in any country for tax purposes?

Got it. In that case, I suggeset this website, an Official EU website with info on residence rights and responsibilties:

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/r ... dex_en.htm
by TXJeff
Fri Jan 14, 2022 10:39 am
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: Europe: can you be not resident in any country for tax purposes?
Replies: 15
Views: 2870

Re: Europe: can you be not resident in any country for tax purposes?

I am planning what I'll do in the future as I am retiring; and at the moment it looks like I will be spending time in France, the UK and Portugal, since I have family or connections I want to be close to in these 3 places. It's possible that I won't be for 183 days/year or more in any of those countries. I know for the UK it's complicated snce there's the question of ties etc. But supposing I didn't meet the criteria for fiscal residence in any country, does it mean that in that case I would pay, in each country, taxes on the interests/dividends for the investments in that country, as opposed to having one particular country where I am considered as resident where I'd pay taxes on all my income including the foreign part? Actually, the con...
by TXJeff
Sat Dec 11, 2021 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Retiree asks: can I do both ROTH conversions AND direct withdrawals from my tIRA in the same year?
Replies: 7
Views: 1199

Retiree asks: can I do both ROTH conversions AND direct withdrawals from my tIRA in the same year?

Hi Bogleheads--

I'm a 61 year old retiree. Am planning to spend good parts of the next few years in a country outside the US, where I can get an extremely favorable visa if I have a "pension"--and regular tIRA withdrawals count as such. But those withdrawals don't have to be large. And I want to stay on track with my plan to ROTH convert most of my tIRA before taking SS at 70. Solution: direct withdrawals and ROTH conversions from my IRA in the same year.

Is this allowed? I googled around, but could not find an answer.
by TXJeff
Tue Sep 21, 2021 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can We Afford to Splurge on Retirement Dream Home?
Replies: 48
Views: 6573

Re: Can We Afford to Splurge on Retirement Dream Home?

Here are the things that stand out to me:  - Retirement calculators and most posters here say that OP has enough to retire now, even with the purchase of the new home. - The couple likes their jobs, but prefer to retire now. - Two more years of work adds an additional $15,000 per year to a pension that is COLA'd, with 100% survivorship. - The couple thinks longingly every day about upgrading their home. - They worry regularly about having enough for retirement despite all retirement calculator results. To me the answer is clear: buy the new house and work two more years. My guess is that the exciting project of settling into a dream home will make the two years fly by. Plus, if, a year into the new place, OP wants to tackle a big expensive ...
by TXJeff
Sun Sep 19, 2021 6:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed: replace my laptop?
Replies: 18
Views: 1541

Re: Advice needed: replace my laptop?

I just learned that there will likely be a new Microsoft Surface Pro 8 announced in a few days and on sale from late October, which will take best advantage of the new Windows 11. https://www.windowscentral.com/surface-pro-8 So, buy the Surface Pro 7--a reliable machine running the reliable Windows 10, and upgradable to Win11? Or go for the new device and new OS? "take best advantage of the new Windows 11" sounds like Microsoft marketing. Windows 11 is really just 10 with a new coat of paint. The will be zero difference in experience between Windows 11 on a Surface Pro 7 vs 8 (except a tiny performance increase, that won't really be noticeable on normal tasks). Ha. Fair enough. I was getting seduced by the Surface 8's expected In...
by TXJeff
Sun Sep 19, 2021 5:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed: replace my laptop?
Replies: 18
Views: 1541

Re: Advice needed: replace my laptop?

. . . . if you need a different keyboard for the language of the country that you will be in then that would good to figure out now and buy one before you go if you can find one in the US. One thing to watch out for is that countries with high import duties may have a limitation on how many devices you can bring into the country so be sure to check on that. Good points! I hadn't thought about either of these issues, but researched and am now squared away on both. Your bank and providers like Netflix may block your connection since they will be able to see that you outside the US by your IP address. I don't know much about that or if you could work around that with a VPN or not. I know lots of folks swear by VPN's, but on past extended trip...
by TXJeff
Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed: replace my laptop?
Replies: 18
Views: 1541

Re: Advice needed: replace my laptop?

Watty wrote: Sat Sep 18, 2021 9:59 pm If you buy one I would buy it ASAP so that you can use it a lot while you are in the US. It would be good to use it as much as possible as soon as possible to let it burn in and see if any problems develop.

Once you are out of the country you will likely not be able to get any warranty repair.
Thanks Watty, yes, I will be buying before I leave. Now a new decision: I just learned that there will likely be a new Microsoft Surface Pro 8 announced in a few days and on sale from late October, which will take best advantage of the new Windows 11. https://www.windowscentral.com/surface-pro-8

So, buy the Surface Pro 7--a reliable machine running the reliable Windows 10, and upgradable to Win11? Or go for the new device and new OS?
by TXJeff
Sun Sep 19, 2021 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed: replace my laptop?
Replies: 18
Views: 1541

Re: Advice needed: replace my laptop?

If it runs perfectly now and you love it, I would think it would be fine for much of the next year. If it was showing signs of slowing, problems, wear and tear I would scrap it but from your post it doesn't sound like this is the case. But if it will make you sleep better at night, replace it. Agree with the above. Computers are expensive right now due to chip shortages. If everything is going well, I suspect there's a high chance it will continue to function for another year. On the one hand, computers do seem a little on the expensive side now (maybe not like some cars/trucks, but still expensive.) On the other hand, the situation might be much worse in another year. Before the pandemic I wouldn't have thought about long-term shortages o...
by TXJeff
Sat Sep 18, 2021 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed: replace my laptop?
Replies: 18
Views: 1541

Advice needed: replace my laptop?

Hi All-- In January, I head out of the US for about a year, to a non-english speaking country. Debating whether or not to upgrade my laptop before I leave. Here are the details: I am retired and use the device for online banking, online language classes/studying (skype/zoom), web browsing, email and movie streaming. No gaming or demanding uses, but I am on it 4+ hours per day. Current device: a Microsoft Surface 3. It's 6 years old, runs perfectly, and I'm very happy with it. But not sure how much longer it will last. Buying a replacement once I leave the US won't be easy. Device I'm considering buying before I go: a Microsoft Surface Pro 7. Cost would be about $1050 depending on configuration. And if I do buy it before leaving, there is no...
by TXJeff
Tue Jun 15, 2021 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice for a recent widow
Replies: 49
Views: 5455

Re: Advice for a recent widow

Your friend will be able to file this year's taxes as "married." That means, for example, if she sells the house this year, she gets the $500k married tax exemption, not $250k single exemption. So, assuming there's been at least $500k in gains on the house, she'd save $37,000+ in taxes selling it this year, vs a future year.
by TXJeff
Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering retirement
Replies: 26
Views: 3420

Re: Considering retirement

JoeRetire wrote: Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:18 pm
corn18 wrote: Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:13 pm Based on what you have posted, I would retire in a heartbeat if they offered me a package.
Why would the package matter at all?
Three words: family health insurance. OP has a wife and four kids.
by TXJeff
Fri Apr 02, 2021 5:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering retirement
Replies: 26
Views: 3420

Re: Considering retirement

Thanks for the replies so far and I apologize if this is taken as a "humble brag". It is not my intent. I assure you I am having great difficulty with this decision. Part of it is the recent nature of the inheritance, maybe it needs time to sink in. Maybe part of it is the responsibility of raising 4 kids and getting them thru college and estimating that cost. Maybe part of it is not being able to discuss the topic with peers, associates, friends for fear they will treat it as humblebrag as well. As far as what I will retire to, I acknowledge that is an issue to deal with. I have plenty of hobbies and interests, including biking, skiing, hiking, backpacking, fishing, camping, travel and reading. I can see myself getting into volu...
by TXJeff
Mon Mar 02, 2020 8:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Postponed travel due to Corona Virus. Am I am overreacting ?
Replies: 232
Views: 27818

Re: Postponed travel due to Corona Virus. Am I am overreacting ?

Theseus wrote: Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:31 am So I was about to buy tickets to UK/Ireland for a vacation . . .
If you are considering upcoming travel, be sure to check local countries' virus fighting efforts/policies, in addition to recommendations from US sources.

For example, in France, Macron has ordered all gatherings of over 5,000 people canceled. One result: the Louvre is now closed, as it gets more than 5,000 visitors per day.
by TXJeff
Mon Jan 13, 2020 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Directionless drift
Replies: 32
Views: 5005

Re: Directionless drift

We are in mid-40s with high seven digit portfolio(adequately diversified per BH principles - 40(US)/30(intl)/30(intl)) work in tech, live well below our means. Yearly expenses track ~120k,(including housing). kids are still home and we have our parents responsibility as well. . . . Q1 To us, it seems we were much happier sleeping on the floor rather than now, where we don't know why and how long this period of uncertainty continues - and what are we continuing this for? how does one plan for such scenario? Q2 How can we evaluate what we need to support for such high support for parental care-giving. You are out of survival mode, and not sure what to look forward to? Respectfully suggest refocusing on all that you do have. These current thr...
by TXJeff
Tue Dec 03, 2019 12:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer
Replies: 317
Views: 35407

Re: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer

I used dinkytown.net 1040 Tax Calculator for modeling the size of my late 2019 Roth IRA conversion. The dinkytown caluclator was updated last year with the 2017-2018 tax law changes. This year it appears to be ready for 2019 1040 calculations. I wanted to get my Roth IRA paperwork started before Cyber Monday. The fund company wants Roth conversions started well before the first week of December. They said Roth IRA conversion activity picks up already in October. I like that dinkytown is always there, easily accessible on my preferred equipment. I didn't pick it apart to make sure they were using updated tax tables though. I did get Amazon’s H&R Block Deluxe + State on today’s Cyber Monday sale, but I am glad I don’t need to rush to ins...
by TXJeff
Mon Dec 02, 2019 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer
Replies: 317
Views: 35407

Re: H&R BLOCK Pre-Order 2019 Software Offer

Question:
I am out of the US on vacation through early January, and it looks like I can’t buy the downloadable H&R Block while outside the US. But I need to model this year’s late-December Roth conversion and stay under ACA limits. If my only 2019 income is dividends and interest, would the 2018 version of Block give me accurate info for this year? I have 2018 already installed on my laptop.
by TXJeff
Sat Sep 14, 2019 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: US Retiree considering 5 year move abroad: how to organize US finances for the trip?
Replies: 4
Views: 1186

Re: US Retiree considering 5 year move abroad: how to organize US finances for the trip?

Yep, I hated to be vague about location. But that info, plus previous posts, begins to make me identifiable. You are right that tax treaties are foundational here. So below are more essentials about me and about the treaty terms: About me: I have An IRA, which I’d be old enough to tap penalty free by trip time A taxable account with mostly highly appreciated stocks, that under my original drawdown plan, funded all retirement through age 70 A plan to take Social Security at 70 I have no pension About the treaty terms: IRA, and Social Security are untaxed there (actually, are taxed, but receive credits equal to the tax). Though untaxed, they count as income to push any taxed income to a 30% bracket. Dividends and interest: at my levels, treat...
by TXJeff
Sat Sep 14, 2019 6:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: US Retiree considering 5 year move abroad: how to organize US finances for the trip?
Replies: 4
Views: 1186

US Retiree considering 5 year move abroad: how to organize US finances for the trip?

Hi Bogleheads-- I’m considering spending about 5 years in another country, pursuing some specific goals. This would make me a tax resident there. So I may need to temporarily modify my draw down plan. What do you think? Background Currently 59, retired for some years, balancing ROTH conversions, income management for ACA, plus occasional sales of highly appreciated individual stocks. The strategies are balanced to keep taxes low now and post-70 (ex: only 50% of SS taxed). All is funded by my taxable account. But this plan won’t make sense during my years abroad. My capital gains would be highly taxed there. Roth conversions would be untaxed, but counted toward income, pushing other taxed money into a 30% rate band. And they have a good heal...
by TXJeff
Sat Sep 07, 2019 5:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quebec City in October
Replies: 23
Views: 2434

Re: Quebec City in October

UpperNwGuy wrote: Sat Sep 07, 2019 4:49 pm Wow! That must be one of the highest latitude wine regions in the world!
Yep, and it's well established for both viniculture and tourism. But not massive "tourist-hordes-overrun-village" type tourism.

Here's a link for the route du vin: https://www.laroutedesvins.ca/en/.
And one for the whole eastern townships region: https://www.easterntownships.org/
by TXJeff
Sat Sep 07, 2019 4:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Quebec City in October
Replies: 23
Views: 2434

Re: Quebec City in October

October is prime time in this area for great fall foliage. Depending on exactly when you're there, maybe get out of the city for a day to enjoy that.

Also, there is the "route du vin" in what are called the "eastern townships"--charming nearby region of villages, small towns, local agriculture and lots of vineyards. Oct is grape harvesting season, arguably the best time of year to visit. The trip is best done with a car, but you can likely find a day tour from QC.
by TXJeff
Mon Aug 12, 2019 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Travel Insurance Caveats?
Replies: 19
Views: 1569

Re: Travel Insurance Caveats?

Two popular choices:

1. World Nomads. I've used them for many trips. Had to file a couple of claims. No problem, and they covered exactly what they were supposed to. Downsides are: pre-existing conditions not covered. Focus is on medical--trip cancellation and lost luggage coverage are limited.

2. IMG Patriot International. A friend with a pre-existing condition uses this because it covers the sudden onset of illness from a pre-existing condition. Seems especially popular with time limited US expats in Europe.

As with all insurance, of course, the devil is in the details.
by TXJeff
Sun Jun 23, 2019 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for Wintering Over 2020
Replies: 14
Views: 2224

Re: Suggestions for Wintering Over 2020

New Zealand
by TXJeff
Sun Jun 16, 2019 7:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: [Deleted]
Replies: 34
Views: 6772

Re: Attention retirement savers: college 529 plans aren't just for kids

Good to know! Also, many universities and colleges let people 65+ audit classes for free, or for a small fee.

Some even have special tuition waivers for this age group, so you take the class for credit--no cost. Example is the University of Texas system. (scroll way down the page) https://catalog.utexas.edu/general-info ... exemptions
by TXJeff
Mon May 27, 2019 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Three days In Montreal
Replies: 21
Views: 2087

Re: Three days In Montreal

This popular and unique Montreal show has been a huge hit with a variety of my friends/relatives/acquaintances:

https://www.aurabasiliquemontreal.com/en/#top Scroll down to the video. As you watch it, imagine how awesome it is to be right in the middle of that space during the show!
by TXJeff
Mon May 27, 2019 7:27 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Retiredjg at 36,000 posts!
Replies: 92
Views: 10144

Re: Retiredjg at 36,000 posts!

Retirejg has helped me a few times. Thanks for the advice and encouragement!