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Bradley37

My employer uses WEX for HSA. There’s some Vanguard mutual funds in their line up. But they charged me $18/ quarter as administrative fee. Plus they have a non existent customer service. I transferred my investment portion to Fidelity. But i have to keep the account open since i’m doing a payroll deduction for contribution. Per Fidelity, any fees that WEX will charge me for the transfer will be reimburse by them. The money is in route to Fidelity. Today, it will be 7 business days since i initiated the transfer. How long have you been in WEX and how many transfers have you done like this? This is the first time that i'm doing it. I was in WEX for at least 10 months. It took 12 business days for the transfer to appear in my Fidelity HSA.

Bradley37

My employer uses WEX for HSA. There’s some Vanguard mutual funds in their line up. But they charged me $18/ quarter as administrative fee. Plus they have a non existent customer service. I transferred my investment portion to Fidelity. But i have to keep the account open since i’m doing a payroll deduction for contribution. Per Fidelity, any fees that WEX will charge me for the transfer will be reimburse by them. The money is in route to Fidelity. Today, it will be 7 business days since i initiated the transfer.

Bradley37

Thanks a lot everyone for clarification. Really appreciate it. Be safe everyday.

Bradley37

Hi, everyone. My spouse’ taxable income is less than $6k this year. We’re married, filing jointly. My taxable income is more than $50k. Can my spouse contribute the maximum 6k for her IRA? Thank you for your input. Im learning a lot in this forum. You probably mean that your spouse has earned income <6k. Regular IRA contributions must be made from earned income, but she could use your earned income to make a full 6k contribution. This a called a spousal contribution. While probably not the case here, you could have joint modified AGI and joint taxable income without any earned income at all, for example if you were retired and lived off SS, IRA distributions and pension income. Without earned income no regular IRA or Roth contributions cou...

Bradley37

Hi, everyone.

My spouse’ taxable income is less than $6k this year. We’re married, filing jointly. My taxable income is more than $50k. Can my spouse contribute the maximum 6k for her IRA?

Thank you for your input. Im learning a lot in this forum.

Bradley37

As a current med student I'm nervous for people going into it for the following reasons: •medical school often costs way too much •too many specialties pay too little for all the time required •people are very different at 22 than they are at 32 •the really high paying specialties or the ones with good work/life balance and pay are too competitive and cannot be counted on matching into Run through the numbers with her to explain how long she'll NOT be making good money too This is so true. I was an ER Physician who dropped out after 5 years. I was miserable enough to say "enough". I was lucky to have no debt. Looking back, i didn't have any regrets. If i have debt, it might have been different. Your kid might have a different vie...

Bradley37

I have pre owned 2011 Prius with 165K now.

The only major problem i encountered is it burns oil since it reached ~130K miles. Just be aware to check your oil and put some on it in between oil changes.

Had no problem with the hybrid battery yet. Changed the "ordinary" battery once.

Will i buy Prius again? Definitely.

Will i buy a brand new in the future? Nope. Pre owned can take me front point A to point B.

Good luck.

Bradley37

dratkinson wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 7:38 pm Idea. In the past, when I've wanted to wag the tax consequences of an action, I've used excel1040.com. (It's a fed tax return implemented as an Excel workbook---fast to modify and observe changes.)
--Download 2019 excel1040 to your PC.
--Enter last tax return data to create a duplicate, known tax return baseline.
--Enter your changes to known baseline. Note tax effects.

Simplifying assumption.
--2020 tax code/return will be similar to 2019's.

Thank you so much for this valuable info. Really appreciate it.

Bradley37

Thanks everyone for your input and unselfishly sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate your time answering my question.

Be safe always, Bogleheads.

Bradley37

That said, how can you do a Roth conversion from the 401K if the plan doesn't allow conversions (within the 401K) or as a rollover (to a Roth IRA) unless you've left the company? Money rolled into a 401k from another plan is "distributable" while still working there as far as the IRS is concerned. I think this $51k falls into that category and the plan rep has said it is available for distribution. In my mind, that would be an in-service distribution, but maybe Bradley37 just means that his/her employee deferrals (traditional or Roth) to this plan cannot be distributed. That is correct. The $51K is the money that i rolled over from my first job to Fidelity. Per Fidelity agent, since this 51K is a roll over, i can convert it to Ro...

Bradley37

celia wrote: ↑Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:17 pm Does your 401K allow in-service rollovers? Can you specify if the withdrawal will be from Roth or from tax-deferred?

In service rollover is not an option. The withdrawal is from the tax-deferred.

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads. I'm an avid reader of this forum and learns a lot. I have a 401K, both traditional and Roth, in my present part time job held in Fidelity. In service conversion is not an option. I have ~51K in this account that I rolled over from my previous job. Per my conversation with a Fidelity agent, I can convert (partially or all) of this ~51K from 401K to Roth IRA if I wanted to. My Roth IRA is with Vanguard. The question is how much I can convert without pushing myself into a higher federal income tax bracket? - I'm filing Head of Household. - My Estimated Taxable Income for 2019 was $70,925. - My Income Tax Bracket was 22%. - I understand I'll pay the tax for this conversion. - My income for 2020 will almost be the same for 2019. ...

Bradley37

GerryL wrote: ↑Thu Aug 27, 2020 4:47 pm
Bradley37 wrote: ↑Thu Aug 27, 2020 4:16 pm
One trick I discovered esp when traveling, is that I download all the books i want to read and set my kindle into "airplane mode" so that the book wont disappear from the kindle when it expires. They usually expires in 14 days.

You may be able to adjust your checkout period. I use Libby through two library systems (my county and the next one over). The checkout options are 7, 14 or 21 days. The default is 14 days. I changed my settings to default to 21 days. Libby now allows you to return a book early.

And I have found that the "set to airplane mode" trick works with some titles and for different periods of time.

Thanks for this tip.

Bradley37

I've been borrowing ebooks from my library thru Libby app, download it to my kindle thru amazon.

When the books are available or became available for download, you have an option to download it to kindle apps and devices, then it prompts you to log in in amazon.com, then there's a yellow box that says "get Library books" and a white box below "Deliver to Kindle". What happens next is as soon as you turn on your kindle with wifi, the book will just download.

One trick I discovered esp when traveling, is that I download all the books i want to read and set my kindle into "airplane mode" so that the book wont disappear from the kindle when it expires. They usually expires in 14 days.

Hope this helps.

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads.

My workplace is offering a Legal Insurance that covers Living Will and Trusts. It will cost me $168.48/year if I sign up (due this May). I'm single right now, no kids and will get married in probably next 2 years. I read that when you change status, you (MAY) also have to change your beneficiaries. My current beneficiaries are my sibling and when I get married, I'll change it to my wife.

Question is: Do I have to create that will now, or wait until I get married?

I do travel a lot and have a "high risk" hobby (sky and scuba diving). I just wanted to leave my beneficiary in "peace" just in case something happens to me.

Thanks a lot for advice. Cheers!!!

Bradley37

1. Retirement Savings
2. Tax
3. Travel

Bradley37

Thanks for this info. I was wondering about this too

Bradley37

Thanks a lot for sharing.

Bradley37

Bogleheads,

Thanks for the advice, comments and feedback. I sure learned a lot based on your responses. And I do have lots of work/ research to do. I asked my sis last night to give me a copy of paper works and I'll study them word for word based on your feedbacks... and will go from there.

I really appreciate all your time.

Bradley

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads.

I co-signed my brother in law's mortgage 6 years ago. My sister filed a bankcruptcy ~ 2 years before they bought the house. Now, I wanted out of it. The plan is to have my sister's name on it and get mine out.

It's a 30 year 2.75% fix mortgage. We don't want to refinance and we want keep the rate as it is. Anybody here has any suggestion on how to proceed?

Bradley37

11% - but I help out with babysitting for 2-3 days/week for their 4 year old boy who is my nephew. I rent a room in my sister's house and I have a dog too.

Bradley37

@ saltycaper Thanks a lot for the information. Appreciate it.

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads. Happy holidays everyone. The investment options in my workplace will be changed in the coming year. I currently am investing in Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor (0.15%) (VTSMX). Vanguard Total Market Index fund Institutional Plus Share (VSMPX) is not included in the upcoming line up of investment options. What is included are: Total bond market index - institutional Plus (VBMPX) (0.03%) Emerging Markets Index - Institutional (VEMIX) (0.11%) Extended Market Index - Institutional Plus (VEMPX) (0.05%) FTSE Social Index - Institutional (VFTNX) (0.12%) Institutional Index - Institutional Plus (VIIIX) (0.02%) REIT Index - Institutional (VGSNX) (0.10%) Small Cap Value Index Fund - Institutional (VSIIX) (0.06%) Total ...

Bradley37

Hi, everyone.

Thank you so much for the response and the infos. Sorry if my response is so late, I was offline for a couple of weeks.

Bradley37

I use Cressi Leonardo Air/ Nitrox Dive Computer. I'm petite female diver and go diving trips every ~6 months. It's so easy to set-up and I don't read the manual every time I go on trips.

So far, it's good.

Bradley37

Hi.

I was wondering if any of you here are/were using Robinhood for 'fun' investing?

Bradley37

I'm driving Prius. It has 110K miles on it now. And yes, i'll buy one again. Great MPG.

Bradley37

Bogleheads,

Thanks for your great advise. You all put something for me to think about.

Bradley37

dratkinson wrote: ↑Sat Oct 14, 2017 9:27 pm
jalbert wrote: ↑Fri Oct 13, 2017 4:19 pm
dratkinson wrote: ↑Thu Oct 12, 2017 7:26 pm +1
The SWAN test. It is believed that our investments are correct (for us) if they allow us to Sleep Well At Night.
Thanks for the best advise.

Bradley37

[quote=dratkinson post_id=3570425 time=<a href="tel:1507854401">1507854401</a> user_id=2831] +1 Bonds. I also believe you should have more bonds. Suggest 30% in bonds. Why? --25-30% is recommended for new investors with unknown risk tolerance. --Moving from 10% to 30% is a conservative move, --but 30% bonds fits the aggressive rule-of-thumb "age - 10 in bonds". Bonds in taxable. The addition of a muni bond fund can help to keep your AA (stocks/bonds) in balance. The TDR funds take care of rebalancing themselves in your tax-advantaged accounts, and you keep your taxable account in balance The OP's taxable space is a very small percentage of assets and has the lowest contribution rate. LifeStrategy Moderate in the Roth ac...

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads.

I'm thinking of doing sabbatical for probably 6-12 months 5 years from now. I need probably at least $20 - $25K. I started saving for it but my APY in saving account sucks. What's the better option? I'm depositing certain $$$ per paycheck.

Thanks.

Bradley37

I've been using Zelle thru my Chase checking account sending and receiving money from family and friends. So far, its good.

Bradley37

Thank you all so much for the great input. Really appreciate all your time.

Bradley37

My question is what are the factors that one can consider he/she'll be in a higher or lower bracket in retirement? One major factor is the time gap (if any) between when you stop working and when you start collecting social security. A tricky issue with social security income is it can be completely tax-exempt or up to 85% of it can be taxed. Will you be getting a pension in retirement? Depending on how much you have saved up in traditional retirement accounts, RMDs may push you up into a higher tax bracket when you turn 70 1/2. Another consideration is whether you itemize your tax deductions. For instance, if you're married, have kids and paying a mortgage on your house, you may be using tax deductions that you probably won't be eligible ...

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads.

My workplace offers Roth 401K in addition to Traditional 401K. I read that Roth is good if you expect that you'll be in a higher tax bracket in retirement. I'm currently in 25% and I'll be in a higher tax bracket prior to retirement.

My question is what are the factors that one can consider he/she'll be in a higher or lower bracket in retirement?

Thank you.

Bradley37

Duckie wrote: ↑Wed Oct 11, 2017 7:08 pm
Can anybody please comment about my taxable account? It has bonds on it. I just learned from this site to keep bonds on tax differed accounts.
Sell the LifeStrategy fund and buy Total Stock Market.

Roth IRA at Vanguard -- 10%
5% (VTSAX) Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (0.04%)
5% (VGSLX) Vanguard REIT Index Fund Admiral Shares (0.12%)

I need to sell some of my VTSAX to have money to buy REIT in Roth IRA. If I earn some $$$ from selling it, do I have to pay any tax on the profit? Same question for my Taxable account if I sell the life strategy fund. Thanks.

Bradley37

bubbly wrote: ↑Thu Oct 12, 2017 12:38 pm I'm not sure if you are aware but the state tax rate was increased to 4.95%, effective July 1st, 2017. Not that it makes a big difference in the overall scheme of things but just good to know when you notice a discrepancy vs what you expected.

Thanks for that info.

Bradley37

Hi, all. Im struggling on how to reply individually. @ Mega317. - I'll be using my HSA for retirement. - I'm not sure if I'll be in a higher tax bracket when i retire, but before retirement, i know i'll be in a higher bracket. :confused - I'll do your suggestion about my taxable account. @ Duckie - I have to contact my previous employer about the status of my frozen funds whether it's tax sheltered or not. - Thank you so much for your suggestions. @ Ruralavalon - I'll definitely do a lot of reading about a 3 fund portfolio. - I'm already contributing 18K to both 403b and 401k. Can i contribute 18K to each of these accounts? @ AlohaJoe - Thanks a lot for the feedback. I am trying to learn about investing. @ Dcarste - I was not here yet durin...

Bradley37

Bradley37 , welcome to the forum. Age: 44 Desired Asset Allocation: 90% Stocks; 10% Bonds At age 44 only 10% bonds is very, very aggressive. I'd increase that to 30% bonds. Desired International Allocation: 20% of stocks Vanguard has found between 20% and 40% of stocks in international to be the "sweet spot". See the Vanguard paper link and the discussion . I usually split the difference and recommend 30% of stocks. Your 20% is reasonable. Frozen Funds from my previous employer (Employer managing this account) - 8K (did not include in my calculation) Are these taxable or tax-sheltered? - I'll have to call my previous employer. Thanks for pointing it out. Funds Available in my 401k Fidelity The best options are: FID 500 Index Inst...

Bradley37

Bradley37 , welcome to the forum. Age: 44 Desired Asset Allocation: 90% Stocks; 10% Bonds At age 44 only 10% bonds is very, very aggressive. I'd increase that to 30% bonds. Desired International Allocation: 20% of stocks Vanguard has found between 20% and 40% of stocks in international to be the "sweet spot". See the Vanguard paper link and the discussion . I usually split the difference and recommend 30% of stocks. Your 20% is reasonable. Frozen Funds from my previous employer (Employer managing this account) - 8K (did not include in my calculation) Are these taxable or tax-sheltered? Funds Available in my 401k Fidelity The best options are: FID 500 Index Inst (FXSIX) (0.03) -- Large caps, 80% of US stocks Vang SM Cap Idx Inst (...

Bradley37

Please Criticize my Funds. They stink! Just kidding you're doing ok. Here is my most important point: I think 90/10 is WAY too aggressive for someone your age. I would suggest something like 30% bonds minimum. Overall you have some overlap and complexity that you don't need. Why hold 1.8% small cap and 0.7% mid cap? You don't have nearly 20% of stocks international. Questions: 1. What's the best choice of fund for my HSA? I would like to have 1 fund for simplicity. 2. VTIAX (0.11%) in Fidelity vs VGTSX (0.18%) in Vanguard. I didn't realized that I can save more if i bought VTIAX. What's the best approach? I'm thinking of unloading VGTSX and put the funds to VBLTX, buy VTIAX and concentrate on funding it with 80% of $3500 and 20% of $3500 t...

Bradley37

Hi, Bogleheads. I'm new here and really am thankful that i found a forum like this one. I'm so new to investing. Just learned one or two from financial audiobooks and podcasts that I've been listening since spring of this year for my drive to work. I started paying attention to investing probably 18 months ago and it doesn't take a lot to make my head spin with the 'language' of investing :confused. Here's my retirement profile. Please feel free to criticize. I'm not sure I know what i am doing but I'm am very willing to learn. Thank you so much for all your time. Emergency Funds: 4 months of expenses Debt: None, renter Tax Filing Status: Single (No kids) Tax Rate: 25% Federal, 3.75% State State of Residence: IL Age: 44 Desired Asset Alloca...

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