Search found 92 matches

by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Ever heard of dentists sedating toddlers to fill baby teeth cavities?
Replies: 28
Views: 3441

Re: Ever heard of dentists sedating toddlers to fill baby teeth cavities?

mundart wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:24 pm Is it commonplace to put toddlers under to work on cavities in baby teeth?
https://www.today.com/today/amp/tdna113039
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please
Replies: 118
Views: 8895

Re: I highly recommend a community college

Socrates28 wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 8:20 pm Many community colleges have TAG agreements - where if a student maintains a certain GPA, they automatically gain admission to the 4 year college.
Not entirely true in this case.

https://utexas.box.com/shared/static/lh ... ssta31.pdf
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 11:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please
Replies: 118
Views: 8895

Re: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please

Your plan is very sound. The competition applying to schools like UT can be very tough. The sure fire way to bypass that is to do exactly what you plan. The transfer is virtually guaranteed assuming the student is an average or above student. Programs at the CCs are specifically set up to mirror the first 2 years at the university and the CCs work closely with the university to ensure the correct classes are taken etc. Financially, it’s also the cheapest way to go. Great plan, your nephew is lucky to have you on his side. 3504PIR, I do not believe that is a safe assumption. https://admissions.utexas.edu/explore/rankings << Academics #1 in Petroleum Engineering, U.S. News & World Report #4 in Chemical Engineering U.S. News & World R...
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [2018 tax return - How does it compare to previous years?]
Replies: 441
Views: 43872

Re: [2018 tax return - How does it compare to previous years?]

My total amount of federal income tax was reduced by 15% in 2018 from the 2017 amount with no change in taxable income. I owe approximately 9.5% of the total tax amount that I will pay on April 15.

I do not understand refunds. I carefully manage my withheld amount to ensure that I receive a relatively modest short-term interest-free loan from the federal government without an underpayment penalty instead of providing one to the federal government.

If your income arrives during the year in uneven amounts, you can keep withholding low and make quarterlies to ensure 90% or more of the tax is paid. You can easily account for capital gains throughout the year this way.

I am not certain why line 15 on the new 1040 should be a surprise.
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please
Replies: 118
Views: 8895

Re: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please

Charon wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:37 pm If he's ready for calculus straight from high school (or has already completed it), he should do one year at a CC then transfer. If he needs remedial math, do that at the CC (perhaps 2 years total) then transfer. In either case, expect 3 years at the next school.

If there's a very special program at this CC with a defined pathway and they guarantee 2+2 and can give you lots of successful examples, then ignore my general advice.
The University of Texas at Austin engineering college has a transfer guide for the community college that the OP mentioned that appears to detail all of the courses that must be cleared before transferring.

https://utexas.box.com/shared/static/lh ... ssta31.pdf
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 6:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please
Replies: 118
Views: 8895

Re: 2 years in community college, then transfer? need opinion please

As long as he graduates 3.0+ GPA at ACC, he will get into UT. 3.0 GPA will guarantee his transfer. He may transfer with a lower GPA, but a lower GPA will be no guarantee transfer. Having graduated from a competitive program, this sounded very odd to me, because a 3.0 is a pretty low bar to guarantee anything. That at best would be a minimum eligibility qualifier. After checking, I’m basically right. The University of Texas at Austin does not “guarantee” acceptance at 3.0. Think about it logically. Lots of bright students with much higher GPAs will be interested in transferring to UT Austin. After they go through the 4.0s, the 3.9+s, etc., is there even any open space left long before a 3.0 is considered? Don’t guess. Check it out for yours...
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bad Idea or Good Idea? - Investing in 529 College Savings Plan
Replies: 70
Views: 6410

Re: Bad Idea or Good Idea? - Investing in 529 College Savings Plan

529s are excellent cost savings plans perfect for working professionals and retirees. Are you located near an inexpensive (relatively) community college? So you want a tax-efficient way to lose weight and exercise without paying a gym membership or purchasing equipment? Major in health or kinesiology and those types of classes will likely be in the degree plan and eligible for 529 spending. Activity classes like that normally are not deductible, eligible for credits, or can be paid with 529 money - unless they are a part of the degree plan. Want to maintain current certifications, learn to paint, learn professional photography, complete education for a real estate license, repair your car/computer/etc., become a registered EMT in one semest...
by passiveTiger
Tue Feb 12, 2019 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Bad Idea or Good Idea? - Investing in 529 College Savings Plan
Replies: 70
Views: 6410

Re: Bad Idea or Good Idea? - Investing in 529 College Savings Plan

RickBoglehead wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:18 am
NotWhoYouThink wrote: Tue Feb 12, 2019 10:03 am Executive Masters of Business Administration. Like an MBA, but more prestigious.
No, it's not more prestigious.
+1
by passiveTiger
Thu Jan 31, 2019 7:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Got suckered into universal life insurance
Replies: 27
Views: 3585

Re: Got suckered into universal life insurance

dogagility wrote: Thu Jan 31, 2019 5:18 am Why does a single person without any dependents need life insurance? What am I missing here?
+1
by passiveTiger
Sat Dec 29, 2018 12:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

I don’t necessarily disagree with anything you wrote. But I think japan’s debt is a result of those macroeconomic variables. As for the US, we have an enormous trade advantage. As the largest consumer in the world, this gives us an advantage. I’m not certain that buying other countries’ stuff is a trade advantage. We don’t dictate prices despite being a larger purchaser. We’re just subjected to them. We have also shown that our citizens will eagerly go into debt to buy other countries’ stuff that they can’t afford. Other countries buying our stuff would be an advantage. though, and we sell quite a lot - just not as much as we buy. If they want to go into debt to buy even more of our stuff? All the better. So, you don’t think telling China ...
by passiveTiger
Wed Dec 26, 2018 4:38 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Japan is some bigger macro issues. No population growth. No immigration. No natural resources. No natural trade advantage. Every country has its issues. You left out that their debt situation is now even worse than ours, although we do our best to make it worse each day. But we do have similarities. For example, replace absent population with absent qualified workers. We have immigration, but it’s not sufficient to provide what we need, despite trying to be selectively targeted about it. We are truly blessed with natural resources. I don’t know about the “trade advantage” thing. If we have one, it doesn’t make itself known. https://www.marketwatch.com/amp/story/guid/222BBB70-F808-11E8-84A6-E0B25E1938B1 I don’t necessarily disagree with any...
by passiveTiger
Tue Dec 25, 2018 6:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

I could see this causing a recession... when people feel less wealthy they cut spending back. I wonder how many people are seeing their company stock shares nose diving (tech companies) It would be unusual indeed for a stock market decline to cause a recession. It's usually the other way around. One factor that might make that true in this case is the rising percentage of the US population that is in retirement. If the market declines, so does the value of their retirement nest egg, and it follows that they will feel less inclined to spend on discretionary items, which could cause an economic slowdown. Or maybe not. I never claimed to be an economist. :?: The median amount of family financial assets is $23,500. That’s checking, savings, br...
by passiveTiger
Tue Dec 25, 2018 5:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

As a new investor who believes the market will recover but cannot dispute this point, I don't see why we need to be reminded of this. Like yeah, the market may never recover from this point on, but do you really think that is a realistic possibility worth mentioning? And to say this one has been deeper and more prolonged, I think that's simply unnecessary fear mongering. Japan is still waiting to return to December 1989 stock prices. Japan was so wrecked by overinflated real estate and other assets that it is now going extinct. Literally. https://www.npr.org/2018/12/21/679103541/japans-population-is-in-rapid-decline People talk long-term, staying the course, etc., but can you stomach the risk of being 33% down after almost 30 years? Japan ...
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 10:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

letsgobobby wrote: Mon Dec 24, 2018 9:26 pm The Nikkei is down over 1000 points... 5%.
I guess anyone waiting for a return to the 1989 level will just keep waiting.

https://www.macrotrends.net/2593/nikkei ... chart-data
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 4:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

First of all, I’m not gloom and doom. I too believe that this drop will eventually pass, the markets will not collapse, the banks will not be nationalized, and the people with underground bunkers will not be vindicated. On the other hand, markets do go down and can stay down. Sometimes, down a lot for a long time. So, Japan’s Nikkei drop of almost 30 years doesn’t convince you of possible risk? How about the NASDAQ’s 15-year drop? https://www.forbes.com/sites/investor/2015/05/14/four-lessons-from-the-nasdaqs-15-year-recovery/amp/ What if that started this month for the S&P 500? I don’t think it did, but who knows? The problem with the economy and all economies is that they are fragile things at all times. They are as strong as you beli...
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 4:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

In an effort to console newish members, many posters have noted that "Prices will go back up. This is typical and part of investing in equities." I would like to remind those posters that an increase in future prices is not guaranteed . This is the risk we all assume through equity investments. +1 History certainly implies that prices will go back up, but the market does not issue guaranteed refunds like Costco. I am afraid that many newer investors have gotten used to to quick recoveries to former levels from all the dips they have experienced. This one has been deeper and more prolonged, and it is evident from posts on BH that some have been a bit unnerved already. Good luck to all! As a new investor who believes the market wil...
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 3:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Japan is still waiting to return to December 1989 stock prices. Japan was so wrecked by overinflated real estate and other assets that it is now going extinct. Literally. https://www.npr.org/2018/12/21/679103541/japans-population-is-in-rapid-decline People talk long-term, staying the course, etc., but can you stomach the risk of being 33% down after almost 30 years? I don't know if it makes sense to compare the US to Japan. Unlike Japan's central bank, the fed has demonstrated it can support asset prices at will. Japan had tried QE in the past and it didn't work. Yet in the US, it worked beautifully (again for asset prices, not for main street). I wouldn't worry too much about stocks recovering. My guess is that part of the reason the fed ...
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 3:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

In an effort to console newish members, many posters have noted that "Prices will go back up. This is typical and part of investing in equities." I would like to remind those posters that an increase in future prices is not guaranteed . This is the risk we all assume through equity investments. +1 History certainly implies that prices will go back up, but the market does not issue guaranteed refunds like Costco. I am afraid that many newer investors have gotten used to to quick recoveries to former levels from all the dips they have experienced. This one has been deeper and more prolonged, and it is evident from posts on BH that some have been a bit unnerved already. Good luck to all! As a new investor who believes the market wil...
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 3:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

Although it is painful to watch, I am gradually becoming desensitized to the numbers. (I am down about $300k YTD with a 50/50 AA) Must be rough being so wealthy having $6M+ invested. I didn't intend for that to come across as a brag, sorry. I would not have mentioned the numbers except for commiserating with the poster that suggested that others could not relate to the magnitude of his situation. Whether through hard work or just plain luck, you do not have to apologize to anyone for accumulating wealth. The person who made the snarky comment is likely among the top 1% income earners on Earth. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/050615/are-you-top-one-percent-world.asp Is anyone’s income here greater than or equal to $32...
by passiveTiger
Mon Dec 24, 2018 1:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: U.S. stocks in free fall
Replies: 36221
Views: 4685237

Re: U.S. stocks in free fall

On a side note, it does alarm me that the TreasurySec was calling his major bank CEO buddies over the weekend from his vacation home and asking for their assurance on bank liquidities when NOBODY in the market even voiced that was of any concerns - what the heck was the guy thinking. That worried me more than what the market is doing. He doubtless knows lots of stuff that the rest of us don't. Did he just tip his hand, or is he just another tone deaf guy who doesn't know what he's doing? I think lots of people read too much into this as market tea leaf readers tend to do. Historically, we prepare to fight the last war, not the next one. Liquidity and capital reserves were an issue in 2008, so the 2018 Treasury Secretary calls to make sure ...
by passiveTiger
Mon Nov 19, 2018 4:29 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard lowering Admiral level to $3,000?
Replies: 225
Views: 25308

Re: Vanguard lowering Admiral level to $3,000?

It sounds like Vanguard may have determined that it is just as cheap, perhaps cheaper, to run one share of fund for consumers. Different ticker symbols, having the UI/phone support/back office operations to handle conversion of Investor shares to Admiral/ETF shares, etc. I think it may be more about the impact (or perhaps only the potential impact if none has been realized) of Fidelity dropping distinctions between index fund share classes, lowering index fund expense ratios to what was previously their lowest institutional class rates, and dropping minimums for index funds. All of that is in addition to the four heavily marketed zero ER funds. The tail is now wagging the dog regarding index mutual funds. This is a good step for Vanguard, ...
by passiveTiger
Thu Nov 01, 2018 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Falling off the ACA subsidy cliff
Replies: 62
Views: 7434

Re: Falling off the ACA subsidy cliff

I'm in a similar situation such as yourself, projected to fly right off that ACA cliff and if so, would have to pay back $10,000 in subsidies. Last year our MAGI was right below the cliff; this year both wife and myself made more income. I'm pulling every possible lever I can to get below the cliff. One of them is deferring 2 full months of business income from 2018 to 2019. I will stop invoicing clients today for the remainder of the year; I will continue providing services to them but will not resume billing them until 1/1/2019. For the remaining 60 days of 2018, not having any income coming in will be extraordinarily difficult, and will use my EF to survive that 60 day period. This just pushes a 2018 problem into 2019. be careful what y...
by passiveTiger
Mon Sep 03, 2018 3:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Edward Jones advising roll over 401K to their IRA
Replies: 44
Views: 7146

Re: Edward Jones advising roll over 401K to their IRA

fourdogs111 wrote: Sun Sep 02, 2018 8:29 pm I just bought "The Coffeehouse Investor" and I should get it in 2 weeks.
Do you have a public library in your area?

If so, you may have already bought this book with your tax dollars. If they don’t have it, ask them to buy it.

If you don’t have a library, the library does not have it, or the library will not purchase it, then buy it.
by passiveTiger
Mon Sep 03, 2018 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency fund size
Replies: 72
Views: 13204

Re: Emergency fund size

since no one appears to have said it yet, i'm in the camp of "no emergency fund", i have an "emergency plan". on the same tangent as willthrill81, you must define what an emergency is. for me, that means an unexpected expense which cannot be put on a credit card. i honestly can't think of a single thing that qualifies under that definition. i have health/car/home insurance, so expenses there are capped as well. the situation only changes in the event of a job loss, which means i wouldn't be able to "float" any expenses because i would be unable to pay the credit card bill the month after. here's where my "emergency plan" kicks in. i have the option of drawing from my taxable investments, HELOC, 529s,...
by passiveTiger
Sun Sep 02, 2018 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Emergency fund size
Replies: 72
Views: 13204

Re: Emergency fund size

Hi, I have read in the forums that some have $50k as emergency fund. Is there any guidance around what the size of a emergency savings should be. I was guess somewhere $30-50k, but is there any measurement in terms of months of wage or similar so that I can ballpark what is reasonable? Thank you in advance for advice. Bubba I think that there should be two funds. One for anecdotal expense occurrences that exceed standard cash flow ability and one for extended duration income disruptions. https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/banking/why-you-should-save-a-rainy-day-fund-and-an-emergency-fund/ This PDF discusses minor emergencies, major emergencies, and job loss and the preparation for each. http://info.hellowallet.com/rs/hellowallet/images/HelloW...
by passiveTiger
Tue Aug 28, 2018 1:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Excessive Emergency Room Charges - Options?
Replies: 207
Views: 17111

Re: Excessive Emergency Room Charges - Options?

That's not what urgent cares do. That is the definition of an emergency and that's what EDs are for. Urgent care is for tiny lacerations that barely need suturing, reassurance that your child's fever isn't fatal, stuff that doesn't need treated anyway like sinus infections and bronchitis and pharyngitis, dysuria, poison ivy etc. Basically stuff that can be diagnosed with a minimum of testing and treated with oral medications by a PA or NP. Something you'll die from in a few hours if it isn't treated? That's an emergency and should go to the emergency department. I don't know of any urgent care that can handle 20% of the situations I encounter in the ED, but if you're very healthy perhaps it can handle 99% of your situations. Seems unlikely...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 11:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any issue with not holding mid caps?
Replies: 50
Views: 5723

Re: Any issue with not holding mid caps?

There are many midcap indices: S&P, Lipper, Russell, DFA, CRSP(Vanguard), etc and some of them consider the smaller 200 or even 300 of the S&P 500 are midcaps. I consider my S&P 500 Index Fund covers large cap and midcap......Gordon You’re correct. http://www.crsp.com/files/breakpoints-chart-values_20180604.pdf Vanguard’s Mega Cap Index Fund holds the 257 companies that are 70% of the market - http://www.crsp.com/files/crspme1_quarterly_report-june2018.pdf The Vanguard Mid Cap Index Fund holds the next 349 companies that represent an additional 15% of the market - http://www.crsp.com/files/crspmi1_quarterly_report-june2018.pdf The Vanguard Large Cap Index Fund holds everything in the Mega and Mid Cap indexes and represents 85% ...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 10:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Company 401k contbr capped as % of paycheck
Replies: 24
Views: 2452

Re: Company 401k contbr capped as % of paycheck

We'll See wrote: Thu Aug 23, 2018 2:30 pm Also, it is unlikely your traditional ira contributions are deductible because you are covered by a qualified workplace retirement plan for at least one day during the tax year
Maybe. Maybe not.

https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/20 ... an-at-work
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation
Replies: 62
Views: 7503

Re: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation

How much would you be able to deduct from your federal taxes if you just paid your $11,500 property tax bill with $11,500? $10,000. Thanks. I think I asked that wrong. My intended question was: How much would you be able to deduct from your federal taxes if you paid your $11,500 state income tax bill with $10,000 cash and a $1,500 "charitable contribution to the state?" Property taxes adds an additional layer of complexity, because they are typically not imposed at the state level, but at a more local level. Replace the word “state” with “entity that provides property tax credits in exchange for charitable contributions.” You should read the document that was linked above at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/08/27/20...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 10:28 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation
Replies: 62
Views: 7503

Re: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation

It means that a property tax bill of $10,000 can be itemized by paying the $10,000 bill. An $11,500 property tax bill can be itemized by paying $10,000 in property taxes, making an additional charitable contribution of $10,000 to a state entity for which you receive a $1,500 property tax credit, and deducting $10,000 for the charitable contribution. In this scenario, you paid $20,000 for an $11,500 property tax bill, but all $20,000 is deductible. How much would you be able to deduct from your federal taxes if you just paid your $11,500 property tax bill with $11,500? $10,000. Thanks. I think I asked that wrong. My intended question was: How much would you be able to deduct from your federal taxes if you paid your $11,500 state income tax ...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 10:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation
Replies: 62
Views: 7503

Re: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation

Does this mean that in the "best" scenario, the taxpayer will be able to deduct their SALT taxes up to the $10K limit and then deduct up to 15% of the excess (on the federal return)? It means that a property tax bill of $10,000 can be itemized by paying the $10,000 bill. An $11,500 property tax bill can be itemized by paying $10,000 in property taxes, making an additional charitable contribution of $10,000 to a state entity for which you receive a $1,500 property tax credit, and deducting $10,000 for the charitable contribution. In this scenario, you paid $20,000 for an $11,500 property tax bill, but all $20,000 is deductible. How much would you be able to deduct from your federal taxes if you just paid your $11,500 property tax ...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 10:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation
Replies: 62
Views: 7503

Re: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation

Does this mean that in the "best" scenario, the taxpayer will be able to deduct their SALT taxes up to the $10K limit and then deduct up to 15% of the excess (on the federal return)? It means that a property tax bill of $10,000 can be itemized by paying the $10,000 bill. An $11,500 property tax bill can be itemized by paying $10,000 in property taxes, making an additional charitable contribution of $10,000 to a state entity for which you receive a $1,500 property tax credit, and deducting $10,000 for the charitable contribution. In this scenario, you paid $20,000 for an $11,500 property tax bill, but all $20,000 is deductible. How much would you be able to deduct from your federal taxes if you just paid your $11,500 property tax ...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation
Replies: 62
Views: 7503

Re: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation

FIREchief wrote: Thu Aug 23, 2018 7:29 pm Does this mean that in the "best" scenario, the taxpayer will be able to deduct their SALT taxes up to the $10K limit and then deduct up to 15% of the excess (on the federal return)?
It means that a property tax bill of $10,000 can be itemized by paying the $10,000 bill.

An $11,500 property tax bill can be itemized by paying $10,000 in property taxes, making an additional charitable contribution of $10,000 to a state entity for which you receive a $1,500 property tax credit, and deducting $10,000 for the charitable contribution. In this scenario, you paid $20,000 for an $11,500 property tax bill, but all $20,000 is deductible.
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Healthcare Careers
Replies: 48
Views: 4060

Re: Healthcare Careers

*Getting RN-BSN is almost a must these days, many providers are only hiring BSN-RNs and our local provider is actually mandating all RN's who do not have a BSN must obtain one in a set timeframe or lose their job (the hospital is not covering the educational costs of this). Driving Factors Behind the 80% BSN by 2020 Initiative - https://www.rn.com/headlines-in-health/driving-factors-behind-the-80-percent-bsn-by-2020-initiative/ In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM)...recommends the nursing profession increase the number of registered nurses (RNs) with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to 80 percent by the year 2020 The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) emphasizes that hospitals hoping to earn Magnet status must provi...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 23, 2018 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation
Replies: 62
Views: 7503

Re: SALT: IRS issues proposed regs for State Tax Credit for Donation

rkhusky wrote: Thu Aug 23, 2018 6:28 pm
Jablean wrote: Thu Aug 23, 2018 6:19 pm Aren't these exactly the same thing? So what they are saying is that state taxes have to be completed before federal?
One mentions tax credit and the other tax deduction, which are two different things.
If you donate $100,000 to California and receive nothing for it, that is a $100,000 federal charitable deduction.

If you donate $100,000 to California and receive a California property tax credit of $100,000, that is a $0 federal charitable deduction.

If you donate $100,000 to California and receive a California property tax credit of $70,000, that is a $30,000 federal charitable deduction.

If you donate $100,000 to California and receive a California property tax credit of $14,999, that is a $100,000 federal charitable deduction.
by passiveTiger
Wed Aug 22, 2018 10:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Zero ER Funds are underperforming their equivalent premium class index funds
Replies: 62
Views: 16837

Re: Fidelity Zero ER Funds are underperforming their equivalent premium class index funds

Fidelity investor here. I recall reading through all of the posts after Fidelity announced their Zero ER funds a few weeks ago. It's been about 3 weeks, so I wanted to check in and see if I should jump on the bandwagon and change my portfolio. After 3 weeks of trading here are the results: Symbol 3-Aug 22-Aug %Return %Change FSIVX 42.6 42.18 0.9901 -0.99% FZILX 10.03 9.89 0.9860 -1.40% FSTVX 81.89 82.85 1.0117 1.17% FZROX 10.04 10.15 1.0110 1.10% It has not been a great few weeks for international stocks. However, Fidelity International Index Fund Premium Class (FSIVX) has decreased 41 fewer basis points than the equivalent Fidelity ZERO fund. Meanwhile domestic stocks have had a better few weeks. In that time Fidelity Total Market Index F...
by passiveTiger
Wed Aug 22, 2018 1:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real estate dropping like a rock in U.K. - can the U.S. be far behind?
Replies: 68
Views: 13460

Re: Real estate dropping like a rock in U.K. - can the U.S. be far behind?

Seems like real estate prices and bidding wars in the U.S. have been as crazy as in England. Now with rising interest rates, the party seems to be over in the U.K. Is this likely to be a global phenomenon? Bad time to be buying? http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article-6064685/Fears-grow-house-prices-fall-fastest-rate-financial-crisis.html Median Sales Price for New Houses Sold in the United States - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPNHSUS Average Sales Price for New Houses Sold in the United States - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ASPNHSUS Median Sales Price of Existing Homes - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HOSMEDUSM052N Mean Sales Price of Existing Homes - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HOSAVGUSM052N I much prefer this ...
by passiveTiger
Wed Aug 22, 2018 1:13 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asked my advisor about fees and here's their reply
Replies: 60
Views: 10990

Re: Asked my advisor about fees and here's their reply

John, how many funds do you have. Would you mind posting some of them along with ticker symbols? Paul Sure, heres what I see: DFTCX $47,500 DFTWX $21,500 QTMRX $18,000 DFSMX $13,700 DFTIX $13,000 BTIIX $18,000 DGEIX $11,500 DFUVX $10,600 DURPX $10,600 AMOMX $1,500 DFSVX $7800 DFSTX $6000 DFVIX $9500 ATSMX $9900 ATIMX $9000 DIHRX $4600 There are a LOT of others but they're in small increments of a 2k-4k elsewhere. My head is sort of spinning with all the different funds I'm in! That is crazy. You are in at least 16 different funds. I am guessing this is not a tax advantaged account, because I think one of those is a municipal bond fund. Wow. Your "advisor" cannot possibly be a fiduciary, is he? If so, that word really has no meani...
by passiveTiger
Wed Aug 22, 2018 12:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Real estate dropping like a rock in U.K. - can the U.S. be far behind?
Replies: 68
Views: 13460

Re: Real estate dropping like a rock in U.K. - can the U.S. be far behind?

CULater wrote: Sat Aug 18, 2018 8:01 am Seems like real estate prices and bidding wars in the U.S. have been as crazy as in England. Now with rising interest rates, the party seems to be over in the U.K. Is this likely to be a global phenomenon? Bad time to be buying?

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/artic ... risis.html
Median Sales Price for New Houses Sold in the United States - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/MSPNHSUS

Average Sales Price for New Houses Sold in the United States - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/ASPNHSUS

Median Sales Price of Existing Homes - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HOSMEDUSM052N

Mean Sales Price of Existing Homes - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HOSAVGUSM052N
by passiveTiger
Tue Aug 21, 2018 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Excessive Emergency Room Charges - Options?
Replies: 207
Views: 17111

Re: Excessive Emergency Room Charges - Options?

Those dollar amounts seem pretty standard for emergency room charges. I thought they sounded pretty cheap. I kept reading waiting for the excessive charges to appear. It would appear the OP has no idea what emergency care costs. You know that little ultrasound probe they used to do your ultrasound? That little thing costs $10-15K and we haven't even discussed the machine it is connected to. Tip: If it isn't life, limb, or eyesight threatening, don't go to the ED. If it is, don't complain about the bill. Imagine if your job was legally required to provide your services without being paid in advance and then people posted on internet forum to try to figure out how to get out of paying you and the forum is actually supportive of that approach...
by passiveTiger
Tue Aug 21, 2018 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Excessive Emergency Room Charges - Options?
Replies: 207
Views: 17111

Re: Excessive Emergency Room Charges - Options?

One thing I would recommend is, before needing medical services, scout out any Urgent Care facilities in the area, hours of operation, services available, insurance options, etc. On its face, dm200's post sounds like ridiculously excessive pre-planning. What rational person should be scouting out the locations of nearby medical services that they may POTENTIALLY need? But... it is GREAT advice. For example, free-standing emergency rooms began to appear after ACA - especially in Texas. Wherever they are, almost none will be in-network. Someone needs to know that BEFORE they are looking for emergency room service. https://www.dallasnews.com/business/health-care/2018/02/26/state-legislator-wanted-help-freestanding-er-patients-avoid-shocking-b...
by passiveTiger
Tue Aug 21, 2018 7:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Edward Jones rep door knocking
Replies: 90
Views: 14411

Re: Edward Jones rep door knocking

IowaFarmBoy wrote: Sat Aug 18, 2018 4:46 pm
andypanda wrote: Sat Aug 18, 2018 11:31 am I have had a lighted doorbell next to my front door for 26 years. It isn't hooked to a buzzer, bell or ringer. My friends know to knock. My close friends come straight to the kitchen door.
This is brilliant! What do you do to avoid robocallers?
Nomorobo on VOIP. Hiya on wireless. Both free. Both effective - especially Nomorobo.
by passiveTiger
Tue Aug 21, 2018 7:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Edward Jones rep door knocking
Replies: 90
Views: 14411

Re: Edward Jones rep door knocking

tim1999 wrote: Sat Aug 18, 2018 5:11 pm For safety purposes my wife and I never answer a knock/ring at the door unless we are expecting someone and have verified through the peephole that it is that person. Unless it is a police officer in uniform and the marked car is outside.
+1

There is no reason for a “surprise” visit when almost everyone has a phone on them at all times.

If someone is knocking unannounced, it is a criminal or a salesperson - basically the same thing.
by passiveTiger
Mon Aug 20, 2018 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is a million really the benchmark for retirement
Replies: 153
Views: 27554

Re: Is a million really the benchmark for retirement

Hello all. I see so many posts here from people with a million dollars (some by their 30s or even multi-millions before then) that I start to feel a bit sub-par and worry if I have enough. My estimates put me at $800k (assuming I keep saving at my current rate of and count on 3% a year until retire at 65). I can get to a million if I assume 5%, but I wonder if that's too aggressive to consider as I plan to get more bonds as I age. It doesn't help my worry that that seems to be some sort of benchmark I read about in financial articles as well: you need a million to retire. And, on top of that, the women in my family live long into their 90s on average and I seem to be as healthy as any of them were at my age. Yikes! Is having a million befo...
by passiveTiger
Mon Aug 20, 2018 5:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: The more I learn the less I know: general checkup, lots of questions.
Replies: 19
Views: 3082

Re: The more I learn the less I know: general checkup, lots of questions.

7. General anxiety about future. Planning for the uncontrollable or unnecessary worry? I wonder what happens when all the Boomers retire and take all their money out of the market. Supply and demand: Boomers all sell, prices of funds go down, so portfolio declines, and... then what? Has anyone see any historical information or research about this that might give some insight? This one is easy. For every seller there has to be a buyer. So the Boomers can't crash the market by selling everything all at once. Not really. It’s not 1-to-1. For any number of sellers, there technically only has to be one buyer. When the number of buyers is low, they demand a lower price. That said, they won’t do it all at once, and the bottom 80% of the United St...
by passiveTiger
Mon Aug 20, 2018 4:38 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Files for Four Fidelity ZERO℠ Funds (0.00% ER)
Replies: 814
Views: 113065

Re: Fidelity Files for two Fidelity ZERO℠ Funds (0.00% ER total stock and total international mutual funds)

Jonathan Clements' Saturday morning perspective on Fidelity's zero funds: http://www.humbledollar.com/2018/08/low-fidelity/ Clements may have hit the most important aspect of Fidelity's zero push when he pointed out that Fidelity now offers funds at a zero minimum investment. Vanguard's $3,000 minimum ($1,000 for Star fund) may be more than a small investor can afford for an initial investment. Edward Jones and others have had a minimum investment of $250 for years and have hooked initial investors with this low initial investment. Many people stick with what they know once they have taken the plunge. DMW Fidelity and Schwab offer great deals for the new investor. Not only do they not need $1,000 or $3,000 to get started, they get lower ER...
by passiveTiger
Mon Aug 20, 2018 4:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Files for Four Fidelity ZERO℠ Funds (0.00% ER)
Replies: 814
Views: 113065

Re: Fidelity Files for two Fidelity ZERO℠ Funds (0.00% ER total stock and total international mutual funds)

The Fidelity ZERO funds are only available to Fidelity brokerage accounts , so everyone who wants one will have a brokerage account, and idle cash in those accounts will provide four times the return for Fidelity that it does for Vanguard. The ZERO funds are available in all retail (brokerage, cash management, traditional/SEP/SIMPLE IRA and SE401k) accounts. Who keeps their cash in the settlement account for more than a few days anyways. I keep mine in FZDXX 1.95%. https://www.fidelity.com/mutual-funds/investing-ideas/index-funds “Fidelity offers two index funds with a zero expense ratios. Both seek to track Fidelity created indexes, one comprising publicly traded companies in the U.S., and the other developed and emerging international co...
by passiveTiger
Sun Aug 19, 2018 10:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Files for Four Fidelity ZERO℠ Funds (0.00% ER)
Replies: 814
Views: 113065

Re: Fidelity Files for two Fidelity ZERO℠ Funds (0.00% ER total stock and total international mutual funds)

I'm sure it's addressed somewhere in this long thread, but what are the chances of VG following suit? I don't understand how they can withstand conceding the ER high ground long term. I just transferred my IRAs to VG a couple months ago and have no loyalty to it or taxable account complications in moving on to FIDO. In fact, for my daughter's small IRA, I should do that anyway given the lack of minimums. I don't see how VG can offer Zero ER funds. How would VG fund it's operations? I wonder the same about Fidelity. How does VG not keep up with the competition and accept some funds as loss leaders? They will have to restructure how they make money. Fidelity has plenty of high-profit funds. They can much better afford "loss leaders"...
by passiveTiger
Sun Aug 19, 2018 9:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help With 529 Plan
Replies: 18
Views: 2448

Re: Help With 529 Plan

Greetings All, I am looking to start a 529 for my daughter and had a few questions. I'm not going to use the regular question format because I don't believe it applies, and I hope that is okay. Any and all information would be very, very much appreciated. Questions are below: 1. Would you recommend Vanguard as the company of choice to start a 529? 2. In my research I noticed a lot of discussion about state plans. I currently live in D.C., doubt we will be here long term, and don't know where we will end up. Would we need to sign up through a state plan? Should we sign up through a state plan? 3. Her grandparents have already set up a 529 plan for her, and I see that the maximum one can apply toward costs is currently $10,000 per year (do I...
by passiveTiger
Thu Aug 16, 2018 12:25 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!
Replies: 1247
Views: 143068

Re: It's not enough to mumble "Stay the Course"... INT'L Investing has been a disaster!

Using actual ten year performance data Investor A, who chose not to invest Internationally ten years ago would be a whopping $710,762.00 ahead of the investor who went the 60/40 route. I'll repeat... $710,762.00 ahead because he chose to invest simply in the US and not add an International Fund. For the record I have slowly weened my personal Int'l exposure from about 35% to 14% over the years and am not adding to it. John Bogle wrote in “Common Sense in Mutual Funds” that international holdings at 0% are just fine. He also wrote that they should not be above 20%. Vanguard has 40% international allocations in its funds of funds offerings and its allocation recommendation as you have noted. It is a clear example of how Bogle and Vanguard ar...