Search found 1172 matches

by SevenBridgesRoad
Tue Mar 26, 2024 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many credit cards do you have
Replies: 89
Views: 4074

Re: How many credit cards do you have

madbrain wrote: Tue Mar 26, 2024 3:58 pm 42 . Just kidding, it's actually 21. All on full auto-pay.
Helps to have them all tracked in Quicken.
I know you're not kidding. Sometimes you need that many for the Restaurant at the End of the Universe.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 2:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion
Replies: 904
Views: 241953

Re: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion

I'm sure that readers of this thread have, by now, realized that gratuitous attacks on the One-Fund Portfolio can easily be identified by their lack of sound mathematical arguments. Readers don't need my help to identify them. Unfortunately, such posts can distract new readers away from this thread's main message. So, I'll repeat it. I think that a One-Fund Portfolio is good enough . Using a single identical low-cost globally-diversified all-in-one index fund or ETF in all accounts (possibly including a taxable account, after running out of tax-advantaged space) can help an investor sidestep a long list of behavioral pitfalls. It can also significantly simplify things for a less financially-inclined caretaker or surviving spouse. Apologies...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sun Mar 24, 2024 8:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What Metrics do you use to Monitor the Health of your Retirement Plan?
Replies: 33
Views: 2903

Re: What Metrics do you use to Monitor the Health of your Retirement Plan?

Hey WoodSpinner, bumping this thread from about four and half years ago. Would you be willing to give an update on what metrics you are tracking today? I'm interested to see where you landed, if you changed your practice along the way.

I'll admit I'm a metrics geek. Green/Red, Can't-manage-what-you-can't-measure, the whole thing.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Mar 23, 2024 7:28 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?
Replies: 87
Views: 8167

Re: It is really that simple to do it the Bogleheads way?

Yes, it is that simple.

People are saying it is simple but not easy. You are not powerless however in make it easier. You can make it easier by tuning out the noise of financial news and wizardry.

The only hard part for you is now saying goodbye to your financial advisor.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Tue Mar 19, 2024 7:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion
Replies: 904
Views: 241953

Re: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion

I guess every now and then, in a thread on the topic of "one-fund portfolio as a default suggestion", one should weigh-in with their actual one-fund portfolio as the default suggestion.

We have a one-fund portfolio. VTINX. Across all accounts. All at Vanguard. Taxable and tax-deferred. Simple, for the long haul. We use the VPW retirement sheet. Wife of 45 years understands and can handle it without me. She needs me for other things, but not survival.

Life is good.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Mar 08, 2024 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise
Replies: 39
Views: 3837

Re: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise

runner3081 wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:11 pm
SevenBridgesRoad wrote: Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:18 pm
runner3081 wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:45 pm Lots of denied claims.
Sorry that’s been your experience. Multiple members of our extended family are on MA plans including me and my wife. Not one denied claim.
Actually, not old enough for Medicare, but work in healthcare and see the havoc it wreaks.
Also in healthcare...retired now, thankfully. Plenty of havoc to go around, for sure. But not sure the question posed by OP has anything to do with havoc due to MA or traditional Medicare. She asked about benefits within a plan she is already on and seemingly happy with.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Mar 08, 2024 9:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets
Replies: 14
Views: 1726

Re: IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

Our experience was good. We installed IKEA kitchen cabinets in our vacation home. My brother is a carpenter and he helped us with the installation. The tricky part: like many houses, the floor wasn't perfectly level and the walls not perfectly square. We were glad we had a carpenter helping us. We did this back in the early 2000's, so YouTube wasn't available or we might have been able to do more ourselves.

We were happy with the purchase.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise
Replies: 39
Views: 3837

Re: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise

I was wondering if anyone else got unusual benefits from their Medicare Advantage plan. Advantage Plans are great as long as you are relatively healthy The nightmare starts if you need any serious expensive medical attention. There are a lot of informative articles regarding MAPs online https://medicareadvocacy.org/ongoing-scrutiny-of-medicare-advantage-plans/ As I mentioned above, my former company required retirees to adopt the Medicare Advantage plan or lose our subsidy. I was reluctant to give up my Medicare Medigap G. I investigated this very carefully. All specialists in my area, hospitals etc accepted this insurance. My PCP told me to choose which every medicare insurance was cheaper for me. So far it has been great. Fortunately I a...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Thu Mar 07, 2024 10:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise
Replies: 39
Views: 3837

Re: Any unusual medicare advantage benefits - I get $10 a month to exercise

runner3081 wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:45 pm Lots of denied claims.
Sorry that’s been your experience. Multiple members of our extended family are on MA plans including me and my wife. Not one denied claim.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Feb 28, 2024 7:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Customer Service Mega-thread
Replies: 1514
Views: 169473

Re: Does Vanguard offshore its CS?

I just called Vanguard CS, and was connected with a person in India (I assume) who I couldn't understand. I hung up. I was planning to transfer 250k to Vanguard, but I'm not sure I want to do that if they offshore their CS. Does Vanguard offshore its CS? cheaper ain't always better....you'd probably be better off at another firm. Yes, and yes. Try Fidelity. US based CS, plus you can hold Vanguard ETFs and buy/sell fractional ETF shares, schedule ETF purchases by dollar amount. I've only had one bad experience with Fidelity CS, and that was recently. The issue is, I have a decent amount of cash to park, and Vanguard MMs offer a better rate. On top of that, I would prefer to do business with Vanguard, as I am a fan of Jack. What is it you ne...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Feb 24, 2024 12:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment Strategy when approaching Retirement.
Replies: 32
Views: 3097

Re: Investment Strategy when approaching Retirement.

Robeen wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 1:27 pm ......

Is there a link that would get me started on a path to understanding our options?

Sincerely,

Robeen
Include this in your research of options:

The One-Fund Portfolio as a Default Suggestion

viewtopic.php?t=287967
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Feb 23, 2024 10:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: College cheating, what would you do?
Replies: 64
Views: 4453

Re: College cheating, what would you do?

She already recognizes that reporting her could come back and bite her. But she’s brought it up several times to me because it really irritates her, which I completely understand. She’s having her eyes opened to the reality of lying and cheating for the purpose of self advancement, something I’m happy to say she has not learned or seen from my wife or I. If she doesn't report, she's still learning something about life. If she does report, she will learn something too. Either way she will learn something. If I were advising my daughter, I'd suggest not reporting. This lesson is around balancing one's anger verses the potential blowback of acting. Learning how to pick one's battles...there will be times in life where acting on a wrong will b...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!
Replies: 80
Views: 9594

Re: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!

ResearchMed wrote: Mon Jul 03, 2023 4:37 pm …….
We had considered going to rural Oregon, until we learned of the massive traffic that was expected in that area, with limited infrastructure. I think (??) they had better, clear, weather. Were there any BH members there, a bit north of North Bend?

RM
We lived in Bend at the time. Hate crowds so we didn’t drive a little north to Madras for the absolute 100%. (Like our portfolio, stayed simple and good enough.) No clouds. Most impressive for me was how much cooler it got all of the sudden. Reports from Madras area: big crowds and jammed roads.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?
Replies: 74
Views: 4800

Re: Do you use a second refrigerator/freezer?

Gort wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 9:13 am
SmileyFace wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:07 am
alpenglow wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:51 am
livesoft wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:22 am
Random Musings wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:14 am Also have a chess freezer in the basement. With a family, the freezer upstairs does not have enough space and can also buy items when on sale.

RM
The freezer model is the Grandmaster, right?
My chess freezer is from Eastern Europe - the brand is Czechmates.
Was it purchased at a pawn shop? Maybe a place in Queens?
Czechmates is the king of refrigerators.
But we use ours only at knight.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Feb 16, 2024 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 130
Views: 20962

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

VTI reached a previous peak before it reached the current peak. Likely there will be a peak in the future that's even beyond the current peak. :sharebeer
by SevenBridgesRoad
Thu Feb 15, 2024 2:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion
Replies: 904
Views: 241953

Re: The One-Fund Portfolio as a default suggestion

Sounds good. VFORX is Target Retirement 2040 fund comprised of 4 index funds (Total Market, Total International, Total Bond, Total International Bond) which meets the requirements of first post. It’s currently at 80/20 stock to bond ratio. I am in highest tax bracket. I have $2M in taxable. Are you sure I can hold this much taxable bond in taxable account? Suggest you run this by your CPA first. Also suggest that you run this potential change through tax software such as TurboTax, etc. to see how much more in taxes you would have paid with taxable bonds in the nonqualified accounts. Also bear in mind that your taxable accounts will hopefully grow over the years, and along with that your potential tax burden if you lock yourself into a subo...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Thu Feb 15, 2024 2:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much did you pay Vanguard this year?
Replies: 66
Views: 7006

Re: How much did you pay Vanguard this year?

I've found that Vanguard makes it very difficult for consumers to figure out how much (Exact $ amount) that we pay for account services each year. The fact that they can directly deduct funds from your account without prior notification or approval has never sat well with me. Do you know how much vanguard charged you for using their platform last year (2023)? To answer your question: No, I do not know. In answering your question, I looked at Vanguard's site for disclosures. They list three types of fees. Copied from Vanguard: Vanguard fund fees & expenses at a glance: 1) Expense ratios, 2) Account service fees, 3) Purchase and redemption fees. Expense ratio A mutual fund's or exchange-traded fund's (ETF's) annual operating expenses, ex...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Tue Feb 13, 2024 7:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dental Provider refuses to bill all charges to Insurance
Replies: 43
Views: 6171

Re: Dental Provider refuses to bill all charges to Insurance

JohnG2000 wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 2:52 pm Just as an update - Involved my Insurance provider, apparently dentist have administered 4 doses of Exparal which cannot be billed to Insurance. Have escalated to insurance complaint team on the unfair billing practices. Will post the outcome.
Exparal? Interesting. Might ask more questions. Does dentist have any sort of relationship with the company?

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/pr/phar ... ed%20today.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Mon Feb 12, 2024 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement remodel started without a permit
Replies: 29
Views: 3496

Re: Basement remodel started without a permit

Jobseeker2013 wrote: Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:53 am I just reached and hope there is a reasonable explanation. I can not believe a company will be this foolish and try not to pull a permit when promising the customer to do so.
Believe it. I hate to say it, but it's common for contractors to promise and then not deliver on a variety of tasks. The most dangerous for the homeowner (in my opinion) is when the contractor gets behind on paying vendors or subs. There are ways to protect yourself, but that's beyond your question about permitting.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Mon Feb 12, 2024 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Basement remodel started without a permit
Replies: 29
Views: 3496

Re: Basement remodel started without a permit

We've contracted for a ton of major remodeling over the years. We would never allow work to start without the permit in hand. At this point, stop the work until the contractor pulls the permit. Not another dime. This is not starting off well. Regain control of the process. Any remodeling requires you to stay on top of the details and remain assertive. Unfortunate, but that's just how it is.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Doing friend's tax return. In 2021, he contributed to Roth IRA despite being over income limit
Replies: 12
Views: 1148

Re: Doing friend's tax return. In 2021, he contributed to Roth IRA despite being over income limit

Macaroni2314 wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:11 pm Hi,

I'm (a non CPA) doing my friend's tax returns for 2023. He asked me a question about his 2021 return.

He told me despite being over the $160k MAGI limit in 2021 for single filers, he contributed a couple thousand dollars to his Roth IRA due to misunderstanding his accountant at the time.

I have tried Googling and reading about this on Bogleheads, but I'm still confused.

What is the right course of action for him now? What are his options?

Thanks for your help.
Are you stepping into the danger zone? Non CPA trying to help out, but now things are a bit beyond you. Friend appears to have the money for a CPA to do his taxes. Good rule of thumb: no good deed goes unpunished.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Nassim Taleb article - "White Swan" Risk
Replies: 50
Views: 6749

Re: Nassim Taleb article - "White Swan" Risk

More experts. More doomsdays. Pundits have been writing since the 1980's about how Medicare and Medicaid are unsustainable and will lead to a terrible national calamity, collapsing the country because of debt to our eyeballs and beyond. Yet, here we are; apparently it is sustainable and there's been no huge calamity. Something about humans wanting to consume doomsday news, and there are always those who will feed that need. If you have a BH portfolio and live below your means, you're as good as it gets. Chill.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sun Feb 04, 2024 6:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor irrigation flooding into my property
Replies: 37
Views: 3622

Re: Neighbor irrigation flooding into my property

UPDATE : The water provider is a semi private/government entity that has been around for 75+ years that has a lot of information on their website. After reviewing, it mentions dozens of times that the water provider does not maintain any of the irrigation canals and only the main canals that feed the mini canals. My property is being flooded by one of these mini canals. I'm going to get a better sense of elevation differences between my property and my backyard neighbor's property that has the canal running through it. I'm going to review over the CCNRs of my HOA to see if there is any information about all of the homes on my street that are at the edge of the new neighborhood (although only about half of us are getting effected. The other...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sun Feb 04, 2024 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking
Replies: 166
Views: 20910

Re: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking

dknightd wrote: Sun Feb 04, 2024 11:06 am Never ever Panic.
And…
Always care a towel.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking
Replies: 166
Views: 20910

Re: DW Laid Off, I'm Panicking

Triple digit golfer wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 5:01 pm Please tell me this is a joke. You're worth $6 million.
What I was thinking.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Feb 03, 2024 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor irrigation flooding into my property
Replies: 37
Views: 3622

Re: Neighbor irrigation flooding into my property

BabyRN wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 6:04 pm Am following because this is fascinating. I have never heard of irrigation canals in neighborhoods.
Yes, it's a thing. Where we lived in Central Oregon, the irrigation canals are a big deal. And yes, the canals run through neighborhoods and right up against backyards even in the more urban areas (Bend, Redmond). The Oregon canals were started in the early 1900's as a way to bring water from the mountain snow melt and the Deschutes River into Central and Eastern Oregon. The area grew up around the canal system.

This link gives some history. (I have no idea if this is similar to the OP's canals.)

https://coid.org/about-us/#:~:text=The% ... es%20River.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Feb 03, 2024 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor irrigation flooding into my property
Replies: 37
Views: 3622

Re: Neighbor irrigation flooding into my property

Along with any advice you might receive here, there's a ton of local learning for you to do. Start talking with neighbors, track down the knowledgable and accountable city/county/irrigation district officials (you might have to make lots of "who should I talk to" calls to get to the right person), find a landscaping firm that been around for a long time and have them come by, and so forth. Keeping digging even though the "water release guy" isn't responsible, someone is. There will be people nearby who know a lot about this.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Feb 02, 2024 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ? Suspend FEHB after Joining Medicare Advantage Plan?
Replies: 8
Views: 1056

Re: ? Suspend FEHB after Joining Medicare Advantage Plan?

I know you didn't ask this, but I would be careful before choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare. https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=390071 https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=416516 Personally, I am planning to have both Medicare Part B and FEHB (likely Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO) in retirement, though some people choose just one or the other. Here we go again. Plenty of people are happy with their Medicare Advantage Plan. I don't want to start yet another back and forth here. (There are already plenty of threads and responses. Summary: two camps, as in many things. They talk past each other mostly.) Just wanted to throw this in so the anti crowd wasn't the only voice. I think we agree. I’m not an...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: ? Suspend FEHB after Joining Medicare Advantage Plan?
Replies: 8
Views: 1056

Re: ? Suspend FEHB after Joining Medicare Advantage Plan?

jaMichael wrote: Thu Feb 01, 2024 5:27 pm I know you didn't ask this, but I would be careful before choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare.

viewtopic.php?t=390071
viewtopic.php?t=416516

Personally, I am planning to have both Medicare Part B and FEHB (likely Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO) in retirement, though some people choose just one or the other.
Here we go again.
Plenty of people are happy with their Medicare Advantage Plan. I don't want to start yet another back and forth here. (There are already plenty of threads and responses. Summary: two camps, as in many things. They talk past each other mostly.) Just wanted to throw this in so the anti crowd wasn't the only voice.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 31, 2024 2:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?
Replies: 36
Views: 3646

Re: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?

We haven't been audited, but we do electronically keep everything. It's simple enough to do so and not have to worry about it. We scan all "qualified medical expense" documents, reimbursement info, etc and store them in file folders by year on our desk top computer. Anything that comes to us electrically we skip the print to paper step and go right to electronic file. (If needed I'll attach an e-stickie note or a brief Pages doc.) We have cloud back up. We don't keep hard copies of any of these documents. I'm glad you find it simple. There are millions of us oldsters who don't. I feel a target being 'painted' on me... No target paint needed. You can do the same thing with good ol’ cardboard file folders and paper receipts
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 31, 2024 12:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?
Replies: 36
Views: 3646

Re: Do you ever have to show HSA receipts?

We haven't been audited, but we do electronically keep everything. It's simple enough to do so and not have to worry about it. We scan all "qualified medical expense" documents, reimbursement info, etc and store them in file folders by year on our desk top computer. Anything that comes to us electrically we skip the print to paper step and go right to electronic file. (If needed I'll attach an e-stickie note or a brief Pages doc.) We have cloud back up. We don't keep hard copies of any of these documents.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Mon Jan 29, 2024 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?
Replies: 254
Views: 42495

Re: What are some of the things that improved YOUR quality of life?

Bidet is always on these lists, can't believe it's not here yet. I don't have one... but feel the pressure. Personally > force yourself to get at least 10,000 steps every day. If you are largely sedentary, it will be a game changer. Yeah to bidet. On steps, I’ve read that 7,000 steps provide the lion’s share of the benefits and are easier to attain (obviously). At least, that’s what I tell my doctor :D Or even lower...6,000... https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.061288?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub 0pubmed#d1e1719 4,000... https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20230809/just-4000-steps-per-day-translates-to-a-longer-life-study Soon, walking from my parked car into the bre...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Forms Not Available Until Feb
Replies: 18
Views: 1621

Re: Tax Forms Not Available Until Feb

Can’t tell if OP forgot to add a question or if this is a rant.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:01 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Forming Frisco-Mckinney-Plano-Allen Chapter
Replies: 11
Views: 6252

Re: Forming Frisco-Mckinney-Plano-Allen Chapter

san1 wrote: Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:30 pm Just two more needed:)..... anyone else?
Yes. A little east of you, but just a little. That's four.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Recession forecast for 2025
Replies: 6
Views: 1128

Re: Recession forecast for 2025

I’m no economist and the past is what it is but my thought is that there may be a correlation between the devaluation of the dollar due to the infusion of capital from the fed from a national debt of $9 Trillion in 2008 to over $33 trillion at year end 2023. The bill will have to be paid via increased taxes and govt reduction in spending (yet no one wants cuts). Spending and the stock market valuation and in lock step with each other. No one knows nothing but something has to give soon with personal debts at all time highs and defaults starting to creep up across the board. It’s also anticipated the fed will not cut rates next week and will maintain their forecast of maybe 3 rate cuts which is well below market expectations of 5 to 6 cuts....
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 24, 2024 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
Replies: 117
Views: 13133

Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy

Retired for five years. Using VPW method as designed, meaning not as a reality check or guardrail. Actually withdrawing the suggested monthly amount.

Don't want to run out of money. Don't want to die with a pile. Our adult kids got nice Christmas cash (their inheritance in advance). Some lumpy but known expenses are accumulated (taxes, a big trip in 2025, etc).
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 24, 2024 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retiring vs Resigning
Replies: 28
Views: 4513

Re: Retiring vs Resigning

Personal experience: I resigned twice in my career and then retired only once. The two resignations were after years of doing a good job, leaving on good terms for an obvious career step-up on the executive path, in complexity, title and compensation. I did so gracefully, talking with my boss and not just sending a letter (followed with a nice letter). The moves made sense. No drama.

The retirement was, well, retirement. Plenty of lead time to find and train my replacement. Then, riding off into the retirement sunset, not another job.

For you, if you are retiring, why not just say it? If you are retiring, I can't imagine why resigning (quitting a job) would be better. Maybe you can explain your verbal dilemma more thoroughly here?
by SevenBridgesRoad
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:50 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 43333

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

Happy Birthday wishes to you Taylor! Amazing to think about what has happened in your lifetime. A short list below. I'll bet you have some stories. Central air conditioning Electricity Supply Act Television VCR Microwave oven Desktop printing Post-it notes Antibiotics Organ transplants Pacemaker Dialysis CT Joint replacement Stalinism Nazism Diesel locomotive Douglas DC-3 Drones Goddard’s rocket SpaceX Interstate system Nuclear subs Sliced bread Ritz crackers Supermarkets Zip codes FedX Amazon LP Records Woodstock iPod Smartphone Little League Baseball NFL Formula One Repeal of Prohibition Miller Lite Total Wine Savings Bonds Wellington Vanguard Index fund Computer Internet GUI Bogleheads Again, happy birthday and thanks for all you have do...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Mon Jan 15, 2024 10:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2024: Recent experiences with Chase bank for checking?
Replies: 19
Views: 2299

Re: 2024: Recent experiences with Chase bank for checking?

....... 1. What Chase products do you use? 2. Any gotchas to look out for? (I run with about 10k in checking so shouldn’t have fees) 3. I wasn’t planning on getting a savings account, but could move my EF over to the brokerage if it’s worth it for sapphire checking? 4. I’ve heard a lot of gripes about Chase rejecting ACH transfers. Anyone experienced that? 5. How is customer service? It's a thumbs up from me. 1. Checking, no fee; Chase Visa Sapphire CC; Also FIL account is linked (I'm POA and manage his finances), he has a checking account (ex active military befit Chase provides at no fee). These three accounts show up on my dashboard screen, both on website and phone app. 2) No gotchas. 3) No Chase savings account. I enabled transfers on...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Jan 13, 2024 10:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newly retired and need advice about different means to new objectives
Replies: 29
Views: 4909

Re: Newly retired and need advice about different means to new objectives

First, I would move everything in Schwab to Fidelity. When Schwab asks why, tell them that the advisor was looking to rob you blind. Just no. Second: You say you're retired. Why are you working as a landlord? Sell the rental properties. If you'd like, put the money into an SPIA (single premium immediate annuity). This will give you the monthly income you seem to be looking for. And it will be more than you're making from the rentals. Third: Simplify your portfolio. Way too many investments. You can easily get by with 3 and I get by with 2. More won't make you more money. Fourth: Why are you taking social security early? I mean, if that's what you want, that's fine. Do you understand the amount of it you'll be taxed on? Will it force you to...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Fri Jan 12, 2024 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If You Are Retiring/Retired: How are you estimating your real annual returns going forward?
Replies: 141
Views: 22752

Re: If You Are Retiring/Retired: How are you estimating your real annual returns going forward?

I have no intention of spending all the money I can or quitting as soon as I can afford to retire. Having more at death than at retirement is part of the plan, not something to be avoided. Therefore, I cannot "oversave" or "work too long." How many bhs will drop dead after reading this? It will a clean sweep. I still alive, didn't drop dead. But it is a good reminder there are different kinds of people here. I'm imaging a 2X2 matrix. (Boston Consulting Group is smiling. Or maybe smirking.) Across the top is Financial Position to Retire: No, Yes. Down the side is Desire to Retire: No, Yes. 1) No, No. This person wants to keep working. Doesn't want to retire. Financial position isn't a factor. 2) No, Yes: This person want...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 10, 2024 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: If You Are Retiring/Retired: How are you estimating your real annual returns going forward?
Replies: 141
Views: 22752

Re: If You Are Retiring/Retired: How are you estimating your real annual returns going forward?

A key question when retiring is to estimate the annual returns on your portfolio. ...... The answer to your question/statement is no one knows , so why worry about an estimate doomed to be inaccurate? There are more important considerations, ones that you have at least some control over. More important to use a withdrawal method that doesn't require you coming up with estimated annual returns. More important to understand your expenses. More important to have flexibility in your expenses. More important to have sources of income apart from your portfolio, such as Social Security, a pension and/or single premium annuities. Using the Variable Percentage Withdrawal method combines these "more important" ideas. I retired at age 61 fi...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Mon Jan 08, 2024 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to handle boss who doesn't follow through
Replies: 22
Views: 3802

Re: How to handle boss who doesn't follow through

Two months ago, I asked my manager to shift from full time to part time. They said they would submit the request. Last week I asked about the status of my request and my manager said we would TALK about it this summer. That’s a far cry from submitting the request. This person has a history of not following through on assurances. I know I’m also not firm enough , but when I try to be firm, it sounds rude or inappropriate instead. How can I push this issue appropriately? I’m tempted to talk to my boss’ boss but this is probably not the most professional way to go. I should probably follow up each conversation with an email to my boss to summarize the conversation (and to document it). I haven’t done that. Also, what is an appropriate amount ...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 03, 2024 7:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car accident, getting sued
Replies: 76
Views: 13674

Re: Car accident, getting sued

She should have her own attorney at least notified. I'm reading this in several replies and I'm surprised. Virtually nobody has their own attorney, in particular not one who has this kind of liability as part of their practice. So we're actually suggesting to go out and find an attorney - and start paying them, outside of the insurance company - to deal with this? We have a family attorney. We would notify him. He would be my "trust, but verify" professional. He would not take over the case (if that were even possible). If she (OP daughter) or the family has an attorney, let her or him know what's going on. But, I for one would not be completely comfortable hoping an attorney for an insurance company is doing everything possible ...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Wed Jan 03, 2024 6:54 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car accident, getting sued
Replies: 76
Views: 13674

Re: Car accident, getting sued

She should have her own attorney at least notified. I'm reading this in several replies and I'm surprised. Virtually nobody has their own attorney, in particular not one who has this kind of liability as part of their practice. So we're actually suggesting to go out and find an attorney - and start paying them, outside of the insurance company - to deal with this? We have a family attorney. We would notify him. He would be my "trust, but verify" professional. He would not take over the case (if that were even possible). If she (OP daughter) or the family has an attorney, let her or him know what's going on. But, I for one would not be completely comfortable hoping an attorney for an insurance company is doing everything possible ...
by SevenBridgesRoad
Tue Jan 02, 2024 10:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard IT Pretty Sad vs. Schwab
Replies: 15
Views: 2341

Re: Vanguard IT Pretty Sad vs. Schwab

Diluted Waters wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 10:13 pm ......As far as being actionable:

1) If you're a Vanguard customer, you may not realize it could be another week before some or all of you can retrieve your official statements. Check and see.

2) If you're in the market for a brokerage account, you might consider the above information along with your other inputs before deciding on a firm to invest with.
1) A VG customer. It's all good. My life is arranged so that I don't need account statements on New Year's Day. Or immediately for any reason. As I've grown older and matured, I've learned what's important and what is not.

2) Doesn't apply to me.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:44 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car accident, getting sued
Replies: 76
Views: 13674

Re: Car accident, getting sued

HomeStretch wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:34 pm Engage an attorney and your insurance company.

A lawsuit has been filed. Reconsider posting about the situation on the internet.
HomeStretch is right. You've made your last post about this.

Super glad your daughter wasn't injured.

Yes, her auto insurance company will provide an attorney and handle the lawsuit. Start a log and document everything: phone calls, emails, letters.

She should have her own attorney at least notified.

Reading this is a great reminder for Bogleheads to review their insurance coverages, including an umbrella policy.
by SevenBridgesRoad
Sat Dec 23, 2023 11:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How many folks choose to give inheritance to their children in unequal portions?
Replies: 202
Views: 30945

Re: How many folks choose to give inheritance to their children in unequal portions?

WhitePuma wrote: Fri Dec 22, 2023 10:39 pm
HIinvestor wrote: Sun Jul 24, 2016 2:57 pm

We have only two kids at this point. We are gifting them unequally now because they have different needs, abilities, health issues, and resources. As far as we know, that hasn't caused any problems in their relationship with us or between them.
Do they know that they are being gifted unequally?
Curious. How does a seven year old thread restart as if nothing happened?