Search found 192 matches

by Moneybags1
Sun Feb 18, 2024 6:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement Savings Contribution Credit
Replies: 2
Views: 424

Re: Retirement Savings Contribution Credit

Thank You BogleTaxPro.

The Defined Plan that will pay out $190mo commencing in March will X out the $2K IRA Contribution. I assume I can still take max IRA and SEPs to limits. I poked around the IRS site and didn't find I can't, provided I have earned income.
by Moneybags1
Sat Feb 17, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retirement Savings Contribution Credit
Replies: 2
Views: 424

Retirement Savings Contribution Credit

I just finished last year's Taxes on Turbo Tax. While filing for the Savers tax credit, I was asked about withdrawal of pension accounts. It got my wondering if a small Defined Benefit Pension I will take this year will affect this credit when I file 2024 taxes. I plan on continuing Self Employment and contributing the max allowed to IRA's. Does anyone have the lowdown on this?

I assume the withdrawal question had to do with IRA's but I want to be sure.

Thank you..
by Moneybags1
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:57 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Einhorn: Value is not working
Replies: 116
Views: 11367

Re: Einhorn: Value is not working

After the expected REIT devaluation comes VG SCV will be a great buy.
by Moneybags1
Wed Feb 07, 2024 3:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does anybody belong to the Better Investing Club?
Replies: 37
Views: 4784

Re: Does anybody belong to the Better Investing Club?

Before this thread gets shut down, I would like to add that in early 90's I went to those NAIC investment fairs and tutorials and I can honestly say the make up of this group were up to 3x my age, mostly the WWII generation who generally shunned anything outside of CDs or a savings bond. Many of these widows had money and parlayed that money into more. I found the VG Diehards pre Boglehead after a few years of languishing in subpar returns during the TECH bubble that I would never touch with either no P/E or a P/E over 100X. Even Warren Buffet had bad years back then.
by Moneybags1
Wed Feb 07, 2024 5:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does anybody belong to the Better Investing Club?
Replies: 37
Views: 4784

Re: Does anybody belong to the Better Investing Club?

I totally forgot about once being in BI (NAIC) until I got a response about a question about buying Individual Doghouse stocks like PFE with a tiny Pension that I don't need to live off of about checking BI out. I did and they offer a discount of $99 to get the Plus membership that currently cost $145 a yr. It seems all the software is on their site like the stock selection guide with a universe of 8000 stocks provided by Morningstar including financial viability. I think the markets in the US are way overvalued and wonder what harm picking what appear to be value stocks with high dividends with free trading. The markets have been sideways for years with a few crashes. If PFE goes up $3 in one year with a 6% yld, you've made over 15%. Ditto...
by Moneybags1
Mon Feb 05, 2024 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to invest small pension suggestions
Replies: 3
Views: 524

Re: Where to invest small pension suggestions

Harry, Thanks for the response, you are right the meter won't much matter with such a small amount. I guess I was thinking of the best expected return maybe making $1 turn in to $4 in 10 years. In all honesty I haven't picked stocks in 20 years after I discovered the Boglehead philosophy of asset allocation. I haven't allocated much in 13 years due to fears of major losses. I was involved in the NAIC/ Better Investing, reading Value Line etc in the years prior. The advent of free trading on VG gives me the option to dollar cost average small amounts, I love low P/E's high yields on huge companies that didn't seem to exist years ago. I have racked up $1.2 Mil over the years, don't have enough equities to register above 0 on VG's portfolio al...
by Moneybags1
Sun Feb 04, 2024 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to invest small pension suggestions
Replies: 3
Views: 524

Where to invest small pension suggestions

This March at age 62 I will start receiving a small monthly pension of around $190 a month. Currently I am heavily invested in cash and fixed income. The pension itself is in a multi employer plan in dire straits so I decided to take it now with encouragement by a few Bogleheads a few months back. I don't need the income, feel the domestic stock markets are overvalued and was thinking of transferring the money monthly to something like VG Small Cap International (VSS) Individual Value stocks in the doghouse like Pfizer, Emerging Markets or something with a Value Factor for future growth. The pension money will be in a Taxable Account. I currently max out every year in I & EE Bonds, SEP, IRA and HSA. I don't plan on retiring until at lea...
by Moneybags1
Mon Jan 22, 2024 4:42 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 41886

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

Happy Birthday Taylor. You are a great man and a National Treasure. God Bless..
by Moneybags1
Wed Dec 20, 2023 4:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage (STOCKS)?
Replies: 4
Views: 635

Re: Vanguard Brokerage (STOCKS)?

Thank you very much everyone. Why would they let you trade non Vanguard ETF's for free I wonder? Yes I did see CNBC (a rarity) about PFE. Man this market is more distorted than I thought. I need to relook the holdings of VIVAX too.
by Moneybags1
Tue Dec 19, 2023 2:54 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage (STOCKS)?
Replies: 4
Views: 635

Vanguard Brokerage (STOCKS)?

I haven't bought securities like stocks in a brokerage account in 20 years. I thought since we all have brokerage accounts with Vanguard to hold our mutual funds, I might buy some Pfizer for a 6% yld. All I can find out is there is no charge for VG ETF's. I cannot find a commission schedule anywhere other than open an account, which I thought we were forced into last year. What am I missing here?

Thanks
by Moneybags1
Thu Dec 07, 2023 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE Bonds or not for an almost 62 yr old
Replies: 11
Views: 1605

Re: EE Bonds or not for an almost 62 yr old

I would like to thank everyone for the feedback. All of you're posts mirror my own personal thoughts toward the paltry rate of EE. I do and will continue to buy the max in I-Bonds. My problem is I am out of tax deferred places as I plan on working to age 70 by choice. Perhaps the EE might shine better in the future if they lower the doubling time etc. I originally reasoned the EE would be a good deflation hedge and the doubling was on par if not better than Long Treasuries at the time.

Thanks again,
Mike
by Moneybags1
Thu Dec 07, 2023 5:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: EE Bonds or not for an almost 62 yr old
Replies: 11
Views: 1605

EE Bonds or not for an almost 62 yr old

The past 4 December's I bought the max $10k EE Bonds for the Doubling of value in 20 yrs or the 3.54% or so per year if held for 20 yrs. My question is with rates rising and possibly a plateau of higher rates than we have been used to due to the rapidly shrinking population of near retirees the world over causing a capital crunch, would it be worth it to continue buying EE's to use after age 81? I realize the the above scenario is speculation on my part but would any of you continue buying the EE's at 61 and beyond for extra income in your 80's in today's rate environment?

Thanks in Advance
Mike
by Moneybags1
Sat Nov 25, 2023 5:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax 2023 offer
Replies: 282
Views: 50626

Re: TurboTax 2023 offer

What happened to Turbo Tax Deluxe CD without the state? Amazon doesn't offer it like prior years. Fun and games again with these corporate pimps.
by Moneybags1
Sun Nov 12, 2023 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying a new car with cash
Replies: 56
Views: 6588

Re: Buying a new car with cash

Like one of the posters said, watch the Car Edge guys on YOU TUBE. I just bought a 2023 Nissan Frontier after watching their videos. The Head Sales guy asked out front will this be cash or finance? I replied I am not supposed to say, to which he replied, "You watch You Tube". I laughed. Anyhow after 4 hours of torture, which didn't affect me, we came to an agreement but I had to finance. The out the door price with trade in of an '02 Frontier was $29k. I gave them $9500 cash $500 check as $10k triggers more paper work and gov't scrutiny and borrowed $19k being warned if I paid the balance before 90 days I would get hit with a $150 fee. I had the loan a few weeks and found out thru Nissan USA you can pay anytime, no penalty, beside...
by Moneybags1
Wed Nov 01, 2023 4:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance - Too much coverage?
Replies: 25
Views: 3111

Re: Car Insurance - Too much coverage?

Forgot to add, your IRA, Pension, annuities and principle homesteaded residence are free from Lawsuits. I can't get a definitive answer on HSA's being considered invisible assets for lawsuit purposes, perhaps someone here has answer for that one.
by Moneybags1
Wed Nov 01, 2023 4:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Car Insurance - Too much coverage?
Replies: 25
Views: 3111

Re: Car Insurance - Too much coverage?

I too live in Florida and have State Farm. I dropped my $50/$100 Uninsured motorist coverage and saved a 1/3rd. My liability was $100/$300 and I raised it to $250/$500 with $30 of the savings. I now about $520 per 6 mo for full coverage on a brand new Nissan Frontier. I recommend getting a quote from State Farm. Just make sure you both have had a clean record for the past 3 years. Seems GEICO and Progressive are high. As for Uninsured coverage you don't need it if you have health insurance/Medicare. Maybe if enough people drop it that state will be forced to end their No -Fault welfare program for the hospitals and go tort like everyone else. I can tell you before I got the new truck, my discounts for safe driving and safety features on a n...
by Moneybags1
Tue Sep 12, 2023 5:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard Site Down?
Replies: 111
Views: 5419

Re: Vanguard Site Down?

As of 6:10 this morning the site is out on Google Chrome and Explorer.
by Moneybags1
Thu Aug 31, 2023 5:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Work is Dicey - Can I Retire Now?
Replies: 97
Views: 17530

Re: Work is Dicey - Can I Retire Now?

I thought there is a severe shortage of nurses nationwide. The OP could go anywhere. My significant other has a 35 yr daughter with a Bachelor in nursing, travels around on contracts and makes well over $100k, however she hates the stress and is involved in buying tax liens in Texas and ghetto houses in Ohio in a bid to become financially independent. I think she is crazy. As a no skilled former retail grunt I can relate to their problems, however how can people in an industry that offers mediocre outcomes and consumes 1 dollar out of every 5 in the economy not think the shaft is heading their way? You are better off than teachers. Good Luck OP, you can always find other work if need be. I become a housecleaner at age 35, am 61 now and work...
by Moneybags1
Thu Jul 20, 2023 4:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can't move between funds
Replies: 1
Views: 342

Can't move between funds

Does anyone else get "HTTP Status 404 – Not Found" when you attempt to transfer funds either to VG or between funds? I tried it on Google Chrome and Microsoft. Is this the flailing Vanguard I keep reading about on here?
by Moneybags1
Fri Jul 07, 2023 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax Exempt MM Yield
Replies: 3
Views: 617

Tax Exempt MM Yield

The other day I opened the VG TE MM fund the yield was 3.90%, 3 days later 3.66%. I don't recall such yield volatility in the past, what am I missing?
Thanks.
by Moneybags1
Fri Jun 30, 2023 4:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: State Farm auto vs. everybody else
Replies: 60
Views: 7307

Re: State Farm auto vs. everybody else

I have been with State Farm over 4 decades. Have Homeowners with them also. Rates are high in Florida, but my discounts are almost equal to my present premium. I don't know if they still offer it but after 10 years you get guaranteed renewable coverage as long as you pay the premium, I also think it memory serves me correctly, the first at fault accident is forgiven.
by Moneybags1
Tue Jun 27, 2023 4:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?
Replies: 58
Views: 5483

Re: Is uninsured motor vehicle insurance a good idea?

In March I dropped mine. I had 100/300/100 Liability and 50/100 uninsured for a little over $300 for 6 mos. The uninsured was nearly $100 of the premium driving the bulk of the increases. I found I could drop the uninsured, raise my Liability to 250/500/250 and save $70 and that is what I did. If you have Health Insurance, Medicare etc you don't need it, however I have a high deductible ($7k). I live in Florida where uninsured rates are high and Liability requirements are a mere $20k which many carry, hardly enough, I drive 5000 miles per year and my truck is 21yrs old. I will admit I wasn't aware uninsured coverage covered a vehicle damage w/o full coverage. I feel taking a calculated risk, raising my liability while saving money therefore...
by Moneybags1
Fri Jun 23, 2023 4:35 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension: Critical and Declining status
Replies: 5
Views: 1381

Re: Pension: Critical and Declining status

backpacker61 wrote: Wed Jun 21, 2023 5:42 am I agree that some of the consideration depends on whether it is PBGC-backed or not.

I qualify for a small private employer pension, and my plan is to file for it at age 75. The Secure Act 2.0 changed RMD age (which also affects the required age to file for pensions).

Like you, I have accumulated a nice "lump sum" account for retirement, and want to maintain the small pension I qualify for as something of a differentiator.
Backpacker, wish you all the best on your journey. The Secure Act 2.0 is something I need to to study further. Think I read something that in 2024 or 25 that someone 62-64 can make a $10k catch up provision in an IRA.
by Moneybags1
Fri Jun 23, 2023 4:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension: Critical and Declining status
Replies: 5
Views: 1381

Re: Pension: Critical and Declining status

Taking the pension at age 62 will pay you $6,156 between age 62 and age 65. If you wait until age 65 to take the pension, it will take about 100 months of the higher payments before you will have "recouped" that $6,156. That is age 73 yrs 4 mos. At that age, you will have received (assuming current rates): $23,256 if you had taken the pension at age 62 $23,300 if you had taken the pension at age 65 Once you reach age 73 yrs 4 mos , a decision to wait until age 65 begins to pay off and you receive $62.00/mo more because you waited. Until that age, you realize more income from the pension taking it at age 62. Those are simple numbers not accounting for inflation nor returns on any part of the pension payments you invest. Perhaps yo...
by Moneybags1
Wed Jun 21, 2023 5:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension: Critical and Declining status
Replies: 5
Views: 1381

Pension: Critical and Declining status

I once worked in a supermarket in the Philly area with a union pension plan. The fund is in Critical and Declining status, right now funded around 34% and dropping every year for decades. I spoke with a person with the Tri State Pension fund who gave me benefit numbers for ages 62-65. I am 61 and would qualify on 3/1/2024 for a monthly payment at age 62. 62- $171.00 63- $189.00 64- $210.00 65- $233.00 I was told when the fund someday goes into Gov't receivership I would get something like 70%-80% of payout. The young man said I am better off taking payments ASAP because if I wait until 65 it would take longer to break even. I never looked at it that way. 1)I don't need the money or the tax liability as I am self employed w ACA 2) Have $1.1 ...
by Moneybags1
Thu Mar 23, 2023 4:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can muni bonds have more tax advantages than just the tax-free yield?
Replies: 12
Views: 1314

Re: Can muni bonds have more tax advantages than just the tax-free yield?

Muni's are great in low tax brackets when you have ACA. Yes Muni interest is considered income for ACA, but not for the SAVERS TAX CREDIT which could be worth a $1k for a Single. That Savers credit covers my taxes and ACA overages. My choice is Vanguard High Yield Tax Exempt Admiral.
by Moneybags1
Sun Feb 12, 2023 9:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Turbo Tax import problems
Replies: 7
Views: 950

Turbo Tax import problems

Did my taxes to today and could import VG mutual fund 1099's but not brokerage info. I put the account number and 11 digit number they asked for to no avail numerous times. I printed the file and manually put in Capital sales, however after filing I realized there was $666 in taxable div income I didn't file, not to mention $1200 in Tax Exempt income that will be applied to ACA computations. I totally expect an IRS bill costing me not just the tax owed, but adjustments to the investor tax credit, ACA and interest. I should have came here first. Vanguard is getting to be a real pain in the ass.


Has anyone else had problems accessing VG Brokerage importing?
by Moneybags1
Sat Dec 24, 2022 3:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct Gift Box question
Replies: 6
Views: 898

Re: Treasury Direct Gift Box question

Thank you for all the replies and answers. I thought it would be a No-Go, if for any reason, everyone would be doing it to beat the $10k limits.
by Moneybags1
Thu Dec 22, 2022 5:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Direct Gift Box question
Replies: 6
Views: 898

Treasury Direct Gift Box question

Is there anyway to switch gift box registrations back to the buyer. In other words can Gift Bonds purchased in care of another recipient be cancelled? I can't seem to find any clarity on this question anywhere.

Thanks
by Moneybags1
Tue Aug 30, 2022 4:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard website succumbs to "Fisher-Price" UI design
Replies: 843
Views: 112259

New Vanguard site question

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

A view of a holding on the old format, a gain or loss would be listed with the current transactions w/o going to a separate gains/loss page. Is there any way to restore this? I recently converted and initiated a bank transfer yesterday for $1200. The listing for the holding this morning states -$1200. I noticed dividends has a minus before adding it back. Maybe it's me but it seems disorienting.

Mike
by Moneybags1
Fri Jun 03, 2022 4:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Caretaker of parent compensation
Replies: 11
Views: 1906

Re: Caretaker of parent compensation

As stated, we live in Florida and the house is her Father's, in which the sale was finalized yesterday.
by Moneybags1
Mon May 30, 2022 4:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Caretaker of parent compensation
Replies: 11
Views: 1906

Caretaker of parent compensation

My significant other left her nursing job to care for her aged father the past 2+ years. She is also Dad's POA and Health POA. She is also Coexecutor of his estate. She gets absolutely no help from her 2 brothers listed in the will. As I write this, his home in Rhode Island is being sold, with the proceeds going into Dad's checking account. My friend talked to a lawyer in Rhode Island and in Florida where we all reside about claiming a salary, they told her to pay herself and keep records, in short keep it legal for Estate and Tax purposes. She would be claiming salary from 5/1/21 to the present day, roughly $45k and $800. per week thereafter until death. She talked with a CPA who said to claim on a Schedule C for all money received in the ...
by Moneybags1
Mon May 03, 2021 5:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Uninsured Motorist Car Insurance - Is it Worth the Expense??
Replies: 52
Views: 5282

Re: Uninsured Motorist Car Insurance - Is it Worth the Expense??

I live in Florida. I was driving my elderly neighbor in her car when another driver ran a red light and slammed into us broadside. I insisted my neighbor who was hurt and I unknowingly at the time had very temporary issues and figured joining her in the ambulance to the ER would be cost efficient. To my surprise an ambulance ride 13 miles come out to nearly $900 each! I had a couple X Rays for a total bill of $7500. Fla has no-fault $10k with a 20% deductible. I had an extra $5k of medical which covered the 20%. My neighbor quickly ran out of her no-fault $$$$. State Farm told me they pay 100% over Medicare rates. Seems Medicare patients are billed $250 for an ambulance ride. I asked my agent if No Fault insurance is a welfare program for t...
by Moneybags1
Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Attn: All Floridians & Arizonans! [Where to Retire in FL/AZ]
Replies: 73
Views: 7489

Re: Attn: All Floridians & Arizonans! [Where to Retire in FL/AZ]

Forget about the critters. Traffic congestion and drugs in and around cities is no different than the North. I live in Citrus County pop 150k as of 2019. Still rural with lots of retiree subdivisions, low crime and if you don't have to work a decent quality of life. Taxes are low and the county is not far from Tampa/Orlando but far enough from the chaos. Ocala a small city is the Big City here, 25 miles away. There are other even more rural counties to the North.. I have lived here for 25 years and worked for 2 going on 3 generations of retirees. Now we just had a cold snap of the mid 20's last week, 30's this week at night. Count on as many as 7 months a year as a humid heat wave and usually 5-6 of mild temps around 75-80. Would be happy t...
by Moneybags1
Sat Dec 26, 2020 5:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2021 I Bonds: what's your plan?
Replies: 468
Views: 97614

Re: 2021 I Bonds: what's your plan?

Great thread, was just thinking buy in January or wait. Will buy in January.
by Moneybags1
Wed Dec 23, 2020 5:06 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Annuity Transition to Transamerica
Replies: 266
Views: 33952

Re: Vanguard Annuity Transition to Transamerica

I am so glad I took the advice of other Bogleheads and switched out to Fidelity back in March. I knowingly via of Boglehead education that Variable Annuities are a lousy deal, but bought in anyhow. The tax shelter and lawsuit protection appealed to me (Florida). Recently in the Age of Covid I realized as a self employed person on ACA at age 59.5 next August, I have the ability in the case of Lockdowns, lousy business environment etc have money in a lousy deal to withdrawal systematically to bolster income to meet ACA requirements Tax Free if the cards are played right until Taxable Income runs out as Taxable Gains must be withdrawn first. There is more than one way to skin a cat, a term I learned decades ago on The Nightly Business Report.
by Moneybags1
Thu Nov 12, 2020 4:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Taylor Sends His Best to Fellow Bogleheads
Replies: 334
Views: 34149

Re: Taylor Sends His Best to Fellow Bogleheads

Wishing you all the best Taylor.. Many Thanks to a National Treasure!
by Moneybags1
Thu Oct 29, 2020 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA Magi and $1200 stimulus.
Replies: 9
Views: 1017

ACA Magi and $1200 stimulus.

Was researching this morning if the stimulus payment we all got from the Cares Act counts as income for MAGI purposes for ACA subsidies and came up empty on that issue. While looking I found that Health Care.GOV is letting us kick the tires for 2021 offerings.. Anyone have an opinion of OSCAR?

Thanks all.
by Moneybags1
Wed Sep 23, 2020 4:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thoughts on GNMA bond funds
Replies: 24
Views: 3193

Re: Thoughts on GNMA bond funds

GNMA's 1.49% Yld looks attractive compared to Short term Corporate, what harm is placing some money in this fund since prepayment risks looks to be over with record low mortgage rates and corporates on shaky ground if the economy stays in the tank?
by Moneybags1
Sat Sep 19, 2020 5:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: EE Bonds and Sequence of Returns Risk
Replies: 64
Views: 7972

Re: EE Bonds and Sequence of Returns Risk

Anyone here in late 50's and beyond currently purchasing EE's? At what age would you stop building the EE ladder?
by Moneybags1
Fri Aug 28, 2020 4:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Inherited IRA but I’m in top tax bracket?!?
Replies: 46
Views: 3947

Re: Inherited IRA but I’m in top tax bracket?!?

An extended family member of mine just inherited $36k and is in the 22% bracket wanted to take the hit and pay down 3% car loan or mortgage with the IRA, My advice was to withdrawal $6K per year and fund a Traditional IRA each year until the account is empty essentially making the tax 0%. I don't know what IRA rules are for someone making $500k is but funding IRA's might be the ticket if it's advantageous to do so.
by Moneybags1
Mon Aug 24, 2020 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CDs coming due. Where to reinvest proceeds?
Replies: 62
Views: 7220

Re: CDs coming due. Where to reinvest proceeds?

hudson wrote: Mon Aug 24, 2020 5:47 am Rates reduced 8/24/2020. New rate tiers are .95/1.00/1.15

Funny, they changed it a couple of hours ago.. Perhaps a 3%+ dividend yield DRIP @ DUKE might be an option.
by Moneybags1
Mon Aug 24, 2020 5:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CDs coming due. Where to reinvest proceeds?
Replies: 62
Views: 7220

Re: CDs coming due. Where to reinvest proceeds?

Anyone here have experience with Premier Notes? I have thought about Duke Energy, being in business friendly Florida and for all the South they won't ever let business assume any risks when they have a captive customer base to assume the business risk, like for instance there is talk of billing paying customers for the folks who can't or won't pay their bills due to Covid 19. Same goes for Nuclear and gas projects. 1.40% sounds great.

Mike
by Moneybags1
Sat Aug 22, 2020 6:20 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CDs coming due. Where to reinvest proceeds?
Replies: 62
Views: 7220

Re: CDs coming due. Where to reinvest proceeds?

I have a Jumbo 18 Mo CD paying 3.2% now offering .55% for same term. Got my heart set on Vanguard Ultra Short Term Bond fund Admiral yielding .96% as a parking place. CD is up Sept 9, 2020. Anyone here like the VG Ultra Short Term?

Thanks,
Mike
by Moneybags1
Sat Jun 20, 2020 6:03 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Have muni bonds become too dangerous?
Replies: 86
Views: 10210

Re: Have muni bonds become too dangerous?

Any views on Vanguard Tax Exempt High Yield Bond fund?
by Moneybags1
Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Variable Annuity
Replies: 1
Views: 234

Re: Fidelity Variable Annuity

I think I answered my own question, I found a comparable Fidelity US Bond Index fund that yields 1.86% with a .25% expense ratio and minus .14 to give a yield 1.72%. Both funds have avg wait maturity 7.4 yrs and 7.6 yrs and Gov't holdings are 70.3% and 70.1% of fund. Would comparing this way be advisable as opposed to flying blind.

Thanks
Mike
by Moneybags1
Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:34 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity Variable Annuity
Replies: 1
Views: 234

Fidelity Variable Annuity

I recently moved out of Vanguard VA to Fidelity into Gov't MM Fund that is now yielding Negative-.01% or $1.20 per day currently, I understand why that is. I was thinking of moving into the VIP Bond Index and the site does't offer current interest rates for anything. I called and all I can get out of the operator is 1 mo 3 mo YTD performances just like the site. I feel like I am flying blind here. Assuming the fund mirrors VG Total Bond Index should I use those numbers as a guide adjusting for exp ratios of 25% annuity fee and .14% exp ratio. What would any of you Bogleheads do in this situation.

Thanks,
Mike
by Moneybags1
Wed Apr 08, 2020 5:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Penalty free early annuity withdrawals
Replies: 2
Views: 319

Re: Penalty free early annuity withdrawals

Thanks Prune, I found it hard online to clarify if Non Qualified was covered. Been thinking of making IRA/annuity withdrawals in the event the poop hits the fan to augment income or lack thereof to qualify for ACA subsidies as Florida doesn't have Medicaid option.
by Moneybags1
Wed Apr 08, 2020 5:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Penalty free early annuity withdrawals
Replies: 2
Views: 319

Penalty free early annuity withdrawals

Anyone know if the Cares Act covers Variable Annuity penalty free withdrawals for those under 59.5.

Thank You
Mike
by Moneybags1
Wed Apr 08, 2020 5:11 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Cares Act Payroll Protection Program
Replies: 154
Views: 12351

Re: Cares Act Payroll Protection Program

Anyone know if the Cares Act covers penalty free withdrawals for Variable Annuities that are non qualified? Its hard to find info, some articles say yes if qualified.

Thanks
Mike