Search found 192 matches

by johnny
Sat Mar 25, 2023 6:47 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: WSJ article on retiring with less than $1 million
Replies: 217
Views: 28213

Re: WSJ article on retiring with less than $1 million

For those of us in planning mode, I thought the article had good perspective on what was possible. When things go south, can you live on 38k per year? There's somebody doing it.
by johnny
Mon Mar 06, 2023 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mother in Law Surprise....sort of [How do I pay off her credit card debt?]
Replies: 69
Views: 8329

Re: Mother in Law Surprise....sort of

Abe wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2023 10:01 am Pay off the debt and get a reverse mortgage.
This is the most obvious course, since her assets are primarily in her house. The other thing to consider at this age is whether a downsize to an apartment would be appropriate.
by johnny
Sat Mar 04, 2023 6:29 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars: Max you'd pay? How long do you keep cars? Plans to go EV?
Replies: 99
Views: 8945

Re: Cars: Max you'd pay? How long do you keep cars? Plans to go EV?

1. What is the most you'd be comfortable paying for a car? (not necessarily what you can afford, but what you'd pay) 2. Do you buy new, used, or CPO? Why? 3. How long do you keep your cars? Why? (i.e. until the wheels fall off, until your lease is up, or at a certain mileage) 4. Have/are you going to consider an electric car? If you don't have one yet, what will be the deciding factor for you to get one? 5. Do you lease cars? If so, why? Is there any benefit to leasing newer cars given all of the new electronic tech that can (and will) be expensive to fix? 1. So far it's been 35K out the door price. (I wasn't that comfortable) 2. New/Used/CPO? Mostly used, but I have purchased new three times. One of them is the best car I have ever owned,...
by johnny
Mon Jan 23, 2023 2:23 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉
Replies: 247
Views: 15705

Re: 🎊Happy 99th Birthday to Taylor Larimore🎉

Happy birthday, Taylor! Thank you for all that you've done for this community!

All the best,
Johnny
by johnny
Thu Dec 22, 2022 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Legal Zoom for LLC?
Replies: 21
Views: 2081

Re: Legal Zoom for LLC?

I found Legal Zoom to be very easy to use to set up an LLC, but I would agree with most others here that you could do the filing yourself, especially if you file "doing business as" -- which would be cheaper and maybe more appropriate.

Also, there are a number of services that LZ will try to sell you on. I tried a few of them, but found them to be unnecessary or even unhelpful. For instance my state (NY) sent tax paperwork to LZ as my registered agent. It went all the way to California and they forwarded it to me in NY, leaving me with very little time to meet a filing deadline. If you really want a registered agent, get one that is in state.
by johnny
Sat Sep 17, 2022 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sell VXUS?
Replies: 25
Views: 2405

Re: Sell VXUS?

Strangely enough, Jason Zweig writes the opposite sentiment in the Wall Street Journal this week.
Europe is at war. China is floundering. Japan is aging. Emerging markets are suffering. Could there be a better time for a contrarian bet on international stocks?
Full article is at https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/intern ... 28?mod=mhp
(sorry for the paywall)

My main takeaway is that VXUS is a long-term holding that you should keep at least 10 years if not 25 or 30. That's why I keep buying it every month. :-)
by johnny
Mon Sep 05, 2022 3:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What frugal thing did you do today?
Replies: 4522
Views: 617064

Re: What frugal thing did you do today?

Changed the alternator on my car today. It's an old car, so now on its third alternator. Last time I had it done by a proper mechanic, so I have a pretty good idea what the retail cost would be. I think I saved $600 by using my own labor and buying my own parts.

Definitely a stretch for my mechanical abilities! All made possible by YouTube. :)
by johnny
Fri Jul 15, 2022 11:18 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Treasury Auctions
Replies: 11
Views: 1131

Re: Treasury Auctions

Non-competitive bidders get the high yield.

You might also find this blog post helpful if buying through a brokerage

https://thefinancebuff.com/treasury-bil ... arket.html
by johnny
Mon Jul 11, 2022 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Multifunction InkJet Printer Quality vs 5 Years Ago
Replies: 6
Views: 916

Re: Multifunction InkJet Printer Quality vs 5 Years Ago

A few years ago all of the printer manufacturers were keen on the idea that they were going to sell a printer at a very cheap price, but the ink cartridges were where they were going to make their money. It seems that the philosophy has changed. People are sick of changing their ink cartridges every other week. A lot of the new printers have larger ink capacity, and options for refills that don't rely on cartridges.

Some manufacturers still offer a "cheap" printer model with reduced cartridge capacity. They're not as popular as they once were since consumers have caught on to the disadvantages of a cheap printer.
by johnny
Mon Jun 27, 2022 8:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 31 Year Old - Is a 20 year term life insurance policy for me?
Replies: 80
Views: 6468

Re: 31 Year Old - Is a 20 year term life insurance policy for me?

+1 for 30 year policy

Insurance is for things you can't afford to happen. If your TV breaks, you can buy a new one. If your new car gets in an accident, you are going to want insurance -- can't afford to keep buying cars every time that happens.

Your spouse can't afford for you to die. Much more expensive than buying a new car every year. Insurance is the way to protect against this occurrence. Hopefully you'll outlive 30 years, but people do die all the time.
by johnny
Thu Jun 23, 2022 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: how would you invest money in fixed income now?
Replies: 28
Views: 6272

Re: how would you invest money in fixed income now?

Make sure you pick funds that are duration matched to your investment timeframe! Intermediate and Long term bonds are *not* the place to put money right now that you expect to reallocate within a year. We may very well see more bond fund valuations drop as the Fed continues to raise rates.

1 year Treasury or IBonds are good.
by johnny
Fri Jun 17, 2022 11:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasury rates [- where do they go from here?]
Replies: 57
Views: 6380

Re: Treasury rates [- where do they go from here?]

Article published recently describes some rate history:

https://www.bankrate.com/banking/federa ... -rate/amp/

In 1980 they started the year at 14% and finished the year at 20% :shock:
by johnny
Thu Jun 16, 2022 2:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Understanding Bonds/Treasuries
Replies: 5
Views: 802

Re: Understanding Bonds/Treasuries

There are some very practical how-to's at The Finance Buff's blog

https://thefinancebuff.com/category/investing
by johnny
Tue Jun 14, 2022 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am new to HSA BANK - go with Devenir or TD Ameritrade?
Replies: 65
Views: 15418

Re: I am new to HSA BANK - go with Devenir or TD Ameritrade?

Here's my process:
1) HSA contribution deducted bi-weekly from paycheck (Friday)
2) HSA Bank sweeps new amount over to TD (Saturday)
3) Place an ETF purchase through TD's mobile app. (Monday)

Takes about 2 minutes of my time, new money is put to work in the market immediately, the transaction is free, but I do need to remember to do it.
by johnny
Sun Jun 12, 2022 8:54 pm
Forum: Non-US Investing
Topic: UK - spending and budgeting App for young professional
Replies: 3
Views: 1135

Re: UK - spending and budgeting App for young professional

I'm not sure exactly what you'd like to do with the product, but here's a little info on YNAB:
- yes, many currencies are supported, but it seems to be just one at a time.
- YNAB uses MX for bank access, which is very broad coverage. Revolut.com is one of the options.
by johnny
Sun Jun 12, 2022 3:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am new to HSA BANK - go with Devenir or TD Ameritrade?
Replies: 65
Views: 15418

Re: I am new to HSA BANK - go with Devenir or TD Ameritrade?

I have HSA Bank through my GEHA HDHP (started in 2022), but have not set up the investing portion, as I thought there was a $1000 minimum but found out recently that GEHA has worked to have that minimum waived. I was thinking of going with TD Ameritrade over Devenir, but is there any reason to use Fidelity? Thinking the sole reason would be if I ever leave the government or the GEHA HDHP and need to change HSA providers. I live in MA so I don't think I would incur a tax cost for switching (because I would sell the stock for a capital gain). From an ease of use standpoint, seems there would still be a regular transfer process if I went through TD Ameritrade or Fidelity... It's not practical to use Fidelity with HSA bank.I would just go with...
by johnny
Sun Jun 12, 2022 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2023 odyssey ($46k) vs 2019 certified ($37k)
Replies: 41
Views: 4641

Re: 2023 odyssey ($46k) vs 2019 certified ($37k)

Different car, but I bought a 2019 instead of new recently. Price difference was similar. A large factor was worry about how long it would take to get delivery on the new vehicle. You might want to research delivery times to make sure that they meet your needs.
by johnny
Wed Jun 01, 2022 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How old of HSA receipts have people submitted?
Replies: 7
Views: 1037

Re: How old of HSA receipts have people submitted?

dred pirate wrote: Wed Jun 01, 2022 5:05 pm
H-Town wrote: Wed Jun 01, 2022 4:50 pm I don't think you have to submit receipts to get reimbursement through an HSA. Which HSA administrator are you using? You only need receipts when asked by an IRS agent (if they even ask).
Optum, If I don't use their card, I have to submit a receipt (or at least they ask me to)

edit- It just asks that I list the provider, I thought I needed to attach a receipt.
Interesting. Certainly FSA's require receipts, I think because the tax liability is on the FSA provider side. In the case of an HSA it seems that all of the tax liability rests with the individual. But perhaps the HSA provider may have a process in place to keep you on the straight and narrow. :)
by johnny
Wed Jun 01, 2022 4:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How old of HSA receipts have people submitted?
Replies: 7
Views: 1037

Re: How old of HSA receipts have people submitted?

You don't submit receipts for HSA spending, you just need to keep them in case you are audited. I suspect there are plenty of bogleheads with receipts older than 10 years. For my part I have 3 year old receipts that I will likely keep for another 10 years before draining the HSA.
by johnny
Sun May 29, 2022 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering move to apartment in retirement
Replies: 50
Views: 8328

Re: Considering move to apartment in retirement

DW and I are downsized, almost empty nesters who have rented upscale apartments for the last three years due to relocation. Sometimes we miss our 2200 sqft suburban house: 1) room for entertaining 2) 2 car garage for occasional auto maintenance 3) fire pit in the backyard 4) tons of storage space in basement However, we don't really need all that room, and there are good things about Apt living: 1) No more Saturdays lost to yardwork 2) Snow removal - it's great 3) Pool (w/o maintenance) 4) Major appliance breaks, replaced same day (happened twice in 3 years) For us, sound from neighbors is minimal, and we generally appreciate kids playing in the neighborhood. Not a bad way to live. I think it will be more cost effective long term to buy a h...
by johnny
Thu May 26, 2022 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much spend on car? Boglehead Standard
Replies: 169
Views: 14725

Re: How much spend on car? Boglehead Standard

Here are some data points. I won't go so far as to say they are recommended. My wife and I are in our 50's and typically purchase cars and keep them a pretty long time. 2009 - new vehicle - $28,000 2016 - new vehicle - $26,000 2022 - 3 year old vehicle <30K miles - $33,000 All were under 25% of household income, but I would suggest it is total cost of ownership that you should be considering rather than % of income or % of net worth. The last one is definitely on the high side, but my wife really wanted it. I still own all of these vehicles and they are still roadworthy. The 2009 is coming to the end of its life, but I have hopes of it hanging on one more year. My college student will take it to school this fall. If you take the 2009 purcha...
by johnny
Tue May 24, 2022 7:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation resulting from creating a Social Security Bridge
Replies: 49
Views: 4412

Re: Asset Allocation resulting from creating a Social Security Bridge

I find the "large psychological element" to be extremely attractive. No doubt there is potential disadvantage to de-risking in this way, but in my case a large portion of savings will be expended in the first decade of retirement, because of delaying SS to age 70. A non-rolling TIPS ladder means that a portion of those funds are very predictable and not subject to market shifts, even if it does mean only getting 0% real income on these assets. If market chaos hits at the wrong time, it's easier to make adjustments on the margins of your budget rather than the whole. Mental accounting? Sure, but it may keep me on track to getting that 8% YOY social security raise. Creating an LMP/funded income floor like this isn't mental accounti...
by johnny
Tue May 24, 2022 5:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Asset Allocation resulting from creating a Social Security Bridge
Replies: 49
Views: 4412

Re: Asset Allocation resulting from creating a Social Security Bridge

- The gap, at least in the referenced sources, is filled by selling some of your savings/IRA, and either sticking the lump sum in a savings acct (bad, more taxes, miniscule growth), or, keeping the proceeds inside your IRA and using them to buy a bond and/or CD ladder (or the iShares example that someone posted) that is entirely exhausted by the time you start collecting SS. As these assets mature and pay out to your IRA's cash acct, you pull your needed monthly amt from the cash acct (the sources use the monthly SS amt you'd get at age 70, or your FRA, however long your bridge needs to last). How is this different from just spending from the bond/CD/cash side of your portfolio? Seems the same to me. Unless it is different in some way I am...
by johnny
Mon May 23, 2022 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tires for 16 year old car
Replies: 125
Views: 9227

Re: Tires for 16 year old car

I tried used tires once. Not again.

Just put a new pair of General's on my 2009 Odyssey. Drives great. Safe. Given the age of the car, no idea how long they will be needed. But why risk your safety with used tires?
by johnny
Thu May 19, 2022 1:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 10Y TIPS May Re-Opening
Replies: 73
Views: 8632

Re: 10Y TIPS May Re-Opening

I'm pleased to see the "bounce." Just purchased the first rung of a TIPS ladder. A couple of years ago I think this topic would have been completely baffling to me, but with the help of this forum, and reading Bill Bernstein and Harry Sit, things are making sense. I appreciate everyone's input!
by johnny
Sun Apr 17, 2022 7:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Buying single family home vs renting an apartment
Replies: 11
Views: 1193

Re: Buying single family home vs renting an apartment

There are a few rent versus buy resources on the web, but I like the analysis posted by JL Collins
https://jlcollinsnh.com/2012/02/23/rent ... e-numbers/

Often the monthly payment of a house seems affordable, but people fail to take all of the cost of ownership into consideration. Thus the concept of "house poor"
by johnny
Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying for children's college
Replies: 95
Views: 9194

Re: Paying for children's college

You need to spend some time with a spreadsheet to figure out how much you can afford. Also, your 50 now -- retirement is not that far off. That needs a plan too. Stay far away from parent loans. The rules on student borrowing are much more forgiving then those for parents.

My son wanted to go to a private school. I told him he could go as long as he shared the cost (loans of course). After the first year, he decided he would rather not spend that much money on the private school. Now he's at a public school that he likes better, and he will graduate in a much better financial position.
by johnny
Sat Oct 30, 2021 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Retired at 61 why do I feel guilty
Replies: 162
Views: 28959

Re: Retired at 61 why do I feel guilty

I apologize if this is a repeat, but I recently read The New Retirementality: Planning Your Life and Living Your Dreams...at Any Age You Want https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119611482/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_131PVJR30WMCEXYABW7C. It basically makes the case that we aren't wired for "retirement", which in the context of human existence is a fairly new concept. (I found the history on where "retirement" started insightful.) It pointed out that most of us are wired to do "something" (aka work), and turning that off isn't exactly easy. While more nuanced and insightful, it basically points out that few of us are "happy" living a life without filling a "need" - and things like golfing all day eventua...
by johnny
Wed Oct 27, 2021 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your cell phone bill for a family of 4 grown-ups?
Replies: 118
Views: 11315

Re: What is your cell phone bill for a family of 4 grown-ups?

$107 per month for 4 lines
Unlimited data, voice and text (T-Mobile)
Includes bundled Netflix

I got a family deal from a few years back with veteran discount. I also always buy phones separately (usually 1 year old through Swappa)
by johnny
Tue Sep 14, 2021 6:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is COMPLETE retirement overrated?
Replies: 121
Views: 13589

Re: Is COMPLETE retirement overrated?

Work is a good thing, and part time work seems to be a fit for us as we get older. However, a couple of things to keep in mind before taking this path: Starting a business is hard and takes energy and dedication that may not be available to you if you are in slow down mode Even as an hourly employee, your boss is going to try to get more than you want to give. DW, semi retired, constantly finds her part time services job (to do it well) requires more than her employer is willing to pay for. And I am constantly getting ask to overextend with my part time teaching gig. It's pretty difficult to piece together a "half job", work half time, and actually make half of the income that you're used to receiving. Best to work full time at so...
by johnny
Fri Sep 10, 2021 8:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: FAFSA seriously? My kids see it?
Replies: 136
Views: 12287

Re: FAFSA seriously? My kids see it?

I know that the student is supposed to fill out the Fafsa themselves, but practically speaking...?

3 college kids and I have filled out Fafsa for all as a way to get access to the federal student loan that Uncle Sam presents to everyone as a "just in case." But we've never needed it.

The years I haven't filled out FAFSA my student has been more likely to get the random $1k scholarship that I believe schools give out to make sure you show up in September.

My guess is that the FAFSA is the school's primary tool for demographics and tuition pricing strategies. I believe they would be put out not having the data. Hard to believe that your student wouldn't graduate.
by johnny
Fri Sep 03, 2021 5:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Early Career House Poor
Replies: 84
Views: 8291

Re: Early Career House Poor

I am tempted to buy first home and accept that cash flow will be tight, so that we can stop renting and lock in a payment. I believe that home prices in our market are going to continue to outpace the national average appreciation. Would you advise locking in the payment, living lean and betting on future income growth? Or would you wait a few years, risk the continued price appreciation, and hope that income growth makes mortgage payment more comfortable? I know that this is market speculation, but it is also income growth speculation. So in either case, I am operating under assumptions. I know this is a market and person specific choice, I am just broadly wondering what the optimal strategy is. I appreciate the insight and will definitel...
by johnny
Fri Sep 03, 2021 5:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Keep or Drop Auto Comprehensive & Collision?
Replies: 25
Views: 3279

Re: Keep or Drop Auto Comprehensive & Collision?

I have a 2009 Subaru Legacy with 104,000 miles in good condition and had $3,500 of major maintenance/replacements done a year ago as I intend to drive it for at least 3 more years, likely 5 or as long as it makes sense. It's just a commuter for my 4 mile drive to the office. Kelley Blue Book estimates it's about a $7,000 car if sold privately (trade in value is about half of that). In today's market, I have not idea if that's accurate, but I know buying any new or used car is challenging. All that said, I have read "rules of thumb" that indicate I could drop collision and comprehensive coverage because potential damage could end up just totaling the vehicle in the insurer's eyes. I'm not really sure how to think about this though...
by johnny
Fri Sep 03, 2021 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How much of a pay cut is reasonable for a shorter commute?
Replies: 207
Views: 17378

Re: How much of a pay cut is reasonable for a shorter commute?

Jags4186 wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 7:59 am Negotiate the new employment offer. Then leverage that offer for a WFH arrangement and a raise with current employer.

Boom problems solved.
+1

And the Glassdoor rating is scary low. I worked for a company that was in the 2.5 range once. Chaos.
by johnny
Fri Aug 20, 2021 6:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tax Planning for 2021 - $1400 economic impact payment
Replies: 8
Views: 1201

Re: Tax Planning for 2021 - $1400 economic impact payment

According to an analysis at kitces.com, this year there is an AGI range of $150k to $160k that has a marginal tax rate of > 100% due to the stimulus.

https://www.kitces.com/blog/the-america ... d-to-know/

I for one will be keeping my AGI under $150k :-)
by johnny
Mon Jul 12, 2021 6:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anyone accelerating their 401/457/403 contributions in next X weeks/months?
Replies: 31
Views: 2688

Re: anyone accelerating their 401/457/403 contributions in next X weeks/months?

How many are looking at now (if possible) contributing say 2X every two weeks and maxing out sooner rather then over the course of an entire year? Just seems like a decent way to get equities 'on sale' with money you'd normally be investing anyway. (This assumes the market will eventually go back up and the zombie apocalypse doesn't take over where we're living like cave men again making fire with 2 sticks, hunting with spears, etc) anyone follow through on this at/around the market low during Covid in 2020? https://i.postimg.cc/s24FLkRv/vtsax.png I made extra large contributions in the first 5 months of 2020, some of which were pretty good timing for the drawdown. But I was laid off in May so I never got to max out for the year. Fortunate...
by johnny
Sun Jul 11, 2021 9:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Lendin child house money and having them take a mortgage out and pay you back
Replies: 23
Views: 3419

Re: Lendin child house money and having them take a mortgage out and pay you back

It seems like your goal is facilitating a cash offer. However if you trust your son and want to provide flexibility in his mortgage you may be interested in checking out this service

https://www.nationalfamilymortgage.com/

Benefits of this for your son: more attractive mortgage terms. Benefits for you would be rates higher than your typical bond fund (not to mention parental satisfaction).
by johnny
Sun May 30, 2021 7:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: HSA Catch-up Contribution
Replies: 28
Views: 3822

Re: HSA Catch-up Contribution

People who turn 55 are not automatically eligible to contribute the full $1,000. They can only contribute for the number of months they have been 55. Line 7 of form 8889 instruction has the details. For year 56 and later, no restriction. I believe that you are misreading the instruction. People who turn 55 can only contribute a catch up contribution for the number of months they are eligible for participation in HSA --not the number of months they are 55. See below for the definition of "eligible" in the instruction. Eligible Individual To be eligible to have contributions made to your HSA, you must be covered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and have no other health coverage except certain disregarded coverage. If you ...
by johnny
Mon May 24, 2021 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Buying a used Android phone. Having doubts.
Replies: 37
Views: 3718

Re: Buying a used Adroid phone. Having doubts.

I buy used phones from Swappa. They have to meet certain standards to list, including security and battery life. The reason to buy used over new is that one still gets years out of them at less than half the price. (I hated the Moto G ten years ago so to me buying a $250 Moto new is a waste of $100. Sorry Moto lovers!) I can vouch for Swappa as I have purchased 4-5 phones this way. The sellers are vetted and you can choose your tolerance for scratches (new/excellent/good/fair). Just purchased a Samsung S9 for DW in excellent condition at a fraction of the new price. Yes battery is not like new, but with a used phone I don't worry about the abuse it will take. Can't abide the thought of either one of us walking around with $1000 phone in ou...
by johnny
Fri May 14, 2021 5:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Does it make financial sense to buy a "beater" for a long distance commute?
Replies: 89
Views: 8223

Re: Does it make financial sense to buy a "beater" for a long distance commute?

retiredjg wrote: Wed May 12, 2021 4:43 pm You will be spending 8 hours a week in this car, at least some of it at the end of a long day. It should be comfortable and reliable. I would not get a beater for this. In fact, depending on what I had, I might consider an upgrade.
Absolutely true. I put 25k miles per year the last few years due to a long commute. Your comfort and safety are *really* important. As far as the wear on the car goes, they are highway miles, so not as bad as short frequent trips around town.
by johnny
Thu May 13, 2021 8:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best time to buy tires
Replies: 36
Views: 4107

Re: Best time to buy tires

JoeRetire wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 6:05 pm
dubsem wrote: Thu May 13, 2021 5:50 pm I researched April and October are popular months for tire deals
Yup. Best deals are usually April (due to upcoming vacation travel) and October (due to upcoming winter).
Your mileage may vary...
I agree with this timing, in order to catch the rebates. There are other ways to save money, but by planning ahead and ordering online I can get just the tires I want.

Buying when you're tires are at the end of the line will usually result in limited choices and possibly in a dangerous driving situation.
by johnny
Fri May 07, 2021 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Maintain AA in tIRA only vs across tIRA and Roth
Replies: 11
Views: 1044

Re: Maintain AA in tIRA only vs across tIRA and Roth

I would stick with your current plan. Why move high earning assets to tax deferred account? Just to ensure that Uncle Sam gets a bigger cut?

You may consider allocating a slice of bonds in Roth if you intend to draw on it to keep your income below a certain threshold.
by johnny
Thu May 06, 2021 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Wait until 70 to claim SS. Is this always best?
Replies: 68
Views: 6598

Re: Wait until 70 to claim SS. Is this always best?

A great treatment on this topic from the creator of the opensocialsecurity.org site was recently recorded on The Long View podcast from Morningstar. Some of the math is not intuitive.

https://www.morningstar.com/podcasts/the-long-view/107
by johnny
Fri Apr 30, 2021 10:35 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The Bogleheads Guides - Books
Replies: 33
Views: 2844

Re: The Bogleheads Guides - Books

I read them in reverse order of the way you listed. The Three Fund Portfolio opened my eyes to the concept that fund overlap actually reduces diversification. The Guide to Retirement was the first retirement planning book I read, and it actually convinced me that I could create a reasonable plan myself. And as everyone has said to date, the Guide to Investing is the most comprehensive and most useful as a reference.

Thanks Taylor and everyone else who contributed!
by johnny
Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wireless Earbuds/Headphones Recommendations?
Replies: 53
Views: 9719

Re: Wireless Earbuds/Headphones Recommendations?

I rather like my Jabra Elite 65t earbuds. They have a good battery life and are pretty comfortable. A little less costly than the Apple earbuds. I do wish they had a mute button on the earbud itself.
by johnny
Sun Apr 11, 2021 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Finally read the Little Book of Common Sense Investing...
Replies: 8
Views: 1739

Re: Finally read the Little Book of Common Sense Investing...

BV3273 wrote: Sun Apr 11, 2021 1:56 pm
epictetus wrote: Sun Apr 11, 2021 1:46 pm I totally agree. I read the first edition years ago and the updated (2017) edition yesterday.

I think it is an outstanding book. Very clear. Very easy to follow.

His personality really comes through as well.

It is my favorite investing book.
I like that it’s straight from the horses mouth so to speak. I think that’s the difference maker for me.
What a great book! It outlines the evidence and it is explained in a way that really clicked for me. I actually was shopping for books about "how to pick stocks" when I ran into this one and also the Bogleheads series. What a difference it has made in my investing outlook!
by johnny
Sat Apr 10, 2021 3:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How much $$ to get kitchen cabinets painted?
Replies: 42
Views: 6463

Re: How much $$ to get kitchen cabinets painted?

Hired a contractor friend to do it a few years ago. It's a medium sized kitchen. I think he did it for for around $1,500 but in retrospect he may have underbid. It's a labor-intensive process -- lots of knobs and hardware to deal with.
by johnny
Fri Apr 09, 2021 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tips to track monthly budget
Replies: 51
Views: 5122

Re: Tips to track monthly budget

+1 YNAB

Also, I highly recommend doing an annual budget (as well as a monthly?). Too many variations month to month
by johnny
Thu Apr 08, 2021 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash Accounts vs 529
Replies: 2
Views: 425

Re: Cash Accounts vs 529

In NY there is a deduction on state income tax of up to $10k for 529 contributions. That's worth about $500-600. I contribute the $10k and leave the rest accessible.

If you have a long horizon and are seeking tax free growth, that may change your approach.
by johnny
Wed Apr 07, 2021 11:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taking a paycut for a more stable state job (CA)?
Replies: 120
Views: 10086

Re: Taking a paycut for a more stable state job (CA)?

OP, have you thought about keeping your good pay at the current company, but make a change internally to a position that is more challenging and secure? In fact you may want to have a talk with your manager expressing your desire to do more and try something different. There will be time to change course later. Many tech employees make a shift to government service after 50 (when the ageism sets in). Also, there are several good advantages to hanging on until the layoff. Severance, unused vacation compensated, and waive of vesting rules are some of those. If you decide to stick it out, make sure you have your sources of emergency funds identified and your expenses under control. I can very much relate to the concern of being the sole earne...