Search found 296 matches

by FrankLUSMC
Fri Feb 09, 2024 10:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use HSA Proceeds to Make Solo 401(k) Contribution
Replies: 19
Views: 1354

Re: Use HSA Proceeds to Make Solo 401(k) Contribution

No such double deduction exists as the tax man comes when withdrawn from 401K. No taxes at all from HSA. Yes, you do get to deduct it twice; once for the HSA and once for the 401(k). It is true, however, that it will be taxed once when withdrawing, assuming enough other income in retirement. There are no taxes from the HSA, but you're limited to the initial dollar amount of the medical expense. By contributing to the 401(k), you get an even bigger "tax adjusted" amount than compared to the HSA. As I mentioned, it's confusing, but once you wrap your head around it, the concept makes sense. We will have to agree to disagree on this one. If I had 8K to invest in either an HSA or a 401K, the HSA wins. If I need to take out 8K tax fre...
by FrankLUSMC
Fri Feb 09, 2024 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use HSA Proceeds to Make Solo 401(k) Contribution
Replies: 19
Views: 1354

Re: Use HSA Proceeds to Make Solo 401(k) Contribution

Okay, so to understand why this is mathematically beneficial, it's worthwhile to point out that the $1000 of funds going into the 401k actually come from two places: $750 from the HSA and $250 from the tax savings at a marginal tax bracket of 25%. It's not just a lateral movement that shifts $1000 from tax-free HSA space to tax-deferred 401k space. It's a shift of $750 from tax-free HSA space to tax-deferred 401k space, plus the tax-savings of an additional $250 that gets tax-deferred treatment. This seems like the best way to explain it, or to use the original numbers, $1,000 from HSA and $333 in tax savings. Those numbers might make it more clean when talking about HSA -> Roth vs HSA -> traditional. I knew the main benefit stemmed from g...
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Feb 08, 2024 7:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Use HSA Proceeds to Make Solo 401(k) Contribution
Replies: 19
Views: 1354

Re: Use HSA Proceeds to Make Solo 401(k) Contribution

401K money is taxed when withdrawn and HSA money is tax free. Why move HSA into a tax deferred?
by FrankLUSMC
Tue Feb 06, 2024 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is your HSA strategy?
Replies: 52
Views: 6798

Re: What is your HSA strategy?

We only had HSA contributions for 2014 through end of 2020 maxed out each year (with company contrib. of $1K) and cash flowed all medical. We were in pretty good health so less than 1k year avg. medial expenses.
Just accumulated up to $90k (good Vanguard funds available) and started using withdrawals in 2023.
Withdrawing against Part B and D Medicare premiums, all expenses back to 2014 and all forward expenses.
Will also have some IRMAA additions in 2025 due to large Roth conversions in 2023 and 2024.
by FrankLUSMC
Sat Jan 27, 2024 6:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversions in the 22 & 24% tax brackets.
Replies: 144
Views: 14692

Re: Roth conversions in the 22 & 24% tax brackets.

In 2024 I plan on doing Roth conversions to the top of the 22% tax bracket. My question is should I go ahead and pay 2% more and convert in the 24% bracket as I have about 120,000 in cash I could use to pay the taxes. My understanding is that the tax bracket will be reverting back in 2026 from 22% to 25% and 24% to 28%. Is this a good idea or not? IMHO I am not an experienced finance expert, just a plain old guy doing my best to figure it out. Depends on the balance of your tIRA. We started with 1.5ish in tIRA's. If I didn't have IRMAA to contend with, I would at least convert to the top of 24% if not higher. Current law expires and returns to previous rates. I believe 22% becomes 25, and 24% becomes 27%, AND unless my math is way off, tod...
by FrankLUSMC
Sat Jan 27, 2024 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversions in the 22 & 24% tax brackets.
Replies: 144
Views: 14692

Re: Roth conversions in the 22 & 24% tax brackets.

scooter101 wrote: Thu Jan 25, 2024 9:44 pm Should be in the 22% tax bracket, I'm 58 so I have a few years before IRMAA.
If you have the means then you should do it.

I have IRMMA to worry about but I go into 24% up to 2x IRMMA because I also have an HSA to draw against the additional premiums.
by FrankLUSMC
Mon Jan 15, 2024 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: is AARP Medicare Supplemental (medi-gap) Plan G good to go?
Replies: 71
Views: 9379

Re: is AARP Medicare Supplemental (medi-gap) Plan G good to go?

ModifiedDuration wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 11:18 am
FrankLUSMC wrote: Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:27 am United (UHC) is not the least expensive plan. Look into New Era/Philadelphia for some less expensive. I have New Era for $30/m Plan G HD.
I changed form Physicians Mutual G-HD which was $60/m. PLan G and G-HD is th same no matter the insurance company.
$30 a month for Plan G-HD for a male is an awesome rate.
I am 67 1/12/1957 and my wife also went in so get a family rate in 29669 Greenville county SC.
by FrankLUSMC
Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: is AARP Medicare Supplemental (medi-gap) Plan G good to go?
Replies: 71
Views: 9379

Re: is AARP Medicare Supplemental (medi-gap) Plan G good to go?

United (UHC) is not the least expensive plan. Look into New Era/Philadelphia for some less expensive. I have New Era for $30/m Plan G HD.
I changed form Physicians Mutual G-HD which was $60/m. PLan G and G-HD is th same no matter the insurance company.
by FrankLUSMC
Sat Dec 09, 2023 6:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to best protect a new Dogwood tree?
Replies: 15
Views: 1509

Re: How to best protect a new Dogwood tree?

Another thing to do is to protect the bark from sun scald. If the tree is in direct morning or evening sun the trunk can become overheated. I had this happen on one of mine. Use white paper tape to wrap the trunk up to the first branch. As the tree gets more mature (3" diameter) you no longer need this.
Especially in winter months, this can occur when the tree is not flowing as much water in the cambium .
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Dec 07, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare (Part G Plan) Question
Replies: 28
Views: 2724

Re: Medicare (Part G Plan) Question

When I first started Medicare 2 years ago in SC there were only 3-4 providers of Part G HD, so I chose the least exp at the time.

It was Physicians Mutual. I have nothing bad to say about them, but this year a handful of other providers jumped into SC and I chose New Era at %50 of the cost of Physicians.

I did have underwriting, but healthy and no problems. Just for additional information.
by FrankLUSMC
Wed Dec 06, 2023 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: retire in 50s what do you do
Replies: 64
Views: 12223

Re: retire in 50s what do you do

I wouldke to travel a bit more etc.
missing??


You are missing your bucket list of things to do and places to visit/tour.

Bad luck/health can happen at any moment, so live/explore/experience as much as you can NOW!!
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Nov 30, 2023 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to start HSA withdrawals with past receipts
Replies: 13
Views: 1588

Re: When to start HSA withdrawals with past receipts

I am currently doing large Roth conversions into the 24% bracket up to 2025.
My large tax bill will be partially covered by HSA withdraws form receipts back to 2014. Wife and I are both on Medicare and when IRMMA hits in 2 years, I will be using the HSA to reimburse both our Med B and D premiums.
I expect to have IRMMA at 1.5 or maybe 2x for 3 years.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Nov 16, 2023 1:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Craig Wear CFP
Replies: 62
Views: 17865

Re: Craig Wear CFP

I've watched 2 of Craig's seminars. Craig is solving (or trying to) 1st world problems for those in the 1-1.5 mil or greater TIRA portfolios. Those in this forum will not need his solutions, but I can see where those who are not BHeads could use his ideas/solutions to minimize taxes in the long run by reducing RMDs. His main plan is to convert to Roth well into the 24% bracket at least through 2025 and maybe even into 25% bracket beyond. I should say this is mostly for married couples where one spouse becomes widowed and finds themselves in the 32% bracket later in life. This creates high IRMMA for 2-3 years, but should decrease Medicare premiums over lifetime. Craig does mention that leaving 300-500K in the TIRA may be a good idea for thos...
by FrankLUSMC
Wed Aug 30, 2023 7:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigap Plan G-HD (And F-HD Too)
Replies: 14
Views: 1937

Re: Medigap Plan G-HD (And F-HD Too)

the Part A deductible is also included as Plan G-HD deductible if hospitalization occurs. ~$1500 this year
by FrankLUSMC
Sat Aug 12, 2023 9:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Planning Kauai Visit - Reccomendations for First-Timer
Replies: 36
Views: 4644

Re: Planning Kauai Visit - Reccomendations for First-Timer

Lots of hiking trails if you are into that. Use the Alltrails app. Prepare to get muddy on most of them though.
by FrankLUSMC
Mon Jan 30, 2023 5:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS interest rates increased for Form 2210 in 2022
Replies: 0
Views: 379

IRS interest rates increased for Form 2210 in 2022

Just an FYI, I have a small penalty due to under payments and noticed that TurboTax is using 4% for the first quarter, 5% second, 6% third and 7% for the 4th quarter interest rates on the under payed amounts. I pay quarterly and under pay on purpose, but I need to fine tune a little better for 2023.
Now my penalty is only $62, but I had expected half that amount.
by FrankLUSMC
Sat Dec 03, 2022 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security account showing COLA a month early
Replies: 52
Views: 6283

Re: Social Security account showing COLA a month early

Nicolas wrote: Sat Nov 19, 2022 2:06 pm My SS was bumped up with the COLA early too. I’ll receive it starting December, was expecting January.
+1
by FrankLUSMC
Sat Dec 03, 2022 8:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: PSA- HVAC costs UP UP, inflation plus new 2023 standards
Replies: 15
Views: 2307

PSA- HVAC costs UP UP, inflation plus new 2023 standards

FYI,
https://www.hvac.com/resources/2023-hvac-regulations/

My neighbor just got a quote to replace an old Goodman HVAC heatpump/air handler. Inflation has caused a significant increase. Quoted 19K for a similar unit (Lennox) that I had installed in 2020 before Covid caused supply issues at 14K. The company also said that waiting a year would also cost +20% more because of the new standards that the above article speaks to.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Nov 24, 2022 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Medicare Part D and Prior Authorization
Replies: 14
Views: 1600

Re: Medicare Part D and Prior Authorization

My first year on medicare, lowest cost Part D around 7/month. Anyway my Vitamin D was very low and Dr. prescribed RX style D2 for 90 days.
My CVS Scripts through Part D was $96, my Costco Pharm was $24. What a rip, so my Part D remains unused as I use Costco for all items now.
I have back and kidney issues a nd all prescribed so far are lower at Costco.
by FrankLUSMC
Mon Oct 24, 2022 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Daily contact lenses?
Replies: 27
Views: 4289

Re: Daily contact lenses?

Very coincidental I'd find this discussion at the top of my Bogleheads feed. I just visited my optometrist and was given a trial of daily contacts (I've been wearing 2-weeks for over 30 years). I wore them for the first time today and am reasonably pleased with the experience. Assuming I make the move, there will be changes necessary from a lifestyle perspective. Specifically, I'll need to stash readers in multiple places as these would be required if the contacts are being worn (being nearsighted I need to "correct" my "corrected" vision). I'll also have to make a decision concerning whether to keep a small inventory of Acuvue Oasys 2-week contacts around for those times I might wear contacts for a brief amount of time...
by FrankLUSMC
Mon Oct 24, 2022 6:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Do not invest in Bonds during a Recession
Replies: 44
Views: 8615

Re: Do not invest in Bonds during a Recession

There is an inverse 20 year Bond ETF ticker TBT. Use caution though, but look at its chart.
by FrankLUSMC
Fri Oct 14, 2022 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Replies: 481
Views: 44414

Re: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

The HRA does not expire. It is an annual amount that I was given. So if I live another 10 years, it is $30,000. To be clear, I cannot get it all anymore depends if I choose the Enhanced or Standard plan. It is supposedly baked into the costs of the new Advantage plans. I forgot to mention that with the Medicare Advantage I have pay $5/$40 per primary care /specialist visit for a maximum out of pocket of $750. Incidentally I also get an annual HRA of $1,800 from another ex-employer. I have not seen any intention by them of changing their plans. So I can use this to pay for Part B deductible or IRMAA! Ask the plan if it covers you while out of state or out of country. That is the problem with most Advantage plans. If you don't plan on travel...
by FrankLUSMC
Fri Oct 14, 2022 11:07 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to miss an invisible target IRMAA
Replies: 4
Views: 927

Re: How to miss an invisible target IRMMA

RichK wrote: Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:32 am This site is as good as it gets IMO for Medicare IRMAA projections.

https://thefinancebuff.com/medicare-irm ... ckets.html

This projection would indicate you should be safe. Make sure to read the assumptions behind the estimates
Thanks, had not seen this one.
by FrankLUSMC
Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How to miss an invisible target IRMAA
Replies: 4
Views: 927

How to miss an invisible target IRMAA

Yesterday I was trying to figure out how to increase my Roth conversions for the remainder of the year and to stay below the first IRMAA cliff.
I discovered that the MAGI that the SSA will look for in 2024 (2022 MAGI) is not yet published.
I am now projected to be just above 194K MFJ for 2022, which I find to be the projected number for 2023 lookback to 2021 MAGI.
So I should be safe but would like to get closer to that invisible target. Any data for 2024 that I have missed?

Anyway luck would have it that after I made the Roth conversion orders that the market would close up 2% rather than down 2%. Ha another failure of market timing. Close though.
by FrankLUSMC
Sun Sep 04, 2022 11:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's the favorite thing or most important thing you have learned here? [Personal finance]
Replies: 191
Views: 17273

Re: What's the favorite thing or most important thing you have learned here?

Tax efficient strategies in retirement involving:
asset location and withdrawal for expenses
asset allocation for returns
IRMAA brackets and SS
Tax brackets and SS
Roth conversions with SS

then fund portfolios with low ER
and manage all the above with IPS
by FrankLUSMC
Wed Jul 27, 2022 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Typical for first Medicare Annual Wellcare Visit ?
Replies: 28
Views: 2175

Re: Typical for first Medicare Annual Wellcare Visit ?

Your Dr. should also set up as preventative care:

[Medical advice removed by admin LadyGeek]
by FrankLUSMC
Sun Jul 24, 2022 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Plan G, N, or G-HD?
Replies: 49
Views: 6559

Re: Medicare Plan G, N, or G-HD?

So I just started Medicare in January and chose plan G-HD through Physicians Health. Around $46/month in South Carolina. I had my annual health check in January and blood work. Mostly all included. I had a follow-up in April also mostly all included. Now my Part B deductible is used up. You get a free AAA (abdominal aorta aneurism) ultra sound as preventative care. My colonoscopy is scheduled for Sept., this is a preventative procedure that will be covered 100%. I had an ab. ultrasound scan (liver/kidney check) in June, the charge to insurance was ~$1000, Plan B paid ~$80 for the service and I paid ~$20.00. I just had a follow-up CT scan and have not seen the charges for that. But my experience here is that doctors, clinics and hospitals ch...
by FrankLUSMC
Sun Jun 26, 2022 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Moving shares from Computershare to Vanguard
Replies: 24
Views: 5423

Re: Moving shares from Computershare to Vanguard

You will need a brokerage account already set up before you get the form from Vanguard.
You do not need a Medallion certificate unless a super large amount involved.
Make sure you get ALL information regarding cost basis from Computershare before transfer.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Does HSA ownership matter for tax free withdrawals
Replies: 3
Views: 483

Re: Does HSA ownership matter for tax free withdrawals

4. Medicare and other health care coverage if you were 65 or older (other than premiums for a Medicare supplemental policy, such as Medigap).

For item (4), if you, the account beneficiary, aren’t 65 or older, Medicare premiums for coverage of your spouse or a dependent (who is 65 or older) aren’t generally qualified medical expenses.

My wife owns our HSA, she is 64. I am 65 and started Medicare in January 2022. We can NOT use the HSA funds for part B until she turns 65.
I hope this helps.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Feb 17, 2022 3:38 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are we freaks? Anyone else take photos of prices on grocery shelves?
Replies: 95
Views: 10052

Re: Are we freaks? Anyone else take photos of prices on grocery shelves?

Not for the same reason that you do.
But at Home Depot or Lowes I will photo the UPC of items that will be looked up in the book. Such as any paver/brick/edger type items in garden zone and any hardware bits that have to be bagged by hand.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Feb 17, 2022 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Where to retire?
Replies: 168
Views: 24289

Re: Where to retire?

4thand11 wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 5:28 pm
Tom_T wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 12:38 pm I don't know if anyone mentioned this place yet, but an ex-colleague of mine retired to a large, gated community in Savannah, GA, and loves it. It kind of caters towards golf and tennis, but it looked like a really nice community. I read that Savannah was listed by Forbes as a top-25 place to retire. No idea what the weather is like (I'm a Northerner :) )
Thank you, yes I've visited Savannah (just on a day trip when we stayed in Hilton Head). Lovely city. I'll have to do some more research on the immediate area.
Beaufort is also a very nice. Please don't come to Greenville area as that ship has sailed! 8-) :moneybag
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Feb 17, 2022 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Social Security Number] in email — Need Help
Replies: 46
Views: 4057

Re: [Social Security Number] in email — Need Help

gwe67 wrote: Wed Feb 16, 2022 6:24 pm Back in the day, my SSN was printed on my checks. Everybody did this. Nobody cared. What's the big deal?
Even some States used the SSN as the Driver License number. I know, I am older than the rock it was carved on! :D
by FrankLUSMC
Wed Feb 16, 2022 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Decumulation tracking in retirement - anyone doing it?
Replies: 57
Views: 7358

Re: Decumulation tracking in retirement - anyone doing it?

My DW has a 401K with Voya. I use the Voya tools to load our accounts including all credit cards, bank, loans and other IRAs.
It has cash flow tracking, investment tracking and balance sheet reports for Total Net Worth.
Our USAA account that we use as our only bank also has a cash flow/money tracking and budget tool.

We have completed 2 full years of retirement and these tools keep our spending on track.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Feb 03, 2022 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?
Replies: 50
Views: 7940

Re: What do you say is your yearly income when retired for credit card limit purposes?

I use my annual expenses. My reasoning is that I must have at least that income to cover. Income tax MAGI may not be the same.
by FrankLUSMC
Tue Feb 01, 2022 9:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [BUG] TurboTax Premier 2021 (Windows PC) - HSA section
Replies: 6
Views: 901

Re: [BUG] TurboTax Premier 2021 (Windows PC) - HSA section

You are in "interview" mode. I suspect this fills in the correct data on the 2021 form. Go to "forms" mode and check the form. It will most probably be correct.
Make sure you update TT every time you run it.
by FrankLUSMC
Sun Jan 02, 2022 9:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Favorite budget golf balls?
Replies: 38
Views: 3199

Re: Favorite budget golf balls?

I've always liked Callaway and when they bought and now make the Top Flite brand, I found that the Gamer was very close to Callaways in feel and spin.
Costco/Kirkland balls are excellent too.
by FrankLUSMC
Tue Nov 30, 2021 2:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Roth conv at Schwab after market closed, today or yesterday's price used?
Replies: 37
Views: 2502

Re: Roth conv at Schwab after market closed, today or yesterday's price used?

I did some R conversions today at V'gard both with VBR and VSIAX and I've done this before. Both the ETF and Mutual funds are converted after closing because they use number of shares instead of dollar value.
Now, because I did some conversions today may mean that the market goes lower. However, I still have some room in the 22% bracket, so maybe the market goes higher! LOL YMMV
by FrankLUSMC
Fri Jul 16, 2021 11:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Active MF that Bogleheads believes and invest for long term!
Replies: 63
Views: 7575

Re: Active MF that Bogleheads believes and invest for long term!

stevewolfe wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 8:35 pm T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation is the active fund we have invested in for 22 years or so. PRWCX.
I invested in this in the early 2000s for my daughter's Roth. I think it is closed to new investors now. But it still is chugging along nicely.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA money, use it or save it for later
Replies: 95
Views: 12422

Re: HSA money, use it or save it for later

anon_investor wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:15 pm
FrankLUSMC wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:53 pm
anon_investor wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 12:33 pm
dred pirate wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:21 am is there a time limit on when you have to claim the expenses by? Can you actually claim an expense 20 years old?
Currently there is no time limit. Major loophole! :beer
Wrong! You can not reimburse receipts that are incurred before the HSA was started.
Well duh! But a qualified medical expense I incured today while covered by a qualified HDHP and HSA can be reimbursed 20 years from now under current law.
so the question was "can you claim an expense that is 20 years old?" Not if the HSA was not started at that time. This is the qualifier that was left out of that question.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSA money, use it or save it for later
Replies: 95
Views: 12422

Re: HSA money, use it or save it for later

anon_investor wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 12:33 pm
dred pirate wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 11:21 am is there a time limit on when you have to claim the expenses by? Can you actually claim an expense 20 years old?
Currently there is no time limit. Major loophole! :beer
Wrong! You can not reimburse receipts that are incurred before the HSA was started.
by FrankLUSMC
Thu Jun 10, 2021 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to park cash at Vanguard
Replies: 19
Views: 5203

Re: Where to park cash at Vanguard

I'm using VUSFX, yield over 1% and pretty steady valuation over time.
by FrankLUSMC
Tue May 11, 2021 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Preparing to RE - looking for advice on best preparatory steps
Replies: 20
Views: 2513

Re: Preparing to RE - looking for advice on best preparatory steps

I agree with the above post by marcopolo, especially:

a>Keep maxing 401K and catchup to minimize current taxes, then
b> Use your already taxed and taxable to pay expenses for the first couple years (or more if needed) to convert ~80k to Roth and still be able to take capital gains rate at 0% to get rid of your high fee funds and company stock.
by FrankLUSMC
Mon May 10, 2021 8:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there quiet central air conditioners (the outside unit)?
Replies: 18
Views: 1922

Re: Are there quiet central air conditioners (the outside unit)?

Get a variable speed compressor and variable speed air handler from a well known company. Most of the time they are on the lowest speed and will be very quiet.
by FrankLUSMC
Mon May 10, 2021 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HSAs and Medicare Part B Premium Rebates
Replies: 14
Views: 1487

Re: HSAs and Medicare Part B Premium Rebates

You can use your HSA to reimburse yourself of the Part B premium only. Any supplement like Med Advantage or Part G etc. are not HSA reimbursable.
Your question sounds like the Med Advantage commercials like HUMANA that says it reimburses Part B. This is not an HSA expense.
by FrankLUSMC
Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job Exit Interview
Replies: 100
Views: 13671

Re: Job Exit Interview

I think everyone is making too big a deal out of this.
I suspect the exit Retirement interview will entail:
1. return property to company
2. debriefing of security issues, return of badges
3. information regarding health insurance options
4. information regarding 401k options and or pension options
5. Any questions? Pat on back, goodbye
by FrankLUSMC
Tue Apr 20, 2021 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Go after Whirlpool or capture my gains?
Replies: 2
Views: 619

Re: Go after Whirlpool or capture my gains?

If the insurance payment includes line items, check to see what the 15K covers.
If only base cabinets are covered, then I would go back to the Insurance to also cover the upper cabinets to make you whole. I doubt you can find matching base cabinets to your existing uppers. I may be wrong. Also counter tops because your new cabinets normally can not re-use the existing tops. This may also include the kitchen sink.

Anything you find as you go along can also be addressed as a supplement to the original claim.

Edited to add, Take LOTS of pictures to back your claim.
by FrankLUSMC
Tue Apr 20, 2021 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Received stimulus check incorrectly
Replies: 7
Views: 1059

Re: Received stimulus check incorrectly

This is likely one of those loopholes that was not caught when the IRS decided to pay SS recipients differently this year.
I would wait until they ask for it back. I am sure it was because she was on the SS payroll database.

My first 2 payments were direct deposit. Started SS this Jan. and received my 3rd stim check last week by mail. Nothing else changed regarding my checking account, only change was that I was now on the SS payroll.
by FrankLUSMC
Wed Apr 07, 2021 3:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Invited to join HOA board. Pros/cons?
Replies: 98
Views: 15962

Re: Invited to join HOA board. Pros/cons?

We have lived in two HOAs, one starting in 1996, one starting in 2007. I served on the board of the first one for 3 years as President. My advice is to RUN, RUN, AS FAST AS YOU CAN. Let me explain why. HOAs are horrible, IMO. They are bastions of strife, where maybe 10 - 20% of the residents care about what's going on, and the rest don't. And many of the rest violate the rules that are designed to make the community a nicer place. I can list example after example, but that's not your question. Those that serve on HOA boards fit several profiles. The first profile is the lawyer/wannabe lawyer that wants to make legal pronouncements on every matter brought before the board. Good chance this lawyer/wannabe lawyer hasn't even read the document...