Search found 4466 matches

by rich126
Wed Mar 27, 2024 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How would you change my 401k?
Replies: 46
Views: 1682

Re: Starting to regret hiring Facet

Probably thrown into a computer and it spits stuff like this out based on back testing.

Personally I think both portfolios have way too many funds.

If you are young put it all in VIIIX. If older then add in the VBTIX bond fund.

A lot of those funds are not good.
by rich126
Wed Mar 27, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Checking account: why?
Replies: 21
Views: 1298

Re: Checking account: why?

Checks can still be useful in various situations. Paying contractors, paying taxes, etc. Sure you can use various alternatives but many of them aren't things I like using (e.g., Venmo).

Like a lot of things you might be able to do without it but there may come a time when you wish you had it.

Personally I use Schwab as my checking account with a little used credit union as a backup. I gave up my regular bank account last year.
by rich126
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Apple ... stay the course or scale back?
Replies: 177
Views: 33428

Re: Apple ... stay the course or scale back?

I had Apple for a while and it was nice to log into my account and see a 1,000%+ gain which is rare. I sold mine a good year or two ago. With the huge run up of stocks like Google and META I'm now considering reducing/selling those as well. At some point a stock gets so big and have metrics that they can't beat, it is time to move on. You can go the lazy route of just adding to index funds or considering other options like utilities and maybe banking for 2024. My other lazy path is adding to Berkshire. While the index funds are diversified they are top heavy with the tech companies and if those go down, the indexes will also have issues. Your money, your choice. But Berkshire is 47% Apple. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/nearly-80-of-warre...
by rich126
Tue Mar 26, 2024 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many credit cards do you have
Replies: 99
Views: 4484

Re: How many credit cards do you have

I believe 11 in my name. I might have missed one somewhere.

I've closed a few over the last 3-4 years. Only had one closed on me (Discover) and that was largely due to not receiving a letter from them when I was between houses. By the time it got forwarded, it was past a deadline to use it. I had rarely used it so it wasn't much of a concern.

Most recent new one was to get Southwest's companion pass for a year. Credit score seems well over 800 so all is well.
by rich126
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going Back to Work Numbers
Replies: 18
Views: 2464

Re: Going Back to Work Numbers

I got some medical appointments and obviously if anything negative comes of them that would make my decision easy. I tried a traveling experience recently which has me gun shy on foreign travel for a while. I figured eventually my luck would run out and I'd end up getting sick while out of the country. Fortunately while it seemed like it was never going to end, it most likely was just food poisoning and was 8 hrs I wished I could forget. The next day I don't remember and then we cut short the trip to return home to rest and slowly start eating again. The hotel was very helpful. I did learn that German paramedics only charge you if they take you to the hospital. The doctor did charge us but nothing much. I ended up with an IV and some medica...
by rich126
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Apple ... stay the course or scale back?
Replies: 177
Views: 33428

Re: Apple ... stay the course or scale back?

I had Apple for a while and it was nice to log into my account and see a 1,000%+ gain which is rare. I sold mine a good year or two ago. With the huge run up of stocks like Google and META I'm now considering reducing/selling those as well. At some point a stock gets so big and have metrics that they can't beat, it is time to move on. You can go the lazy route of just adding to index funds or considering other options like utilities and maybe banking for 2024. My other lazy path is adding to Berkshire. While the index funds are diversified they are top heavy with the tech companies and if those go down, the indexes will also have issues. Your money, your choice. This was my exact philosophy with Tesla. I always said it was a hold. Then the...
by rich126
Tue Mar 26, 2024 7:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Getting to Zurich Airport from Lucerne, options?
Replies: 20
Views: 1275

Re: Getting to Zurich Airport from Lucerne, options?

Traveling to Switzerland and have a 9am return Intercontinental flight out of Zurich that I'll need to get to Zurich airport no later than 6am (it says allow 3 hours), leaving from Lucerne. Normally I'd just take a train and call it a day, but that is very early and I've read the direct train connection between Lucerne and Zurich airport is down until later this year, so that could be a bit stressful at the time. I'm not even sure the train is running at that time. The earliest train from Luzern to Zürich on the weekdays is 4:52 am, which will get you at the airport at 6:12am. It looks like there are earlier trains on Sundays. You have one change at Zürich HB (main train station) but getting from HB to the airport is extremely easy. If you...
by rich126
Mon Mar 25, 2024 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam
Replies: 53
Views: 5993

Re: Walmart Plus Feels Like A Scam

The WalMart website is poorly designed, from my experiences. We prefer just to go into the physical store and shop, generally a good experience. I find the app very easy to use I think both the website and app are usable. Unfortunately what happens after placing the order is sub-par. That comes down mainly to incompetence and/or understaffing at the local store. I mostly agree. I got frustrated with Walmart and deliveries where we lived in Maryland. They would most of the time send a message saying they couldn't meet the scheduled delivery and it would be late but not provide a new time so I would cancel. I found ordering and getting curb side worked much better. Individual stores quality vary quite a bit. I only have it because of a credi...
by rich126
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best file encryption software?
Replies: 17
Views: 1382

Re: Best file encryption software?

It is about a year old (thread wise) but you can check out:
https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/commen ... ncryption/
by rich126
Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Considerations for withdrawing former federal employee pension contributions
Replies: 2
Views: 286

Re: Considerations for withdrawing former federal employee pension contributions

I was a 15 year fed employee under FERS when I left a few decades ago. I left my money in there even though over time the pension would be minimal.

I ended up going back after gone for 12+ years and worked until retirement. It hugely boosted my pension. If there is any chance she goes back, I would leave it there. Simplifying finances to me isn't a reason to withdraw the money. Even if she went back for 3-5 years, most likely it would be at a much higher salary (just due to inflation alone) and that could double or more the pension.
by rich126
Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going Back to Work Numbers
Replies: 18
Views: 2464

Re: Going Back to Work Numbers

Just a couple of things. I've moved between two states 3 times in the last 5 years and another 3 times prior to that over 15 years. So I'm familiar with both locations as is my wife. In this case we wouldn't move anything, although I'm not happy with the current house. The logistics are workable if I want to work them. I do agree the reality once I start working is that I won't want to deal with non-work "stuff" at work because I know I don't need the money. I am familiar with the taxes with the 2 states and have had a CPA do this for me before so that isn't an issue. After getting sick on a recent Europe trip, it does cause me to rethink things. Fortunately the sickness was just a very unpleasant food poisoning or other stomach a...
by rich126
Sun Mar 24, 2024 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Going Back to Work Numbers
Replies: 18
Views: 2464

Going Back to Work Numbers

I retired about 14 months ago but have offers to take a new job that pays well and provides immediate vesting in a 401K (8% for my 2% investment) with generous vacation time. I'm considering it for a few reasons. One, I'm kind of bored and wouldn't mind giving it one more whirl for a year or so. Secondly it would allow me to go back east and spend more time with an aging relative while keeping our retirement home out west. Age wise I'm early 60s so social security doesn't come into play for my wife or I so no tax stuff there. Obviously I would have some sizable expenses to get a furnished rental or rental with rented items delivered and figuring out a car situation (ship mine again, rent one monthly, etc.). Financially I get a pension now b...
by rich126
Sun Mar 24, 2024 5:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Improving the sound from t.v.
Replies: 30
Views: 1885

Re: Improving the sound from t.v.

Options:

1. Soundbar - Easiest and if it works for you, great.
2. Receiver/Speakers - Definitely better than soundbar especially in larger rooms but more money and possibly requires wires although wireless speakers exist.
3. Headphones/Earbuds - If it is just you, most devices (firestick, roku, etc.) and many smart tvs support bluetooth (wireless) devices. Also easy and usually works well. We use this at times when one of us are sleeping. Just need to remember to recharge your wireless device.

And yeah, some shows are just terrible no matter what you do. We often have subtitles on for that reason, also some accents are tough to decipher.
by rich126
Sun Mar 24, 2024 4:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Annuity Consideration: I'm the House
Replies: 19
Views: 1966

Re: Annuity Consideration: I'm the House

I think anyone who is looking at a SPIA should just sit down with a spreadsheet (easiest) or pencil and paper and work out some numbers. If you do that you can compare the SPIA vs buying CDs/Treasuries,etc. Then after looking at numbers, don't forget about inflation, see if you are comfortable with the numbers. Too many people here and elsewhere are obsessed with "winning" on every purchase/investment and that really isn't the goal in many cases. Sometimes you know it is almost a virtual loss but you want to avoid a huge financial payout (insurance) and in other cases it is to minimize stress. I think most retirees here would certainly buy a CD that would provide a real return of 3% for the rest of their life since their money wou...
by rich126
Fri Mar 22, 2024 3:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!
Replies: 198
Views: 31161

Re: Dark Chocolate heads Rejoice !!!

Although I like dark chocolate I think it is best for my stomach to avoid it. Has anything changed with supply issues and cost? I had read several articles talking about cocoa crop problems.
by rich126
Fri Mar 22, 2024 3:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card - Is it worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 2399

Re: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card - Is it worth it?

Sometimes people comment without understanding a program or company. Fortunately I am not a big traveler but have made usage of miles and points. Marriott is not just hotels with that name. I had a bunch of points that I hadn't used since I tend to stay with Hilton but recently was in Vienna with my wife and was looking at hotels and saw a Ritz Carlton. Never had stayed at one before but I had plenty of Marriott points for 3, entirely free, nights and it was excellent. None of the attitude you get with some other high end brands. Everyone friendly. Generally I can be happy with a Hampton Inn. Don't think Marriott is just Marriott and dismiss them entirely, personally I am not a fan of the general brand either. One of the cards was offering ...
by rich126
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: National bank you can recommend for checking acct
Replies: 22
Views: 1432

Re: National bank you can recommend for checking acct

As you probably will see from the comments here, while some policies are the same for a specific bank, the actual recommendations from customers will likely vary substantially depending on the branch you go to, similar to restaurant franchises. Years ago when I would eat out, almost always fast food, daily for lunch, I would find the "best" fast food places and visit them. In one location the local Arby's had this manager (or maybe GM) who was excellent and his employees were great, the restaurant clean, etc. In most other locations I would avoid Arby's. Ditto for a Burger King, etc. I found it similar with banks. You go to one in a nice location with a good manager and you get excellent service. I used a WF in a high end part of ...
by rich126
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?
Replies: 145
Views: 6939

Re: Do you tip hotel staff when checking out?

No. On an extended stay I usually will give something to housekeeping if the hotel actually provides it. We were recently on a Europe trip where, unfortunately, I got quite sick and housekeeping kept helping my wife with supplies although we didn't let them in to do any real cleaning since I was in bed for a few days. When I was finally feeling a bit better I told my wife to give her "buddy" in housekeeping who kept giving her towels, extra water, etc. some Euros for his helpfulness. Or to the concierge who booked/printed train tickets for us on one trip. Normally I do this online but we were in a hurry so I gave him a tip for being helpful. Probably, like many, I'm more prone to give something to those who are helpful without hav...
by rich126
Thu Mar 21, 2024 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival
Replies: 16
Views: 1642

Re: Suggestions around Dulles-IAD Arrival

Thanks.

Unfortunately I didn't need to tackle this issue because I got sick in Munich and after things settled down decided to reschedule a flight home and by passed IAD.

I had always feared getting some kind of food poisoning or stomach virus while traveling and something happened St Patrick's Day night and I was ill from 8pm until 4AM (shall we say I had a trash can next to me the entire time). The next day I honestly don't remember anything but sleeping and possibly sipping water/ginger ale. Two days later I was home. Thankfully the hotel staff was great and a visit by paramedics and a doctor gave me an IV and some medication. No idea what I actually had.
by rich126
Thu Mar 21, 2024 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4659

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

I had a 35 minute connection last November when we moved. I was expecting to miss it and made plans for a hotel since it was late at night. We lucked out where our flight arrived very early, and the connecting flight was easy to get to via their train or rail system. The problem is that the time isn't the actual time since boarding usually ends 10-15 minutes earlier which makes things tougher. If your plane arrives on time and gets to the gate quickly and you can deplane quickly once you are off the plane I think you should easily get to another gate in about 10 minutes unless you have mobility issues. It was our first time at dfw but the signage was good and the train quick. Just do some research at home so you know the layout of the gates.
by rich126
Wed Mar 20, 2024 5:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Xfinity equipment update
Replies: 17
Views: 866

Re: Xfinity equipment update

This was verizon but I think my uncle got a bunch of notices but ignored them since things were fine. Then one day he had strange problems and after calling in found out his equipment was no longer functioning on their network and had to have them send new equipment. So it is unlikely there is a rush but something to keep an eye on
by rich126
Tue Mar 19, 2024 11:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hospital Bill - Negotiation strategies?
Replies: 136
Views: 8583

Re: Hospital Bill - Negotiation strategies?

3 hrs is actually express service compared to many hospitals in Maryland and elsewhere. And yeah medicine and insurance is a mess.
by rich126
Sun Mar 17, 2024 6:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 29
Views: 3615

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: 16
Views: 1642

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: 4186

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: 238
Views: 22618

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: 6419

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: 6419

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: 1063

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: 1063

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: 6419

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: 6419

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: 1525

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: 34
Views: 3471

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: 1368

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: 50299

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: 3458

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: 3134

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: 3616

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: 7549

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: 1456

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: 1456

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: 1456

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: 944

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: 4821

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: 7903

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: 3618

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: 6994

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: 1722

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: 1722

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...