Search found 237 matches
- Thu Jan 14, 2021 12:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Our experience with a healthcare sharing ministry
- Replies: 104
- Views: 6364
Re: Our experience with a healthcare sharing ministry
Aside from the fact that there is no contractual guarantees, these plans probably work OK for most healthy people. It does so by shifting more of the burden to the rest of society. These good people of faith will reject any expenses (and maybe even applicants) related to pre-existing conditions. Th...
- Tue Jan 12, 2021 7:42 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Post when you have received various tax forms
- Replies: 21
- Views: 1802
- Thu Jan 07, 2021 4:55 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: TurboTax updated for EIP2 payment today
- Replies: 1
- Views: 329
TurboTax updated for EIP2 payment today
Just updated my TT and found Rcovery rebat Credit line 19 for EIP2 amount. Just FYI
- Thu Dec 31, 2020 11:20 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: [Where are you investing your "play" money?]
- Replies: 64
- Views: 6726
Re: sexy money
In order for this to qualify as "sexy" it would have to be strip poker/money with some lookers of the opposite gender.

- Thu Dec 31, 2020 6:26 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: $1200 stimulus to drop into my account 01/04/21
- Replies: 71
- Views: 9779
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 3:31 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: What did you spend in 2020?
- Replies: 204
- Views: 12654
Re: What did you spend in 2020?
This year I spent considerable amount of time to track my expenses since 2014 (using mint.com) and overall my spending went down a little bit in 2020, although some categories increased significantly while others were down [ select all Category 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Auto &Transport...
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 6:32 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Tax Gain Harvest - 0% Fed but 6% State
- Replies: 15
- Views: 930
Re: Tax Gain Harvest - 0% Fed but 6% State
Hi Bogleheads, I have a quick question: do you guys think it's a good idea to tax gain harvest in taxable account if you are in the 0% capital gains tax bracket at the federal level, but have to pay 6% at the state level? Let's say I have $6,000 in gains, that would be $360 at the state level. Is i...
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 6:25 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to provide IRS with banking info
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1417
Re: How to provide IRS with banking info
I've been using turbotax since 1985 or so. TT has my bank info for receiving refunds. Both State and Federal refunds get deposited within 7 days now. I received the 2400 stimulus (wife and I) on Feb. 14 and expect this 600/1200 within 7 days. You got the first stimulus a month before the pandemic? ...
- Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Keep universal life insurance policy?
- Replies: 17
- Views: 887
Re: Keep universal life insurance policy?
This is from Forbes, a great illustration of why a loan should NOT be taken from a Life Policy: How to Monitor a Life Insurance Policy Loan The insurance company will not require you to pay back the loan balance. Nor do they provide any loan repayment schedule. You have the option each year to pay l...
- Mon Dec 28, 2020 9:12 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: How to provide IRS with banking info
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1417
Re: How to provide IRS with banking info
I've been using turbotax since 1985 or so. TT has my bank info for receiving refunds. Both State and Federal refunds get deposited within 7 days now.
I received the 2400 stimulus (wife and I) on Feb. 14 and expect this 600/1200 within 7 days.
I received the 2400 stimulus (wife and I) on Feb. 14 and expect this 600/1200 within 7 days.
- Wed Dec 16, 2020 1:40 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Seeking Advice on best H & W Roth Conversion strategy
- Replies: 24
- Views: 1781
Re: Seeking Advice on best H & W Roth Conversion strategy
It sounds like you are currently paying state income taxes. Some states don't tax portions of retirement accounts (401K, TIRA and pensions). You may want to visit this. My state SC gives a per person $3000 deduction (under 65, but 15K each once 65+) on retirement income (Roth conversion). So I want ...
- Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:40 pm
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2020!
- Replies: 303
- Views: 38961
Re: Roll Call for the Retirement Class of 2020!
I'm a little late to this threaded roll call.
My wife Maria actually retired on Jan.4, 2020 at age 61.5 She is 62 now(June birthday) and has almost a whole year under retirement now.
She has acclimated quite well even with the crazy COVID year.
My wife Maria actually retired on Jan.4, 2020 at age 61.5 She is 62 now(June birthday) and has almost a whole year under retirement now.
She has acclimated quite well even with the crazy COVID year.
- Sat Dec 05, 2020 8:12 am
- Forum: US Chapters
- Topic: U. S. Marine Corps Birthday
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4618
Re: U. S. Marine Corps Birthday
I missed the birthday salute.
Semper Fi my brothers and sister Marines.
I was a 200 yr. birthday Marine, served 1975-1979. !975 was a great year for me.
MOS 2881, MACS-6, MACG-29, 2nd MAW, Cherry Point NC
E-5 Sgt.
My wife also served as a Marine, 1977-1981.
OOOORRAAHH
Semper Fi my brothers and sister Marines.
I was a 200 yr. birthday Marine, served 1975-1979. !975 was a great year for me.
MOS 2881, MACS-6, MACG-29, 2nd MAW, Cherry Point NC
E-5 Sgt.
My wife also served as a Marine, 1977-1981.
OOOORRAAHH
- Tue Dec 01, 2020 3:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: When to apply for SS so first payment is in January
- Replies: 1
- Views: 321
Re: When to apply for SS so first payment is in January
I applied a few months ago. I told them (on-line application) that I wanted first payment in January. I received a call back after application was approved and the gentleman was very helpful. You need to START SS in December to receive a payment in January (payment is considered arrears). You may ha...
- Mon Nov 30, 2020 10:49 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: New Vanguard Brokerage fees starting in January 2021
- Replies: 19
- Views: 4873
New Vanguard Brokerage fees starting in January 2021
I am pasting an email that I received today from Vanguard: Updates to brokerage account agreement, commission and fee schedules, and evening hours trading Dear Vanguard Brokerage Client, Effective December 30, 2020, we'll be amending the Vanguard Brokerage Account Agreement. We'll also be updating o...
- Thu Nov 26, 2020 12:19 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Could a fall in the dollar hurt your plan?
- Replies: 35
- Views: 2038
Re: Could a fall in the dollar hurt your plan?
If you are a nobody professor with no claim to fame, then the best bet is to make some outlandish claims as USD falling precipitously against other currencies and then at some point in future if that happens by chance you become an instant celebrity. The chance of that may be 1 in a million, but he...
- Thu Nov 26, 2020 12:06 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: I am thankful for the Bogleheads!
- Replies: 25
- Views: 1815
- Sun Nov 22, 2020 9:09 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Mechanics of Roth conversion
- Replies: 5
- Views: 647
Re: Mechanics of Roth conversion
I would keep it simple and convert the $77k at broker 1 to Roth leaving it at broker 1, then convert remaining necessary amount at broker 2 into the Roth at broker 2. Then at a later date move the Roth from broker 1 to broker 2 if desired. Pro rata only comes into play if you had funds that were not...
- Sat Nov 21, 2020 9:27 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Help me plan my Roth conversions
- Replies: 46
- Views: 3978
Re: Roth conversions are person specific
This, plus the single earner tax bracket at the death of one partner is anther reason we are doing Roth conversions.
- Sat Nov 21, 2020 8:48 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Healthcare Sharing(Medishare)-Bogleheads Opinions.
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1635
Re: Healthcare Sharing(Medishare)-Bogleheads Opinions.
The wife and I have completed one year under CHM (Christian Healthshare Ministries). It has kept us informed via monthly newsletters. Our monthly cost is 340 total and a quarterly add on called "Brothers Keeper" which is variable but usually around 100. It will pay per claim anything above...
- Thu Nov 12, 2020 9:14 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: VNQ (REIT) When Does It Go Ex-Dividend?
- Replies: 13
- Views: 1186
- Fri Sep 25, 2020 9:24 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
- Replies: 96
- Views: 5667
Re: What can I expect from new golf clubs
I haven't seen it posted yet, so I will make my recommendation. I have been playing off and on for over 50 years. I played my very best in my whole life after I attended a 5 day golf camp. Your instructors will get to know your game and what you need to improve. They will also take you out for 3-4 ...
- Thu Sep 24, 2020 4:20 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What can I expect from new golf clubs
- Replies: 96
- Views: 5667
Re: What can I expect from new golf clubs
I haven't seen it posted yet, so I will make my recommendation. I have been playing off and on for over 50 years. I played my very best in my whole life after I attended a 5 day golf camp. Your instructors will get to know your game and what you need to improve. They will also take you out for 3-4 h...
- Tue Sep 22, 2020 4:57 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Retire at 66 , SS at 70 , Funding the Gap
- Replies: 8
- Views: 1160
Re: Retire at 66 , SS at 70 , Funding the Gap
The gains tax for gold coins is 28%, do not pass GO there. Not the same as LTCG taxes on stock funds.
I would tend to keep them and leave to heirs where they can cash them immediately for no gain with stepped up basis and thus no taxes.
I would tend to keep them and leave to heirs where they can cash them immediately for no gain with stepped up basis and thus no taxes.
- Sat Sep 12, 2020 12:06 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Turbotax 2019 updater problems after 8/12/2020
- Replies: 3
- Views: 301
Re: Turbotax 2019 updater problems after 8/12/2020
OK, here it is, the cause of my particular problem after several reboots and downloads..........
A 1GB USB drive that I use for scanning files was inserted and caused my PC to "look" different than TurboTax19 wanted for Activation.
A 1GB USB drive that I use for scanning files was inserted and caused my PC to "look" different than TurboTax19 wanted for Activation.
- Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Turbotax 2019 updater problems after 8/12/2020
- Replies: 3
- Views: 301
- Sat Sep 12, 2020 9:13 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Turbotax 2019 updater problems after 8/12/2020
- Replies: 3
- Views: 301
Turbotax 2019 updater problems after 8/12/2020
All, I am hoping to save you some headaches. I had last opened my Turbotax on 8/12 with no problems. Today I was going to do some what-iffing and opened TT19 which I have set to auto update, after the update I am in an "activation" loop. Uninstalled it from Windows, re-downloaded my file a...
- Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
- Replies: 19
- Views: 1275
Re: HVAC Communicating vs. non-communicating and Mini-split
15 years is really old technology for the times. The new variable speed heat pumps and air handlers are like magic coupled with smart thermostats.
I have Lennox, but any high end (not Goodman stuff) is going to make a huge difference in your comfort and energy usage.
I have Lennox, but any high end (not Goodman stuff) is going to make a huge difference in your comfort and energy usage.
- Wed Aug 12, 2020 7:50 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: VUL Conversion Advice
- Replies: 25
- Views: 1362
Re: VUL Conversion Advice
Only if the policy is not MEC you can take basis first. In MECed policies all distributions are pro-rate I don't think OP policy is MEC at his values. MEC are usually high values at short durations, My VUL is over 20 years old, and should I desire, but won't, I could add quite a bit now and still n...
- Tue Aug 11, 2020 8:00 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: VUL Conversion Advice
- Replies: 25
- Views: 1362
Re: VUL Conversion Advice
My wife and I signed up for an Ameriprise VUL about 20 years ago. We don't need the life insurance any more and don't want to keep paying the premiums. Our advisor gave us some options but they all involved a large front-load cost and I'd like to get away from Ameriprise. Right now our cost basis i...
- Fri Aug 07, 2020 3:54 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Social Security as my Bond Fund?
- Replies: 70
- Views: 3765
Re: Social Security as my Bond Fund?
How much of your essential expenses are covered by Social Security? SS is $1500 at age 62, barely covers Medical insurance. So if you want to take on slightly more risk, you can do what wife and I are doing for 3 years and using CHM ( Christian Health Ministries) for our bridge to Medicare. For the...
- Fri Aug 07, 2020 1:47 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Extending concrete patio in sloped yard creating a large drop-off
- Replies: 16
- Views: 1095
Re: Extending concrete patio in sloped yard creating a large drop-off
I had concrete poured in my sloped yard in order to extend the back patio. Due to the slope, I now have a drop-off of 18 inches at the back of the patio. It's clearly not safe as-is. Any suggestions for ways to landscape or otherwise what to do to prevent people from a "hard step" down of...
- Fri Jul 24, 2020 6:41 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Speakers for basement
- Replies: 43
- Views: 2869
Re: Speakers for basement
If you have a large area with hard floors and walls, then you need to manage the sound with some sound diffusers or baffles on the wall to eliminate distortion and echoing. Soft furniture helps too. Hanging nice looking rugs on the wall as art is a good idea.
- Fri Jul 03, 2020 6:26 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Social Security Survivor Benefits - pass before Full Retirement Age
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1717
Re: Social Security Survivor Benefits - pass before Full Retirement Age
Based on my father in law's Jan 2020 Social Security Statement, it says: full retirement age - $1,228 70 years - $1,580 62 years - $826 So based on this, my understanding is that my mother in law would be getting 71.5% of the $1,228 if she were to start receiving benefits now at age 60. However, if...
- Fri Jun 26, 2020 8:08 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What is the single best piece of exercise equipment you bought for your home?
- Replies: 259
- Views: 17446
Re: What is the single best piece of exercise equipment you bought for your home?
How is an electric bike a piece of exercise equipment? h82goslw, A) Instead of driving to the library, grocery store, and so on, it is faster and easier to get there with an electric bike. B) For older folks, it extends the range of biking. KlangFool I've ridden centuries (100 mile rides) with 80+ ...
- Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:49 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Thoughts on today's sell-off?
- Replies: 194
- Views: 16579
- Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:47 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Thoughts on today's sell-off?
- Replies: 194
- Views: 16579
Re: Thoughts on today's sell-off?
+1 Love me some whipsaw/whiplash like a roller coaster. Keeps me from making dumb moves.TheTimeLord wrote: ↑Thu Jun 11, 2020 12:26 pm One day sell-offs are fun, long grinds downward are not. So my thoughts on today's sell-off are weeeee.
- Wed Jun 10, 2020 1:11 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: End of year Roth conversion tool?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 447
Re: End of year Roth conversion tool?
TT has a "what if" worksheet. That is what I am using this year, first year of Roth conversions for wife and I.
Go to View tab, select Forms, View all, search for What if worksheet.
Go to View tab, select Forms, View all, search for What if worksheet.
- Sun Jun 07, 2020 7:00 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GE Profile Refrigerator/Freezer vs Regular GE
- Replies: 45
- Views: 2914
Re: GE Profile Refrigerator/Freezer vs Regular GE
We bought a GE Profile French door unit in 2014. I would NOT buy it again. It is very noisy when running.
I notice very few store will have any models running for energy concerns, so you may have to search reviews. I think my next replacement will be a higher end unit with great low noise reviews.
I notice very few store will have any models running for energy concerns, so you may have to search reviews. I think my next replacement will be a higher end unit with great low noise reviews.
- Tue Jun 02, 2020 7:10 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Why Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is a mental accounting bias and should never be used [vs. lump sum]
- Replies: 760
- Views: 35425
Re: Why Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) is a mental accounting bias and should never be used
i've been dca-ing for 25 years almost all of my money was invested using dca, no way I ever had that much to lump-sum i also value-averaged numerous times during corrections and crashes for even more shares, yes, i timed my larger purchases since my portfolio is larger than it's ever been, even aft...
- Thu May 28, 2020 9:51 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Anyone screwed up timing the market?
- Replies: 94
- Views: 8990
Re: Anyone screwed up timing the market?
I got lucky when I converted 400 shares VTI to Roth on March 23rd!!
- Fri May 22, 2020 8:26 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: What kind of sunglasses?
- Replies: 110
- Views: 7075
Re: What kind of sunglasses?
I've had several pair of these, my last pair has lasted 3 years.
A Female Veteran owned company.
EpochEyeWear.com
Inexpensive and cover the whole range.
A Female Veteran owned company.
EpochEyeWear.com
Inexpensive and cover the whole range.
- Mon May 18, 2020 12:23 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Is there a Cable Guy in the House?
- Replies: 42
- Views: 3811
Re: Is there a Cable Guy in the House?
OP here. Thank you all for your suggestions and ideas. If I was tech or work-around-the-home savvy, I could do more myself. As it is, I'm just competent enough to know how to unplug modems and routers as a reset process. I looked again at the setup for where the cable modem is, and see that the coa...
- Mon May 18, 2020 12:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Composite AND wood deck?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 1087
Re: Composite AND wood deck?
A deck company that built my deck uses only 12" joist spacing. I asked and the answer was that 16" gets a little bouncy with composites especially as they age. So if converting to composite from wood you may need to add extra joists.
- Thu Apr 30, 2020 8:01 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Why are stocks down "only" 10% YTD?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 3452
Re: Why are stocks down "only" 10% YTD?
You never saw Wile E. Coyote fall off a cliff? If there is a second wave/rebound of the virus. That's the way I think the poster meant it.
- Wed Apr 29, 2020 1:28 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Mesh Wifi
- Replies: 130
- Views: 9782
Re: Mesh Wifi
I updated to the newest (at the time) ORBI in December. The router and 2 satellites work great for my 4500 sq. ft. 3 story home. I have the router in basement and then one satellite on each of the upper floors. I have 1 TV streaming on floor 3, 2 TV streaming on floor 2 and 1 TV streaming in basemen...
- Mon Apr 27, 2020 10:39 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Best Upcoming Time to Lump Sum Into Market
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1523
Re: Best Upcoming Time to Lump Sum Into Market
[
If you do not either "Lump Sum Now" or "Lump Sum Soon" (sounds like Chinese food "Lum Sum Soon")
you will miss market gains going forward.
[/quote]
I would like an order of Lump Sum Now, does that come with free egg roll!
If you do not either "Lump Sum Now" or "Lump Sum Soon" (sounds like Chinese food "Lum Sum Soon")

[/quote]
I would like an order of Lump Sum Now, does that come with free egg roll!

- Mon Apr 27, 2020 6:45 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Best Upcoming Time to Lump Sum Into Market
- Replies: 17
- Views: 1523
Re: Best Upcoming Time to Lump Sum Into Market
If you are market timing then these 2 statements are often used.
"Sell in May and go away."
"Come back in late October."
And since this is an election year you may want to wait until mid November.
"Sell in May and go away."
"Come back in late October."
And since this is an election year you may want to wait until mid November.
- Thu Apr 16, 2020 3:53 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Online / Gun Dealer Recommendations
- Replies: 101
- Views: 9347
Re: Online / Gun Dealer Recommendations
I haven't seen this mentioned yet, and they have LEA used firearms as well as collectible stuff.
Classicfirearms.com
Just checked they have Glock 23 Gen 4, .40 cal for $350, law enforcement turn in.
Classicfirearms.com
Just checked they have Glock 23 Gen 4, .40 cal for $350, law enforcement turn in.
- Wed Apr 15, 2020 6:35 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: [Government stimulus payments]
- Replies: 361
- Views: 30194
Re: Report when you receive your stimulus check here
Got it yesterday 4/14