Search found 256 matches

by Morgan Dollar 1921
Tue May 23, 2023 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Unstable Value Fund
Replies: 12
Views: 1498

Re: Unstable Value Fund

Lots of good advice on documentation, and yes someone screwed up! Since this is a stable value fund, please be aware and also document recent rate of return prior to the transfer and expected rate of return post "correct" transfer. Also document the earnings that you should have received on the "missing funds during the solution correction time-line! You simply should expect to be fully indemnified of the missing funds and any earned interest during that time span. I also believe ERISA, will be the stop-gap benchmark that will insure your transaction to be totally and fully remedied. Quote via cut and paste from US Dept of Labor website: "ERISA protects retirement savings from mismanagement and abuse, and clarifies that ...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Mon Mar 13, 2023 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me choose Money Market Funds - Fidelity & Schwab
Replies: 12
Views: 2970

Re: Help me choose Money Market Funds - Fidelity & Schwab

You may want to consider the FDLXX Fidelity Treasury Only Money Market fund.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lowest cost of ownership car for 20k per year driver
Replies: 79
Views: 7867

Re: Lowest cost of ownership car for 20k per year driver

Even at our crazy $0.25 per kwHour. Is electric still by far a better deal? Maybe. Just to give you an idea: I drive an ID.4. 77kwh battery that gets about 250 miles off a full charge with typical driving, less if high speeds (>70) on freeway. It basically, I’d spend $20 to “fill” at your rates and I’d get 220-50 miles of range. ID.4 isn’t the most efficient due to its size but that gives you a rough idea. I second the comments about the bolt. That car is a screaming good deal right now with the tax credit, if you can find one. Also keep in mind the 4k tax credit for used EVs under 25k. You might find a used Bolt or leaf under that price. My impression is that used prices are coming down. You might want to check out car max for something l...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lowest cost of ownership car for 20k per year driver
Replies: 79
Views: 7867

Re: Lowest cost of ownership car for 20k per year driver

Consider an Impreza, 2023 rated at CITY/HIGHWAY 28/36 MPG I have clocked better on some trips, I was getting 36.0 over 60K miles and mine hits 44 MPG on highway-only trips/ I just dropped to an average of 35.9 MPG since switching from OEM Yokohama to Michelin CrossClimate2, last May. An agenda, maybe, but it works for me, and AWD in Ohio snow is surefooted. It is 2016, but not much has changed, CVT helps. No issues other than routine maintenence and a battery, Subbies do have less than durable batteries. DW owns a 2018 Corolla SE, hitting a 37.2 average over 38K+, her best was 45.1 mpg. I looked hard at the Prius for both of us, she did not like the style. I decided I had to have AWD in 2016. My 2014 CIvic was clocking a 39.4 MPG average in...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Jan 18, 2023 11:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blown Head Gasket
Replies: 59
Views: 8137

Re: Blown Head Gasket

niagara_guy In my humble opinion, niagara_guy had the best response, so far, after 30+ years in auto repair I have seen hundreds of horror stories, and yes some shops a less than honorable, I finally had to reveal to my MIL why I left several. Your car, every model is somewhat different with various engine families in each model. Personal experience, bought an 85 Golf Diesel to save money, and the head gasket blew, first indication as many others will state, was vapor on the windshield from coolant steam via an expanded/failed heater core. Yes, compression in the cooling system. Many types of head gasket leaks, just oil externally, oil into the combustion chamber, coolant into the combustion chamber, coolant externally, and the worse case c...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Jan 08, 2023 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Medicare cover MD visit for ear infection?
Replies: 40
Views: 3453

Re: Does Medicare cover MD visit for ear infection?

There are so many types of "Medicare" and so many types of "Providers" and so many kinds of "Deductibles" that I don't think the question can be answered without a lot more information. Totally agree, add the fact is is a neighbor, however, it is honorable to try and help another person. So many options and coverage decisions are in the past now. My 80-something MIL struggled with coverage options and the children are fearful of a suggestion to her about coverage changes, etc. Add in the fact that healthcare decisions are private for many folks until they complain about something going wrong, and it is problematic. I love my F plan, and I am aware that the ship has sailed for most to enroll in an "F"...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sat Dec 17, 2022 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much do you keep in checking?
Replies: 309
Views: 30359

Re: How much do you keep in checking (2022)?

$138 at the end of the month after everything is auto-deducted, in fact, it is sitting at $138.30 right now, and I will never stress over why it is off 30 cents, or $3. DW and her Mom stress and wear out the keys on the calculator trying to find a missing $100, or an extra 45-60 dollars, usually the extra $$ is a quarterly stock dividend, that is auto-deposited, and when I remind them, she says, "Oh, that's right!" I was raised on St Rt 138 in Ohio. See how easy you can set it up? Money flows in and then it flows right back out.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gasbuddy not accurate?
Replies: 44
Views: 2900

Re: Gasbuddy not accurate?

Gasbuddy has no site integrity. Its scam. If you find it incorrect, post the correct prices when you get there, If you are filling up a 48-gallon tank on a Ford pick-up, then 20- 40 cents is a big difference when the nozzle clicks full. If you are filling up my '16 Subaru Impreza, my average fill-up is 10.4 gallons, and that baby is averaging 36.1 MPG combined economy. Life is good. How does driving ugly car with small gas tank make Gasbuddy less inaccurate? Not a bit, nor does it make Gasbuddy any more accurate, simply lowers my concern for the price of gasoline. I am very happy with the car, respect its safety record, and remember it is a small ugly car, some moan about its low ground clearance, but I sit higher than a Vet. I have my rea...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Sep 28, 2022 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gasbuddy not accurate?
Replies: 44
Views: 2900

Re: Gasbuddy not accurate?

smooth_rough wrote: Wed Sep 28, 2022 8:59 pm Gasbuddy has no site integrity. Its scam.
If you find it incorrect, post the correct prices when you get there, If you are filling up a 48-gallon tank on a Ford pick-up, then 20- 40 cents is a big difference when the nozzle clicks full.

If you are filling up my '16 Subaru Impreza, my average fill-up is 10.4 gallons, and that baby is averaging 36.1 MPG combined economy. Life is good.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Sep 21, 2022 9:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: DRAMATIC drop in MPG
Replies: 30
Views: 3316

Re: DRAMATIC drop in MPG

Suspect Air filter, fuel system leak, yes it could be spark plugs, error in math, ( I do not intend to insult your math, just double check it) I know waiting in line for drive-thru food in the age of the pandemic has dropped my personal MPG numbers. If the car is not moving but still running it is getting ZERO MPG in the line at Chick-Fil-A. Tires, did you change tires? Tire pressure correct? Check the engine light on? Possible transmission slippage, (doubtful). I respect the folks at Autozone, but you know who knows your Honda best, the factory trained Honda service dept. Yes they are not cheap, you do not want them to be, because they spend $$$ on tech training, have the latest TSB, have the correct special tools for you Honda, and stock ...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Mar 06, 2022 9:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disaster! Need New Car / Telluride? Mine may be totaled :-(
Replies: 78
Views: 9583

Re: Disaster! Need New Car / Telluride? Mine may be totaled :-(

I saw a 19K figure on the Lexus, which means to repair right? When I heard a bent axle and blown bags on a 10-year-old vehicle, I would never suggest fixing it. Kia is not my cup of tea, I know the ratings are high on that model, but the feedback I hear of warranty sidestepping by dealers, I am a hard pass. You were already at the top of the heap with Lexus/Toyota in quality. Subaru has taken excellent care of me with reimbursement of repair expenses and top-notch attitude both at the dealer level and corporate the two times I called them. Honda has been good to my family also, but no one that I know of has a lot full of new cars. I could never buy a under 30 MPG vehicle again ever, but that is me, and you will be the driver. My dental hyge...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Mon Feb 21, 2022 7:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to take Social Security
Replies: 35
Views: 4421

Re: When to take Social Security

Single no spouse here, Mother and her families mortality age range 60 - 72, Father's family at 84 - 99, so the advice I took was take it while you are alive.

It is really hard to draw after you are deceased.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Tue Nov 09, 2021 10:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please suggest my next car
Replies: 144
Views: 12636

Re: Please suggest my next car

dukeblue219 wrote: Mon Nov 08, 2021 10:28 pm Subaru Outback.

Works for us and half the families at our preschool. Safe, high, good visibility, right in your price range, and relatively reliable.
Plus one more.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Fri Oct 29, 2021 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Goodyear tires from Walmart - good idea?
Replies: 49
Views: 6269

Re: Goodyear tires from Walmart - good idea?

MathWizard wrote: Fri Oct 29, 2021 3:26 pm Balancing and installing a tire is a piece of cake, with the right tools, which I am sure that they have.
A HS kid could do it.

I would check the date on the sidewall to make sure that the tire is not old.

Personally, I go to a tire place, so Goodyear or Firestone for me.
I don't compromise on tires.
Yep, a high school kid can do it, while texting and chatting to others in the shop. GM dealer in Central Ohio, 2016. I worked in parts dept, one car left with double the amount of engine oil, the other none. The car that got the double dose did not go far, and drove back, sluggish and smoking. The other one came back too, towed in on the rollback. I like my car, I go where I know the work will be done right.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Oct 17, 2021 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What do to with broken old car?
Replies: 14
Views: 1779

Re: What do to with broken old car?

It's an old, worn out car with damage that is more than it is worth. Salvage is reasonable. An alternative is to remove and sell all the in-demand parts, then sell the rest for scrap. But that's not very fun. Is there a demo derby coming up close by? This makes a lot of sense if you have the space and zoning to dismantle an auto partially. I read of parts shortages and this vehicle may have more salvage value than you think. I have noticed that savage yards locally are running $500 buy ads in local print vs maybe $350, 20-22 months ago. Yes, being a retired auto parts guy, I watch these randomly. My other thought was if I owned the car and had just invested in tires, brakes or other routine items, I might look for a like model with interch...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Fri Oct 15, 2021 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco tires
Replies: 63
Views: 6595

Re: Costco tires

Five high school cross country runners darted across the road running for practice the first Saturday this month. I was shocked at my reaction time for my age, but even more surprised how quickly the car stopped on the CrossClimate 2's. I'm surprised that there were five of them stupid enough to run in front of a car, not just one or two. It was a nice fall morning, five teen boys grouped, in a Metro Park area, with the crossing at a 90 degree to the road, it was a painted crossing but rural county undivided road with a 55 mph limit, I was under that speed that as it was early AM but good light, dry road surface, excellent visibility, and my concern was deer. It was marked as a bike path on the road both with signs and painted pavement. It...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Thu Oct 14, 2021 8:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco tires
Replies: 63
Views: 6595

Re: Costco tires

Michelin is overpriced even with the perpetually available heavy discounts. That way you feel like you got a great deal. I love marketing. I bought the CrossClimate 2's for their impressive stopping distance in June. Five high school cross country runners darted across the road running for practice the first Saturday this month. I was shocked at my reaction time for my age, but even more surprised how quickly the car stopped on the CrossClimate 2's. I simply cannot put a price on that experience. The DW witnessed the expression on their faces. I have been a believer in Michelin quality and ride ever since my experience in Buick Dealers in the 1997-2004 Park Ave and the stock OEM tires, which I recall specifically, but will not disclose now...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Thu Oct 14, 2021 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Costco tires
Replies: 63
Views: 6595

Re: Costco tires

Joined this year because I knew we both would need new tires, Executive Membership, an extra 2%. Top-notch care about checking build date for fresh tires, pretty important as a lot fewer miles now that we are both retired. Thus they will last longer. Our local Costco had the Michelin CrossClimate 2's in stock that I wanted, a popular size for my Impreza, DW's Corolla needed 17's and we had to wait one extra day, still great service. No rotations yet, but all of the tire shop employees were very helpful and concerned about our satisfaction. I have used Discount Tire in the past for 16 years, but my daughter had such good luck with winter tires from Costco, both switching every year and price, I knew I had to join. Not sure why I waited so lo...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Jul 21, 2021 5:18 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Life expectancy lowered [U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020]
Replies: 10
Views: 2429

Re: Life expectancy lowered

Stinky wrote: Wed Jul 21, 2021 4:37 am The headline of the referenced article is:
“U.S. Life Expectancy Fell By 1.5 Years In 2020, The Biggest Drop Since WWII“

Watch for an article about this time in 2022 with a headline something like:
“US Life Expectancy Rose in 2021 By The Largest Amount Since Records Have Been Kept”

The decrease in life expectancy in 2020 was substantially caused by additional COVID deaths, which are likely to be much lower in 2021. The sharp decrease in life expectancy in 2020 should be a one-year phenomenon.

Let’s see if the news media reports the expected “good” news in 2022 as widely as they report the “bad” news in 2021.
I will if I live till then.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Tue Jun 29, 2021 5:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Reliable basement dehumidifier
Replies: 62
Views: 8658

Re: Reliable basement dehumidifier

LG Model #UD501KOG5
We own two of them for our basement, a good experience and going on four plus years of trouble-free operation.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Mon Jun 21, 2021 10:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire Selection Advice Requested
Replies: 35
Views: 2958

Re: Tire Selection Advice Requested

Not good, rain traction is the most important to me.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Jun 20, 2021 3:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tire Selection Advice Requested
Replies: 35
Views: 2958

Re: Tire Selection Advice Requested

I am going to replace tires on a 2016 Kia Optima SXL. Tire specifications: 235/45R18 94V I'd like all season tires. I exchange for winter tires at the end of each November. Does the brand matter? If so, what brands do you recommend? Anything else I should consider? Recommendations based on brand alone are ill-advised. Tire manufacturers each offer a variety of models all with individual characteristics. Think you can’t go wrong with Michelin no matter the model? Years ago, I chose a set of Michelin Primacy tires for my Honda Accord. Their surprisingly poor wet performance was noticeable to me immediately. And later, with some 40,000 miles of wear, I hydroplaned going around an exit curve in the drizzle, spun around halfway and ended up off...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sat Jun 19, 2021 9:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When did cars start good safety features?
Replies: 105
Views: 9282

Re: When did cars start good safety features?

Cadillac and Buick were offered with airbags in 1974! In defense of my favorite GM division and first car I drove, let me add, the following to your info, respectfully. 1974-1976 Oldsmobile Delta 88, Delta 88 Royale, Ninety Eight, and Toronado The RPO number as I recall was AR3. A GM dealer magazine had a story of a State Patrol officer pulling to a crash scene, he felt sure the driver of the vehicle would be deceased. He was wrong, it was an Olds with the ACRS, Air Cushion Restraint System option. I am not sure why GM dropped them, but added cost for the option was a "speed bump" I heard. The first car I ever drove on the street, a 1967 Olds Delmont 88 425 cubic inch V8, two barrel carb if my memory serves me correctly. We also ...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Thu May 13, 2021 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

I see Mike is answering questions. When you pay Social Security tax the funds are contributed to the trust funds, from which distributions are made to pay for current beneficiaries. https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/WhatAreTheTrust.htm What are the Trust Funds? The Social Security trust funds are financial accounts in the U.S. Treasury. There are two separate Social Security trust funds, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund pays retirement and survivors benefits, and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund pays disability benefits. Social Security taxes and other income are deposited in these accounts, and Social Security benefits are paid from them. The only purposes for which these trust funds can be used are to...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed May 12, 2021 9:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

"Social Security is longevity insurance, he says. That is, it offers protection against running out of money as we age. People don’t do break-even calculations when they buy home insurance, because they are protecting themselves against a catastrophic event like a fire. They shouldn’t do them with Social Security either, he says./quote] The underlined section is the perfect argument against using break-even calculations when deciding when to file, but not the only one. SS is income, not a lump sum." I struggle with this, fire is not a certain event, death is. It’s a bad analogy, since one may need income to live on at 62 due to lack of employment opportunities or health issues. For those with alternatives as sufficient pensions o...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed May 12, 2021 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What prompted you to pull the plug and retire?
Replies: 249
Views: 46008

Re: What prompted you to pull the plug and retire?

Spring is a great time to work in a car dealership, fresh air, sunshine, after having the shop closed all winter, exhaust fumes, used engine oil shop heater noise, odor to heat the building, the many chemicals and gasoline fumes when a new fuel pump goes in a car, and more, you get the idea. Then, by mid-May, the heat of summer is right around the corner. I decided I never wanted to survive another winter like the last one. Girlfriend went to Disney in January, I stayed at home, fell on the ice and had to get a shot in my left knee. Limped around for two weeks, pulling parts from three different storage floor levels. Strike one. I was going out the front door every day to work for $1.30 hour more than I could net on retirement, pension and ...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed May 12, 2021 8:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

I think a lot of Bogleheads are missing the fact that most people NEED their SS prior to FRA. Not everyone has a $3 million NW before they're 40 and not everyone has great health up thru FRA. We can argue their plight is due to their own poor life choices, but the fact is most people haven't saved up big war chests and they depend on SS....for many of us, it's simply play money. The basic math says if you do not have enough money saved up to cover your living expenses, why would you retire? If you are retiring just to not have to work anymore and collect SS, then that is just being lazy. If you choose not save enough (or couldn't) over the years, you need to work to age 70 and let your SS grow. If you need your SS before FRA then then odds...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed May 12, 2021 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

I see Mike is answering questions. When you pay Social Security tax the funds are contributed to the trust funds, from which distributions are made to pay for current beneficiaries. https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/factsheets/WhatAreTheTrust.htm What are the Trust Funds? The Social Security trust funds are financial accounts in the U.S. Treasury. There are two separate Social Security trust funds, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund pays retirement and survivors benefits, and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund pays disability benefits. Social Security taxes and other income are deposited in these accounts, and Social Security benefits are paid from them. The only purposes for which these trust funds can be used are to...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed May 12, 2021 7:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

"Social Security is longevity insurance, he says. That is, it offers protection against running out of money as we age. People don’t do break-even calculations when they buy home insurance, because they are protecting themselves against a catastrophic event like a fire. They shouldn’t do them with Social Security either, he says./quote]

The underlined section is the perfect argument against using break-even calculations when deciding when to file, but not the only one. SS is income, not a lump sum."

I struggle with this, fire is not a certain event, death is.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed May 12, 2021 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security
Replies: 169
Views: 20407

Re: The Biggest Mistakes People Make With Social Security

I see Mike is answering questions. I have two, then my own situation. Question A, a friend's brother passed at age 70 and two months, give or take a few days, Covid-19. Single, self employed, high net worth, no survivor, what happens to his SSA money, he paid in? Question B, a friend of mine passed at age 57, divorced, his ex-wife remarried years ago, not sure when. Seven years later his sister died at age 59. What happens to those funds paid in? I filed at age 62, I am divorced and my Dad lived to 99, Mom lived to 71. Who knows whose genes, I got? I had two failed businesses, (low earning numbers for 7 years of the 42 I worked). Circulation issues in my legs after 35 years working on concrete floors. Auto dealer parts clerk. My personal be...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Apr 28, 2021 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues
Replies: 113
Views: 12929

Re: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues

I would get the Kia over Hyundai Sonata based on looks alone. Anyway, what car do you drive currently and did it explode? Any of those cars should be fine for 10y or more. I haven't had a car for 11 months due to working from home before that I had leased an Alfa Romeo (got a really good deal) didn't have any issues but was only two years. Wait.... you leased an Alfa that was problem free and NOW you are worried about reliability?! I guess you used up all you luck on that Alfa! Notoriously unreliable cars but hey look good and the sporty ones are fast! All your choices are good and no car is perfect. Find one you enjoy owning and pull the trigger. I drive a V8 Dodge Charger because the engine is intoxicating.... but I like cars. I had a us...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Apr 28, 2021 1:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues
Replies: 113
Views: 12929

Re: I'm having analysis paralysis on a new car. I am looking for common reliable cars, but each one has potential issues

2021 Toyota Camry - this generation has had a huge recall on 8 speed transmissions due to jerkiness and delays 2021 Mazda 6 - Direct injection so prone to carbon build up, and cylinder deactivation. I can step up to the turbo version to avoid the cylinder deactivation and it's quick but it comes with these huge 19 inch wheels that I am worrying about breaking on rough roads 2021 Hyundai Sonata - Direct injection, and also I've heard older versions of this engine were horrible (not sure if fixed now) does anyone have any recommendations for me to look into? Safety is real important to me. The Hyundai got a good rating, but only if it had specific headlights which might require a high trim level. The other two got better ratings without any ...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Apr 28, 2021 9:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I was investing in Roth IRA but now recently was made aware of girlfriend's ~$50k debt. Help?
Replies: 59
Views: 5336

Re: I was investing in Roth IRA but now recently was made aware of girlfriend's ~$50k debt. Help?

JoeRetire wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:45 am
typical.investor wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:34 am My advice is to ignore the self styled love gurus who didn't answer the above questions.
As the song goes: What's love got to do with it?
The song by Commodores that came to my mind:

Thanks for the times that you've given me
The memories are all in my mind
And now that we've come to the end of our rainbow
There's something I must say out loud
You're once, twice, three times a lady

Changing the last line to, You're once, twice, three times a spender.

financial firm TD Ameritrade found that 41% of divorced Gen Xers and 29% of Boomers say they ended their marriage due to disagreements about money.

It can be fixed, but what page is she on? Have her parents said no after three bailouts, and now she needs a new knight? Good Luck.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:45 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I was investing in Roth IRA but now recently was made aware of girlfriend's ~$50k debt. Help?
Replies: 59
Views: 5336

Re: I was investing in Roth IRA but now recently was made aware of girlfriend's ~$50k debt. Help?

RickyAZ wrote: Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:11 am Do NOT propose until this situation is resolved. She is not ready but more importantly YOU are not prepared

Spend $500-1000 for 1 hour of time with the best divorce attorney in your area and find out what happens legally when you get married especially if you have children. This is one area where paying for advice is the wise thing to do

Edit for clarity: seeing the lawyer is not for a prenup nor is it something you do with your girlfriend.
+1
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Mar 21, 2021 9:59 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius service
Replies: 13
Views: 1217

Re: Prius service

I would change the oil every year, regardless of mileage. And be heavily skeptical of any other services they recommend if you bring it into them for an oil change given how you've put almost no miles on the car since your last service. Might be time to replace the tires also on an age basis (5 years generally recommended due to degradation of the rubber compound). But I wouldn't pay a stealership for that. Other than that I doubt you need to be concerned with any other wear items on the car needing replacement at your rate of mileage. The brakes on my 2015 Prius lasted until 160k miles. 8-) Not all dealerships are stealerships, but yes some are I have worked in 3, for short periods of time,that were crooked, even telling one service manag...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Tue Mar 16, 2021 6:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: [Third stimulus payment - mega-thread]
Replies: 387
Views: 40643

Re: Received 3rd stimulus check 3/12/21

AerialWombat wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 12:06 am
Canoesmith wrote: Fri Mar 12, 2021 9:08 pm As we all stop reading threads to log on to our accounts to look.....
Seems to me like most Bogleheads earn too much to qualify, so I doubt there was a login stampede. :greedy
Some of us earn so little we no-longer pay any tax. Mine will come via paper check, no financial transactions with IRS since tax year 2017. My D-GF got her electronic deposit, March 12th, the $ were in her CU by 4PM Friday. Yes, I am worried about USPS getting this one to me, after Christmas cards the 3rd week of January. My financial house is balanced such, that half will go for new tires. and the other half cash waiting on investment opportunities. The key to funds held till the 17th, tomorrow, I suspect is a word that W. Buffet loves, "float."
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sat Mar 06, 2021 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to quit a job for retirement
Replies: 84
Views: 10518

Re: How to quit a job for retirement

As many here know, I worked in the wonderful world of auto dealerships, aka as stealerships. Not all are bad eggs. My last one was a situation where the DW took an office, which she planned to be her next to last office. We were slated to be in that area a year. I labored hard for this employer, and for the most part it was a win -win. I had the respect of my immediate supervisor, but the next level, not so much in either direction. I gave one week notice, from the stand point of a trip we had planned and the fact I wanted to stretch my time to the start of my SSA check. My boss said, you have known this for several weeks, maybe two to three months, why the short notice? My response was, "Greg I have watched the General Manager cut lo...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Fri Mar 05, 2021 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to quit a job for retirement
Replies: 84
Views: 10518

Re: How to quit a job for retirement

As many here know, I worked in the wonderful world of auto dealerships, aka as stealerships. Not all are bad eggs. My last one was a situation where the DW took an office, which she planned to be her next to last office. We were slated to be in that area a year. I labored hard for this employer, and for the most part it was a win -win. I had the respect of my immediate supervisor, but the next level, not so much in either direction. I gave one week notice, from the stand point of a trip we had planned and the fact I wanted to stretch my time to the start of my SSA check. My boss said, you have known this for several weeks, maybe two to three months, why the short notice? My response was, "Greg I have watched the General Manager cut loo...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Mon Feb 15, 2021 3:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A low-cost 5 fund Boglehead portfolio
Replies: 312
Views: 87403

Re: A low-cost 5 fund Boglehead portfolio

Taking the early post and adding 100% VIG to the third portfolio input, one finds a very interesting result. At least for the timeframe with VXUS.

Portfolio Returns
Portfolio performance statistics
Portfolio Initial Balance Final Balance CAGR Stdev Best Year Worst Year Max. Drawdown Sharpe Ratio Sortino Ratio US Mkt Correlation
Portfolio 1 $10,000 $21,535 10.06% 9.55% 24.26% -9.87% -12.98% 0.98 1.57 0.93
Portfolio 2 $10,000 $21,376 9.96% 9.03% 23.45% -7.14% -10.80% 1.03 1.63 0.96
Portfolio 3 $10,000 $26,974 13.21% 10.25% 29.62% -2.08% -11.00% 1.20 1.97 0.95
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Jan 10, 2021 9:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can a car have problem if you drive very little?
Replies: 34
Views: 3242

Re: Can a car have problem if you drive very little?

Three words, parasitic battery drain.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Dec 27, 2020 5:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?
Replies: 31
Views: 2644

Re: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?

"I'm a TSP participant who is still a handful of years away from potential early retirement so a few years behind the OP. My regret is the DW, delayed with the Roth option. She now is paying taxes on a sizable portion of her social security benefits. She is under the IRMMA threshold but has a friend who has to juggle withdrawals to avoid that. Financial success is a good thing, but tax awareness planning is like landing a jet, you make decisions that impact you in the future, best to get it right for a smooth landing. "I know that in the past there were TSP participants who were unhappy with the withdrawal options." Some of her colleagues failed to study the rules and got a shock when the switch happened at age 69-70,(I am no...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Dec 27, 2020 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?
Replies: 31
Views: 2644

Re: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?

A friend who has a major firm do his investments, and I compared our performance. I do my own investing. 90% in index funds with a 60/40 stock to bond allocation. He has the same allocation. Our performance matched each other to the tenth of a decimal point. He pays a 1% wrap fee for the advice. Calculate the fee from the advisor and see if "hands off" is worth it for you. Personal decision... As a retired CSRS fed who did TSP presentations for employees, I moved my monies from TSP at retirement. DW was TSP, and leaving the TSP was in her best interest 5 or so years ago, as the above post suggests. Any of the following would work, Vanguard, Fidelity or Schwab. The withdrawal methods have changed and I am not up to speed on the ne...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Dec 27, 2020 3:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?
Replies: 31
Views: 2644

Re: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?

A friend who has a major firm do his investments, and I compared our performance. I do my own investing. 90% in index funds with a 60/40 stock to bond allocation. He has the same allocation. Our performance matched each other to the tenth of a decimal point. He pays a 1% wrap fee for the advice. Calculate the fee from the advisor and see if "hands off" is worth it for you. Personal decision... As a retired CSRS fed who did TSP presentations for employees, I moved my monies from TSP at retirement. DW was TSP, and leaving the TSP was in her best interest 5 or so years ago, as the above post suggests. Any of the following would work, Vanguard, Fidelity or Schwab. The withdrawal methods have changed and I am not up to speed on the ne...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Dec 27, 2020 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?
Replies: 31
Views: 2644

Re: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?

A friend who has a major firm do his investments, and I compared our performance. I do my own investing. 90% in index funds with a 60/40 stock to bond allocation. He has the same allocation. Our performance matched each other to the tenth of a decimal point. He pays a 1% wrap fee for the advice. Calculate the fee from the advisor and see if "hands off" is worth it for you. Personal decision... As a retired CSRS fed who did TSP presentations for employees, I moved my monies from TSP at retirement. DW was TSP, and leaving the TSP was in her best interest 5 or so years ago, as the above post suggests. Any of the following would work, Vanguard, Fidelity or Schwab. The withdrawal methods have changed and I am not up to speed on the ne...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sun Dec 27, 2020 3:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?
Replies: 31
Views: 2644

Re: New Federal Retiree - To Use an Investment Pro or Not?

A friend who has a major firm do his investments, and I compared our performance. I do my own investing. 90% in index funds with a 60/40 stock to bond allocation. He has the same allocation. Our performance matched each other to the tenth of a decimal point. He pays a 1% wrap fee for the advice. Calculate the fee from the advisor and see if "hands off" is worth it for you. Personal decision... As a retired CSRS fed who did TSP presentations for employees, I moved my monies from TSP at retirement. DW was TSP, and leaving the TSP was in her best interest 5 or so years ago, as the above post suggests. Any of the following would work, Vanguard, Fidelity or Schwab. The withdrawal methods have changed and I am not up to speed on the ne...
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Sat Nov 28, 2020 8:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Repair or buy car decision
Replies: 30
Views: 2159

Re: Repair or buy car decision

Normally I chime in with an opinion, but the salvage title concern is a major issue. I do not like Nissans so will hold my detailed opinion, but the very fact of saying I don't like Nissans is an opinion of course.

I did check CARCOMPLAINTS dot Com. and found : transmission repair issues.
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,700
Average Mileage:
120,350 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Also some other failures that were minor, like wheel covers flying off, and exhaust flange rusting out at 60K. If it was mine, and I had not had the transmission replaced or repaired in the recent past, I would expect that soon and be happy to send her on down the highway. Obviously at this point in it's life, if it breaks in half,... you got both pieces. Good luck.
by Morgan Dollar 1921
Thu Nov 26, 2020 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Transmission troubles (Update to the update)
Replies: 52
Views: 5434

Re: Transmission troubles

I am gonna be the Columbo here, so "Just one more thing" Someone asked, "Just like who new exactly when the transmission on this current car would fail." Well I can help you with that one, somewhere north of 45 people, witness the following, from car complaints. So many people want to be the scout (no not an IH Scout) with a NEW design car, powertrain etc. Not me, I watched that peril unfold many many times over 41 years of driving and dealer experience. From Car Complaints dot com. "CARCOMPLAINTS.COM NOTES: The top problem trend for the 2014 Escape is transmission failure at around 70k miles. This is relatively low mileage for an expensive transmission failure ($4,500 average to fix), but unless the trend becomes m...