Search found 269 matches

by moehoward
Wed Jan 02, 2019 1:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Plan for what to do with life insurance
Replies: 17
Views: 981

Re: Plan for what to do with life insurance

HomerJ wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 12:26 pm
moehoward wrote: Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:52 am Wow, you are putting way to much thought into this for a 33 year old wife. I would suggest cutting down the policy to $500K term and take the reminder of the money and go on a nice vacation with your wife. Wait, get rid of the policy and and go on a nicer vacation with your 33 year old wife.
You missed something important in the OP.
our 3 kids
Yep, point taken
by moehoward
Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Plan for what to do with life insurance
Replies: 17
Views: 981

Re: Plan for what to do with life insurance

Wow, you are putting way to much thought into this for a 33 year old wife. I would suggest cutting down the policy to $500K term and take the reminder of the money and go on a nice vacation with your wife. Wait, get rid of the policy and and go on a nicer vacation with your 33 year old wife.
by moehoward
Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Evaluating my 2018 Spending
Replies: 32
Views: 2820

Re: Evaluating my 2018 Spending

Flyer24 wrote: Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:37 pm Nothing. Enjoy life.
Best answer on thread.
by moehoward
Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Drop Stocks Altogether: Age Dependent Decision?
Replies: 23
Views: 2102

Re: Drop Stocks Altogether: Age Dependent Decision?

I have a very good friend who moved his allocation to 10/90. His reasoning similar to yours, he has enough money and tired of the volatility. While I understand his position, the death and health cards dealt to you can vary. You didn't say how much you have, if its high enough, this whole thread is moot.
by moehoward
Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Absurd Adviser Fees!
Replies: 16
Views: 3387

Re: Absurd Adviser Fees!

I followed Edelman for a while and I think his show is good for beginning finance. I looked into his fees years ago and was aghast at what I saw.
by moehoward
Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Using less plastic
Replies: 69
Views: 2747

Re: Using less plastic

It's the new year and I've finally decided to bring my own cloth grocery bags from now to the stores. It was surprisingly pleasant. Cloth handles are much nicer to carry, fit more, and doesn't add more to my time shopping. What other easy environmentally-friendly things do you do that I might be able to copy? I would maintain that it's not as clear as you think. Cloth bags should be cleaned from time to time otherwise it has been documented that they build up high levels of bacteria. Not something you want to put your food in. Here cleaning is with water imported and pumped up hill for hundreds of miles (using electricity), treated in a water treatment plant, using detergent, possibly heated using gas or electricity, treated in a sewage pl...
by moehoward
Mon Dec 31, 2018 8:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ok to invest in an LLC?
Replies: 33
Views: 2479

Re: Ok to invest in an LLC?

boglerocks wrote: Wed Dec 12, 2018 12:36 pm A friend of mine is starting a new company which I'd like to make a small investment in. I have lots of experience investing in private companies but this one is different since the founder is particularly inexperienced and he isn't thinking about VCs. He would like to structure it as an LLC with an S-corp election for tax purposes. Should that be ok for me to buy into once it's been set up? I don't want to be exposed to any liability or have any responsibilities to the company at all.
Why are you even considering this? If you don't understand all the moving parts, I wouldn't invest.
by moehoward
Sun Dec 30, 2018 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Etiquette of selling used items
Replies: 20
Views: 2398

Re: Etiquette of selling used items

When we moved to the east coast we sold everything in our home on craigslist and garage sell. Garage sell stuff is one foot away from good will or the dump but I thought I would try. The funniest people were (just some) those who stole something. I would always say you can have what's in your pocket. My biggest problem was free stuff. After not getting an offer, we decided to give away our couch set and single bed, both in good condition. People asked questions for 10 minutes and one wanted me to send more photos at different angles. Typically after all the questioning, they would say, "Can you hold it for me"? Finally, I asked $10 for each and got an offer. They guy and his family actually showed up and it was clear they had no m...
by moehoward
Fri Dec 28, 2018 9:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Dental implants - fair price for teeth 23 to 26?
Replies: 30
Views: 4244

Re: Dental implants - fair price for teeth 23 to 26?

I've had 3 implants over 10 years, about $10K when said and done. My advice is to not focus on the cost but who is doing them. For my last implant I flew back to my original doctor for the procedure. My implants are fine, money well spent. If the procedure is not done well, the price is even higher.
by moehoward
Fri Dec 28, 2018 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Will I be renting forever?
Replies: 44
Views: 3927

Re: Will I be renting forever?

Dottie57 wrote: Thu Dec 27, 2018 9:18 pm You did not throw away money on rent. You need a place to live. It is just that housing of any kind is expensive.

Get a cheaper apartment.
How about a second job?
Devote one of your salaries to living expenses, the other to savings.
Work for promotions/earn more.

If you can’t do these things you have boxed yourself in.

P.S. i just re-read your post. You need to resolve medical before anything else. Forget about housing now. When medical is resolved , you get a job and save your salary.
I agree with your rent comment. We rented after retirement and its just fine. It's all about cash flow and no headaches.
by moehoward
Fri Dec 28, 2018 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: brick-and-mortar vs online bank
Replies: 50
Views: 3895

Re: brick-and-mortar vs online bank

Hi folks, I've used a big national bank for decades for checking and savings. I also have an online bank, where I keep CDs. To avoid fees, I have to keep $10k in brick bank savings account for a measly .03% interest return. The online bank savings account has 2% yield. So, essentially, I'm losing $200/year to the brick bank. I'm thinking of moving completely to the online bank and shutting down my brick bank accounts. Question: has anyone does this and if so is there anything you miss about not having an brick bank account? Its sounds like you have a Chase account. I had the same issue and there are no Chase banks in the Carolinas. I also have a Schwab account which works fine for deposits (of any kind) and money transfer. We like Chase's ...
by moehoward
Fri Dec 28, 2018 9:40 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to monitor elderly parents' finances to protect them from fraud
Replies: 15
Views: 1050

Re: How to monitor elderly parents' finances to protect them from fraud

My mother got many solicitations over the phone and had a hard time saying no. I sat here down and said tell them you have to talk to your son first. She never wavered from my advice and had no problems after that. Occasionally she would ask me about something and my answer would always be, "they're trying to take your money". She put me on all of her accounts and I simplified the investments. Personally, I wouldn't point her to a financial person, just inviting trouble. She was a lot happier after she didn't have to make any financial decisions.
by moehoward
Thu Dec 27, 2018 8:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What have you learned this year
Replies: 90
Views: 9635

Re: What have your learned this year

annielouise wrote: Tue Dec 25, 2018 9:42 pm We learned that no matter how many layoffs you get through unscathed, you can still be blindsided by the one that hits you.

We also learned that it is possible to get a new software job, even at age 53. Whew!
That hit a note for me but I was 60 at the time.
by moehoward
Wed Dec 19, 2018 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Confused by cruise gratuities
Replies: 51
Views: 4998

Re: Confused by cruise gratuities

We did a river cruise on the Danube. At the end, they gave out envelopes and a recommended amount to tip. I think we used our credit card.
by moehoward
Wed Dec 19, 2018 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Gift Ideas for wife
Replies: 76
Views: 7483

Re: Gift Ideas for wife

PaleoWorx wrote: Mon Dec 17, 2018 2:33 pm it's sad that you you think the random people on the internet know your spouse better than you
I really like your answer. My idea, go to a nice romantic restaurant and get a nice expensive bottle of wine and then ask her what she wants.
by moehoward
Mon Dec 17, 2018 12:51 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When has being frugal or cheaping out bit you in the rear?
Replies: 109
Views: 10740

Re: When has being frugal or cheating out bit you in the rear?

Definitely vacations. Non-Stop flights when possible. When we travel international, we always stay at the airport hotel the night before we leave. No headaches (or strikes) and end the vacation on a comfortable note.
by moehoward
Mon Dec 17, 2018 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 3 weeks in Australia
Replies: 25
Views: 2284

Re: 3 weeks in Australia

IMHO, take 1 week in Australia and spend the other two in New Zealand. Much more to see in NZ
by moehoward
Sun Dec 16, 2018 8:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Moving from Schwab to another bank
Replies: 36
Views: 2457

Re: Moving from Schwab to another bank

Looking for suggestions on a new bank. I like Schwab, and initially went with them because of the ATM fee refunds and the fact that I can withdraw money overseas with no fees (or at least get fees refunded). Now that I hardly ever carry cash (except when traveling to certain countries overseas), having the ATM fee rebate isn't much of an issue. Are there any other banks that don't charge fees for overseas transactions? A brick and mortar presence here in the states would be nice, but not essential. One thing I do hate is fees. I keep a decent balance in my checking/savings so meeting minimum balances shouldn't be an issue, but all of the other hidden fees drive me nuts. I looked into HSBC, but they seem to have mixed reviews. Suggestions a...
by moehoward
Sat Dec 15, 2018 10:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Raspberry pi or starting an 11 year old with programming
Replies: 21
Views: 2870

Re: Raspberry pi or starting an 11 year old with programming

Get the Arduino (yes the Raspberrby Pi is fine). I bought this kit on Amazon for $35, has everything you need to start.
https://www.amazon.com/ELEGOO-Project-S ... uino&psc=1
by moehoward
Fri Dec 14, 2018 4:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is it difficult to change a baby's legal name?
Replies: 70
Views: 4119

Re: Is it difficult to change a baby's legal name?

Hello, We are having a hard time deciding on a name for our baby boy but must decide now to submit some paperwork. We came down to two choices but are unsure which one to pick. I'd like to know how easy/difficult/costly it is to change the name later if we end up regretting the choice. If anybody has an experience of changing a baby's official name, would you share your experience? For those of you who are curious we are deciding between James and Daniel. Both are fine names and we are leaning toward James but unsure about its meaning being "supplanter" (feels a bit negative). Please feel free to share your opinions about our name choices if you'd like. Thanks! This has to be your first child. You're overthinking this.
by moehoward
Wed Dec 12, 2018 8:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To each his own ( I guess ) [Opinions of traveling in retirement]
Replies: 109
Views: 9582

Re: To each his own ( I guess ) [Opinions of traveling in retirement]

Like some other posters, I traveled often and extensively in my work life. I ran teams, projects or had clients in almost every medium to large city in the US and Canada. In one job, I traveled international for 5 years - flying literally around the planet on trips a few times. Also took the opportunity on many trips for personal time (multiple 3 day weekends - London, Paris, Madrid, Sydney, Johannesburg, etc). Now retired wife and I have zero interest in extensive/extended travel particularly international. Most what I would consider to be interesting destinations lately involve way too much hassle to get to, way too crowded, silly expensive. And most importantly most of these places are drastically worse in many ways from how they were 2...
by moehoward
Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Donate to homeless?
Replies: 81
Views: 5299

Re: Donate to homeless?

This time of year homeless panhandlers seem more visible than ever with the weather cold and holidays approaching. Today a lady on the sidewalk asked me how I celebrate - Christmas, Kwanza or Hannukah? Is it a good idea to give a couple dollars to such people? Seems quite mean to ignore them. What is your financial advice? snackdog, One day, a homeless person standing on the traffic light in front of my car. It was cold and it started to rain. I handed $20 to the person and ask him to take a break from the rain. He headed off to the McDonald next to the traffic light. I usually donate to the local food bank. But, in this case, if my $20 can get this person away from the rain and get a hot coffee in the McDonald, I believe that I had done s...
by moehoward
Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: To each his own ( I guess ) [Opinions of traveling in retirement]
Replies: 109
Views: 9582

Re: To each his own ( I guess )

I'm interested in how others view travel, particularly in retirement. We've seen a lot of scenery over the decades, mostly in the U.S.. At this point my wife is really only interested in travel that includes kids and grandkids. We do have a trip planned to Washington D.C. with kids/grandkids to see the Smithsonian etc. We also go to Alaska every other year to see my older son's family. Call us uncultured but neither of us seem to have much interest in Europe. Same probably goes for Asia. I wouldn't mind taking the Canadian rail trip from B.C. to the Banff area. Or re-visiting some things in the Southwest that fascinated me as a child ( Carlsbad Caverns etc ). Are we nuts? We travel the world in retirement but that doesn't make us any diffe...
by moehoward
Mon Dec 10, 2018 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electric bill with LED
Replies: 114
Views: 10846

Re: Electric bill with LED

Teague wrote: Sun Dec 09, 2018 10:26 pm Lighting comprises a pretty small portion of most residential energy consumption. I learned that from a consumer class put on by the local electric utility. So if that's true in your case, changing to LEDs (or candles or trained fireflies or simply living in the dark) wouldn't make a huge difference.
I would agree with that. If you really want to make a difference in your bill, monitor refrigerator, heat/air conditioning, stove and dryer. I typically replace bulbs with LEDs when I can but I don't monitor the electric bill.
by moehoward
Sat Dec 08, 2018 2:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Rental Car Damage Issue
Replies: 69
Views: 5668

Re: Rental Car Damage Issue

BH friends, I rented a car for 24 hours while on vacation. In the 24 hours it was in my hotel parking lot (key pass required and enclosed) or I was driving it. It was parked one time for around 5 minutes grabbing lunch to go but the parking spot I got was at the end of a row so I always hug the curb when parking at the end to prevent door dings. The car was dropped off 6 days ago. This morning I got an email from a 3rd party claims company representing the rental car company (a top household rental car company brand in the US). There was no information about the damage or anything other than "a claim has been given to us to resolve, get estimates and ultimately bill you for the damages which you can submit to your insurance or pay out...
by moehoward
Sat Dec 08, 2018 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Skipping last COBRA payment
Replies: 25
Views: 3492

Re: Skipping last cobra payment

Euroswiss, no one is advocating theft as you suggest, Do you have any knowledge of cobra rules and regulations?Perhaps you should get some insight!,People come here to share ways on improving oneself not make comments without any knowledge on the subject such as what you have done. Have you ever been told because of your age you would be charged many times over the amount? Maybe you were told you couldn't get coverage because you had a preexisting condition? They are everyday challenges people face . The insurance companys are playing by the rules so as long as you play by the same rules what laws have you btoken? Fair enough - you have your ethics standards, and I have mine. Readers can make up their own minds. I understand both sides of ...
by moehoward
Sat Dec 08, 2018 9:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why Retirement Is Broken And Needs To Be Reinvented
Replies: 171
Views: 14546

Re: Why Retirement Is Broken And Needs To Be Reinvented

What does it mean "overpromised" ? Why it is so difficult to account for deferred compensation ? Pensions don't necessarily have to be funded by contributions. If an employer offers a 150k/yr. salary, nobody bats an eye, but if they offer 100k/yr. plus 5k/yr. per year of service starting at age 65, suddenly some people feel the enemy is at the gate. I dont want my employer or the government holding money for me, thank you. I prefer to deposit to my low cost index fund portfolio and decide for myself how much and when to invest. People have a tendancy to find ways to “rob” a large pool of money. Yes, enemy at the gate is true. I've had discussions about your point. If you save your own money and are responsible for you own retirem...
by moehoward
Fri Dec 07, 2018 2:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: California 8 days road trip LA-SFO
Replies: 40
Views: 3132

Re: California 8 days road trip LA-SFO

Hello everyone, Have a long awaited 8 days CA trip coming up in the last week of Dec. We are flying from east coast in to LA and out of SFO (Okland airport). Family of 4, kids are 7 and 11. Will have a rental car. Looking at the good suggestion on the the other thread "Southern California Vacation Questions " https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=265629 , I too decided to get some help from fellow members. The current plan is to spend 2 days in LA, 3 days travelling on US 1, and 3 days in SFO. Does this seem reasonable allocation of time? Need help with two things: 1. Suggestions for paces to stay via Highway 1. Everything seems catered to upscale audience and is quite expensive. 2. Must see places to visit at...
by moehoward
Wed Dec 05, 2018 4:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options
Replies: 51
Views: 9209

Re: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options

BillyG wrote: Wed Dec 05, 2018 3:48 pm
J G Bankerton wrote: Wed Dec 05, 2018 3:43 pm "Heav'n has no rage like love to hatred turn'd / Nor Hell a fury, like a woman scorn'd."
Even a woman self-scorn'd - it was her decision to move out and do this...

You are correct, of course, at least in my case.

Billy
On this same thread, I asked my wife during our divorce why she was being so mean? Her answer, "You exist". 25 years later I still tease her about the comment. She has mellowed out a bit.
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options
Replies: 51
Views: 9209

Re: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options

One more question: Do you have an Attorney? It doesn't matter what her attorney knows or doesn't know. Yes, I have an attorney. And I am attorney myself (and MBA and engineer). I am not seeking legal advice... I am asking finance questions about alternative funding sources. Being Bogleheads we already understand a lot more about the pre-tax, after-tax, etc. issues in my different accounts than my divorce lawyer who has been practicing over 40 years. I don't understand why you say it doesn't matter what her attorney does and does not know. Can you explain? Thanks, Billy It will all end of the same. Numbers get put into a computer, turn the crank and out comes the settlement. The only problem is that your ex thinks she deserves more (for wha...
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options
Replies: 51
Views: 9209

Re: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options

One more question: Do you have an Attorney? It doesn't matter what her attorney knows or doesn't know. [/quote] Yes, I have an attorney. And I am attorney myself (and MBA and engineer). I am not seeking legal advice... I am asking finance questions about alternative funding sources. Being Bogleheads we already understand a lot more about the pre-tax, after-tax, etc. issues in my different accounts than my divorce lawyer who has been practicing over 40 years. I don't understand why you say it doesn't matter what her attorney does and does not know. Can you explain? Thanks, Billy [/quote] It will all end of the same. Numbers get put into a computer, turn the crank and out comes the settlement. The only problem is that your ex thinks she dese...
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options
Replies: 51
Views: 9209

Re: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options

+1 on the point of getting numbers in front of her. The lump sum may blind her to the payout benefits over time. Having been there, it's better to not have the monthly reminder of seeing cash go out to the person who left you. This is one of the hardest things in life to deal with. Upside is time will pass and it will get better. Drive on Billy! Bronko Her divorce lawyer also happens to be a tax lawyer. I can go head to head with him but he won't be blinded at all by the differences in lump sums and payments over time. He deals with it every day and has software than runs the numbers assuming tax rates, discount rates, etc. Billy One more question: Do you have an Attorney? It doesn't matter what her attorney knows or doesn't know.
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options
Replies: 51
Views: 9209

Re: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options

OP cut your losses and don't let the lawyers drag it out and get her married. The "donation" stops the day she remarries. Kept women law or something. Simple but correct. We all have stories... The bottom line is that in the end, marriage is a contract and there are laws to deal with it. Is it fair? Somebody always thinks they got cheated. My advice to BillyG. Your goal is to get the ex to sign on the dotted line. You're absolutely correct and it has been my goal from the day after she moved out. But she is the plaintiff and the plaintiff controls all of this and can drag it out through trial as long as they wish. It took more than a year of legal wrangling for me to receive my first settlement proposal from her. She is not a Bog...
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Homeowner in Retirement/Travel Concerns
Replies: 16
Views: 2416

Re: New Homeowner in Retirement/Travel Concerns

I'm soon to retire (2019) and planning to move from a major city to a small, rural, college town I've specifically selected for retirement, or at least the early years of retirement. (I'm 58). I'm undecided about renting or buying. The only transience appears to be the students and educators moving back and forth, the remaining population is stable, not much economic fluctuation in either direction. Looking at historical housing prices, this is the case - not moving up or down. Prices are very low relative to other locations - $150K buys an updated 1,400 - 1,500 square foot single family home in safe surroundings. Interestingly, SFH rentals are higher than expected in price - $1,200 to $1,800 for the same type of home. Presumably due to de...
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options
Replies: 51
Views: 9209

Re: Advice on Divorce Settlement Options

J G Bankerton wrote: Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:36 am OP cut your losses and don't let the lawyers drag it out and get her married. The "donation" stops the day she remarries. Kept women law or something.
Simple but correct. We all have stories... The bottom line is that in the end, marriage is a contract and there are laws to deal with it. Is it fair? Somebody always thinks they got cheated.

My advice to BillyG. Your goal is to get the ex to sign on the dotted line.
by moehoward
Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Question about long term care
Replies: 8
Views: 1191

Re: Question about long term care

Did I read this right, $7,000 (windfall?) and a $100,000 insurance policy for a 70 year old? Who is the beneficiary of life Insurance? You had a lawyer draw up a will but not a trust?
by moehoward
Mon Dec 03, 2018 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Power of attorney for Mom?
Replies: 12
Views: 1310

Re: Power of attorney for Mom?

Its not ridiculous, dealing with my mother was similar. Your mother is probably fine right now but there is a chance she won't do as well 10 years from now. Start slowly and gain her confidence. It won't be easy. Sometimes I had to say, "Mom, I'm not going to steal your money". Eventually (as I did) you will probably need a full power of attorney and have your name on her account. Once Mom was in her late seventies she thanked me for taking over her account. Once a month I would send her the balance of her accounts. Only problem was when we had to take her car away from her... Oh my, that time was the worst. (She was driving to her blind (Macular) appointments)
by moehoward
Mon Dec 03, 2018 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LegalShield part of the company benefits for Will and Estate planning
Replies: 14
Views: 988

Re: LegalShield part of the company benefits for Will and Estate planning

I’m an estate planning attorney (it’s actually my side job since I work for the Feds full time). Don’t scrimp with estate planning. The problems I’ve seen with some “one size fits all” approaches have been profound. What I didn’t see on this list was a review of accounts and beneficiary designations. While this may be self explanatory, some states (like Maryland) allow you to place a beneficiary designation on a vehicle title. By definition, beneficiary designations are handled outside of probate, which means they are not included in Wills. Also, research whether you really need a trust. I’ve seen many trusts pushed onto clients where the only benefit appeared to be lining the attorney’s pocket. Trusts have a time and place, but I use them...
by moehoward
Mon Dec 03, 2018 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to put "left over" money
Replies: 18
Views: 2507

Re: Where to put "left over" money

Left over money goes into wine account.
by moehoward
Mon Dec 03, 2018 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement itch- when did you get it?
Replies: 145
Views: 18505

Re: Retirement itch- when did you get it?

I think I got the itch from two directions. In my late fifties, I occasionally would hear about friends and aquaintances getting the "diagnosis". The second, was corporate BS. After a while, its the same speeches every year.
by moehoward
Sun Dec 02, 2018 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: "The Steak Dinner Annuity Pitch"
Replies: 114
Views: 14142

Re: "The Steak Dinner Annuity Pitch"

We were at a Money show and attended one of the free seminars. They loaded us up with brochures, pads and a nice pen. The presentation started with a short movie with none other then Joe Namath pitching their product. My wife and I burst out laughing to horror of the salesman at the front of the room. We were politely escorted out of the room but I kept the pen.
by moehoward
Sun Dec 02, 2018 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Simple Person Needs Simple Advice Regarding Retirement
Replies: 26
Views: 2786

Re: Simple Person Needs Simple Advice Regarding Retirement

You didn't mention if you had a wife or children. All I can say is to be extremely careful, people come out of the woodwork when they smell money. Have you thought about a Trust? You can still invest if the recommendations on this thread but it will keep tighter control on the money. In the end you will have to trust someone, be it family, friend or professional.
by moehoward
Sat Dec 01, 2018 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cremation seminar – with complimentary lunch
Replies: 84
Views: 8478

Re: Cremation seminar – with complimentary lunch

Don't go into these seminars, it's a cookbook!
https://youtu.be/dk01eeKMD_I
by moehoward
Sat Dec 01, 2018 10:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best new Mac/features for 2000-3000
Replies: 60
Views: 5688

Re: Best new Mac/features for 2000-3000

Old Dell worn out. Just surfing, video/pic archives, streaming youtube/other prgms, but no gaming. You do not need to spend $3000 on a computer for your needs. You can get an adequate Windows PC for <$1000. All you need is at least an i5 processor, 8gb RAM and an SSD. If you're archiving photos I would recommend something with 2 hard drives bays and then you can have your SSD in one for things you need to be fast and use the second for the photos/videos. You could even buy a couple 27" monitors and stay well below your price limit. Please do not waste your money on a Mac. There are several important points here. First, if you're buying a Mac specifically NOT to have to use Windows, then it's well worth it. Subtract observer bias; I'm ...
by moehoward
Sat Dec 01, 2018 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too Much Savings Regret
Replies: 112
Views: 20145

Re: Too Much Savings Regret

I have a similar story to yours. When my dad was alive, mom used to joke to me that I am "saving my money away" when I was younger. I was a (and still sort of am) a very aggressive saver. I just wrote it off. I was following in the footsteps of my parents after all, they had been saving all their lives to have a nice, big retirement nest egg (and to travel). Unfortunately, my dad died a year before he would have retired. He denied himself so much all his life for a day that never came for him. And my mom, with all the money and the buyout form my dad's business partner... she tried to travel a little, but it wasn't the same alone. So I started taking some of that savings of mine and making sure I took vacations and formed memorie...
by moehoward
Fri Nov 30, 2018 7:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do Bogleheads justify taking vacation?
Replies: 102
Views: 6204

Re: How do Bogleheads justify taking vacation?

Can fellow Bogleheads and financially prudent people explain how do you justify taking vacation? So far I have come up with "reasons" for taking vacation, but I can't really justify any of them. - I don't like to do "touristy" things. I couldn't be bothered with whatever monument or landmark. - I also don't really care about other culture. I just really don't care about how other people lead their lives. - I do find justification for travel sometimes to do stuff I enjoy, e.g. I want to go to Hong Kong to eat some nice food. But then, the financial doctor in me takes over... so it becomes why travel all the way to Hong Kong to eat food, we can get similar stuff in LA. Then it becomes, why am I wasting time/money just to ...
by moehoward
Thu Nov 29, 2018 8:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: First year with financial planner managing IRA did worse than index fund, should I pull out?
Replies: 24
Views: 2616

Re: First year with financial planner managing IRA did worse than index fund, should I pull out?

Hi all, This is my first post. A year ago I moved a retirement account worth about $245k idling in Fidelity and rolled it over to an IRA actively managed by a financial advisor that uses LPL Financial. Over the year the account swung up to $260k and now is negative return and valued about $237k. I have no problem with this in principal because it's a long-term investment. The problem is when I compare this against FXAIX (where I have some other money invested), I could've had 4 or 5% gain at this point. On top of that, the fees are about $4000 over the year. I'm feeling ripped off, but realize that the performance is only after a single year, so I cannot accurately judge the long-term performance against an index fund. But I am seriously c...
by moehoward
Thu Nov 29, 2018 12:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Any Schwab Investors using Intelligent Portfolio??
Replies: 6
Views: 953

Re: Any Schwab Investors using Intelligent Portfolio??

Yes, read the other threads. I have a Schwab IP. Its fine and works exactly like Schwab said. I only invested about 20K to try it out and still have it but way too many funds for me. Just remember after you set the allocation, you have no control. (that's why they call it a Robo account.
by moehoward
Thu Nov 29, 2018 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Divorce [financial implications]
Replies: 109
Views: 16676

Re: Divorce [financial implications]

It depends on who you marry. DW and I have been happily married for 30 years now. Many on these boards married far longer than us. I would not throw in the towel on marriage based on one bad experience (or the experiences of some others you know). However, if burned once before, a pre-nup might not be a bad idea at least to cover the risk of your being separated from your hard-earned money a second time. Not picking on you but I don't think longevity in a marriage necessarily makes it a happy one. People divorce for different reasons. Your spouse may tolerate behavior that another spouse wouldn't. Also, people grow at different rates and some just don't make it to the next level. Grey divorce is one of biggest statistics right now and I'm ...
by moehoward
Thu Nov 29, 2018 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Remodeling - tipping?
Replies: 56
Views: 4192

Re: Remodeling - tipping?

z91 wrote: Thu Nov 29, 2018 10:22 am Great, the monthly tipping thread is here..
LOL, I was just ready to write the same thing. Ok, I'll start, Is tipping getting out of control in the US?