Search found 554 matches

by McDougal
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights
Replies: 29
Views: 2178

Re: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights

Lots of assumptions here and many suggestions based on conjecture of what really happened. Probably best to wait for the OP to return to clarify some of the points and questions raised in the thread.
by McDougal
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:02 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Re: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice

123 wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:31 pm
bradpevans wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:26 pm ...how did she get 1.2MM into HSA?
+1 When I saw the HSA number it almost knocked me out of my chair.
Wow, it took 8 posts to point out my error. I'd say typo, but it was clearly anm error. That should have read 401(k). I corrected the OP.
by McDougal
Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help with open social security results please
Replies: 11
Views: 861

Re: Help with open social security results please

Lots of variables. What mortality table did you use? What discount rate?

kjsammy, you are correct, on OpenSS you should NOT use your PIA that was set back at your full retirment age, you should use the amount as of today. How did you arrive at that number? SSA.tools, social security itself?
by McDougal
Wed Mar 13, 2024 4:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Raymond James beating the SP500? That's what they are claiming.
Replies: 59
Views: 4612

Re: Is Raymond James beating the SP500? That's what they are claiming.

nisiprius wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 1:50 pm
the_wiki wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:52 am Did their actual clients outperform S&P500 index funds?
THIS.
Yaeh, where are the clients' yachts? :?
by McDougal
Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Re: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice

sailaway wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 2:24 pm This can make a lot of sense. One thing to watch out for would be IRMAA. Might make sense to split contributions between traditional and Roth if you are near any cut offs for tax brackets or additional charges.
Great point sailaway, thanks. I am already in the second IRMAA tier with an SSA-44 under review to go one tier lower, hopefully. I will be close either way, so I will absolutely keep this in mind!
by McDougal
Wed Mar 13, 2024 1:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Seeking end of career 401(k) advice
Replies: 11
Views: 1775

Seeking end of career 401(k) advice

I have one of those Roth or traditional questions. I retired a couple years ago. DW retired in December, but she failed retirement miserably. :oops: (FWIW I am 68, she is 63.) She has just landed a new FT job which offers among other things, a traditional and a Roth 401(k). We are in either 22% or 24% marginal bracket. She plans to work for another 3-5 years. Without going into a detailed portfolio review, we have around $3.7MM invested. My tIRA $1.5MM. My Roth IRA $53K Our joint brokerage $174K Her HSA 401(k) $1.2MM Her tIRA $806K With such a low amount in Roth now, and with her new salary coming in and not a lot of room to do high conversions, does it make sense for her to use the Roth 401(k) exclusively until she retires (again!)? As alw...
by McDougal
Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Managed Account Performance over last 5 years
Replies: 15
Views: 1498

Re: Managed Account Performance over last 5 years

Rob Berger recently posted a video on this topic that I found interesting. "SPIVA 2023: Did Actively Managed Funds FINALLY Beat Index Funds?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HIDQryalE4&t=1025s
by McDougal
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option
Replies: 49
Views: 7797

Re: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option

stevem54 wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:36 pm I do not know any of the other details regarding SS incomes, other debts, etc. The information I've provided was just offered in a casual conversation. I was sufficiently concerned that I offered to help her find resources, and keep her away from EJ and the like. I was hoping to provide very rough direction, such as read the materials I cited, investigate SPIAs, probably stay out of stocks.
Did they ask for asistance, or was it offered and accepted gratefully? Sometimes, especially with family, it can be a minefield to insert oneself into others' financial matters (or any matters in fact).
by McDougal
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA
Replies: 43
Views: 4907

Re: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA

iim7V7IM7 wrote: Mon Mar 11, 2024 4:09 pm Those rules are one’s described by Jim Otar in his writings. They do not address the complexities asset location between tax free, deferred and taxable accounts. I was simply trying to explain how short term cash and fixed income can be used to minimize reverse dollar cost averaging during distribution.
Thanks for the follow up!
by McDougal
Mon Mar 11, 2024 1:08 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA
Replies: 43
Views: 4907

Re: Keeping 5 years' expenses in cash/short-term vs. more conventional retirement AA

One method that some approach the fixed income side of their retirement portfolio is to: If you had 25x expenses: Allocation: - Keep 2-Years of expenses in a Money Market (~8%) for immediate liquidity - Keep 3-Years in Short Term Bond ETF (~12%). Use this to top off your money market as it depletes. - Keep the rest of your fixed income in Intermediate Bonds ETF or Total Bond Market (in your case ~15%) - Keep your Equity allocation (in your case ~65%). Management: If rebalancing from fixed income to equities, the money should go from intermediate bonds to money market first , then to short term bonds second and then to equities with any remaining third . When rebalancing from equities, first top off the money market, then short term bonds s...
by McDougal
Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity and Bank of America data lost in Infosys breach
Replies: 57
Views: 6477

Re: Fidelity and Bank of America data lost in Infosys breach

Today I received a letter dated March 1 from Northwest Mutual regarding a data breach "on or around November 2, 2023" which occured at Infosys McCamish Systems. Infosys supports NM's corporate and business market operations. I had an account there, probably closed it 20-25 years ago FWIW. I wonder how far reaching this thing will end up being?
by McDougal
Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare
Replies: 168
Views: 11481

Re: Medicare: 64 Year Old Eyeing 2025 Medicare

Edit: For what it’s worth, I’m already very much aware that it can be very difficult to qualify for a Part B supplement if you don’t buy it initially when first going on Medicare. Meaning if I did go the MedicareAdvantage route, that would probably be an irreversible decision. From https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/how-medigap-works Something called a trial right period. Might be worth looking into. "If you have a Medigap policy and join a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time, you may want to drop your Medigap policy because you’ll be paying for coverage you can’t use. If after you join a Medicare Advantage Plan for the first time and you’re not happy with your plan, you’ll have a single 12-month period (...
by McDougal
Mon Feb 26, 2024 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Bank’s savings account vs. US treasuries
Replies: 34
Views: 4468

Re: Bank’s savings account vs. US treasuries

LaramieWind wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:37 am
AnnetteLouisan wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:11 am Does today’s wsj article on reverse repo present a cause to dial back on treasury investments? I’m heavily in treasuries. Or is it just more noise to tune out?
Can you share the article?
Probably this one? May be paywalled
https://www.wsj.com/economy/central-ban ... lead_story
by McDougal
Sat Jan 27, 2024 4:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
Replies: 117
Views: 12897

Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy

Interesting thread. I retired at 65.5, that was 2.5 years ago. DW just retired now, so we really just started living with no salary coming in. No pensions for us. Started reading this forum 6 years ago and I had no idea what my withdrawal plan would be when I retired. Never heard of any of those withdrawal methods. I guess the younger me just would take what I needed, and today I feel the same way. The best thing is, if you do decide on something like 4%, ABW, TPAW, any of those things, you can always change it along the way! Of course, I assume (could be wrong) most people here on BH have a lot of portfolio assets compared to most people in the US, so it's a pretty unique data set to say the least. I have 3 siblings just a bit younger than...
by McDougal
Fri Jan 19, 2024 2:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are car washes necessary?
Replies: 116
Views: 12618

Re: Are car washes necessary?

whodidntante wrote: Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:39 pm If this forum has taught me anything, it's that I do not want a used car owned by a Boglehead.
But you'd be quite the hit at the antique car shows.
by McDougal
Wed Jan 10, 2024 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 3 weeks in Italy - how much cash?
Replies: 14
Views: 1740

Re: 3 weeks in Italy - how much cash?

Thnks to all. I usually come home with most of my US$$ and several Euros anyway, so I'll have to check the cookie jar to bring them back.
Cheers!
by McDougal
Wed Jan 10, 2024 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 3 weeks in Italy - how much cash?
Replies: 14
Views: 1740

3 weeks in Italy - how much cash?

Hi all. Have travelled internationally from the US several times, but this trip will be different for us. 3 weeks in one location in Italy (Tuscany). For past 1-week trips, I usually carry about $100US and use a local ATM with a Schwab card to withdraw local currency as needed. I use a non-foreign transaction fee credit card for as much as possible. Is there any reason to change this strategy due to length of stay?
by McDougal
Sun Dec 24, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1413785

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

Happy Holidays everyone! I primarily use Amex Platinum for big purchases and enjoy both the plat benefits and membership rewards. Also have Chase Sapphire preferred and 3-4 other cards (Fidelity, Cap One Savor, Costco Visa). I have a large bill coming up in January, almost $30K. Vendor will not accept Amex. I am open to opening another card to grab a sign on bonus. Most interested in cash back. Are there any great offers out there? Tried Dr of credit but looking for more guidance than they provide. Thanks!
by McDougal
Tue Dec 12, 2023 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Soc Sec Statement - Bitter Sweet
Replies: 13
Views: 3337

Re: Soc Sec Statement - Bitter Sweet

TheMurphy wrote: Tue Dec 12, 2023 12:50 pm
2 - Can I draw from my Social Security while working part time? Are there income caps? Limitations? Conditions?

Where can I read more about drawing benefits while working part or full time? Must I declare myself retired and to whom?
See "Receiving Benefits While Working" - https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement ... rking.html
by McDougal
Sun Nov 26, 2023 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much tip is appropriate at highly automated restaurants?
Replies: 103
Views: 10521

Re: How much tip is appropriate at highly automated restaurants?

Xrayman69 wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 8:55 am To Insure prompt service = TIPS
Then it should be TEPS, no?
(sorry, pet peeve)
by McDougal
Wed Nov 22, 2023 8:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?
Replies: 11037
Views: 2066835

Re: What Movie Have You Recently Watched?

Wife and I took 5 of our grandkids (aged 5 to 10) to see Trolls Band Together for a pre-Thanksgiving treat at a theater.All of of us really enjoyed it. I think DW and I enjoyed the music more than the kids did, but the story held their interest. I especially enjoy watching kids movies with them as my 10 year old grandson laughs at things I don't think are funny, and I laugh at things he doesn't get. i Imagine the writers get a kick out of inserting some mild "adult" humor to make the adults chuckle while it goes over the kids' heads!
by McDougal
Wed Nov 01, 2023 4:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?
Replies: 179
Views: 23256

Re: Any Home Upgrades You Regret Installing?

Dougiefresh wrote: Wed Nov 01, 2023 11:32 am Attic Fan? It was installed per the manufacturer’s directions.
I’m not sure if it really works to lower the temperature. Just moves the air around and raises my electric bill.
Anybody have a different experience? How can I tell if it’s effective? Sure, eventually the suns goes down and it gets cooler out.
You installed it to blow out, right? Ours worked great in our prior (larger) house.
by McDougal
Wed Oct 18, 2023 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690163

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

mrmass wrote: Wed Oct 18, 2023 8:41 am Lessons In Chemistry on Apple Plus.

Only on episode 2 but it's well done. About a very smart woman in the 1950s trying to be a Chemist and the obstacles she faces. It appears she moves on to hosting a cooking show and applies here chemistry knowledge there.

https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2022/0 ... ie-larson/
I really enjoyed the book. Will have to give the show a shot as well.
by McDougal
Fri Oct 13, 2023 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Free in-home Covid test Kits
Replies: 360
Views: 41970

Re: Free in-home Covid test Kits

Angel of Empire wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 3:42 pm I'm not buying the "extended expiration" date.

Were they just kidding the first time? Or just making stuff up?
I know with drugs manufacturers can extend exp dates "...based on their own testing and acceptable data in accordance with a protocol..."* I imagine lab testing kits have a similar protocol in place.



*https://www.fda.gov/drugs/pharmaceutica ... nd-answers
by McDougal
Tue Oct 03, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much do you spend a month on food?
Replies: 334
Views: 29232

Re: How much do you spend a month on food?

Yikes, $29 grand a year in food/restaurants? I think this is high also regardless of where you live.
by McDougal
Fri Sep 15, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Revised] Delta Skymiles Program
Replies: 32
Views: 4617

Re: [Revised] Delta Skymiles Program

Yes very bad, especially for folks like me locked into Delta (ATL). The discussion over on FlyerTalk is up to 59 pages already :shock:
by McDougal
Thu Aug 31, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Don't leave home without it" when traveling overseas
Replies: 58
Views: 5991

Re: "Don't leave home without it" when traveling overseas

electric adapter(s) for each country
by McDougal
Wed Aug 30, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Great Migration (Africa Wildebeest)
Replies: 19
Views: 2718

Re: The Great Migration (Africa Wildebeest)

Three potential companies: 1.) Tauck Tours- we have used extensively. Excellent outfit. We did a "Classic Safari" trip to Tanzania a few years ago. 2.) Abercrombie&Kent- Sorta of a specialist in Africa although they have trips all over the world. Well known. About the same as Tauck. 3.) Micato- Our travel agent used. Very classy and very expensive. A notch above Tauck and A&K from the sounds of it. I have no direct experience. Check them out on-line will give you a good flavor. Depends on the budget. We likely spend more than many folks because that's what we like and we can afford it. There are much cheaper ones of course. I second the recommendation of A&K. We used them in 2019 for the Mara crossing (*amazing*) and ...
by McDougal
Tue Aug 29, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security vs. drawdown
Replies: 138
Views: 11739

Re: Social Security vs. drawdown

trueson1 wrote: Tue Aug 29, 2023 12:09 pm I was going to delay until 70 but after re-examing all factors, have decided to take sort of a middle road and take it at 68. After all considerations not much difference between 68 and 70, with spousal benefits, state taxes and a pension. Agree - all situations are different.
I am in the same boat as you. I am watching this thread closely. Will be 68 in Dec, wife still working, 5 yrs younger than me. I retired in 2021 @ 65. Plan has been for me to wait till 70. Salaries were about the same, so no spousal or even survivor advantage here. Both of our health situations are very good. However, after 2+ years of retirement, the one salary is not quite cutting it anymore and we are faced with either drawing mine down, or me taking SS soon.
by McDougal
Fri Aug 25, 2023 3:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Closed, dead pool Medicare Supplement insurance plans
Replies: 58
Views: 6594

Re: Closed, dead pool Medicare Supplement insurance plans

OK, I've read https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap/medigap-medicare-advantage-plans and I think I finally understand what you guys are saying, but I'm not sure I'd want to be the first one to try it. From your link (emphasis mine) => If you’re not happy with your Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll have a single 12-month period (your trial right period) to get your Medigap policy back if the same insurance company still sells it once you return to Original Medicare . This seems to say the guaranteed acceptance only applies to your original Medigap insurance company, the one that you were trying to leave in the first place. Am I reading it right? From https://www.medicare.gov/publicati...
by McDougal
Tue Aug 22, 2023 7:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why the Difference in Rates for 1-6 Month T-Bills?
Replies: 15
Views: 2724

Re: Why the Difference in Rates for 1-6 Month T-Bills?

I bought a 26 week treasury bill yesterday. The current yield is 5.52 percent. Fidelity is showing the price I paid as 97.323. 1. This has been discussed before but how do we get from 97.323 to 5.52? I know that it is zero coupon so there is no interest rate and my return is the difference between the purchase price and the nominal value plus something else, perhaps compounding. 2. Or regardless of how we get there, will I get 5.52 percent? I realize this is annualized. 3. And what will it be as a tax effective yield? (NY state and local around 12.5 percent). Thank you. Regarding your #2. I bought the 26-week yesterday too and did the math. I paid $19,464.62 (for $20K) which is a $535.38 discount from 20K. $535.38 works out to 2.75% of wha...
by McDougal
Sun Aug 20, 2023 3:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Need Delta Airlines branded card (for Medallion Qualification Miles) and high balance transfer card. Help.
Replies: 11
Views: 1161

Re: Need Delta Airlines branded card (for Medallion Qualification Miles) and high balance transfer card. Help.

[Title was "Need DL branded card (for MQMs) and high balance transfer card. Help." --admin LadyGeek] Hi card experts, Need your help for 2 problems 1. Want a 2nd DL branded card to get approx 50k MQMs before year end (to retain Platinum status). Can do this immediately. 2. Want high limit balance transfer card (later in the calendar year). I need to do a midsized house project (approx $30k), want to put in on the card so I can pay it off over the next 12-18 months. I could pay in full, but it would seriously dent my reserve fund. I already have a DL Skymiles Platinum (credit limit of $35k). And a Chase Sapphire Preferred (credit limit of $47k). Charge 5-10k a month on the cards, pay in full each month. Credit score is 800, no oth...
by McDougal
Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28461

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

kojima wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 9:01 am
McDougal wrote: Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:17 am With all the coffee grinders and makers, surprised I didn't see this here yet. My Ember coffee mug.
How is it? I drink multi cups of tea a day and have been eyeing the Ember coffee mug but it's quite pricey. Does it work well?
Got one for my wife over a year ago and I got jealous so treated myself a few months ago. I also drink coffee all day long. This eliminates the need to constantly "nuke" the coffee. Here is a pretty thorough review of it. https://youtu.be/8pPCMjqI_uw
by McDougal
Wed Aug 16, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28461

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

With all the coffee grinders and makers, surprised I didn't see this here yet. My Ember coffee mug.
by McDougal
Tue Aug 15, 2023 7:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is 64 too young to retire?
Replies: 124
Views: 13442

Re: Is 64 too young to retire?

Of course, everyone's' situation is different. Here is how I gave myself permission. I retired in 2021 at 65. At that point I had 51 consecutive years of Social Security earnings (I know, the early ones were nothing, but hear me out). I said to myself, it took me 51 years to end up where I am financially. It is now time to reap the rewards of that hard work. I know I do not have 51 years left on this planet, so I started tipping more, travelling more, increased gift giving and volunteering. I admit it was not easy to actually switch from accumulation to decumulation, but once I made the decision, I do not know what I was even worried about. Claudia, your prospect sounds amazing. I'll echo others who have already said - "Do it!!!" ...
by McDougal
Tue Aug 15, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I not withhold taxes?
Replies: 30
Views: 2389

Re: Can I not withhold taxes?

FiveK wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 5:16 pm
CAsage wrote: Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:54 pm The requirement is that you meet the safe harbor rules (see below). You can simply lower your spouse's withholding, or if not enough then pay the withholding by extra out of her checks. Or learn to pay estimated taxes, it's easy online!

https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Estimated_tax
+1

Murdock7591/McDougal: does that article (and links therein) answer your questions?
Yes, from me, thanks to all! Spouse does still work and has W2 income, so we will ensure withholding is appropriate.
by McDougal
Mon Aug 14, 2023 4:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I not withhold taxes?
Replies: 30
Views: 2389

Re: Can I not withhold taxes?

Related question. I retired in 2021. My spouse is still working. We file our taxes MFJ. I had W2 income in 2021 and in 2022. I have no W2 income anymore. For tax year 2023 and onwards, am I supposed to pay quarterly estimated taxes, even though my spouse is still working? Thanks!
by McDougal
Fri Aug 11, 2023 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Changing bank acct at Treasury Direct
Replies: 22
Views: 2258

Re: Changing bank acct at Treasury Direct

I added a second bank on the TD website as a backup around 2 months ago. It was seamless for me.
by McDougal
Tue Aug 08, 2023 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Open Social Security's Recommended Strategy Changed
Replies: 28
Views: 3497

Re: Open Social Security's Recommended Strategy Changed

rbslos36 wrote: Tue Aug 08, 2023 2:40 pm It's 194.00 less if I wait to age 70!
per month, per year, till end date?
by McDougal
Wed Aug 02, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Have you recovered from the market downturn?
Replies: 117
Views: 10801

Re: Have you recovered from the market downturn?

Almost for me. I retired in July 2021, so I have been dreading SORR since then. Still do. I have been tracking my portfolio balance monthly since retiring, as I am no longer contributing to it, and have never taken anything out of it. (Living off of my working wife!)
On 2/28/23 I was down $158.3K, but happily as of 7/31/23 I am down only $21.8K. :D
by McDougal
Wed Aug 02, 2023 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deferred Fixed Annuity Oh My!
Replies: 32
Views: 4210

Re: Deferred Fixed Annuity Oh My!

shelterinplace wrote: Sat Jul 29, 2023 12:30 am Hi,

Saw my new Fidelity advisor again today. How new? Are you sure he knows you and your risk tolerance well enough?

He wants me to do a PARTIAL inservice rollover of 401K and invest that money in a Deferred Fixed Annuity, 4.80% for 3 years as I'm wanting to protect some monies. You are wanting to protect monies, or is he trying to convince you? Not sure if you are clear on what you want to do with your portfolio. I suggest more lengthy discussions with your new advisor.

by McDougal
Sat Jul 29, 2023 8:34 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best Purchase < $1000?
Replies: 231
Views: 28461

Re: Best Purchase < $1000?

Bidet toilet seat.
by McDougal
Sat Jul 29, 2023 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Carrying cash for tips?
Replies: 81
Views: 6593

Re: Carrying cash for tips?

muffins14 wrote: Sat Jul 29, 2023 8:18 am
dukeblue219 wrote: Sat Jul 29, 2023 1:17 am That's on the valet for not having a QR code that goes straight to Venmo or Cash App. It's 2023 and that is very common for tipping bartenders at an open bar and such.

I don't expect every BH to use such a service but it literally only takes 15 seconds if you have the app already
It’s a little silly that in 2023 we are
1) discussing the valet having a QR code and everyone must have a smartphone to pay them over the internet
2) not discussing that perhaps the valet should just be pair more via their EMPLOYER
I don't really think it's silly at all. Things change, technology advances. Some of us simply adopt faster than others. Personally, I still tip in cash, but I do see QR codes more and more.
by McDougal
Thu Jul 27, 2023 9:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to become a billionaire in 20 years?
Replies: 96
Views: 9212

Re: How to become a billionaire in 20 years?

Joe Public wrote: Thu Jul 27, 2023 8:09 pm Perhaps orange juice futures.
Sell Mortimer, sell!
by McDougal
Thu Jul 20, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth conversions - is there a formula towards the right amount?
Replies: 174
Views: 14298

Re: Roth conversions - is there a formula towards the right amount?

Side question: Is there any benefit to leaving some tax deferred funds under one spouse vs. the other? We've been doing Roth conversions for the older spouse's tax deferred accounts and I'm wondering if there's any reason to leave some traditional retirement funds in their name. … One possible reason to leave some tax deferred $ in the name of each spouse is if your state exempts from taxes annually $xx in retirement distributions per person. Are there states that do that for joint filing? Just curious. Pretty sure GA does. From AARP - "Georgia offers a tax exclusion on up to $35,000 of retirement income earned by people 62 to 64, or up to $65,000 earned by those 65 and older. (If you're married, you and your spouse both may qualify, ...
by McDougal
Fri Jun 30, 2023 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Companies requiring SS # for ID vs Identity Theft potential
Replies: 26
Views: 2595

Re: Companies requiring SS # for ID vs Identity Theft potential

Years ago I used to provide a random SS#, assuming (I know….) they don’t really need it. Now I just leave it blank. No issue yet that I am aware of I also agree, the real number is already out there. Doesn’t worry me in the least.
by McDougal
Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SSA numbers vs tools
Replies: 6
Views: 637

Re: SSA numbers vs tools

I have wondered about this too, will SSA provide the estimate over the phone?
by McDougal
Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]
Replies: 5973
Views: 690163

Re: [What TV Show Have You Recently Watched?]

rockstar wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:13 pm What’s with the shows with the should be retired casts lately? Picard was good. But it should have been done ten years ago. Then we have a new Indiana Jones movie coming out. Stallone has a new series. The likelihood of these shows being renewed are more based on the cast not passing away from old age than the writing. This is how the Sarah Jane Adventures ended. She died.
A couple weeks ago I met a bartender in Atlanta that is an actor too (surprise!) He had just finished filming for 5 hours the day before with Harrison Ford. First question I asked him was "did he remember his lines?" Bartender chuckled, and said "yeah, he's actually very good."