Search found 4444 matches

by rich126
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 25
Views: 2761

Re: Moving in retirement.

Can you let someone farm part of the land in exchange for them maintaining the rest of the land?

I think house attachment becomes stronger if you've lived there a long time and raised a family. Of course a house is just a house and you can make a home out of any house. Some places you enjoy more but at times you may have to move for health, family, job ,etc. reasons.
by rich126
Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival
Replies: 14
Views: 1373

Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival

Although from Maryland the Dulles area I rarely go to except for international flights. This time we will arrive from Europe around 9pm and with time to get through customs it obviously will be later. I am no longer living in the area so no car or housing. We plan to spend at least a few days further north around Ellicott City. I could get a rental car that night but I might be exhausted and really don't want to return back to Dulles. Most likely we will fly out of BWI with a slim chance of DCA/Reagan. We could find a hotel nearby that night and then some transportation to head north and get a rental closer to bwi or ellicott city. Or bite the likely expensive bullet and get an uber, taxi, etc. and head to Ellicott City and crash for the ni...
by rich126
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile finance apps - do you use them?
Replies: 52
Views: 3982

Re: Mobile finance apps - do you use them?

Apps specifically tied to a business often authorizes you differently and doesn't seem to require codes sent via sms which is a huge bonus when traveling and using a different sim not tied to your phone.

I certainly agree that I prefer not to have an app for everyone such as reddit, zillow, etc. despite their constant badgering. Of course some will provide discounts, bonuses, etc. if you use them.
by rich126
Fri Mar 15, 2024 10:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission
Replies: 163
Views: 15015

Re: Great news! No more [fixed real estate] agent commission

I also don't think things will change much. Sellers could always sell without an agent, buyers could buy without an agent. People often thought they would save commission if they did it themselves but buyers expected a discount since there were no agents.

I do think there were games selling agents did when multiple offers were made and often pushed the offers where they would get both sides of the commission.

What you need like any market place is competition so a commission doesn't end up always at about the same rate.
by rich126
Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6099

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

You might not realize this but a replacement card can be delivered electronically very quickly. So IF you could get cash back via a purchase you wouldn't need the physical card but can used the updated card in your apple wallet. I assume other wallets might work the same. I don't think Samsung Pay works this way. When a card expires, and I get a new one, I have to add the new card to the wallet, including card number, expiration, security code. CSRs do not have access to those over the phone. There is a confirmation process with the bank, also. It isn't automatic. Even if this succeeded, the odds of being able to make a cash back purchase abroad with a mobile wallet are not high, IMO. Yeah in this situation it might not but I know for a lo...
by rich126
Thu Mar 14, 2024 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6099

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

Personally, I spend less than $100 cash per year. That's all good. I spend very little in the way of dollars as well. But still more than $100. My hairdresser only takes cash. Anyway, the issue here is not primarily about dollars, but overseas use of cash. How many Euros, Thai that and Vietnamese dong, etc. do you spend each year? But you could certainly buy something with the debit card and get cash at the same time. I think you would find that hard to do abroad, especially when your debit card is missing as was the case for OP. You might not realize this but a replacement card can be delivered electronically very quickly. So IF you could get cash back via a purchase you wouldn't need the physical card but can used the updated card in you...
by rich126
Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options during Europe Transportation Strikes
Replies: 12
Views: 1021

Re: Options during Europe Transportation Strikes

Ost likely we won't have to do anything. I figured one way rental would be expensive. Stick shift is no problem.

Sticking to US carriers doesn't always help since ground workers, etc. aren't going to be entirely under the US carrier.

And often the non US carriers provide a much better experience. Austrian Air business class food was excellent and they have a chef doing the food.

Thanks. Fortunately currently retired we can improvise.
by rich126
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Options during Europe Transportation Strikes
Replies: 12
Views: 1021

Options during Europe Transportation Strikes

While a reasonably experienced traveler I have never been anywhere during a bus, train, plane strike. I also have always used public transportation over car rentals. We are in the midst of a multi week trip through Austria, Germany and flying back from Paris on Air France. Only our first 8 nights are booked and the return flight so we have flexibility. Our next stop is Salzburg before heading to Munich and other likely stops are in eastern Germany barring additional train strikes. If there are more work stoppages should we look into a car rental if the strike is more than a day? Other options? Try to get out of Germany and instead travel through other countries? Can you rent a car one way from Germany to France or elsewhere? Or rent it and ...
by rich126
Thu Mar 14, 2024 12:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6099

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

madbrain wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:20 pm
popoki wrote: Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:16 pm Seems like there should be a way to issue a virtual card that can go into a digital wallet immediately.
What good would a digital wallet do if you need physical cash ?
Is it possible to use the virtual debit card in apple wallet to get cash back at a cashier? I never get cash back and I don't even know if you can do this in Europe. All I know is that on my recent stop in Vienna I am getting tired of prompts asking dollars or Euros. I am in Euroland do everything in Euros. Must be profitable to do the USD thing.
by rich126
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card
Replies: 87
Views: 6099

Re: Charles Schwab cannot overnight a replacement debit card

That is bad.

Also why I refuse to have all my eggs in any financial basket. I am in Austria now on a couple weeks trip and have 3 ATM cards and more than that with credit cards. Things happen and it helps to have alternatives when possible.

Fortunately credit cards are more accepted now but cash helps at times and for things like tips.
by rich126
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Travel Health Insurance (China)?
Replies: 22
Views: 1414

Re: Travel Health Insurance (China)?

Hi all I called my health insurance provider through my employer to inquire about health insurance coverage for while we travel abroad. They gave me a resource where I can look up doctors in the country we'll be visiting (China) but also told me that everything would be out of network. Some of the doctors on the list might be contracted but others not... in my cursory check it seems *most* doctors are likely not contracted. Also, we are on a high deductible plan and $6k is the deductible for out of network providers. The only thing we would do is file a claim(s) with our provider when we get back so that any medical-related visits or items we had to spend money on could then be filed against the deductible... In our situation and context (...
by rich126
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feeling stuck with the mortgage
Replies: 30
Views: 2536

Re: Feeling stuck with the mortgage

You make it sound miserable but you probably made $90k+ on maybe $30k or so invested in the house in 4 years. Sure you have expenses but rise in price offsets it.

Housing in my experience is usually a strong invest although the one thing I would want to avoid is a declining area. It is the old location, location, location mantra.
by rich126
Sat Mar 09, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: NJ “unsafe lane change” law
Replies: 14
Views: 1324

Re: NJ “unsafe lane change” law

I always thought it was illegal to cut across multiple lanes of traffic since you have too many blind spots. You have to establish position in a lane and then re-signal to move to the next lane. That makes it much safe (based on personal experience and learning from close calls myself). That is what they probably ticketed you for.

I am surprised you got a ticket since law enforcement is pretty minimal in my driving over the last couple of years.
by rich126
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What does Schwab do better than Fidelity?
Replies: 305
Views: 49281

Re: What does Schwab do better than Fidelity?

Currently using: Fidelity Schwab TD Ameritrade Previously: ThinkOrSwim Scottrade Vanguard ??? My account at TD is moving over to Schwab in May, nearly 4 years after Schwab acquired TD. My one big issue with Schwab is the lack of interest they pay (similar to TD). You can do various things to get more interest but it does seem like you are needing to constantly work to get it. Otherwise I've been using Schwab to pay bills and their debit card and things work well. When I've had to call to transfer large sums of money or had issues, they have been good as has Fidelity. (Vanguard isn't close to either of them IMO.). TD also has been good with phone calls when needed (I'm not someone who calls very often). I think I prefer buying bonds on Fidel...
by rich126
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is HCOLA better than LCOL??
Replies: 62
Views: 3326

Re: Is HCOLA better than LCOL??

I think living in a higher cost and then eventually going somewhere lower cost is good but if you have to go low to high or high to low back to high you get hit hard due to real estate costs. A $300K house that doubles is nice but compared to that $500K going to a $1M it isn't going to cover the cost of the high cost of living house. You just fall further and further behind if you goal is to get a house.
by rich126
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pulling Out Retirement Early - Thoughts
Replies: 15
Views: 3065

Re: Pulling Out Retirement Early - Thoughts

With 4 kids and some debt it almost seems as if your wife needs to continue to work if able to, at least on a part time basis otherwise every unexpected expense will be painful and may require a loan. With kids it can be tough to stay above water.
by rich126
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Southwest Companion Pass Offer
Replies: 32
Views: 3455

Re: Southwest Companion Pass Offer

What I've seen online is that it is usually effective the next statement date but it does say allow up to 8 weeks. I've just crossed the $4K border due to some traveling expenses and it would be nice if it was active by April since we will have some domestic travel then.
by rich126
Fri Mar 08, 2024 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: feeling stuck with kid expenses and this phase of life
Replies: 61
Views: 7374

Re: feeling stuck with kid expenses and this phase of life

While some/many here are exceptions, most people are not able to max out retirement accounts. That is a ton of money to save especially with a family. Not until I was in my 50s did I even try to max out retirement savings and I never had a family. I still was able to retire by 60 and am doing well.
by rich126
Fri Mar 08, 2024 1:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimating Taxes, Expenses
Replies: 18
Views: 1340

Re: Estimating Taxes, Expenses

Part of my problem is that I've only been married for a couple of years so estimating expenses is a bit tougher in that we don't have a decade of previous data to look at. Also during our time together it involved a couple of moves which are big expenses that we don't anticipate happening so often. I am, at least mentally, using a buck approach. I happen to have a Fidelity account which got money from an inheritance from my father. Also you have intangibles that you at least need to consider such as my pension dropping by close to 50% if I pass away before my wife. I'm trying to be somewhat conservative, not the 2% SWR conservative but I'd like things to be in solid shape for my wife if I go first. At most she would need to do is sell the h...
by rich126
Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimating Taxes, Expenses
Replies: 18
Views: 1340

Re: Estimateing Taxes, Expenses

Ignoring Social Security isn’t reasonable. +1 to delamer comment When I first retired at FRA, our SS was about 2/3's our income/spend. Now that I'm into RMD's, SS is about 55% of our $100K income. Based on the OP's initial post I believe he/she is trying to get the basic process down pat before adding any other variables. To fully understand one piece at a time before adding future pieces to his/her process. Although I also know folks that do not qualify for SS as well and/or its so minor as not to be significant. Absolutely. If my process is good, I know I can adjust things. Last year was the first year I was retired and only worked 1 month. I gave my tax stuff to my CPA and will be curious as to how badly I messed things up and use it to...
by rich126
Thu Mar 07, 2024 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estimating Taxes, Expenses
Replies: 18
Views: 1340

Estimating Taxes, Expenses

Let's assume we have a married couple age 60, retired, health insurance from job and they estimate $100,000 in expenses (generously). If the money saved is 1/3 already taxed money and 2/3 tax deferred IRA.

How much do they truly need to cover taxes? Lets ignore any social security.

Is it reasonable as a first pass to view it roughly as:

67,000 from tax deferred, and 33,000 from regular account.
$29,000 std deduction
Leaves $38,000 taxable at roughly 12%, so roughly $4,500 in taxes plus state taxes, assuming 5% or another $1,900.
So bump up withdrawals by maybe another $7,000.

Going with 25x then 25x($100k plus $7k for taxes) or $2.675M.
I know I am ignoring social security but would this be a reasonable process?
by rich126
Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP Roll-over
Replies: 12
Views: 906

Re: TSP Roll-over

I'll leave aside the whole idea of paying Fisher to manage your portfolio (my sense is that lots of people have had not good experiences with Fisher and its substantial costs). But, on the broader TSP point, coincidentally I was listening just this morning to an old Bogleheads podcast with Allan Roth. Rick Ferri asked Roth a question precisely about rolling over a TSP account, and Roth responded by saying essentially that the TSP is about the best retirement plan going and he would be hard-pressed to leave it if he had access to it. It's a very simple plan with very low costs and the G Fund, in particular, is a unique (and good) TSP offering that will become even more attractive as fixed income becomes more important. My wife has a sizable...
by rich126
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: about Norway rats
Replies: 31
Views: 4745

Re: about Norway rats

In the crawlspace, there was an old pillow left from previous owner of house ^ why do people do things like this? Peppermint oil. ^ i think this will have zero impact, the rats will be too smart and food is more important than smell I would load up on poison in one way or another. Rats are incredibly smart and persistent. Traps may be a start, but may not be enough. Perhaps one of those bait boxes that has poison inside, or some of the poison power that they will eat when they clean themselves after running through it. The latter may be problematic for dogs/cats, so either don't do it, or do it only in places where pets and children won't touch it. I would consider if I want to have a rotting rat cadaver somewhere in a difficult to impossi...
by rich126
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47
Replies: 90
Views: 7573

Re: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47

Often it is a good idea to cross train. You might want to try a couple of youtube workouts with Caroline Girvan. She is based in Ireland and during covid made a bunch of workouts including 6 week programs (5x a week) that have a good reputation and can get intense. Some are 30 seconds working out, 30 seconds rest, others are 60 seconds on with shorter rest periods.

It would be different but might be worth trying one.
by rich126
Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Calls from "Palumbo Wealth Management Team"
Replies: 37
Views: 3496

Re: Fidelity Calls from "Palumbo Wealth Management Team"

When I moved to Arizona a few months ago I received a couple of voicemails introducing themselves and asking if there was anything they could do for me. I'm guessing it was triggered by me updating my address. Years ago I had someone from TD Ameritrade constantly call me and I finally told him I didn't appreciate the calls and I don't know any help in managing my account. Later I saw as an apology they gave me 10 free trades in my account (back when they were charging commissions on trades. According to LinkedIn "Joseph Palumbo - Vice President at Fidelity Investments" Easiest first step I would do if it was bothering me is to call Fidelity directly and ask why you are getting them and how you can get removed from any list assumin...
by rich126
Tue Mar 05, 2024 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do?? [Vanguard warning about closing account for calling too frequently]
Replies: 74
Views: 6802

Re: What to do??

I don't know your situation or even if it is true but a very small number of people consume too much time of employees in my experience. A few years ago I had to go into a bank to set up an estate account after my father passed away and they required me to do this in person. While sitting outside the office waiting to enter I could over hear the employee on the phone talking to a customer. They wasted time constantly trying to explain to the customer why they hadn't yet received a statement (it wasn't 30 days since they had opened an account). They were polite but it just went on and on and it occurred to me that is why it can be so hard to get to a real person because a few tie up resourced unnecessarily. I will admit I had a Vanguard pers...
by rich126
Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Re: Germany/Austria Travelers

Everyone has their likes/dislikes and it is always interesting to see how people differ. While I can appreciate the waves of the ocean and some of the scenery I have zero interest in going to the beach. For me it isn't relaxing, just hot, sunny, unpleasant. As a kid the best part was the arcades and playing pinball games all night. I've always been a mountain person and was glad about 20 years to visit the Alps, see famous mountains like the Eiger and the Matterhorn, etc. We aren't museum people, literally went in and out of the Louvre in about 20-30 minutes. I think we mostly like walking around enjoying the cities, and mountains, villages, etc. I've been to Vienna, Munich, Salzburg before so mostly using them as bases to explore nearby pl...
by rich126
Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Re: Germany/Austria Travelers

While I've done a lot of "hectic" trips, especially on my first one when I had a bucket list and wasn't sure I'd ever return where I did 8 cities in 11 nights across Germany and Switzerland, I'm at the age and point where I'd prefer to stay at least 2 nights in a city and probably 3. I'm leaning more towards: Vienna (arrival city): day trip to Bratislava Salzburg: pondering whether a day trip or spend a night at Berchtesgarden. I know Eagles Nest is closed now but the mountains and scenery looks great and I think about 60-75 minute train ride Munich: Use as a base to visit friends and do day trips such as Augsburg or Garmisch-Partenkirchen Freidburg (black forest area): Side trips to various small towns we can get to Strasbourg: N...
by rich126
Mon Mar 04, 2024 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Schwab Investing Themes - Opinions?
Replies: 12
Views: 1260

Re: Schwab Investing Themes - Opinions?

The question is "What problem are you trying to solve with them?" Unlike many here I have no issues with buying stocks but they require work, just getting a basket of stocks from a broker isn't going to do any better than sticking with an index. And then people fall into the habit of doing badly with a stock and then fell a need to double up to make up for the poor returns on the first one and they head down a bad path. If you like certain big time companies like Google, Berkshire, Apple, Microsoft or whatever, you can always buy a few shares. None are going bankrupt anytime soon and you might do well although many have had a strong run up of late (even including BRK). With no stock commissions at most places it makes things easy ...
by rich126
Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Psychology of Retirement (Your thought and experience, please!)
Replies: 38
Views: 5042

Re: The Psychology of Retirement (Your thought and experience, please!)

i returned just over a year ago and have been talking with some companies about a possible return to work. It is certainly nice not to have any work stresses, no commute (a big one in terms of stress/wasted time), and office drama, etc. but I do miss technical work and would like to do something part time although all of these jobs are full time. I'm thinking I can go back for a year or so, save a ton of money and use it to travel and figure out if our retirement home is something I can live with. Also, important to me, getting a job will cover the costs of having a small second place back east to be close to an older relative and old friends who I miss. Financially while have extra money would be great, I think we are still in a strong pos...
by rich126
Sun Mar 03, 2024 11:55 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Re: Germany/Austria Travelers

As much as I don't want to, I think the best solution is to skip Prague. Heading that far north puts us away from Munich and causes too much back tracking. If we go from Vienna (and a day trip to Bratislava) towards Salzburg (been to the city before but probably a lot more to explore nearby) and then eventually up to Munich that works better. Then from around Munich we can move towards Strassbourgh and the return airport at CDG (barring a change). We should have a good 7-10 days to go from Munich to Paris and can make a few 2-3 day stops along the way. Maybe places like Berchtesgarden, Liechtenstein, Freiburg (Breisgau) or some small scenic places in the Black Forest, to Strassbourg or any interesting towns in south east France. I'll have t...
by rich126
Sun Mar 03, 2024 9:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: car shipping service
Replies: 11
Views: 2452

Re: car shipping service

I've used Fischer Car Shipping a couple of times and haven't had any issues. Car shipping can be annoying. They tell you one day or a range of days to ship and another range of when delivery will be and you try to plan for it and then they deviate. In one case the car arrived a good 2 days prior to the earliest date and I had to scramble to find someone at the destination to pick it up for me and delivery the remaining payment. Fortunately I've never had any damage in my 4 shipments (about 2,000 miles each time). I think all of them have a company but then use whatever drivers are available. I think once someone delivered my car from Arizona to Maryland in less than 2 days which had to be non-stop driving. Most recently we didn't have a big...
by rich126
Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Question about Solar panels
Replies: 92
Views: 6281

Re: Question about Solar panels

I recently read an article about the state of solar panels and unfortunately the situation wasn't good. Apparently many of the companies are more into scamming people and/or making money off financing. Supposedly 1/3 of what you are paying for is just for sales and marketing and a country like Germany has the solar panel cost about 50% of what people in the US pay due to all of that. I personally haven't had them but in the right location and house I would strongly consider them but not as a lease. I have a friend who knows he won't come out ahead on the deal but wants them as a secondary power for his house in case of power issues. When we were house shopping I really liked this one house but it had solar panels and another 17 years to run...
by rich126
Sat Mar 02, 2024 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cigarette Smell In Now Former Rental Property
Replies: 26
Views: 2478

Re: Cigarette Smell In Now Former Rental Property

Getting rid of smoke is tough. About the only people who don't notice it are smokers themselves.

We rented an apartment for a couple of years, non-smoking facility but at times it was clear someone was smoking. People either don't care or just think it will dissipate. Kind of like cat/dog smells.

I'm really surprised you didn't have anything in the lease, that was a big mistake. I know I did when I had a rental for a while.

Good luck.
by rich126
Sat Mar 02, 2024 1:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Re: Germany/Austria Travelers

Prague-Munich is a very slow route, the tracks are not meant for higher-speed trains. You might be better off going Prague-Vienna-Munich (perhaps with a stop in Salzburg?) as the total time is probably less, given the trains are higher-speed on those routes. Bingo, with regards to the slow route. I usually spend a lot of time checking train schedules and planning out routes. Sometimes two cities seem fairly close but they are serviced by slow trains and the journey can take a while. We actually don't mind riding the trains, usually are relaxing compared to flying but obviously there are limits :) Ideally I would have gone via other routes but then I booked a nice hotel in Prague and we are constrained somewhat by our friend's schedule. I c...
by rich126
Sat Mar 02, 2024 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Re: Germany/Austria Travelers

Hello, I am from this area and in my opinion, the nicer places are south of Munich. Linz which you mentioned is OK, but we Austrians would not go there if we don’t have to 😂 Salzburg (1:30 h train from Munich) is a place which many travelers enjoy a lot. I can recommend the Hotel Moenchstein above the city. You can walk around in the old town and if you want do the Sound of Music Tour. https://www.monchstein.at/de/ If you want more alps and countryside, I recommend the Koenigsee region (towns Ramsau, Berchtesgaden, Bischofswiesen). A picturesque alpine area. My favorite hotel there (with amazing food): https://www.kulturhof.bayern/ Option 3 could be St. Gilgen, at Lake Wolfgangsee. Take the cable car to the mountain Schafberg for a lunch a...
by rich126
Sat Mar 02, 2024 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Germany/Austria Travelers
Replies: 19
Views: 1618

Germany/Austria Travelers

We have a trip partially planned with arriving in Vienna and then heading out to Prague. We managed to talk to a friend we haven't seen in about a decade who lives just north of Munich and we would like to visit her and we've enjoyed Munich in the past. I"m wondering if there are any way to split the train travel from Prague to Munich and stop somewhere for a night or two along the way? While not terrible, the Prague-Munich train ride is 6 hrs. I just haven't found anywhere that might be a good place to stop but my knowledge of smaller cities in Austria/Germany is very limited. I did see Linz as a possible stop. I don't mind if we get off somewhere and need a 20 minute taxi in order to go to a scenic/charming hotel overlooking a valley...
by rich126
Fri Mar 01, 2024 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS Delay Bridge - But how?
Replies: 21
Views: 2187

Re: SS Delay Bridge - But how?

I have thought about MYGAs and may consider using some type of annuity in addition to the SS bridge but for a more comprehensive and longer term addition to my retirement plan. To be honest I am still working to understand annuities in general with all the options and costs. Right now I don't have the understanding that I would need to purchase one. But I am working on it. For a SS bridge (with a fixed time frame) I have read that US treasuries a good fit. Not that a MYGA could not fit as well. My understanding is that whatever is used to fund the bridge that it is as least risky as possible. Can you tell me why a MYGA would be better than TIPS or non-TIPS US bonds for a 5 year SS bridge? MYGAs, CDs, Treasuries and TIPs are all fairly safe...
by rich126
Fri Mar 01, 2024 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Airline Miles and Hotel Points
Replies: 37
Views: 4408

Re: Airline Miles and Hotel Points

Providers with no CC: Southwest, United, Alaska Air. Would you know if having a “provider” credit card affects the redemption rates or redemption options? I understand that CC provides more avenues to earn miles/points but does it give advantages for using miles/points? Yes. With the United card you get extra miles based on category of spend. The card also allows you to get access to certain reward fares that may not otherwise be available. That being said, I think miles/points are just about worthless these days and I would not open a credit card to get one. The number of points you need to redeem flights is insane. You either need to find a unicorn fare (that usually involves a horrible flight time or inconvenient connection), play the s...
by rich126
Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:45 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Which pizza shop should I invest in?
Replies: 19
Views: 1462

Re: Which pizza shop should I invest in?

I don't know what their definition of start up costs are but $1M seems very high end. When I think of Pizza Shop I think of a small place with mostly to go orders and maybe 10 or so tables.

I read somewhere that the profit margin is 3-7%. I think it is more of a labor of love and maybe years down the road it is successful and you can make more money.
by rich126
Fri Mar 01, 2024 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: A confident Boglehead in his 60s pondering managing a portfolio in their 80s and beyond?
Replies: 42
Views: 5528

Re: A confident Boglehead in his 60s pondering managing a portfolio in their 80s and beyond?

This is painful since there are so many FAs out there that will charge you way too much money for what most of us need. I'm trying to write up instructions explaining what money to use and how to handle social security, etc. My father before passing away in his 80s didn't have any memory/mental issues fortunately. I know at least one financial guy that would help out but even with him I'm sure he'd rather manage it and take his 1% or more yearly fee which is better than someone doing something really stupid but far from what we really need. Even stuff like dealing with my father's inheritance IRA/Roth accounts I try to document for my wife but that is very confusing and my wife would be thinking "why does he have 8 Fidelity accounts?&q...
by rich126
Fri Mar 01, 2024 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS Delay Bridge - But how?
Replies: 21
Views: 2187

Re: SS Delay Bridge - But how?

This may not be the best place for this question (I can move it) but looking at that tipsladder.com tool and testing it, I have a few questions and possibly the OP would have similar ones. 1. There are 4 "rung" options and it wasn't clear to me how they affect things or what the desired selection would normally be. 2. I entered in data saying I would want $50K a year from 2026 to 2032 and the results were confusing. For example it showed that for 2032 that my net purchase cost would be $56,048 but my total income would only be $50,962. That has been confused. Not sure if this link will work https://www.tipsladder.com/build?incomeRequirementKind=Avg&firstYear=2026&income=50000&yearCount=7&bondChoiceForGap=NearestBon...
by rich126
Fri Mar 01, 2024 9:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President
Replies: 358
Views: 34034

Re: Vanguard Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of President

https://riabiz.com/a/2024/3/1/tim-buckley-sends-shockwaves-by-retiring-as-vanguard-ceo-after-adding-750-billion-per-year-during-his-stay-in-the-executive-suite In a shock move that caught the industry by surprise, Tim Buckley said today (Feb. 29) he is retiring by year-end as Vanguard chairman and chief executive officer after a successful tenure – judging by managed assets. Yet, Buckley also made a series of decisions that were questioned by fans and critics alike – most recently to disallow investors any access to Bitcoin investments. What factored into Buckley's decision to leave is unknown – but there may be a clue that it was done in haste. Yet Buckley may also be on the hook for unfavorable developments on his watch, DeMaso says. “Buc...
by rich126
Wed Feb 28, 2024 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you pro-actively replace old SIM cards?
Replies: 14
Views: 2147

Re: Do you pro-actively replace old SIM cards?

If your phone supports it, I would just use an esim card.

For an example this walks through doing it on an iphone and I'm sure there are instructions for android phones. Not sure if your phone has to be unlocked to do this or not.
by rich126
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:28 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wired mouse
Replies: 20
Views: 3080

Re: Wired mouse

I've always preferred wired devices because I don't want to deal with charging items and my use case is that I'm close to the computer. I've worked in settings where wireless is prohibited. You need to make sure your keyboard/mouse/touchpad/etc. meets the security standards of the organization. I've worked places where extra USB ports had to be disabled, etc. Make sure whatever you get is really a "dumb" device to avoid issues. Personally I always just get a cheap 3 button mouse (with a scroll wheel as the 3rd button). I'm kind of weird in that I'm left handed but I can use a mouse with either hand and it doesn't bother me. Most everything else I have to do left handed but my current setup at home my mouse is to my right. At times...
by rich126
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TD Ameritrade transition to Schwab
Replies: 1
Views: 291

TD Ameritrade transition to Schwab

My account will finally get moved to Schwab in May.

I currently have 3 accounts at TD - Rollover IRA, Roth and Regular taxable account.

At Schwab I currently have a regular brokerage account and a checking account (or whatever they call it).

Will they create 3 new accounts for me? Or will they add my TD regular account to my existing Schwab account?

I'm guessing they will just create new accounts and I can call later to get them combined?

For those through this before, anything I should watch out for?
by rich126
Tue Feb 27, 2024 8:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work
Replies: 82
Views: 9303

Re: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work

Older thread but I'm contemplating going back to work. Been retired for a year after retiring last January at 60. Reasons pondering a return to work: 1. If not now, then unlikely I could return to the same career later (i.e., sort of now or never) 2. Had a good 12 months off work 3. Money would be more than I ever made before by a good 20-30% 4. I have an older relative who was like a second father to me while growing up, over time as I got older we grew apart some but since 2021 when I returned east to be with my father before he passed away, we grew close again and he has no family of his own and only myself and my brother (his nephews). 5. I enjoy puzzles, doing tech work and kind of miss working. 6. I would have stayed longer at my job...
by rich126
Tue Feb 27, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Still trying to understand TIPS
Replies: 42
Views: 4672

Re: Still trying to understand TIPS

So jumping in with a question.

1.25% is the fixed portion of the TIP bond and will be added to whatever the inflation adjustment is?
And is this bond priced below par due to the fixed rate being below recent fixed rates?
by rich126
Tue Feb 27, 2024 10:55 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work
Replies: 82
Views: 9303

Re: Happily retired but seriously considering going back to work

Older thread but I'm contemplating going back to work. Been retired for a year after retiring last January at 60. Reasons pondering a return to work: 1. If not now, then unlikely I could return to the same career later (i.e., sort of now or never) 2. Had a good 12 months off work 3. Money would be more than I ever made before by a good 20-30% 4. I have an older relative who was like a second father to me while growing up, over time as I got older we grew apart some but since 2021 when I returned east to be with my father before he passed away, we grew close again and he has no family of his own and only myself and my brother (his nephews). 5. I enjoy puzzles, doing tech work and kind of miss working. 6. I would have stayed longer at my job ...
by rich126
Tue Feb 27, 2024 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tech forward bank recommendations: instant transfers and decent bill pay
Replies: 38
Views: 2696

Re: Tech forward bank recommendations: instant transfers and decent bill pay

livesoft wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:39 am Wells Fargo of course.
I had a WF account from around 2000 until late last year and finally canceled it, partly to simplify my accounts. Bill paying I never had any issues in those decades and the online web access worked well. My biggest issues involved them blocking transfers (ACH and Wire) constantly. Trying to get them unblocked often involved a very long hold time (an hour). Also, at times, they seemed to redefined what gave me no-fee accounts and I was getting charged until I went into a branch and explained things. They were able to reverse the fees and the manager gave me his business card but he seemed to imply this wasn't unusual.

I don't hate WF like some but we'll see how it goes with mostly using Schwab as my bank.