Search found 9440 matches

by HomeStretch
Sat Apr 01, 2023 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Joint CC post-divorce
Replies: 16
Views: 1351

Re: Joint CC post-divorce

If there is an account balance, have you confirmed with the credit card company that your ex in fact really was able to close the account?

Are you on good terms with your ex where you can explain how the issue if affecting your credit? Perhaps your ex would then choose to pay off this balance separately from whatever debt consolidation is going on.
by HomeStretch
Sat Apr 01, 2023 1:50 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: e-file amendment for 2019?
Replies: 7
Views: 229

Re: e-file amendment for 2019?

When this topic came up in another thread a couple months ago, an internet search of the TurboTax forum showed that the TT software will only allow you to e-file an amendment for the current tax year. Prior years must be paper filed. While the IRS allows e-filing of amended returns for open tax years, professional tax software may be needed to e-file a prior year amended return.
by HomeStretch
Sat Apr 01, 2023 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My mom's portfolio under the guidance of a CFP/CFA
Replies: 40
Views: 2374

Re: My mom's portfolio under the guidance of a CFP/CFA

While your mom’s AUM fee is low at 0.33% of AUM, her advisor has her portfolio in what looks to be some high-cost funds that would be an investment cost in addition to the $8k advisor fee. For example, her Account 1 holding PONAX (PIMCO Income A) has a front load and a 0.91% ER. But in the absence of a complete post in the “Asking Portfolio Questions” as per my prior post, I don’t think you should advise any changes without having the complete picture. Edit: This is going to take some time for me to gather all this information; I'll get back to this. … You obviously have the best of intentions in wanting to help your parents. Be sure to take the “temperature of the room” to be sure both your parents are really ready to accept you gathering ...
by HomeStretch
Sat Apr 01, 2023 8:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My mom's portfolio under the guidance of a CFP/CFA
Replies: 40
Views: 2374

Re: My mom's portfolio under the guidance of a CFP/CFA

Thanks for posting your mom’s AUM portfolio based on feedback you received in your other active thread about taking a CFP course and CFP exam in order to manage your mom’s portfolio found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=401537 You are showing here just your mom’s AUM portfolio. It is not ideal to ask for feedback on just this portion of your mom’s finances. As she is married, it would also make sense to include your dad’s information plus other relevant info such as their ages, marginal tax rate, desired asset allocation, etc. For best feedback, edit your original post using the pencil ✏️ icon to include their complete financial picture using the “Asking Portfolio Questions” template found here: https://www.bogleheads...
by HomeStretch
Sat Apr 01, 2023 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cannot Rollover just Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA?
Replies: 18
Views: 1850

Re: Cannot Rollover just Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA?

If you are trying to preserve your ability to do future backdoor Roths, that means you may have future compensation. If you are taking another job, you [edit - may] have the ability to rollover the traditional 401k into a new employer plan and rollover Roth/aftertax balances to a Roth IRA.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to provide unsolicited investing advice
Replies: 49
Views: 3025

Re: How to provide unsolicited investing advice

If you exchange holiday or birthday gifts, consider gifting your sibling a book such as “The Bogleheads Guide to Investing” or “How to Make Your Money Last” by Jane Bryant Quinn.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:27 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Durable Power of Attorney - What Powers for Kids?
Replies: 5
Views: 384

Re: Durable Power of Attorney - What Powers for Kids?

Which powers are you looking to limit? For example, gifting, sale of your primary residence, etc.? I think you are the best judge of this.

Just be careful that you don’t put limits that can become counter-productive in the event that you are suddenly and permanently incapacitated after your spouse’s death. We ran into this when my FIL died unexpectedly and my MIL immediately afterwards developed rapid-onset dementia that required in-facility care within a couple months at $15k/month private pay. As her DPOA prohibited the sale of her primary residence, my spouse (her agent) had to obtain a court order to effect the sale in order to pay for her care. This was onerous at a time when we were trying to settle FIL’s estate, look after MIL, etc.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 31, 2023 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The workings of a DPOA
Replies: 13
Views: 742

Re: The workings of a DPOA

If your dad is elderly, needs assistance now and/or does not have a spouse, it’s important in my opinion for him to provide an original durable power of attorney to each of his attorneys-in-fact (agents) and get them recognized by his financial institutions. Same goes for his healthcare POA/advance directives. If/when needed, the last thing you want to do is to lose time obtaining the document or getting it recognized by his financial institutions. Who knows what kind of proof of incapacitation the attorney will require to release your dad’s current original POA. It can be very difficult to find a doctor willing to verify incapacitation. In my state, financial institutions legally must accept a properly executed DPOA if the the state statut...
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 31, 2023 9:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Selling Home: How Far In Advance of Sale Can Improvement Costs Be Collected To Offset Gain?
Replies: 14
Views: 915

Re: Selling Home: How Far In Advance of Sale Can Improvements Be Collected To Offset Gain?

Generally as a single filer you can exclude up to $250k of the capital gain on the sale of your primary residence from Federal income taxes. Your state may treat any gain differently if you are subject to state income tax. A gain above $250k is taxed at Federal capital gain rates. Selling costs reduce the sale proceeds. The adjusted basis for the house usually includes your purchase price + purchase costs + any qualified capital improvements you made while owning it. If this is the sale of your primary residence, read IRS Publication 523 “Selling Your Home”, linked below. If you have ever had rental income/deductions for the home or have deducted home office expense for a business, read those sections carefully. https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-...
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 31, 2023 9:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Good chance of a layoff in the next month, should I max out my mega backdoor Roth?
Replies: 5
Views: 629

Re: Good chance of a layoff in the next month, should I max out my mega backdoor Roth?

Pinacoladapopsicle wrote: Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:59 am … I won't come close to hitting the max for the year if I contribute 100% of my next two paychecks. …
Your company likely has a cap on the maximum % you can contribute. Usually it’s <100% to leave sufficient payroll $ to cover tax withholdings, etc.
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 30, 2023 5:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do Re-Married Couples with Children Handle Legacy to Spouses/Kids?
Replies: 21
Views: 2401

Re: How do Re-Married Couples with Children Handle Legacy to Spouses/Kids?

Based on having friends with a parent who remarried and passed first, it seems like issues arose between the kids of the first marriage and the second wife/husband (who had a reasonably good relationship) when:
- the parent left the house to the kids with a life estate to the wife/husband.
- the parent did not clearly identify who personal possessions should pass to.
- the husband/wife was suspected of changing online beneficiaries on accounts belonging to the unaware parent because the parent shared passwords with the husband/wife or made them an authorized agent/POA.

So in your planning, try to avoid these issues.
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 30, 2023 4:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: House with Sewage Pump
Replies: 14
Views: 989

Re: House with Sewage Pump

The taped up toilets are a big red flag, real or perceived.
Personally, I would pass unless the house checked every other box for me. In that case, I would get an engineer out to check out the sewage system setup.
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 30, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to provide unsolicited investing advice
Replies: 49
Views: 3025

Re: How to provide unsolicited investing advice

Welcome to the forum!

Your sibling is lucky to have a caring sibling like you. However, after two conversations about this with your sibling, consider saying no more. Unless you believe your sibling is incompetent to manage [edit- their] financial affairs or will expect you to support [edit-them] if [edit- they] runs short financially in retirement.
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 30, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Divestment Strategy for Mom in Long-Term Care Facility
Replies: 16
Views: 1852

Re: Divestment Strategy for Mom in Long-Term Care Facility

I was POA for my dad with dementia and co-morbidities living in an excellent skilled nursing facility that accepted Medicaid assignment if assets were depleted (which they were in my dad’s case as he was Medicaid-pending when he recently passed). Your projection of 5% annual facility increases is reasonable as care facilities generally raise rates annually. If your mom is not currently at the highest level of care (with highest cost), the cost will increase more than 5% in years her care level increases. +1 to the Hospice recommendation by another poster. Hospice is a great resource and will likely improve your mom’s care and comfort like it did for my dad. If her portfolio is projected to cover 5 years or less, consider reducing her equity...
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 30, 2023 7:43 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cannot Rollover just Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA?
Replies: 18
Views: 1850

Re: Cannot Rollover just Roth 401(k) to Roth IRA?

Read the plan agreement to verify your options for distributions as a former employee.
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 29, 2023 1:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Requirements for Terminating Solo 401k at Fidelity
Replies: 1
Views: 170

Re: Requirements for Terminating Solo 401k at Fidelity

Consider adding a plan termination notice to your Solo 401k files.

File the final Form 5500-EZ sooner rather than later via the EFAST2 system. It does some validation checks before filing transmittal plus you receive an electronic confirmation of timely filing.
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA subsidy advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2292

Re: ACA subsidy advice

Thanks for everyone's input. In addition to premium tax credits, I found information on cost sharing which reduces OOP expenses. Those benefits are available only through Silver plans. I have not compared those benefits (if any, to us) to the reduced cost of Bronze plans. https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/explaining-health-care-reform-questions-about-health-insurance-subsidies/ Your ACA MAGI as a % of the federal poverty limit needs to be low to qualify for silver plan cost-sharing subsidies (CSR) in addition to premium tax credits (PTC). As you are living on ordinary income from TIRA withdrawals until SS @ age 70, it may be difficult to keep your MAGI low enough to received CSR/PTCs while having sufficient cash to fund living ...
by HomeStretch
Tue Mar 28, 2023 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Store a car for a kid?
Replies: 25
Views: 2752

Re: Store a car for a kid?

The vehicle is not reliable (you don’t trust it) and it lacks newer safety features. Rather than holding onto it, consider buying a new or recent-model-year used car for yourself or your child in 2 years. The child’s car is an investment for at least 6-8 years of his driving (high school, college, 1st job). The 2007 vehicle doesn’t sound like it will hold up for 8-10 more years.
by HomeStretch
Tue Mar 28, 2023 12:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Backdoor Roth IRA Issue
Replies: 24
Views: 1426

Re: TurboTax Backdoor Roth IRA Issue

Congratulations on resolving your TT issue!
by HomeStretch
Tue Mar 28, 2023 9:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Backdoor Roth IRA Issue
Replies: 24
Views: 1426

Re: TurboTax Backdoor Roth IRA Issue

Yes, thanks. I had already tried that and it didn't work. For good measure, I just went back, deleted all the 1099-R forms, and then manually re-entered them without success. It still thinks I owe $5,168 on $12,000 of IRA distributions when I preview the draft 1040 form. I agree with HomeStretch. The problem is not with your 1099-R. The problem seems to be that you haven't properly told TurboTax that your contributions were non-deductible. Yes, I'm pretty sure that the issue is that TurboTax isn't recognizing that my 2022 IRA contributions were nondeductible, which is why it thinks the conversion is taxable (instead of realizing the basis for the conversion eliminates any tax due). … Does your 2022 1040 MAGI and workplace 401k status allow...
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: TurboTax Backdoor Roth IRA Issue
Replies: 24
Views: 1426

Re: TurboTax Backdoor Roth IRA Issue

Is TurboTax perhaps showing the IRA contribution as deductible which means that the Form 1099-R distribution related to the Roth conversion would then be taxable?
Naris wrote: Mon Mar 27, 2023 8:28 pm … For good measure, I just went back, deleted all the 1099-R forms, and then manually re-entered them without success. It still thinks I owe $5,168 on $12,000 of IRA distributions when I preview the draft 1040 form. …
Have you tried deleting both the contribution and the Form 1099-R distribution, re-entering the contribution (check whether your taxes owed at top of the screen changes) and re-entering the distribution/conversion (again checking whether taxes owed at top of the screen changes)?
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: backdoor roth, forgot about rollover IRA
Replies: 12
Views: 939

Re: backdoor roth, forgot about rollover IRA

IRAs are individual accounts. Your spouse’s Rollover IRA does not impact your backdoor Roth.
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Purchasing winter home questions
Replies: 13
Views: 1611

Re: Purchasing winter home questions

Rather than selling investments, another possible option is a securities-based lending line against your Taxable account. No idea which brokerages are the best for this, what current rates are and what the maximum % of your Taxable account balance they will lend against. There are past forum threads on this topic you might search for.

For example, here is a write up by Schwab about their lending line (see 3rd item):
https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/3-wa ... our-assets
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 9:22 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.
Replies: 85
Views: 7503

Re: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.

Every additional $ your mom can put into savings is helpful. So a possible conversation with your mom could be: “hey mom, if you use a low-cost brokerage account at Fidelity [or Schwab] instead of your current broker and a bank savings account, you can reduce your investment cost by ~$200/year on your investments and earn ~$1,100/year more by using treasuries or a treasury money market fund for your cash savings. The additional $1,300 in savings will boost your current savings rate of $7,200/year by 18% to $8,500/year. With little risk, this helps you increase your retirement portfolio. Plus Fidelity has a local office that can help you in a pinch if I’m not around.” This might be good advice to someone else. But this is not good advice he...
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.
Replies: 85
Views: 7503

Re: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.

Every additional $ your mom can put into savings is helpful. So a possible conversation with your mom could be:
“hey mom, if you use a low-cost brokerage account at Fidelity [or Schwab] instead of your current broker and a bank savings account, you can reduce your investment cost by ~$200/year on your investments and earn ~$1,100/year more by using treasuries or a treasury money market fund for your cash savings. The additional $1,300 in savings will boost your current savings rate of $7,200/year by 18% to $8,500/year. With little risk, this helps you increase your retirement portfolio. Plus Fidelity has a local office that can help you in a pinch if I’m not around.”
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: solo 401k contribution limit
Replies: 8
Views: 721

Re: solo 401k contribution limit

xtallographer wrote: Sun Mar 26, 2023 10:37 pm In this case, in 2023 the total allowed solo401K contribution is 66000+7500=73500; this is because (22500+7500+25%*200000=80000, larger than 73500).
Then 73500 minus the contribution already made, 73500-2007.11-903.44 = 70589.45. Is this calculation correct?
The maximum allowable Solo 401k employER contribution is 20% x ($200,000 - employER share of self-employment tax).

If you correct the underlined portion of your calculation, above, you may get closer to the online calculator. The most accurate online calculator (for non S-Corp) is the Oblivious Investor’s calculator.
by HomeStretch
Mon Mar 27, 2023 5:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: ACA subsidy advice
Replies: 29
Views: 2292

Re: ACA subsidy advice

Per your post, you need cash to fund your expenses. If your only option to generate cash is through distributions from your tax deferred accounts (as you don’t want to touch Roth accounts or cut expenses), then I don’t see an option other than perhaps a HELOC to significantly control your MAGI for ACA subsidy purposes. If you borrow in 2023/4 via the HELOC and repay in 2025, will the large 2025 distribution from your tax deferred account (in order to repay the HELOC) cause you to be subject to Medicare IRMAA? Also, will the incremental ACA subsidies you receive be worthwhile $-wise given the HELOC borrowing rate? Also look at the 2024-only HELOC borrowing/subsidy option. Depending on how much you have in your Roth accounts and what you plan...
by HomeStretch
Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.
Replies: 85
Views: 7503

Re: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.

If your mom is contributing $600/month to a Taxable savings account, she should instead contribute to a Roth IRA, which will grow tax free. Or to a deductible Traditional IRA, if eligible, as it looks like her marginal tax rate in retirement may be lower than her current rate.
by HomeStretch
Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.
Replies: 85
Views: 7503

Re: Help me help my mom who is in very bad financial shape.

Welcome to the forum! Good move to get a higher rate on her savings. What is your mom’s profit sharing invested in? I’d move all the money invested by an advisor to low ER funds to save a bit in investment costs. Also I’d verify there really isn’t any advisor fee. If your mom nets $60k after tax and saves $7.2k/year to get savings account, is she spending the remainder of $53k? If yes, it would be helpful if she analyzes her spending to look for possible cost savings that she can, in turn, contribute to her savings. If her annual gross retirement spending will continue to be $53k plus taxes (let’s say $60k), if not working after age 70 she will have to fund net annual expenses (after SS) of $29k. At a 4%-5% withdrawal rate, she needs a reti...
by HomeStretch
Sun Mar 26, 2023 8:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help With What More Can / Should I do???
Replies: 32
Views: 3404

Re: Help With What More Can / Should I do???

As your state offers a 529 state tax deduction, at a minimum do fund/immediately withdraw (if allowed) the $3500/year for education cost (if qualified) through a 529 account.
by HomeStretch
Sun Mar 26, 2023 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 401k and IRA questions
Replies: 7
Views: 658

Re: 401k and IRA questions

Welcome to the forum! If you have additional questions about your portfolio, for best advice post using the template found in “Asking Portfolio Questions” here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asking_portfolio_questions This way we have the information needed to give you the best advice. For example, in answering your questions it would be helpful to know your Federal and state marginal tax rates and what type of IRA you mention in your post. 1. … I'm in high tax bracket so I don't know what's best for me Roth or Traditional 401k? … Read the BH wiki page linked by lakpr , above. The Traditional v. Roth decision starts with comparing your actual marginal tax rate at contribution to your projected rate at withdrawal in retirement. If your rat...
by HomeStretch
Sun Mar 26, 2023 2:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: [SOLVED] How does my employer figure the 401k match?
Replies: 64
Views: 5112

Re: How does my employer figure the 401k match?

Have you read the match language in your 401k plan document? Matching contribution % may not apply to income from tips and commissions.
by HomeStretch
Sat Mar 25, 2023 8:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recharacterizing 2022's i401K contribution to be a Roth 401k contribution instead
Replies: 11
Views: 617

Re: Recharacterizing 2022's i401K contribution to be a Roth 401k contribution instead

Vanguard’s i401k does not allow in-plan Roth rollovers. E*TRADE’s i401k is the only mainstream plan that I am aware of that allows it. You can amend your plan from Vanguard to E*TRADE.
by HomeStretch
Sat Mar 25, 2023 7:53 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Adjusting my portfolio after starting a new job with a 401(k)
Replies: 13
Views: 868

Re: Adjusting my portfolio after starting a new job with a 401(k)

Welcome to the forum! +1 to retired@50 ’s advice to post your portfolio in the “Asking Portfolio Questions” for best feedback. In the meantime, in your Taxable account turn off automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions so you don’t buy more of funds that you may not want. Reinvest in a low cost S&P 500 or total stock market index fund. The BH wiki is a great source of info. The page, linked below, about tax-efficient fund placement may be helpful. It discusses where best to place your holdings in your various accounts. https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Tax-efficient_fund_placement Either convert the $4k rollover IRA to Roth IRA (this is taxable) or roll it over into your ADP 401k (if allowed; this is not taxable) ...
by HomeStretch
Sat Mar 25, 2023 7:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Various Roth conversions and MAGI
Replies: 11
Views: 1055

Re: Various Roth conversions and MAGI

tl24 wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 11:52 pm … Which of the following, if any, will count towards your MAGI for Roth IRA contribution income limits?
- Pretax 401k to Roth 401k in-plan conversions (i think YES?)
- After tax 401k to Roth 401k in-plan conversions, although this amount should be minimal if promptly converted (I think YES?)
- Traditional IRA to Roth IRA conversions (I think NO?) …
You are correct - yes, yes (just the converted pretax earnings, if any), and no.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 24, 2023 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recharacterizing 2022's i401K contribution to be a Roth 401k contribution instead
Replies: 11
Views: 617

Re: Recharacterizing 2022's i401K contribution to be a Roth 401k contribution instead

… They sent a form to "remove excess contribution"... In addition to SuzBanyan ’s comments, it doesn’t seem appropriate that Vanguard is advising you to remove this as an “excess contribution”. You technically have not made an IRS-defined excess 401k deferral as you are eligible to make the contribution. Rather, you are trying to recharacterize it from pre-tax to Roth. Also, if you did not make a written 2022 employee elective deferral by 12/31/22, you aren’t able to make a tax year 2022 Solo 401k employee elective deferral in calendar year 2023. HomeStretch, are you certain that the following statement is true? "Also, if you did not make a written 2022 employee elective deferral by 12/31/22, you aren’t able to make a tax ye...
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 24, 2023 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 401K Profit Sharing component.
Replies: 5
Views: 478

Re: 401K Profit Sharing component.

Caliscotsman wrote: Mon Mar 20, 2023 12:30 pm … Does the profit share amount need to be contributed by tax day this year? (Tall order)
If cash flow is an issue, you are allowed to make the 401k employer contribution after you file your return. So if you file an extension, you can file your return now but make the contribution afterwards up to the extension deadline. This can be handy for someone who, for example, needs their tax refund to make the contribution.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 24, 2023 3:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I don't have to worry about living past 80, even if I retire at 46 with just 23X
Replies: 276
Views: 23414

Re: I don't have to worry about living past 80, even if I retire at 46 with just 23X

Patzer wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 1:04 pm … At 80, I could get a reverse mortgage, buy a SPIA (Single Premium Immediate Annuity) with the proceeds. That SPIA would pay 14.7K/yr, for a total of 49.7K/yr with Social Security. Most likely, I will still have investments to cover the remaining 4.3K, but even if I don't that won't matter, because I will easily be able to live on 49.7K/yr (Inflation Adjusted).
If you don’t have any assets remaining at age 80, I don’t believe an insurance company will allow you to buy a SPIA with 100% of your reverse mortgage proceeds. You may be limited to 50%. At least that’s what I recall from when I purchased a SPIA for a parent last year.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 24, 2023 3:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Recharacterizing 2022's i401K contribution to be a Roth 401k contribution instead
Replies: 11
Views: 617

Re: Recharacterizing 2022's i401K contribution to be a Roth 401k contribution instead

lucha wrote: Fri Mar 24, 2023 1:21 pm … They sent a form to "remove excess contribution"...
In addition to SuzBanyan’s comments, it doesn’t seem appropriate that Vanguard is advising you to remove this as an “excess contribution”. You technically have not made an IRS-defined excess 401k deferral as you are eligible to make the contribution. Rather, you are trying to recharacterize it from pre-tax to Roth.

Also, if you did not make a written 2022 employee elective deferral by 12/31/22, you aren’t able to make a tax year 2022 Solo 401k employee elective deferral in calendar year 2023.
by HomeStretch
Fri Mar 24, 2023 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is there a minimum when donor advised funds are worth it?
Replies: 14
Views: 852

Re: Is there a minimum when donor advised funds are worth it?

Edit - for a $1k annual donation, likely not worth using a DAF unless you want to give anonymously. Some DAFs have minimum donation amounts (I think Fidelity is $25). But utilizing a DAF might be part of your estate planning.

In addition to the tax and anonymous giving mentioned by others, above, my/spouse’s plan is to leave any charitable bequests to be directed through our DAF rather than name any charities directly in our Wills.
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicaid lookback
Replies: 14
Views: 1069

Re: Medicaid lookback

In the event of a dementia diagnosis for one spouse, consult with an experienced elder law attorney in your state. At a minimum, both of your durable powers of attorney and Will may need to be updated in case Medicaid LTC is ever needed. In my parents state, the home and one car was transferred to the well spouse with no possibility of Medicaid clawback. The point of the planning was to leave sufficient assets for the well spouse.
by HomeStretch
Thu Mar 23, 2023 10:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicaid lookback
Replies: 14
Views: 1069

Re: Medicaid lookback

Long-term care either in-home or in-facility is expensive. If I were in your situation, my focus would not be on the potential care costs depleting an inheritance. Rather my focus would be on insuring one spouse’s cost of care, if needed, did not drain the couple’s joint assets to the point where the well/community spouse is left impoverished without enough to live on or for their own long-term care. Edit - after our parents’ situations, spouse and I have discussed that if either of us are diagnosed with dementia, we will consider putting a portion of our assets in an irrevocable trust for the benefit of the “well” spouse. But the substantial portion of our assets will go to the care of the spouse with dementia (at a minimum, enough to fund...
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hiring Personal Care Attendant for Elderly Parent - Medicaid Spendown
Replies: 8
Views: 996

Re: Hiring Personal Care Attendant for Elderly Parent - Medicaid Spendown

In my parent’s state, the in-home care my parent received and privately paid for during the 5-year look back period does not matter to Medicaid during their review. No doctor’s certification of the level of care was needed for the Medicaid review (but it was needed for tax purposes as I noted, above). During the ongoing review of my parent’s finances for the 5-year look back period, Medicaid is primarily verifying my parent’s health need is eligible for assistance, income and countable assets as of the requested benefit start date as well as reviewing all transactions in all accounts for the 5-year look back period. They are mainly looking for undisclosed assets/income and gifting/asset transfers during the 5-year look back period which are...
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Hiring Personal Care Attendant for Elderly Parent - Medicaid Spendown
Replies: 8
Views: 996

Re: Hiring Personal Care Attendant for Elderly Parent - Medicaid Spendown

Medicaid varies by state. You need to check what home care your state’s program will cover and whether your dad is eligible for long term care benefits. Eligibility is usually based on your dad’s needs (dementia or assistance with multiple defined daily living activities) and your dad’s level of assets/income. While you are private paying, it is up to you to determine how much aide time your dad needs and can afford. Medicaid in my parent’s state will give a monthly set amount towards home care, if eligible, but I don’t know how that works. In my parent’s state, home healthcare aides through an agency are $30-$35/hour with a minimum of 4 hours per day. The availability and quality of aides is low so be sure to carefully screen the candidate...
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parent's Trust - Common Strategy?
Replies: 13
Views: 942

Re: Parent's Trust - Common Strategy?

I’ll start by saying that if your parent or you do not fully understand these complicated arrangements that you need to set up a consultation with the attorney to review them again. I don’t understand your parent’s set up (but I am not an expert) especially if the attorney is saying their income is too high to qualify for Medicaid LTC benefits in the future. Medicaid and estate planning vary by state. I can only give you my (long) version of events in my parent’s state (not NY) which may or may not help you make sense of your parent’s Trust arrangement. My parent did not have a LTC policy. An irrevocable trust for Medicaid purposes usually involves moving the title of some or all Taxable assets to a properly-constructed trust to avoid the a...
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Refund Question
Replies: 5
Views: 503

Re: IRS Refund Question

It’s not unusual for IRS correspondence to arrive separately and at a different time than a tax refund or bill.

Before calling the IRS, have you logged into your IRS.gov account to review your 2022 tax transcript and to compare it to your tax return as filed? You will probably be able to see if any line items were adjusted by the IRS that changed the amount of tax due. You may still need to call for an explanation but at least you can direct the agent to the adjusted line which may shorten your call.
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I'm Lost Regarding Tax Consequences
Replies: 30
Views: 3360

Re: I'm Lost Regarding Tax Consequences

For an objective view on your portfolio and whether there are any tax red flags, consider posting using the “Asking Portfolio Questions” template found here:
https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Asking_ ... _questions
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:29 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Equitable Life Policy 1099-R Incorrect $$
Replies: 8
Views: 520

Re: Equitable Life Policy 1099-R Incorrect $$

Is it possible your dad received two checks that total to the amount on the Form 1099-R?

Asking the issuer to explain the amounts and to correct, if necessary, the Form 1099-R is the appropriate first step. If you believe it is incorrect and the issuer does not issue a timely corrected Form, read this IRS Tax Tip for guidance:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/what-to-do ... x%20Return.
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I could use some help determining if I should start Roth conversions
Replies: 33
Views: 3611

Re: I could use some help determining if I should start Roth conversions

I don't want to derail my own topic too much but I am wondering - I'll be on Medicare this time next year, is the ACA even relevant at that point? My wife will just use my company's retiree medical for 2-3 years until she can start Medicare. I revisit the Roth conversion decision every year as variables (such as my ACA subsidies) in my analysis change from year to year. So just revisit your Roth conversion analysis annually. You/your spouse have such a short window until Medicare eligibility that likely ACA subsidies will not factor into your Roth conversion decisions for each of the next 2-3 years. If, worst case, the retiree health coverage was discontinued or the cost was higher than subsidized ACA coverage, then you might choose to tak...
by HomeStretch
Wed Mar 22, 2023 12:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Separation agreement vs. 401(k) plan rules
Replies: 3
Views: 333

Re: Separation agreement vs. 401(k) plan rules

Most of the cafeteria benefit plans that I have seen have boilerplate language that says in the event of conflicting language in agreements, the benefit plan agreement language prevails. One reason for this is to keep the cafeteria plan from jeopardizing it’s qualified tax status by not allowing special one-offs in a cafeteria plan that is meant to be applied to all employees consistently. If you really want the legal answer, you need to send both agreements to an experienced employment practices attorney. My non-legal opinion is that if the 401k plan says former employees receive the true-up even if not employed as of the date the true-up is made, you are fine. But learn from my example, below… My spouse and I (not attorneys) almost got bu...