Search found 534 matches

by xerxes101
Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice for buying a car in 2024
Replies: 51
Views: 8430

Re: Advice for buying a car in 2024

hudson wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:42 pm
tc101 wrote: Thu Feb 29, 2024 5:36 pm What can you tell me about buying a Toyota Camry this year?
Here's the brochure: https://www.toyota.com/content/dam/toyo ... ochure.pdf
No matter how hard I try, I can not get used to the front end of the car. IMO it's very ugly, but unlike the front, the read end and rear light is good looking and classy...It's like the car has a major identity crisis :x
by xerxes101
Mon Feb 19, 2024 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...
Replies: 22
Views: 2027

Re: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...

Since SCHO is a bond fund it would maintain a constant 2 year effective duration rather than coasting downwards to 1 year and then 0 year duration. Thank you, I believe this is the explanation I was looking for. You also asked for lessons learned. Here are some. 1) Bond funds maintain a band of duration based on their mandate. Yes bonds mature but they are replaced with new bonds with longer maturities. 2) Buy a bond fund that matches your time horizon. If you would use the $ to spend now on bills, there were shorter duration funds you could have utilized, SGOV, SHV, VUSXX and many more. Think of this like you would buy a CD, don't buy a CD maturing in 2 years if you need the $ now. Not exactly the same but a good rule of thumb. 3) Many he...
by xerxes101
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...
Replies: 22
Views: 2027

Re: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...

dorster wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 2:06 pm
Since SCHO is a bond fund it would maintain a constant 2 year effective duration rather than coasting downwards to 1 year and then 0 year duration.
Thank you, I believe this is the explanation I was looking for.
by xerxes101
Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...
Replies: 22
Views: 2027

Re: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...

toddthebod wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 1:15 pm
xerxes101 wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:05 am
retired@50 wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 12:34 pm What have you been doing with the monthly dividends?

Regards,
Paying bills.
So you've been making money.
I am not arguing that; I know I have received and spent the distributions.
The crux of my question was why should there be *any* draw down after a 3 year holding period of a short-term treasury product...
If I had bought an individual bond, it would have matured at full price by now, and I would have still been paid interest.
*edited for clarity
by xerxes101
Sun Feb 18, 2024 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...
Replies: 22
Views: 2027

Re: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...

retired@50 wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 12:34 pm What have you been doing with the monthly dividends?

Regards,
Paying bills.
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 17, 2024 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...
Replies: 22
Views: 2027

Help me understand SCHO (Schwab Short-Term US Treasury) ETF...

On 12/15/2021, expecting that interest rates may still rise but needing the monthly income, I decided to invest some money in SCHO at $50.83 price per share. The weighed average maturity is listed at 2.0 years Effective duration is listed at 1.9 years :arrow: see also : https://www.schwabassetmanagement.com/products/scho Fast forward to today (more than 2 years later), the share price as of yesterday is $48.18, and I am still sitting on a 5.21% loss :!:, even though there seems to have been some recovery. I realize we are coming out of a huge bond sell off because of the rise in interest rates, but is my assumption incorrect that the entire portfolio should have turned over, and all the old treasuries that had a loss would have matured by n...
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Absolute cheapest "total stock" ETFs
Replies: 45
Views: 5931

Re: Absolute cheapest "total stock" ETFs

TimeIsYourFriend wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 11:23 am
Yeah, big fan of those but wanted to stick with ETFs for taxable.
OP, could I ask you why ETF-only for taxable?
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Regression toward the mean: SP500 P/E
Replies: 10
Views: 1042

Re: Regression toward the mean: SP500 P/E

PhinanceMD wrote: Sat Feb 10, 2024 11:06 am Hi all, does the statistical concept of "regression toward the mean" apply to the SP500 P/E? Per this link: (https://www.multpl.com/s-p-500-pe-ratio), the current ratio sits at 27.28, the historical mean at 16.05, indicating prices are high for projected SP500 earnings. This is not a market timing question, rather a theory one. Thank you. :sharebeer
Baked into that 27.28 SP500 PE is expectation that Fed will decrease interest rates pretty soon.
I do not think historical mean would be a good comparison for the current period. Just my 2 cents.
by xerxes101
Sat Dec 16, 2023 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Total Market vs Blue Chip Growth
Replies: 22
Views: 3503

Re: Total Market vs Blue Chip Growth

I think the problem is that you are looking at the rear view mirror.
by xerxes101
Sat Nov 11, 2023 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bogleheadish black friday deals to look out for?
Replies: 105
Views: 21253

Re: Any bogleheadish black friday deals to look out for?

I am at it again for 2023 Black Friday deals :moneybag
Please share your good deals here :D
by xerxes101
Sat Nov 11, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering switching HS senior's 529 to all bonds and MMF...
Replies: 7
Views: 740

Re: Considering switching HS senior's 529 to all bonds and MMF...

Thank you for your feedback. Since I can imagine a scenario whereby she may not use all of the money during her undergrad education and instead use it during her grad/professional school, I think I may keep more of the allocation on "high octane."

Thanks again :beer
by xerxes101
Sat Nov 11, 2023 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Considering switching HS senior's 529 to all bonds and MMF...
Replies: 7
Views: 740

Considering switching HS senior's 529 to all bonds and MMF...

Hi All,

So we have had this portfolio for my DD's educational fund (529) since she was born and we contributed to it religiously over the years.

30% bond
25% International
10% REIT
35% Total stock market

..about 2.5 years ago I changed the 30% bond portfolio to 15% bond and 15% inflation-protected bond.

Now that she is a senior and is planning to go to college next year, I want to convert everything
to MMF (paying ~5%) or 50% bond 50% MMF.

Any thoughts on this? I would appreciate your feedback.
by xerxes101
Tue Oct 10, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage questions on new house
Replies: 16
Views: 1785

Re: Mortgage questions on new house

I would go 10/1 adj 30 year mortgage at around 6.49 - 6.99% with 20% down...chances are very good that the rates will stabilize/decline in the next 10 years and you could then do a refi...build a T-bill ladder with the rest and ave. probably around 5.25% - 5.3% and wait to see what happens...TIPS are a good buy at this point I believe as well.

Good luck
by xerxes101
Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Merrill Edge - sweep fund, transfer times, and BoA checking?
Replies: 25
Views: 3161

Re: Merrill Edge - sweep fund, transfer times, and BoA checking?

So I encountered something unexpected with my ME account last night. I have a bond ETF that pays a monthly distribution which was yesterday. Normally, I enter an order to move the distribution into a MMF first thing on the day it is paid. But I forgot about it until late in the day. So I assumed that just like Fidelity, I could enter the order right away to execute on Monday. Nope! Received an error message "Trading is now closed for this fund. Please re-enter your order during available trading hours. (RES_MMFN0052)." While I know they have a ridiculously early cutoffs for order entry for some of the MMFs, they don't allow you to enter orders after-hours for execution at the next market close like just about every other brokerag...
by xerxes101
Tue Aug 29, 2023 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Replies: 68
Views: 6802

Re: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Then things have gotten worse since early spring. I test-drove one in March that my local dealer was able to get from a nearby dealer for me to look at. It was very impressive, and had I been even a few years younger and a bit more active, I would have bought it. The engine was peppy, unlike the RAV 4 I test-drove in ‘16. I was hoping to find a car with a few more safety features than I have on my ‘15 Camry. But the Cross was way overkill for my “no-go” stage once weekly supermarket trip and occasional doc or dentist visit -all within 3 -4 miles. It had audible signals for *everything* imaginable plus lights for most things. Massive infotainment and security setups. MSRP of about $37,000. Didn’t get to the negotiating stage; just thanked t...
by xerxes101
Fri Apr 14, 2023 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car for car camping
Replies: 63
Views: 7002

Re: Car for car camping

My favorite car to sleep in right now would be a Toyota corolla cross hybrid
even if you decide to forgo the hotel savings, you still have the gas savings... :beer :D
by xerxes101
Sun Apr 09, 2023 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Equifax Data Breach Settlement
Replies: 130
Views: 15042

Re: Equifax Data Breach Settlement

LadyGeek wrote: Thu Mar 02, 2023 8:09 am I just received an email saying that I have a pre-paid card waiting for activation. There is no indication whatsoever on the card's value.

Has anyone activated this card? What's the value on the card?

The link in the email goes to a card redemption website My Prepaid Center (The email has a specific link for your account. This is the site home page.)

I'm not comfortable supplying personal info to a 3rd party provider. It's not worth it to me for a few dollars.

The card holder agreement is here: Disbursements Prepaid Mastercard Virtual Card Agreement

There is a $5.95 inactivity fee for every month you don't use the card (after 6 months).
I tell you what I think after I read this: they are a bunch of crooks! :annoyed
by xerxes101
Sat Apr 08, 2023 7:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Money market or 3/6 month t bill for emergency savings?
Replies: 32
Views: 4328

Re: Money market or 3/6 month t bill for emergency savings?

Thank you everyone for the interesting discussion. I live in Massachusetts with 5% income tax rate. If going for a MMF, would VMFXX or VUSXX be better? Or does it really matter much? Right now I keep part of my emergency fund in my VMFXX settlement fund in my Vanguard Brokerage Account. The other parts I keep in Barclays Online Savings at 3.8%, and just bought my second round of I Bonds this year (just started purchasing I Bonds last year). As for CDs as xerxes101 suggested - yes I know rates are good right now. But I've never bought a CD in my life because I didn't feel comfortable with the extra "hassle" of maintaining them, mainly because I like to keep things as simple as possible and not open up another account at another ba...
by xerxes101
Thu Apr 06, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Money market or 3/6 month t bill for emergency savings?
Replies: 32
Views: 4328

Re: Money market or 3/6 month t bill for emergency savings?

renegade06 wrote: Thu Apr 06, 2023 7:46 pm My T bill is expiring today and I'm debating whether or not to purchase another 3 or 6-month T bill or buy a Vanguard money market fund. Both are yielding about 4.8%. This money is for an emergency fund that I hope NOT to use anytime soon. What is the best option, or is it a wash? Thank you.
Neither!

I just bought 3 month and 6 month CDs from Schwab (as of about a week ago)...rates: 5.15% / 3 months, 5.25% / 6 months...just make sure you stay below 250K (to qualify for the FDIC insurance); not a problem for me! :beer

Good luck
by xerxes101
Sat Mar 11, 2023 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Credit - Adding Solar Panels to Existing Install?
Replies: 10
Views: 1587

Re: Tax Credit - Adding Solar Panels to Existing Install?

My guess is that these codes are so new that the experts may not even agree. I'm not aware of any disagreement among tax professionals on the eligibility for the federal tax credit for an *addition* of solar panels to a solar panel system. Other providers of incentives (state or local governments, utility companies, etc.) may have different rules. Some places only give credit up to a certain amount of generation, so while additional installations may still qualify, there may be other things to consider as well. Yes, this is further complicated by the state of residence and state tax codes. I believe OP, residing in California, is more likely to find experts who agree, being that California is a more progressive state as far as the pivot we...
by xerxes101
Sat Mar 11, 2023 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Credit - Adding Solar Panels to Existing Install?
Replies: 10
Views: 1587

Re: Tax Credit - Adding Solar Panels to Existing Install?

Unambiguously yes. In fact, I suspect they are confused by terminology that says you can take the credit for "original installation" but that is referring to the fact that you can't take the credit if you are, for example, buying a house with solar already installed. But isn't this between you and the IRS? What does it matter what they think? ^+1: keep meticulous record of everything you spend down to a penny, if IRS challenges you with an audit, you present your case, your interpretation of the IRS code. At that point, IRS either says "yay" (accepted) or "nay" (pay the due taxes with penalties). If IRS says "nay" you hire an expert lawyer (if you have the time and money), and challenge the penalty p...
by xerxes101
Mon Feb 27, 2023 8:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A low-cost 5 fund Boglehead portfolio
Replies: 312
Views: 87147

Re: A low-cost 5 fund Boglehead portfolio

I am thinking about switching to this portfolio for any new money, appreciate your suggestions. I am modifying a few things which were already discussed based on my outlook, but was interested to get your comments/feedback:

40% total stock market (VTI)
16% small cap value (VIOV)
12% European (VSS)
12% Emerging markets (VWO)
20% Intermediate TIPS (SCHP)
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 25, 2023 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Previous Employer Blocking 401(k) Rollover
Replies: 81
Views: 8972

Re: Previous Employer Blocking 401(k) Rollover

...He also has not deposited MY contributions in a timely manner. They were taken out of my paycheck every 2 weeks but only deposited once or twice a year. Major red flag. Should I just go ahead and report him? :confused Yes. Not depositing contributions quickly became a major scandal in the early 2000's and regulations were instituted. It's been the law for a couple of decades. The IRS says Department of Labor rules require that the employer deposit deferrals to the trust as soon as the employer can; however, in no event can the deposit be later than the 15th business day of the following month. I had the problem with one of my previous employers (i.e., delayed contribution). They were a small outfit and played the blame game and blamed i...
by xerxes101
Tue Feb 21, 2023 5:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does It Make Sense to Sell This CD?
Replies: 11
Views: 1216

Re: Does It Make Sense to Sell This CD?

I think you should learn about Treasury ladders (in case you don't know about them already). They are real convenient to set up at Fidelity and Schwab. I have never tried them at Vanguard. the 5.03%, 6 month treasury rate seems especially juicy to me right now... :D especially since there is no state income tax on the interest earnings. I believe CD earnings maybe taxed by your state.

Good luck, :beer
by xerxes101
Sun Feb 19, 2023 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have the Cash. Should I purchase/finance my car
Replies: 64
Views: 6779

Re: Have the Cash. Should I purchase/finance my car

Fly1346 wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 9:48 pm This topic isn’t about which car to buy. I know I want a Range Rover. So you won’t Convince me not to or To buy one. But thanks. And btw my last Range Rover was brand new one from factory and had to get recalled for some sensor issues (for which I got my money back for and compensated by RR)

The question was to purchase or finance
My question to OP: Why are seeking advice from people who do not agree with the premise of what you are seeking advice about? i.e., very few if any Bogleheads would endorse a Range Rover purchase.
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 18, 2023 4:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ioniq 5 SEL AWD vs. ID.4 Pro S AWD
Replies: 68
Views: 5744

Re: Ioniq 5 SEL AWD vs. ID.4 Pro S AWD

TomatoTomahto wrote: Sat Feb 18, 2023 3:42 pm The Ioniq 5 has 800 volt system, the VW AFAIK has 400 volt. I would consider that a material difference between them.
Curious to know what does this technical difference of higher volts translates to as far as longevity of the battery, increased electric consumption, or speed of charge?
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 18, 2023 10:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: could chatgpt lead to a world where picking individual stocks outperforms index funds?
Replies: 210
Views: 19162

Re: could chatgpt lead to a world where picking individual stocks outperforms index funds?

I predict the ol' adage "nobody knows nothing" will still apply...even in chatgpt era :happy
by xerxes101
Sun Feb 12, 2023 12:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone own a 2023 BMW X3?
Replies: 49
Views: 4507

Re: Anyone own a 2023 BMW X3?

1) poor reliability metrics compared to Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4
2) high maintenance cost compared to Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4
by xerxes101
Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BOA delays into Fidelity
Replies: 18
Views: 1195

Re: BOA delays into Fidelity

duplicate deleted
by xerxes101
Sun Feb 12, 2023 11:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BOA delays into Fidelity
Replies: 18
Views: 1195

Re: BOA delays into Fidelity

pizzy wrote: Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:29 am Are you initiating at Fidelity or Bank of America? If Bank of America, that is your problem.
^+1...pull from Fidelity rather than push from B of A..I believe when you pull from Fido, the funds are are more readily available for trades
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Yahoo Data Breach Settlement
Replies: 15
Views: 2621

Re: Yahoo Data Breach Settlement

Morgan22 wrote: Thu Sep 05, 2019 8:31 pm Just filed myself. Very easy process. Can select towards the bottom of the cash compensation form that you would like to receive an email instead a check when the funds are ready to be released. It says they will send a secure email to enter in your banking info so you can receive an ACH payment. This is a great option since its possible there could be a move in a year or so for myself.
sorry, but I would not trust Yahoo with my banking information :? ... :arrow: bad track record

Edit to say I opted for prepaid Mastercard since I did not want to provide them with my bank account info.
by xerxes101
Sat Feb 04, 2023 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car trouble - when to repair it or trade it in?
Replies: 59
Views: 4808

Re: Car trouble - when to repair it or trade it in?

^+1... don't trust the dealer at all. They just want to make money off of you and dealers are notorious for selling you unnecessary maintenance at a very high / unreasonable price. Get a second opinion, or better yet research it yourself and see if you could do it yourself if you have time...I guarantee you will save tons of money.
by xerxes101
Tue Jan 31, 2023 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]
Replies: 603
Views: 89357

Re: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]

anon_investor wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 9:47 pm
xerxes101 wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:16 pm I am having problems with paying one of my utility bills using the PayPal and linked USBank Cash+ account. :shock:
It is not going through at all. I tried it 4-5 times on different days. :annoyed

Is anyone else experiencing this issue?
Have you been able to pay this bill with PayPal bill pay previously?
Yes, many times using diff credit cards...and it is not accepting any of the credit cards now.
by xerxes101
Mon Jan 30, 2023 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]
Replies: 603
Views: 89357

Re: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]

I am having problems with paying one of my utility bills using the PayPal and linked USBank Cash+ account. :shock:
It is not going through at all. I tried it 4-5 times on different days. :annoyed

Is anyone else experiencing this issue?
by xerxes101
Sat Jan 21, 2023 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Lively HSA adding fees and restrictions for investing next year
Replies: 83
Views: 12806

Re: Lively HSA adding fees and restrictions for investing next year

The downside of this approach is when you contribute to an employer HSA plan via payroll deduction you won't pay FICA tax on those wages used to fund the account if it is part of the company 125 cafeteria plan. So lets say you fund $7500/yr that's a (7.5%) $570 reduction in tax liability less your annual account fees you would be ahead by using the company plan. Fidelity mention it in the HSA link below. So I deduce from your comment that if your income is above the social security limit ($167,000 for 2023), then there is really no advantage to payroll deduction and you could just opt to open an independent HSA, say Lively or Fidelity. Could someone please verify this please? Are there any other advantages for going to payroll deduction HS...
by xerxes101
Sat Jan 21, 2023 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: strange Fidelity issue - ghost phone call
Replies: 3
Views: 852

Re: strange Fidelity issue - ghost phone call

I would:

(1) Call Fidelity and let them know that you consider this a "security incident".

(2) Check the security of your phone and make sure that someone has not hacked into it.

(3) Get Fidelity's input regarding phone security, and how to mitigate vulnerabilities.

(4) Have you set up voice verification with Fidelity? Did your voice verify when you called them?

Good luck
by xerxes101
Sun Jan 08, 2023 3:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Building small house yourself as job
Replies: 80
Views: 7852

Re: Building small house yourself as job

Have you also considered a prefab house? It could also save you lots of money and it will likely be less of a time commitment/investment for you.
by xerxes101
Tue Jan 03, 2023 8:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations
Replies: 399
Views: 43301

Re: What are your LEAST favorite vacation destinations

Las Vegas!
What a rip off...and I am not even talking about gambling! :D
Food and coffee prices are absolute rip off IMO.
by xerxes101
Sat Nov 26, 2022 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Replace roof prior to selling house?
Replies: 30
Views: 2849

Re: Replace roof prior to selling house?

One other option is to obtain a quote from a reputable roofer and offer that amount as credit to the buyer.
A lot of buyers nowadays want to consider solar installation and this would give them the option/opportunity to do it if they want to.
by xerxes101
Tue Nov 15, 2022 8:45 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Made a wrong tIRA contribution...
Replies: 17
Views: 1473

Re: Made a wrong tIRA contribution...

Thank you all for your suggestions.

First, I have to make sure Form 8606 is filed for 2021, and then since my wife is not working right now, I would have to convert the basis to Roth. There will be no growth in her portfolio this year given the stock market performance.
by xerxes101
Mon Nov 14, 2022 6:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Made a wrong tIRA contribution...
Replies: 17
Views: 1473

Made a wrong tIRA contribution...

To make a long story short, we made a $6000 contribution to my wife's traditional IRA account for 2021 tax year and after doing the taxes in October, we realized that our income was too high in 2021 to allow for a traditional IRA.

This is the first time ever that we have made an after tax contribution to her traditional IRA account (and it was done by error :oops: ).
:idea: Ideally, we would like to withdraw the $6,000 and put it back into a Roth IRA account in her name.

Is that option even available to us?

Would we then be required to amend our taxes if we go that route?

Which other options, if any, are available to us?

Thanks in advance for your comments/answers.
by xerxes101
Sun Oct 30, 2022 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Open Enrollment - New HSA for 2023
Replies: 6
Views: 950

Re: Open Enrollment - New HSA for 2023

I believe in certain cases (when the employer does not make a contribution on your behalf and you have high deductible plan), you have the option to open an HSA account on your own (e.g. with Fidelity or Lively). This is advantageous because it is more self-directed and an outfit like Fidelity offers numerous low-cost index funds as well as the option to trade ETFs through such an HSA brokerage account. Most company HSA accounts that I am familiar with get you by either requiring minimum amount of cash before they allow you to start investing or tacking on additional fees to their mutual fund choices. I believe people put up with that usually because their employer makes part of their HSA contribution as a benefit. The other advantage of go...
by xerxes101
Thu Oct 13, 2022 7:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Higher yield than MMF with low risk?
Replies: 5
Views: 1061

Re: Higher yield than MMF with low risk?

I like 1 year T-bills currently yielding 4.59%, the last time I checked with Schwab.
I know it is not an ETF , but it is safe/safer and higher yielding. :beer
by xerxes101
Sun Oct 02, 2022 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to Evaluate a CC Balance Transfer Offer?
Replies: 42
Views: 3102

Re: How to Evaluate a CC Balance Transfer Offer?

To calculate the "true interest rate" you would have to consider the minimal monthly payment required or the monthly payment based on your payment plan.
by xerxes101
Mon Aug 22, 2022 6:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Significantly hacked, clarify what else I need to do
Replies: 66
Views: 9613

Re: Significantly hacked, clarify what else I need to do

Sorry to hear about the mishap.

I would doublecheck home WiFi network security as well. Make sure your router is secure and not too old.
I have read that it is easier for hackers to hack into older generation routers now. Change all the passwords
and make sure you are not using the default password. Make sure your computers have the latest updates
and your antivirus software is doing its job.

Good luck
by xerxes101
Mon Jun 20, 2022 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the best (most secure) home internet router for the money?
Replies: 23
Views: 4407

Re: Which is the best (most secure) home internet router for the money?

RetiredAL wrote: Mon Jun 20, 2022 12:00 pm

At $53, its going to be older run-of-mill router and this might be a close-out price. IMO, that does not match your opening post.

That said, if my router died, this would be a candidate for me -- all I is desire is a basic router-wireless.
So do you think the security is not going to be good because of being older?...or do you anticipate poor signal in areas far away from the router?
by xerxes101
Mon Jun 20, 2022 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the best (most secure) home internet router for the money?
Replies: 23
Views: 4407

Re: Which is the best (most secure) home internet router for the money?

Thank you for the recommendation.
After some research, thinking about going with this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079JD7F7G?ps ... ct_details

It is reasonably priced and the best selling router at Amazon.

Any drawbacks?
by xerxes101
Sun Jun 12, 2022 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which is the best (most secure) home internet router for the money?
Replies: 23
Views: 4407

Which is the best (most secure) home internet router for the money?

Hello,

I am in the market for a new router for my home internet network. My ISP is currently FiOS. I am updating my old one because I want better security/encryption and I do not intend to rent one from FiOS. I understand the new generation of routers are more secure...just want to have the peace of mind as far as internet security for my banking and financial transactions.

Please recommend one that you think offers high security at a reasonable cost. Thanks
by xerxes101
Sun May 01, 2022 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bogleheads rejoice, there is a new Corolla!
Replies: 61
Views: 9780

Re: Bogleheads rejoice, there is a new Corolla!

I am going to hold out for the hybrid model coming out in 2023 to make it even more boring... :D
by xerxes101
Sun Jan 30, 2022 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]
Replies: 603
Views: 89357

Re: [Using PayPal to pay bills and earn 5% on credit cards]

Great thread!

Has anyone tried paying credit card bills like this?