Search found 911 matches

by JediMisty
Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies
Replies: 53
Views: 4136

Re: Am I Only One Who Hates Having Left Over Pennies

My concern is that one day my son will pay real money to learn about the pennies leftover at my old brokerage accounts when I transferred the money out and was late credited with interest or dividends. I found out about a few dollars left from a car insurance policy that my aunt missed when my mom passed away. (My aunt had gotten my mom to sign over her accounts to her and took my name off of them while le she had advanced cancer ) Not worth my time and effort to pursue less than $100 dollar refund.
by JediMisty
Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights
Replies: 29
Views: 2173

Re: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights

Delta cancelled two RT flights on me and they will only give me e-credits. According to their email to me, it was because I did not purchase refundable fares. There is no way for me to use those credits before they expire as Delta is not traveling to the destination, which is Cozumel. (They offered to fly me through TWO stops instead of the direct flught I had, which would take nearly a full 24 hours) so the airline has basically stolen these fares from me (750 for one and 694 for the other). They have posted the e-credits to my account, with the first one expiring in September and the second one shortly after. All my travel plans are booked through the end of the year. Obviously, I scrambled to book through another airline and it's not di...
by JediMisty
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights
Replies: 29
Views: 2173

Refund for whn Delta cancelled my flights

Delta cancelled two RT flights on me and they will only give me e-credits. According to their email to me, it was because I did not purchase refundable fares. There is no way for me to use those credits before they expire as Delta is not traveling to the destination, which is Cozumel. (They offered to fly me through TWO stops instead of the direct flught I had, which would take nearly a full 24 hours) so the airline has basically stolen these fares from me (750 for one and 694 for the other). They have posted the e-credits to my account, with the first one expiring in Spetember and the second one shortly after. All my travel plans are booked through the end of the year. Obviously, I scrambled to book through another airline and it's not dir...
by JediMisty
Thu Mar 14, 2024 7:17 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Refund for downgraded seats on flight rebook (post-cruise)
Replies: 16
Views: 2132

Re: Refund for downgraded seats on flight rebook (post-cruise)

AA finally (after contacting their general counsel) refunded our business class upgrade fees when our flights to Atlanta were cancelled after a cruise last year and they rebooked us in economy. It was a bit of a battle and their front-line CSR folks were no help, despite the clear requirements of their contract of carriage and US DOT regulations. But we finally got the refunds as well as some AAdvantage miles for the "inconvenience". Did you book direct with the airline, a travel agent or through the cruise line? Did you pay extra to upgrade to business class? If you paid for the upgrade, then reach out to whomever handled the booking and start from there for a refund of your upgrade fees. If you didn't pay to upgrade, then I'm n...
by JediMisty
Mon Mar 11, 2024 7:24 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10691

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

I turned the dial in favor of vacations to go scuba diving and visit friends in the two years I've been retired. Fly first class some times now, esp. when I'm away a month. Get Airbnbs more expensive than I used to. And due to diving more than 100 dives a year, I've increased spending on gear and maintenance. At 66, my spend is barely 3 percent and that includes the gas and uniforms I'm buying for my volunteer gig. Still doing my own painting and watch my spend on most other expenses. So it's mixed.
by JediMisty
Mon Mar 04, 2024 7:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college
Replies: 48
Views: 3794

Re: If/how/how much to financially assist kids that choose not to go to college

yoga wrote: Mon Mar 04, 2024 12:12 pm If you want to be equal, set up a brokerage account for #1 equal to college costs for #2.
This. Unequal treatment for my sister and I by our parents created deep wounds. Ultimately she and I equaled out the $ received between the two of us. It still stings, though.
by JediMisty
Fri Feb 16, 2024 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Guilt about having to spend Roth IRA money
Replies: 33
Views: 5337

Re: Guilt about having to spend Roth IRA money

Artful Dodger wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 6:24 pm I take it most of your other funds are in tax deferred accounts and withdrawals will add too much income to your tax return thereby lowering your ACA subsidy. I would forecast your income from the work that has been completed and add enough taxable income from your accounts to get you above the 138% of poverty level to make you eligible to apply for ACA and at the same time qualify you for the maximum subsidy. Then use the Roth funds to cover any further expenses.
What this poster says!
by JediMisty
Wed Feb 14, 2024 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?
Replies: 119
Views: 10091

Re: Pay cleaning lady for snow day?

I used to live in NJ and I told my house cleaner more than once not to come during bad weather. She wouldn't listen and came anyaway. And once came when the power was out in NJ (Super storm Sandy). My power was back on when came and she had been "washed out" of her rental home due to flooding. I was home due to the power being out at my office (before work from home was a thing at my office). I made her hot tea whiel she worked. I also paid when she went on vacation one extra week and at T-Day and Xmas. As I was leaving during COVID, the team got first pick of any of my furniture and china that I was not taking. I miss their hard work like crazy as I am now living alone so can't justify the cost of maid service. They came and clea...
by JediMisty
Sat Feb 10, 2024 2:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?
Replies: 49
Views: 3946

Re: What types of volunteering do you enjoy?

Upon retiring, I moved to the greater Atlanta metro area to volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium. Great airport nearby to help scratch my travel itch.
by JediMisty
Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dropping term life?
Replies: 46
Views: 4228

Re: Dropping term life?

Would a fun exercise be checking with your insurer (or another insurer) about the cost of adding additional insure in the same amount you currently hold? The cost would inform you as to how much of a bargain your level term is. My policy of level term which was not grandfathered where I worked shot up so much at age 50, I dropped it. I got lucky, I suppose and I'm still here, but the current cost would certainly help you decide if it's enough of a bargain to consider keeping it.
by JediMisty
Sun Jan 28, 2024 10:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
Replies: 89
Views: 14579

Re: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?

My original plan was to work until SS max kicks in at 70. Then just thought I'd work to FRA. Then as I saw the handwriting on the wall work-wise and just hoped to get to 63.5 so I could use COBRA until medicare. Nearly made it. Thanks to BH, I had a good handle on my portfolio and felt comfortable calculating my expected expenses and running Monte Carlo simulations. So, no!! I don't regret it. Despite my fortune 400 megacorp giving me $0 for severance after decades of service when they laid us off, I have "enough".
by JediMisty
Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Retirees, how much $ do you actually need
Replies: 48
Views: 7269

Re: Retirees, how much $ do you actually need

No medicare or FICA tax. My mortgage was paid off when I sold my home and downsized. I spend more on vacations which is offset by less property taxes (1/12 what I previously paid!), lower utility bills. I also am not socking away at my high savings rate. Those differences are a pretty accurate "number" of my annual expenses, just as I expected. When you outline your own differences in lifestyle rather or not you move when you retire, you'll know for yourself. For some folks expenses associated with commuting and/or fancy clothes for work and meals out change. Those expenses were negligible for me.
by JediMisty
Sun Jan 28, 2024 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 165400

Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]

Several months ago I received a registered letter that cost the sender $5.00. It was a company saying I had unclaimed money, no details. They offered to facilitate the transaction for a portion of the money. Again no details. I could mail them or call a phone number. Called the number and have to wait of course and then some medical alert offer for those over age 65. Stuck in a loop and could not get out. Hung up and called back and selected no for the special offer this time and was put thru the exact same spiel again. Hung up. Looked the company up and it looks like a legitimate business. The letter also mentioned that the property would show up on my state's unclaimed property site. Saw this thread and it reminded me. Checked the Unclai...
by JediMisty
Sat Jan 27, 2024 9:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is paying off a 2.99% mortgage always a bad idea?
Replies: 332
Views: 24667

Re: Is paying off a 2.99% mortgage always a bad idea?

Instead of paying off mortgage buy intermediate muni fund of same amount and treat it as mortgage payoff fund which you will liquidate only when muni yield is lesser than interest rate. I would do this with new savings only. Avoid the cap gains hit. Also, you can turn off reinvesting of dividends in your taxable account and direct those dividends to your "mortgage payoff fund". When/if your fund yield is higher than your mortgage rate, start paying off the mortgage in double or triple monthly payments, still preserving some liquidity. (Double or triple payments are actually large chunks paid toward your principle). Watching this find grow as you contribute to it may give you the peace of mind you seek. Partial payments off the pr...
by JediMisty
Fri Jan 26, 2024 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2023 Taxes, How close were your estimates
Replies: 55
Views: 4456

Re: 2023 Taxes, How close were your estimates

I'm retired. Tax gain harvesting these first few years, so it's important to keep careful track of my anticipated income. My tiny $503/month pension was confusing. The deposit s are always in my checking account BEFORE the first on each month, including the January 2024 check. Even though it was technically received Dec 29th, the 1099 shows that the amount consistent with nine checks rather than ten for this first year I received my pension. Sigh. I am still correct that my total tax for Fed/Georgia taxes are $0/$0 for 2023. Must still file, of course. Next year, of course, it will be 12 checks. I carefully harvest gains to keep income low enough to use the zero LTCG bracket.
by JediMisty
Thu Jan 25, 2024 9:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy
Replies: 117
Views: 12896

Re: Most popular boglehead withdrawal strategy

With only a non-COLA $503/month pension which kicked in this year, I am mostly living off of my portfolio. My original plan was VPW, informed by my plan to take SS at age 70. Since I am tax gain harvesting these first few years, I realize I have a "guardrail" which lowers my withdrawal rate to less than the zero LTCG bracket. Of course, if I need more, I could harvest some of the gains at 15%, or even withdraw from my considerable Roth holdings or small HSA (I've got more than enough qualified medical premiums receipts saved to use the 20k in my HSA). In the two full years of retirement, the guardrail of LTCG zero bracket has kept me below 4%, which has proven to be plenty of income even given my extensive travel. I have no debt.
by JediMisty
Wed Jan 24, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 41938

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

Happy Birthday! I read your posts and appreciate your contributions!!
by JediMisty
Thu Jan 11, 2024 4:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot
Replies: 462
Views: 98999

Re: Vanguard Cash Plus Account Pilot

AlwaysLearningMore wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 4:14 pm
DiyVanguardian wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2024 3:03 pm
GaryA505 wrote: Mon Jan 08, 2024 2:09 pm I logged in to see if I'm eligible to open an account. I'm not. What's the 411 on that?
Google just suggested this article to me that says the Cash Plus will be made available to everyone:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savinga ... r-AA1mGZM2
Just for fun I called Vanguard and they told me that the article is untrue. The representative checked with a supervisor.

Don't believe everything you read.😉
Good to know. I'm in the cash plus now after getting the email several weeks ago about this "new" pilot. But, we need to discuss the concept of "fun"...
by JediMisty
Sat Nov 25, 2023 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Returning food to the grocery store
Replies: 143
Views: 24438

Re: Returning food to the grocery store

Sing to the tune of American Pie By Don McLean Author ChatGPT in 20 seconds (Verse 1) A long, long time ago I can still remember That vegan gluten-free pumpkin pie But it was way too sweet, oh my The taste, it lingered in my mind I couldn't leave it all behind So I went back to the grocery store To return it, but what a chore (Chorus) Bye, bye the pumpkin pie Returned it 'cause it made me cry And them good old bakers were baking it dry Singing, "This'll be the day that I die This'll be the day that I die" (Verse 2) Did you write the recipe book And do you have faith in gluten-free cook? If the pie's too sweet, will you take it back? And can you teach me how to bake it like that? Well, I know that you're in love with spice 'Cause ...
by JediMisty
Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there important long-term benefits of parking a car in the garage?
Replies: 130
Views: 12667

Re: Are there important long-term benefits of parking a car in the garage?

We've had many burglaries where they just walk around the neighborhood and check to see if any cars on driveways were accidentally left unlocked. Sometimes just small items are taken, but one time an entire car was somehow stolen with a remote key duplicator or something! I actually live in a gated community so when two of my neighbors had small items from their cars burgled we all checked our security cameras. They had Ring cameras which didn't catch anything, but my PoE system records 24/7 so it did, and it was actually some kids who live further up the street! I always park in my garage which goes a long way towards mitigating this risk, but then you also have to remember to close your garage door because I see many people accidentally ...
by JediMisty
Thu Nov 02, 2023 7:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are there important long-term benefits of parking a car in the garage?
Replies: 130
Views: 12667

Re: Are there important long-term benefits of parking a car in the garage?

We've had many burglaries where they just walk around the neighborhood and check to see if any cars on driveways were accidentally left unlocked. Sometimes just small items are taken, but one time an entire car was somehow stolen with a remote key duplicator or something! I actually live in a gated community so when two of my neighbors had small items from their cars burgled we all checked our security cameras. They had Ring cameras which didn't catch anything, but my PoE system records 24/7 so it did, and it was actually some kids who live further up the street! I always park in my garage which goes a long way towards mitigating this risk, but then you also have to remember to close your garage door because I see many people accidentally ...
by JediMisty
Mon Oct 30, 2023 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Delaying Social Security is getting less advantageous
Replies: 258
Views: 223813

Re: Delaying Social Security is getting less advantageous

Beyond my view that SS is above all, very good longevity insurance, I have an additional incentive to delay until 70. 68 yrs old, single, and retired at the end of 2022, almost all of my income in 2023 and 2024 will be qualified dividends in a taxable brokerage account, more than enough to fill the $44,625 zero capital gains tax bracket. Any ordinary income would reduce the available zero bracket since cap gains stack on top of ordinary income on tax returns. Adding the standard deduction, I'll be able to pay zero federal taxes up to around 60K. Plan is to enjoy the earnings trough this year and next before I have to pay the piper. Glad to see another person in my situation. I retired at the end of 2021 when I was 63. Paid no federal taxes...
by JediMisty
Sat Sep 30, 2023 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [Safe Withdrawal Rate] Are you 3% and why/why not?
Replies: 222
Views: 24445

Re: [Safe Withdrawal Rate] Are you 3% and why/why not?

I retired in 2021 just as the stock market declined. My first few years of retirement are due to be funded by sales from my brokerage account. Due to being in just the right circumstances, I will not pay federal or state taxes. I'm limiting my sales to stay in the zero percent LTCG bracket. This math works out that I am withdrawing less than three percent. Once I'm paying taxes I'll be withdrawing more. In fact, I'll do small Roth conversions up to a sensible limit -such as the top of an IRMAA bracket I'm shoved into. I'll determine that each year. But for now, less than three percent nets me more than enough to live on since no taxes are being paid.
by JediMisty
Fri Sep 29, 2023 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eggs
Replies: 150
Views: 17669

Re: Eggs

I make egg salad the way my mom dead. Hard boiled eggs , mayo (spin blend preferred) , sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper. (Drain the relish as it can make it too soupy) My mom made tuna salad by adding canned tuna to the mixture you just described. Delish! Was your mom of Polish ancestry? Nope. English and Irish. She was born and raised in Tennessee. I love tuna salad this way! I thought this was just the conventional way egg and tuna salad is made everywhere. That's how both wife and I grew up eating it, my wife is of Ukrainian Jew ancestry and my egg salad-making mom grew up in Mexico. We'll occasionally make it for our kids, just substituting a little olive oil for the mayo. You're the first I've encountered in ages who prefers both ...
by JediMisty
Thu Sep 28, 2023 5:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eggs
Replies: 150
Views: 17669

Re: Eggs

Dottie57 wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 10:29 pm
JediMisty wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:15 pm
Dottie57 wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 10:44 am
bendix wrote: Mon Sep 25, 2023 10:02 pm I cannot believe nobody makes egg salad with mayo and a hint of mustard on bread. I cannot believe that.
I make egg salad the way my mom dead. Hard boiled eggs , mayo (spin blend preferred) , sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper. (Drain the relish as it can make it too soupy)
My mom made tuna salad by adding canned tuna to the mixture you just described. Delish!
Was your mom of Polish ancestry?
Nope. English and Irish. She was born and raised in Tennessee. I love tuna salad this way!
by JediMisty
Wed Sep 27, 2023 8:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Eggs
Replies: 150
Views: 17669

Re: Eggs

Dottie57 wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 10:44 am
bendix wrote: Mon Sep 25, 2023 10:02 pm I cannot believe nobody makes egg salad with mayo and a hint of mustard on bread. I cannot believe that.
I make egg salad the way my mom dead. Hard boiled eggs , mayo (spin blend preferred) , sweet pickle relish, salt and pepper. (Drain the relish as it can make it too soupy)
My mom made tuna salad by adding canned tuna to the mixture you just described. Delish!
by JediMisty
Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?
Replies: 15
Views: 2886

Re: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?

Silk McCue wrote: Tue Sep 05, 2023 6:22 pm In Florida I helped a friends brother file a Lady Bird Deed shortly before passing. The house had a mortgage and the Lady Bird Deed had no impact on the mortgage and did not require them being notified. My friend continued to pay the mortgage after their brothers passing. When the house was sold about a year later the mortgage was paid off at closing.

Cheers
Thanks! Her place is in Florida, too. I realize I forgot to include that.
by JediMisty
Tue Sep 05, 2023 6:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?
Replies: 15
Views: 2886

Lady Bird Deed if still carrying a mortgage?

My sister and her husband bought a condo in 2019, which still carries a mortgage. He passed away and I've beebn helping her with repairs and maintenance so she can stay in it. She would like to leave it to me. I am thinking the simplest solution to avoid probate is a Lady Bird deed leaving her a life estate and setting me up as remainderman. CAn anyone tell me if it's possible to file this while still carrying a mortgage? Her husband's is still on the deed. We can't refinance because she would not qualify since her income is so low (SS only).

To clarify, my sister's condo is in Florida.
by JediMisty
Tue Jul 25, 2023 8:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)
Replies: 207
Views: 26617

Re: If/when to fly business class? (Length of flight vs. cost)

Well, I fly busimess/first class when I spend a month (twice each year) in Cozumel. I justify the cost as amoritized out over the four weeks. I also check Google flights and re-book the fare at a lesser cost when it dips down. I spend the credits on the next ticket. Sometimes I will upgrade just one leg of four to business. It used to be that you got the baggage upgrade for the whole trip by just having one leg business/first class. Haven't tried that one lately. I travel for fun, not business, but as I am not as young as I used to be, those bags with my dive gear seem to get heavier every year. It's the gear that weighs a lot; I pack only a week's worth of clothes and wash clothes in the sink. If it's a direct flight and only for a one wee...
by JediMisty
Sat Jul 01, 2023 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inheriting an annuity
Replies: 31
Views: 3154

Re: Inheriting an annuity

Yes, doing it this way does introduce the risk that our daughter abandons school and absconds with the money. If we were talking millions, I think that would be a real risk for almost any young person. But I'm pretty confident that she knows that the amount in question won't get her far, and that if she's come this far with her education, it's worth it to continue to the end goal (which, at any rate, is entirely her goal - we haven't pressured her in any way). Still, I guess anything can happen... Re FAFSA, I don't think there's really any need-based financial aid available, other than loans, for professional school such as medicine, law, nursing, etc. I could be wrong and I should look this up. Thanks for all these responses! This has bee...
by JediMisty
Mon Jun 12, 2023 4:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When and how do you decide a retirement location and lifestyle?
Replies: 69
Views: 9260

Re: When and how do you decide a retirement location and lifestyle?

More than a decade before retirement, I started considering locations. I wanted to scuba dive regularly, so initially checked out Bonaire, Cozumel (Mexico) and Costa Rica whilst on vacation. For various reasons, ruled them each out. Then checked out Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL to be near family, thinking that I could fly to my vacation destinations from there. Ruled those both out due to various reasons. I still wanted to live in warm weather, flying to travel easily. I decided that places near a good airport would be preferred. Also areas not to far from parks and hills for walking. Finally, I found a place I wanted to volunteer and it's near a major international airport. Downsized to a townhouse making it easier to travel. I knew no ...
by JediMisty
Mon Jun 12, 2023 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When and how do you decide a retirement location and lifestyle?
Replies: 69
Views: 9260

Re: When and how do you decide a retirement location and lifestyle?

More than a decade before retirement, I started considering locations. I wanted to scuba dive regularly, so initially checked out Bonaire, Cozumel (Mexico) and Costa Rica whilst on vacation. For various reasons, ruled them each out. Then checked out Tampa, FL and Jacksonville, FL to be near family, thinking that I could fly to my vacation destinations from there. Ruled those both out due to various reasons. I still wanted to live in warm weather, flying to travel easily. I decided that places near a good airport would be preferred. Also areas not to far from parks and hills for walking. Finally, I found a place I wanted to volunteer and it's near a major international airport. Downsized to a townhouse making it easier to travel. I knew no o...
by JediMisty
Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Re Retirement "I wish I'd known..."
Replies: 299
Views: 54683

Re: Re Retirement "I wish I'd known..."

TheTimeLord wrote: Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:33 am I will repeat the one I have mentioned several times but seems to be unique to me based on feedback here. I never realized how much my plans would be impacted by the finances of friends and family. Other people budgets seem to control more things than my budget. Never saw that coming.
That's true for me, too. Also people I've dated are not retired, yet. Health issues plaque most folks my age. I travel alone a lot, which can get lonely. Also pay my sister's way when we're together.
by JediMisty
Sun Jun 04, 2023 6:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LT Capitol Gain situation question
Replies: 8
Views: 803

Re: LT Capitol Gain situation question

This is called tax gain harvesting. You've already considered the effect on your SS taxation. It's NOT market timing. You can rebalance your portfolio in a tax deferred account (like IRA or 401k) or Roth account as you sell some of these securities in your taxable accounts. I'm doing this myself except I am not taking SS yet. As a result of the tax gain harvesting, I will pay zero federal tax on my income which is projected to be about 85k. (Single) I do have a tiny pension that kicked in this year, so I had to do the math to take that into account. I believe our Wiki has a page on tax gain harvesting.
by JediMisty
Wed May 31, 2023 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4222

Re: Atlanta suburbs

vv19 wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 11:28 pm It is probably a long shot, but are any members here reside in the Atlanta Metro area - specifically the northern suburbs? I accepted a job offer there and would be relocating with my family. Would be great if I can bounce off some questions with someone who is a resident there.

Thanks in advance.
I live north of Atlanta.
by JediMisty
Wed May 31, 2023 9:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Atlanta suburbs
Replies: 60
Views: 4222

Re: Atlanta suburbs

vv19 wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 11:28 pm It is probably a long shot, but are any members here reside in the Atlanta Metro area - specifically the northern suburbs? I accepted a job offer there and would be relocating with my family. Would be great if I can bounce off some questions with someone who is a resident there.

Thanks in advance.
I live north of Atlanta.
by JediMisty
Wed May 31, 2023 9:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago
Replies: 60
Views: 5385

Re: Taylor swift tickets in Chicago

Wanderingwheelz wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 7:13 pm
mkbkxepq wrote: Wed May 31, 2023 6:30 pm We have two tickets for our local TS concert (not Chicago, sorry). My cost basis is $400 total. I'm trying to convince my 14 year old daughter to let me sell the tickets. I would give her half the profit.

Alas, my budding Bogglehead has stood firm. When I was 14 I would have jumped at $1k+, but it's her decision :|
Many years ago (can’t recall how many) I snagged a few tickets to TS in Miami when they dropped on Ticketmaster. I debated whether to tell my daughter since we have to make a vacation out of it since we live 1000 miles away, and logistically it seems like more trouble than it was worth.

I ended up flipping them for a pretty big gain. To this day she doesn’t know we ever had them.
Take that to your grave!
by JediMisty
Wed May 31, 2023 8:57 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does it really help to turn off automatic div reinvestment
Replies: 30
Views: 5254

Re: Does it really help to turn off automatic div reinvestment

montanagirl wrote: Tue May 30, 2023 8:14 pm I thought it would be hard to keep track of basis with dividends reinvesting.

But now I wonder if I shouldn't just go with average cost any time I sell. I want taxable to grow unaided the way tax deferred does.
There is great utility in having taxable have lots with different basis. I will tax gain harvest some lots and in another year, possibly tax loss harvest. The web site(s) will keep track of all your fairly recent basis of all your lots.
by JediMisty
Tue May 30, 2023 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4524
Views: 617378

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Got $180 e-credits by re-booking a flight on AA that had gone down in price.
by JediMisty
Tue May 30, 2023 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Weird incident buying airline tickets - Google Flights vs Airline Website
Replies: 12
Views: 2181

Re: Weird incident buying airline tickets - Google Flights vs Airline Website

To follow up: I checked GoogleFlights today and found a lower fares on my fall trip. Went on AA website and found the same flight at the same price as Googleflights. When I logged into my account to re-book (AA makes you call to re-book, but hope springs eternal), I noticed that AA had changed my outgoing flight from the one I had printed out on 5/23/23. My previous flight was no longer available. The new flight was actually more convenient. Spoke to AA reservations and got re-booked at the new price for the RT already existing on my account. :moneybag
by JediMisty
Mon May 29, 2023 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Weird incident buying airline tickets - Google Flights vs Airline Website
Replies: 12
Views: 2181

Re: Weird incident buying airline tickets - Google Flights vs Airline Website

I noticed this too last week! I tried a flight on Google flights and it didn't exist on the airlines w b site. I double checked it, too. Also prices were higher on the airlines web site, but couldn't book through Google flights, either.
by JediMisty
Fri Mar 31, 2023 7:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I have to file an amended return if it results in a small refund?
Replies: 20
Views: 1558

Re: Do I have to file an amended return if it results in a small refund?

I believe you do not have to file in these circumstances. I am not a tax preparer for a living. I read a lot and keep up with the changes. I heartily agree with the poster who said to wait if you choose to file until your refund comes in. You may find that the IRS will later correct your return and send you the additional $16. It might take a year or so. I'm quite tight with my cash flow, and I wouldn't file for this small amount. I'm retired, but still have more to do than file for this.
by JediMisty
Fri Mar 03, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bogleheads decide to outsource their lawn care?
Replies: 58
Views: 4443

Re: Any bogleheads decide to outsource their lawn care?

Sorta outsourced it by downsizing to a townhouse. I am on an end unit, so have a piece of lawn on one side. This spring, they trim backed my hedges, crepe myrtle, and rose bushes in addition to the lawn mowing and blowing every week. Totally appreciate no longer having yard work after all these years. I still trim my roses and do a small amount of weeding of the ivy on my property. Tomorrow I'm having much of the ivy torn out and increase the grass with sod. My two cents, is to outsource the lawn work. There are plenty of DIY projects I still work. I'm painting every room, one at a time.
by JediMisty
Fri Mar 03, 2023 4:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

For me, my time is valuable. [1] Join the major rental company's frequent rental programs. [2] I use https://www.autoslash.com/ for car reservations. It presents all available cars at your destination, applying all discounts you can claim. [3] I only use first-tier companies (as broken-out by Autoslash) for which I am a frequent renter member. Membership is usually free and allows the renter to bypass the counter. Often a free upgrade is included. The cars tend to be lower mileage [My last two rentals had less than 1000 miles on the odometer]. [4] https://www.autoslash.com/track will track your reservation and alert you if a cheaper price becomes available. Just make a new reservation and cancel the old one to capture the savings. I used t...
by JediMisty
Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:37 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

When renting on my own dime, I always use whatever is cheapest, which usually means a third tier agency like Fox, Ace, or Advantage (Sixt is usually too expensive to be a contender). Never had a serious problem like a mechanical issue, billing error, or inability to get a car. I do expect to wait longer or walk a bit for the shuttle van, and I expect the lot/office to be further from the airport and kind of ugly, befitting the industrial neighborhood it’s located at. There’s sometimes drama going on with a customer trying to rent with a debit card who didn’t know about the deposit, which slows the line. None of this bothers me if I’m saving a couple hundred bucks over a major brand. I usually book a refundable reservation early on, and che...
by JediMisty
Wed Mar 01, 2023 4:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Re: Off-Brand Car Rental

NiceUnparticularMan wrote: Wed Mar 01, 2023 1:19 pm Yeah, Sixt is a well-established international company.

My two cents is I always read the recent Google reviews for the rental companies at whatever airport I am looking at. Rarely are they great for any company, but some end up worse than others, and I don't rent from those.

Usually the less well-known companies don't pass that filter, but if one did I would consider it.
I did read the review. They were terrible for Ace (<50% favorable) and somewhat better for Sixt (about 70%). However, I'm not convinced they're not "planted" anyway.
by JediMisty
Wed Mar 01, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Off-Brand Car Rental
Replies: 37
Views: 2874

Off-Brand Car Rental

I'm looking for folks with personal experience using off-brand rental cars (preferrably at EWR). Specifically Ace and Sixt are much cheaper than the >$1100 for a one week rental I've booked with Enterprise at EWR. Sixt apparently requires pre-payment which is unnerving should my plans change or they fold in the interim. (Which actually happened to me while renting a car in Boanire from a local company. They went under while I was renting the car!). Thanks.
by JediMisty
Tue Jan 31, 2023 7:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?
Replies: 112
Views: 16439

Re: How much will you get as Costco Citi reward this year?

Around $830 this year. Looking forward to the direct deposit. Keeping track of the check and taking it in was nonsense.
by JediMisty
Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wyoming State insurance instead of Medicare Plan B
Replies: 8
Views: 734

Wyoming State insurance instead of Medicare Plan B

My dear friend is approaching 65 whilst working for the state of Wyoming as a school teacher. She doesn't plan to retire for two more years at least. She has medical and drug insurance from the state which she pays only $275/month for her and her husband. She was able to find in the plan documents that her drug plan is a "creditable" plan and therefore she doesn't need to sign up for medicare part D insurance and will not have to pay a late surcharge when she signs up upon retirement. However, no one at her HR department or the insurance compnay can tell her that her medical plan qualifies to substitute for medicare. They will only tell her that she will still be covered under her current medical planwhen she turns 65. I'm concern...
by JediMisty
Fri Jan 20, 2023 6:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Steering through the shoals of IRMAA past the SS Tax Torpedo
Replies: 196
Views: 22722

Re: Steering through the shoals of IRMAA past the SS Tax Torpedo

My related question is is there anything Cheryl could have done 10-15 years out to lessen the impact? If she is single, childless and in the 32% bracket (and maybe even 24% bracket) I don’t think there are a lot of options. If one has taxable, tax deferred, and tax-free accounts maybe concentrate your equites in the taxable and tax-free and leave tax deferred for bonds? With mega back door Roth available in the last few years before retirement, I poured nearly every dollar of my income into my 401k, essentially living off of my taxable savings until late each year. As a result my Roth 401k is pretty large. I placed my 60/40 portfolio allocation to the asset location you're recommending to have exactly 💯 percentage of us stocks funds in my ...