Search found 2100 matches

by Nestegg_User
Thu Mar 21, 2024 8:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4660

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

I'd be fine with a 40 min connection time in DFW recognizing the following: - It's an A320, get a seat in the front before the exit rows (rows 4-9) so you can get off the plane fast. Rows 5-8 are all economy. If you are behind the exit rows you'll lose too much time waiting for others to deplane and the risk of not making it goes up a lot - If you're delayed at all leaving MDT you'll probably miss the connection. All of your options if you miss the connection are 2 hops mostly going through LAX, so get prepared to arrive at RDM at night. Good news is there are several, so you won't get stranded it'll just add 6+ hours to your arrival time - You're in good health and a reasonably fast walker. If you have mobility issues I wouldn't do it [/u...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Mar 21, 2024 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4660

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

Should I keep looking for better options? I would take a hard look at using the Portland or Philadelphia airports(or both) instead. I did not look but I would assume that there are lots of direct flights between Portland to Philadelphia which would have multiple flights a day which you could use if there was a problem. I would look at 1) After diner drive or take airport shuttle bus to airport(PHL or PDX) and check into an airport hotel. 2) Catch morning direct flight 3) Drive rental car or airport shuttle to final destination. That would leave little chance of there being major problems and you could likely be at your destination or return home before diner time. I don't know what the total cost would be but flights at regional airports a...
by Nestegg_User
Wed Mar 20, 2024 11:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW
Replies: 61
Views: 4660

Re: 40 Minutes to Connect in DFW

Should I keep looking for better options? I would take a hard look at using the Portland or Philadelphia airports(or both) instead. I did not look but I would assume that there are lots of direct flights between Portland to Philadelphia which would have multiple flights a day which you could use if there was a problem. I would look at 1) After diner drive or take airport shuttle bus to airport(PHL or PDX) and check into an airport hotel. 2) Catch morning direct flight 3) Drive rental car or airport shuttle to final destination. That would leave little chance of there being major problems and you could likely be at your destination or return home before diner time. I don't know what the total cost would be but flights at regional airports a...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds
Replies: 61
Views: 5678

Re: Cash or CD's Instead of Bond Funds

bog007 wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 5:04 pm
DireStraits wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:48 am
bog007 wrote: Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:28 am yes. myga cd treasuries


Please forgive my ignorance, but what is "myga"?
I have a myga with canvas annuity and also gainbridge. canvas has best rates in mygas I believe. 6.25 5 year. similar to cd but tax deferred

https://canvasannuity.com/
Puritan Life, sponsor of canvasannuity, is only B++ rated, although with only needing five years to get back funds it might be acceptable. I'll stick with my treasuries (5.4%) and CD's, but I have been limiting to about two years duration.
(but I'm also late 60's, so safety is very important) I'm not doing bond funds, as I have been doing a treasury ladder, with some CDs, and am comfortable with doing so
by Nestegg_User
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A
Replies: 693
Views: 105025

Re: Schwab Information Thread with FAQ, Links, Tips and Q&A

Greetings Fellow BH, This is a great thread! Really appreciate all the corporate knowledge posted. I’ve been a Charles Schwab customer since 1994, 30 years. Always been thrilled with their customer service. Especially since I travel a lot, infact I’m currently in Tanzania. Their Debit Card with no ATM fees or foreign charges has saved me a small fortune over the years. Also, I can watch CNBC off their App, worldwide. With that said, I have a few questions I’m hoping to get answers to. 1. I contact CS to see where I can log into CNBC while using my laptop. The response was that CNBC is only on the CS App, but not their website. Does that sound right? 2. Recently I transferred over my Roth TSP to CS and received a $600 award. That’s great, b...
by Nestegg_User
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Limit order purchases of ETFs work - still learning
Replies: 12
Views: 885

Re: How Limit order purchases of ETFs work - still learning

The last orders of .12-.15 below current was different, as I saw some volatility and was hoping for some benefit, which I got. A market order wouldn't have gotten it, which is the point. [Note that it was VONE, and look at intraday volatility, and you can see my case.] In most cases I been just about at bid (at or just below) and haven't had any problems. There were times, let's say I was being more greedy hopeful, and bid much under and let it sit to see if there were bites (usually something that either was higher fluctuation or more thinly traded), where I would have to reset price, but to an extent that was to be expected. I had time and could check activity (retired), but didn't leave the order open after day (day only, sometimes used ...
by Nestegg_User
Mon Mar 11, 2024 9:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: MMF FDIC vs CD
Replies: 11
Views: 1018

Re: MMF FDIC vs CD

But you could have gotten a short term treasury for 5.4% at auction just a bit ago.... I did.

As far as non-callable CD's, only have seen about 5.15% for them at one year. others might have found better rates.
by Nestegg_User
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:54 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Limit order purchases of ETFs work - still learning
Replies: 12
Views: 885

Re: How Limit order purchases of ETFs work - still learning

When buying using dollar amounts at Fidelity there will probably be a little left over. When using a limit order you are declaring the price you want to buy at and as stated above Fidelity might not be able to find a seller at that price depending on the market. Unless you have a really good reason to use a limit order I would just use a market order. For highly traded securities like VTI it will execute nearly instantly at a good price. Doing things this way you will more than likely have your orders filled well and the leftover amount will be closer to the few penny amount. Since you are at Fidelity, if this would be something you are doing on a regular basis I would just set it up as a recurring investment (daily/weekly/monthly) and let...
by Nestegg_User
Sun Mar 10, 2024 10:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to have a productive conference as a sponsor and as an attendee?
Replies: 6
Views: 710

Re: How to have a productive conference as a sponsor and as an attendee?

OP I'm sure that it depends upon your specialty/industry. Before I retired, when I went to conferences (technical scientific) I usually had some specific vendors to talk to (questions like "still going to supply product ZZ", "I've noticed issues with product YY, what's going on?, etc) and then investigated either new product offerings or looked at new systems that we would likely be purchasing. I was the one writing the RFP, so vendors usually wanted to meet, if possible. When just looking at new products, I usually didn't try to take any salesperson time as it was understood that they are there to drive sales___ I'm just seeing if there's any application__ if not, I move on quickly and certainly don't take any salespersons t...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Mar 07, 2024 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help
Replies: 53
Views: 4885

Re: Alaska trip without taking a cruise - help

We did a week of driving around before a cruise. Two memorable experiences for the teens would be the towns of Whittier and Homer. Whittier is a one-of-a-kind oddity for a brief drive through. Homer was a beautiful stop for a couple of days, and on the Homer spit you will taste the freshest fish that fish can be. It's been over a decade ago but we: -- flew into Anchorage (on frequent flier miles, so booked 11 months in advance !) -- went north to Talkeena (a few days), then to west of Healy (B&B that trained dogs for Iditarod), then Cantwell area { so did Denali via bus, took plane ride and landed on the mountain, and did the Nenana } -- south to Whittier (through the mountain), where we stayed in the old BOQ (vs the tower) and did a c...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Mar 07, 2024 1:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Another Medicare Advantage Discussion - Let's have some facts
Replies: 22
Views: 1379

Re: Another Medicare Advantage Discussion - Let's have some facts

Many people simply can't afford Medicare, so I can see the allure of a dirt-cheap MA policy. There is another Forbes article, about why MA is so cheap: it's pay later vs. pay now. They gave the following as an example of how you can pay more with MA. It's a story from 2022, so the numbers would likely be higher now. A beneficiary in Chicago broke her hip. Her medical care included an emergency room visit, x-rays, an MRI, hospital admission, a skilled nursing facility stay, and outpatient physical therapy. With Original Medicare and Plan G, her total costs were capped at $1,637 (monthly premium of $117 plus $233). Copayments with a Medicare Advantage PPO (preferred provider organization) plan totaled $3,140. Another beneficiary living in Ne...
by Nestegg_User
Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cars Dilemma, what makes a better choice
Replies: 17
Views: 3458

Re: Cars Dilemma, what makes a better choice

I have a S-CORP. Here is the scenario -2010 Prius 110K miles single owner, used carefully - Personal vehicle -2018 Rogue 40 miles- Company vehicle -2023 new tesla Y- Company vehicle So which option works better? Option 1: Keep all cars. Reduce insurance on Prius since old. Keep it in running condition. Option 2: Sell Prius. May get 6K. Make Rogue personal vehicle. Any other options? Assuming you meant "2018 Rogue 40 k miles", then I eould say get rid of it, as it still has low miles and thus likely better resale (to CarMax or others, I wouldn't do private party sale) possibly $15-16 k assuming kept in good condition with no accidents. Further, a Rogue wouldn't normally be considered a customer-hauler, especially since it's now ov...
by Nestegg_User
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Did we miss anything?? Looking to retire next year!
Replies: 48
Views: 3608

Re: Did we miss anything?? Looking to retire next year!

BHNewbie wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 5:44 am Ok BH’s, with the great feedback, I may a few edits to the plan and expect a 7/3/25 retirement date. Does anyone else have any commentary on my assumptions before I put this plan to rest? Many thanks to all those who contribute and have passively educated me over the past few years!!
I noticed in your initial post, and in the immediate follow up, that spouse will take SS at 62 and you at 70.
Have you considered the common suggestion here of spouse taking SS at FRA, with you funding comparable amount with a bridge of either treasuries or I bonds, and you still taking at 70? That would avoid the "hit" of the reduction of SS for spouse and, presuming you both do live for a while, would allow for increased COLA'd funds.
by Nestegg_User
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Franklin Life Insurance Company Policy from 1958
Replies: 5
Views: 508

Re: The Franklin Life Insurance Company Policy from 1958

Not neccesarily... policies like that, sometimes termed baby funeral policies, were sometimes ten year life- meaning that one paid for ten years after which they were paid in full. Obviously, such policies were "sold" as there certainly wasn't any reason for a baby to have life insurance. Check the policy itself, as it will also disclose what the policy will pay afterwards (often 2 or 3% minimum/guaranteed). I just surrendered two that were older than yours, and along with the demutualization they paid a number of years ago, it was worth over ten thousand dollars. I had kept the statement showing it being paid in full; you might be able to find something similar in parents affects. Edit: such policies also usually transfer ownersh...
by Nestegg_User
Sun Mar 03, 2024 1:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: The Psychology of Retirement (Your thought and experience, please!)
Replies: 38
Views: 5182

Re: The Psychology of Retirement (Your thought and experience, please!)

Wet blanket here... :o Couple of items: you said "half of $2 M net worth in home" so you really only have $1 M of investable assets... and yet you said you are in a HCOL area {edit to add: You also didn't note if the home was paid off or if you still had a mortgage. A mortgage in retirement is generally not something one wants to have as it often significantly eats into available cash flow. Disclaimer: we have paid off home, in MCOL area, have pension, have far more investable, and have started the lower PIA SS, and I'm later 60's... if you were in same position, but at your current age, I'd say you were far more likely to make it. (other boards call it "Coast FIRE") Oh, you never actually gave your required expenses so ...
by Nestegg_User
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?
Replies: 129
Views: 17377

Re: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?

trueson1 wrote: Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:33 am So, maybe I missed it, as I didn't read all of the posts.

Even if the average person withdraws 4% from their retirements accounts, as we have been told they should, and they earn 6-7% on investments, which is not unreasonable, and inflation is 3% - It seem reasonable that they will maintain they assests at a fairly stable levels? or am I missing something?
Sequence of returns- - - see 2022 :twisted:

(there were a lot of posts on it, and 2022 showed why it was a real concern, and there were posters in 2023 that found out about it the hard way)
by Nestegg_User
Sat Mar 02, 2024 11:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?
Replies: 129
Views: 17377

Re: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?

It takes time and effort to grow a big shiny next egg. As it grows, so does the feeling of security and comfort it provides. It’s something to cradle, admire, keep safe and share. :D I try and keep ours nice and shiny... ... only had to crack it to pull a small amount out and then to be able to do Roth conversions on traditional IRA's Will probably pull a bit now, in late 60's, but still plan for five years of potential long term care for first (in IRA) and for second (with proceeds from house, plus the higher SS and (at least) half of pension) and for me to get to 92 and spouse at 95. Once the second (higher PIA) files for SS at 70, we almost certainly will be adding to the pile as our "guaranteed" income sources would be over $...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?
Replies: 129
Views: 17377

Re: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?

So the link brings me-to cfiresim.com. The only question I have is what years are in the historical data it uses. I particularly want to know if the the Great Depression is included. Yes, see the x-axis of the graph: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lww3d24cc59cffs38uomc/4-percent-SWR-graph.png?rlkey=e44ctyi4ggsvs4cnzsja66o96&raw=1 It uses Shiller's data. Why are you particularly interested in the Great Depression? There are worse times to retire, like in 1906 just before the bank panic of 1907 , or in 1966 at the start of the 1960s & 1970s stagflation . Yep, I've reminded others in prior threads about the 1906 cohort... It had some very nasty inflation just ahead, a new thing called the income tax that reared its head, and just abou...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?
Replies: 129
Views: 17377

Re: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?

I'm targeting 85 right now. I pulled the number out of the air. It's basically 65 plus 30 years. I failed honors calculus, so you’re going to have to walk me through this math. ___ I used a std dev (about seven years) above average life expectancy as we were (at least in later working years) above average wage, which translates to the ability to have resources for healthcare and for food, etc. My family history doesn't have any males living even to ninety (with one distant aunt making it just shy of 100), while spouses have usually been upper 80's to very early 90's. As I noted above, if we actually make it to late 70's we'll be "adding to the pile" so further adjustment didn't seem required. That and we still use only 3.5% WR as...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?
Replies: 129
Views: 17377

Re: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?

I don't think anyone in their right mind would not maintain assets until at least age 95. Some of us have enough medical conditions that make it sufficiently unlikely to live to that age. Family history also informs this. So you are spending like there's no tomorrow! Is that realistic? Not Madbrain but what we plan for is the earlier response; if we both are collecting SS and full pension for a while, it's highly likely that, even if the RMD is also spent, that we'd not need anything from the rest of the portfolio... hence the growth in the taxable account, the Roths, and the remainder of growth of the IRAs would add to potential years of income for either post-92 or post-95, even though family history and current medical conditions don't ...
by Nestegg_User
Thu Feb 29, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?
Replies: 129
Views: 17377

Re: Retirees apparently tend to maintain assets - lessons for BH investors?

It takes time and effort to grow a big shiny next egg. As it grows, so does the feeling of security and comfort it provides. It’s something to cradle, admire, keep safe and share. :D I try and keep ours nice and shiny... ... only had to crack it to pull a small amount out and then to be able to do Roth conversions on traditional IRA's Will probably pull a bit now, in late 60's, but still plan for five years of potential long term care for first (in IRA) and for second (with proceeds from house, plus the higher SS and (at least) half of pension) and for me to get to 92 and spouse at 95. Once the second (higher PIA) files for SS at 70, we almost certainly will be adding to the pile as our "guaranteed" income sources would be over $...
by Nestegg_User
Tue Feb 27, 2024 12:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to deal with/spend too much money?
Replies: 91
Views: 9051

Re: How to deal with/spend too much money?

The give it away comments resonate a bit with us, we likely will give more away. The issue is really about how much to give away vs new kitchen, better car, foodie vacations, maybe a boat or airplane, 2nd home or even the marginal use tools for current hobbies. How old is your kitchen, your car? I'd say give away very little until your own needs & desires are taken care of. If you have tens of millions, that changes things a bit. Buying an airplane? Have you been aviators thus far? One vehicle is 2005 with 92K miles. Other is less than a year old. Things have really changed over the past year and with settling of final parental estate, we really are kind of holding in neutral for a while. We do not have tens of millions, but if we just...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 23, 2024 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 0% 60 month Car loan in todays 5% Savings Environment
Replies: 43
Views: 4526

Re: 0% 60 month Car loan in todays 5% Savings Environment

Lee_WSP wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:53 pm
delamer wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 5:23 pm Where did you get the idea that a true Boglehead never buys a new car?
All the responses on the should I buy a car threads. You’d think we all drive twenty year old cars.
Not me.... mines 14 years old 8-)

Actually, I'll be looking at potential replacement either end of year or next... and yes it will be new vehicle not used.
by Nestegg_User
Wed Feb 21, 2024 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!
Replies: 80
Views: 9594

Re: Full solar ECLIPSE April 2024!

……. We had considered going to rural Oregon, until we learned of the massive traffic that was expected in that area, with limited infrastructure. I think (??) they had better, clear, weather. Were there any BH members there, a bit north of North Bend? RM We lived in Bend at the time. Hate crowds so we didn’t drive a little north to Madras for the absolute 100%. (Like our portfolio, stayed simple and good enough.) No clouds. Most impressive for me was how much cooler it got all of the sudden. Reports from Madras area: big crowds and jammed roads. Wasn't in Madras but was a bit below there.... in the zone of totality...had thousands of others coming in. Our sheriff (Jefferson County, so yeah you know we had totality) had come to the area to ...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Stocks for the Long Run? Karsten takes on "Beyond the Status Quo"
Replies: 46
Views: 6828

Re: 100% Stocks for the Long Run? Karsten takes on "Beyond the Status Quo"

He notes that the BTSQ paper considers its approach "optimal" but only considers it against a flawed other seven approaches, not more appropriate methods. Amongst other things, I thought this was a bit of a straw man from ERN. The authors considered seven other approaches that frankly probably represent 95% of what Bogleheads do (TDF, Balanced funds, etc.) and also represent what the feds have said are acceptable default options in 401ks. “It didn’t consider literally ever single possible other portfolio composition” doesn’t seem like a valid critique I suppose the authors could have compared their 50/50 to an infinite variety of other approaches, but then they would never finish the paper. Well, I suspect others will just have t...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 1:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Stocks for the Long Run? Karsten takes on "Beyond the Status Quo"
Replies: 46
Views: 6828

Re: 100% Stocks for the Long Run? Karsten takes on "Beyond the Status Quo"

having read this ERN article (and lots of others) his critique of the BTSQ paper is a few points: it uses a synthsized group of data which would include items like Italian bond and equities (and even others (like Iceland or Norway, or other countries having 1% or less of world GDP) much less include pre-war Spain, Germany, and Japan... and France, Belgium, etc) and the paper equates these to US and UK. (He does agree in the comments that bonds that are either hedged or actual in currencies like $ or £ are more suitable; would you really use a bond fund backed in Argentine or Brazilian currency?) He disagrees and says that he only used MSCI back to '70 since that's all the data he could reliably get for diversified international; he also lim...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can you spare a dime for my Roth conversion spreadsheet?
Replies: 14
Views: 2114

Re: Can you spare a dime for my Roth conversion spreadsheet?

I don't have a calculated response, but I have some qualitative doubts. First, your RMD's aren't going to be onerous - right there, I would avoid jumping a tax bracket. If you reduce your taxable income drastically for the next 5 years, you might end up wasting (i.e. not using) your future standard deduction (over $30k for 85 and up, this year, indexed). It does appear that you will be under the IRMAA penalty limits, so you should be ok there. Instead of trying to forecast (even with a modest "real return"), I would just convert to the top of your current 12% bracket for the next couple years. Smooth it out a little. I'd generally agree... I'd also look to see what level SS gets taxed (0%?, 50%, 85%) at whatever you decide, since...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 12:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: US citizen planning to live abroad: taxes implications for a brokerage account registered in WA
Replies: 23
Views: 2251

Re: US citizen planning to live abroad: taxes implications for a brokerage account registered in WA

OP there are some states (WY, SD I believe are two) that allow one to become a resident in about 30 days. They are popular with those doing full time RV or foreign travel for extended periods (sometimes years). https://johnmcnaughtonrealestate.com/wyoming-residency-requirements/ https://www.dakotapost.net/blog/how-to-establish-residency-in-south-dakota-a-step-by-step-guide See also these, where they also mention TX and FL: https://escapees.com/establishing-domicile-for-rvers/ https://rvshare.com/blog/state-residency/ https://rvlife.com/best-state-to-claim-rv-domicile/ This site even notes: "South Dakota Domicile for RVers South Dakota is a popular choice for many reasons. Some of those being that SD doesn’t require you to renew your ve...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hose end sprayer to reach tall trees (over 2 stories tall)
Replies: 36
Views: 2251

Re: Hose end sprayer to reach tall trees (over 2 stories tall)

You might try an inexpensive gas-powered pressure washer with a 12' or so steel extension on the wand. I use this set up to clean the siding on a tall part of my house. It has a self-feeding soap tank which could probably be used with chemicals. I briefly thought about that. Might be a good idea... A pressure washer version is likely more effective; the smaller hose-mounted sprayers or backpack mounted sprayers WON'T have the reach as they don't get adequate pressure for vertical spray. You would need the proper nozzle for the pressure washer to get up there without having it diffuse too much but otherwise should be fully amenable; don't use too much detergent otherwise it will be a mess (I'd used veg oil when doing pre-emergent sprays so ...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice: CU Boulder vs. Mines
Replies: 32
Views: 2243

Re: Seeking advice: CU Boulder vs. Mines

DoubleComma wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:09 am
AS7911 wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 11:05 am
MMiroir wrote: Fri Feb 16, 2024 8:51 am Two statistics stand out. Early career earnings for CS majors:

CSM: $110,684
CU: $104,284

Gender Ratio:

CSM: 68% M / 32% F
CU: 54% M / 46% F
I went to CU a while ago, and a classmate's daughter recently graduated from Mines. I was thinking that M:F ratio was closer to 90:10... and I made the comment to my friend, "Boy, your daughter can probably pick any guy she wants!" - His response was "Problem is, she doesn't want any of them. The girls there have a saying - "The odds are good but the goods are odd!""
Ironically this is saying for every mountain resort town I've ever lived in as well, several in the Rockies.
I believe it's the Alaska motto 8-)
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 16, 2024 10:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Seeking advice: CU Boulder vs. Mines
Replies: 32
Views: 2243

Re: Seeking advice: CU Boulder vs. Mines

Even back in the day, many decades ago, Mines had a much different "feel" from Boulder, and it's much smaller. Boulder definitely was a larger slice of population; there were the usual students but also returning vets with GI bill and even some returning Peace Corp students that were in some served very remote locations. A deep campus visit would give yours a better indication, although I suspect it has a different feel than back then, as there was still a heads down level of effort for STEM back then... I knew enough engineers that went to work for Martin, NASA, NRL, and other big names. [I've also been down in CSM's training mine and seen their campus; I was more worried then of being pigeonholed into an area by any Mines percep...
by Nestegg_User
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boulder CO in late September?
Replies: 22
Views: 1830

Re: Boulder CO in late September?

... one last thing

While for a few years you didn't have to consider it, the weekends might have a problem with congestion if there's a game at Folsom !!

AFA fires, that's unfortunately an unknown as to how bad they'll be.... either from CA, OR, ID (etc) or those coming down from Canada. We've been in conditions where the sun is just a red dot when back in OR; more recently relatives complained of the Canadian and WA fires coming down with the smoke.
Temps should generally be good at that time, although back when I was there I was either in school or working and couldn't really take advantage :(
by Nestegg_User
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utah and Las Vegas for one night-best hotel/food?
Replies: 14
Views: 2293

Re: Utah and Las Vegas for one night-best hotel/food?

I have never stayed there overnight, but liked the Gold Coast for buffet, bowling, and location. If you've never been then the Strip may be worth it, but I'm very glad to avoid the crowds and hassle. (Guess I'm not a Vegas person.) I think the Gold Coast is affordable too. Besides Zion, Snow Canyon and Valley of Fire are worth it for hiking if you have time. My votes would be the Gold Coast or its sister property The Orleans. Both are fairly close to both the Strip and the airport. Other options would be the South Point, which is several miles south of the airport and the Virgin Las Vegas which is about two miles north of the airport. It has been a few years since I have stayed in them. All four have a good variety of good restaurants and ...
by Nestegg_User
Wed Feb 14, 2024 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: should i pay off a car at 1.9% or invest in a cd at 5.5%
Replies: 67
Views: 6387

Re: should i pay off a car at 1.9% or invest in a cd at 5.5%

I think the option I would use is a bit of a combo of ideas above: rather than a CD, which limits optionality, I would use a money market even though it might be lower (for us our money market currently is just over 5%). That would likely give OP about $300 excess, after tax, at end of year. At end of year I would PAY OFF vehicle with the portion of basis put into the money market fund. Further, assuming the insurance starts at near the beginning of year, I would increase the deductible of the policy (at least to $1 k) and get some level of savings there. I would also pay the equivalent of the first 2 or 3 months car payment into the money market to get to the $1 k level of the deductible. So shortly in the next year they have a paid off ve...
by Nestegg_User
Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Utah and Las Vegas for one night-best hotel/food?
Replies: 14
Views: 2293

Re: Utah and Las Vegas for one night-best hotel/food?

I have never stayed there overnight, but liked the Gold Coast for buffet, bowling, and location. If you've never been then the Strip may be worth it, but I'm very glad to avoid the crowds and hassle. (Guess I'm not a Vegas person.) I think the Gold Coast is affordable too. Besides Zion, Snow Canyon and Valley of Fire are worth it for hiking if you have time. My votes would be the Gold Coast or its sister property The Orleans. Both are fairly close to both the Strip and the airport. Other options would be the South Point, which is several miles south of the airport and the Virgin Las Vegas which is about two miles north of the airport. It has been a few years since I have stayed in them. All four have a good variety of good restaurants and ...
by Nestegg_User
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?
Replies: 38
Views: 4076

Re: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?

OK let's start with your case: starting basket of goods of 97.75 and income of 100 (and we'll use compounded, since that is the proper case) Income Cost of goods Q1 100 97.75 Q2 100 99.22 Q3 100 100.70 Q4 100 102.21 T 400 399.88 they say, hey we're good second year Q1 106 103.74 they say, we got this, we're ahead Q2 106 105.30 Q3 106 106.88 Q4 106 108.48 T 424 424.40 hmmm, they are already behind Now... the cost of the"basket of goods" is the cost... let's say that was the minimum.... can't go below (otherwise you "failed") Over time, as seen, the drag of the correction, in arrears, just keeps growing... it's just that in lower inflation it's not as noticeable and may take years even decades to really show. More noticeab...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for Government The Plan (simlar to TSP)

Scanned the document that the spouse received: https://postimg.cc/gallery/JVQYpdCh Hm. If this is the 109th quarterly report in Jan 2022, that would imply that the inception of the "The Plan" was on or before Q3 1994. As noted previously, MassMutual is somehow involved in setting the rate on the Income Fund, which I suppose is a sort of stable value option. MassMutual sold off their retirement plan business to Empower in 2021 https://www.massmutual.com/about-us/news-and-press-releases/press-releases/2020/09/empower-retirement-to-acquire so they don't appear to be an administrator of the Plan in any way. They do still list Stable Value funds on their website as a product. I wonder if anyone has thoughts on the SMA options, in part...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:11 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?
Replies: 38
Views: 4076

Re: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?

It's a bit of a coincidence that I started listening the Jim and Chris's Retirement and IRA Show podcast, specifically their early 2020 series where they talk about their approach to retirement planning. They claim that a majority of their clients is fine meeting their basic needs (minimum income floor) when they claim social security, but eventually SS is not able to sustain the same level of living, and many of their clients end up needing to use additional income from their portfolio. Their claim is the basket that affect retirees inflation grows faster than the basket that affects the general population and the CPI. They point to healthcare and housing being a larger part of the budget/basic living for retirees than the general househo...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?
Replies: 38
Views: 4076

Re: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?

The simple thought experiment should also show that, even if the COLA was "accurate"... it's always done in arrears such that you slowly, incrementally loose purchasing power over time. No sure what you mean here. The Social Security COLA is calculated based on the previous year's inflation, but the most you are ever behind at one time is a few months inflation, which catches up at the beginning of the next calendar year. There is no accumulation of "arrears" from year to year such that you lose purchasing power over time. Think about your year two---- you are "back at the same level", as the COLA would increase your income by that percentage.... but now the products that you are purchasing are at N(1+inflatio...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?
Replies: 38
Views: 4076

Re: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?

To flush it out: say it is full parity at start-- income in is same as cost of goods Income Cost of Goods Year one Q1 100 100 Q2 100 101.5 Q3 100 103 Q4 100 104.5 Year two Q1 106 106 Q2 106 107.5 Q3 106 109 Q4 106 110.5 So even if they provided the full COLA for the period of Q1 in the following year (hence the 6% versus the 4.5% that would be more correct), the sum of the cost of goods for any year never gets "recovered" by the COLA, because it is in arrears . The products are still inflated, and in fact further inflated as the quarters progress. This gets exacerbated as the years go on, and as ones "basket of goods" changes over time and thus the difference from the COLA's metric. In most cases, the "basket of goo...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan

Some agencies have the TSP and their own 401-K plan. For example NCUA employees (the credit union version of FDIC) has: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching on employee contributions NCUA Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% agency contributions https://ncua.gov/about/careers/pay-benefits So one thing to check is whether or not her agency has or had two separate defined contribution retirement savings plans. The TSP and another one. Right. And some agencies have or had their own defined benefit plan. We really need OP to tell us which agency his wife worked at. That would narrow things considerably. ... see post above, after you look at the posted attachments by the OP.... clearly it is some type of cash balance plan by a s...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan

Some agencies have the TSP and their own 401-K plan. but all would have clearly indicated the source/agency in the letterhead or postscript of any correspondence wouldn't you agree That's a bit of a head-scratcher for me. I think a cover letter is missing from the original poster's files. Looking at posted images: it includes Fidelity, Schwab as well as managed funds it includes a money market fund that is only open to US investors it includes ARK funds in one of the fund-of-funds it notes that it only has $344 M in assets Clearly it is NOT any govt entity and not any state either-- even municipality retirement fund is unlikely It looks like somehow there was some type of separate funding (accretion prior to requisite annuitization?) in so...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan

MnD wrote: Fri Feb 09, 2024 5:16 pm Some agencies have the TSP and their own 401-K plan.
but all would have clearly indicated the source/agency in the letterhead or postscript of any correspondence

wouldn't you agree

(and still gets back to it not likely being the 40 yo but instead being a survivor .... or potentially a scam)
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan

I looked at a number of "alternative" systems from the normal GS... and even the State Dept retirement system (FSPS) is supported by OPM [see: https://rnet.state.gov/cri2.htm ] and the Commissioned Corp system, including the Survivor Benefit Plan, is covered under the OPM umbrella [https://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/ccis/documents/PAM24.pdf].

{I didn't get a clear indication of who actual processes railroad retirement benefits, but it might be indicated here:
https://www.rrb.gov/sites/default/files ... web%29.pdf }

As noted before, only CSRS had the ability to do separate additional voluntary contributions:
https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-qu ... ributions/
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for Government The Plan (simlar to TSP)

I agree that if she is 40 now, there is no way she could have contributed to the CSRS plan (which is the federal retirement plan before FERS). The TSP did not exist under CSRS. In 1986 and after, (and maybe 1985) new hires were not allowed to go into the CSRS retirement plan. They were put into something else which I think may have been called "offset" or something. They later became part of the FERS retirement program. It seems the earliest she could have been a federal employee is 2002 or thereabouts. No way was she in CSRS. All I can get out so far is that she was allowed to contribute to TSP and then on top was able to contribute towards this other "retirement" plan. This is unusual, but I have heard of a case or tw...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 4:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures
Replies: 129
Views: 24663

Re: Best & Worst "Mid-Life Crisis" expenditures

bevodive wrote: Sun Feb 04, 2024 2:42 pm I"m 46, and I recently made two awesome purchases:

1). Spent $125k on an in-ground pool. We live in Texas and have kids, so this is a no-brainer for me.
2). Spent a few hundred dollars on eBay for some vintage 1980s toys from my childhood (He-man, Smurfs).

I could have saved or spent that money on other things, but I have no regrets. Life's short. Treat yourself if you can. An 80s Jeep CJ-7 may be in my future :D
1980's is vintage :confused :confused
how about mid-60's instead :wink: ... and stay off my lawn 8-)

(and like others I didn't have any mid life crisis... too busy w@rking)
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?
Replies: 38
Views: 4076

Re: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?

The simple thought experiment should also show that, even if the COLA was "accurate"... it's always done in arrears such that you slowly, incrementally loose purchasing power over time. No sure what you mean here. The Social Security COLA is calculated based on the previous year's inflation, but the most you are ever behind at one time is a few months inflation, which catches up at the beginning of the next calendar year. There is no accumulation of "arrears" from year to year such that you lose purchasing power over time. Think about your year two---- you are "back at the same level", as the COLA would increase your income by that percentage.... but now the products that you are purchasing are at N(1+inflatio...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Essential Expense Income Flooring – Looking at Two Options using SPIAs
Replies: 2
Views: 373

Re: Essential Expense Income Flooring – Looking at Two Options using SPIAs

I'm a few years older (later 60's), but I would lean on option #1 and here's why: a) as we've already seen 4% inflation rider may not be sufficient and taking that risk now, early on, when instead assets could be invested to come closer (yeah, they might miss, but you have option in future). SPIAs purchased in 60's don't have as much benefit from mortality credits, so the idea of purchasing separate SPIAs along the age spectrum rather than inflation riders appears better. Further, you've already noted that the deficits wouldn't appear until 72/73 with your last SS starting at 70. I'd suggest one possibility is using some of your reserves from 72/73 until 75 and get first SPIA then (higher mortality credit); also, this reserve could be your ...
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?
Replies: 38
Views: 4076

Re: Does Social Security keep up with inflation?

The simple thought experiment should also show that, even if the COLA was "accurate"... it's always done in arrears such that you slowly, incrementally loose purchasing power over time. Hence, another reason to not quit when "just making" ones "number" or 25 X, but rather increase to somewhere above (to taste, as humblecoder alludes)
by Nestegg_User
Fri Feb 09, 2024 12:37 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help track down contact or additional information for TSP-like government retirement plan
Replies: 40
Views: 1684

Re: Help track down contact or additional information for Government The Plan (simlar to TSP)

What were her years of employment? The Civil Service Retirement Service (CSRS) retirement plan was in place prior to 1984. The Federal employees retirement Service (FERS) retirement plan started in 1984. The Thrift Savings plan could be accessed by either CSRS or FERS employees starting in 1984. Prior to 1984 there was no component similar to the TSP. CSRS employees were given the opportunity to convert from CSRS to FERS Gotta do some correction for you... FERS legislation was done in 83-84... it didn't come "online" until 1987 ! The individual, if only 40 now, could NEVER have been in CSRS !! Agree that there was no Thrift plan before then but even the CSRS voluntary contribution program was handled by OPM itself. Those hired in...