Bogleheads.org

:| Three issues here. 1) Rollback of some of Dodd-Frank regulations back in 2018 that limited / minimized requirements and stress tests 2) Lack of attention / oversight from regulators 3) Inept and/or corrupt bank executives Please cite which specific regulations that were rolled back would have prevented either bank failure. I don’t think you can. From what I have read (TITLE IV, Sec 401), the bill raised the threshold for regulation standards from $50 billion to $250 billion. It also reduced the frequency and number of scenarios required for stress testing. I believe the bank also would have been required to maintain higher levels of liquidity under the original Dodd-Frank rules but I can't cite the specific paragraph. I did not suggest ...

Three issues here.

1) Rollback of some of Dodd-Frank regulations back in 2018 that limited / minimized requirements and stress tests
2) Lack of attention / oversight from regulators
3) Inept and/or corrupt bank executives

This coincides with the likes of Peter Zeihan who has done a lot of great research with regards to deglobalization combined with demographics. The US' baby boomers have started their mass retirement, reducing both demand and capital. Gen X is to small to fill the hole. We may need 20-25 years for the millennials' children to save us. I wish I had a TIPS option in my 401k. All I have is PIMCO Real Return Instl (PRRIX). I don't have any other tax-advantaged space to hold bonds. Indeed -- demography is also impacting the labor shortage and wage inflation, too. Where is your 401k? Mine is at Fidelity, and I have the 'Brokeragelink' option that lets me buy individual stocks and bonds within it. I've bought TIPS within it. Immigration should sof...

techinvestor23 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 09, 2023 10:44 am Thank you all for these great inputs. Learning about all these options has been very useful. I like that this is a tax free (not just tax deferred) growth and I also like how I can contribute based on the projected costs of the college in CA. Since my income is ~$350K per year, I am not expecting to be eligible for college aids anyway.

At your income, the 529 is tailor-made for you. I'd open a 529 (two actually) tomorrow. As noted above, the CA plan is a strong one. Low cost and lots of investment options.

I am 50. Kids 9 and 15. They would be inheriting money from us, apart from above, and we would help them financially if they need it as long as we are alive. The main intent of this is to benefit from compounding capital over long periods of time without interruption so it can help with their retirement. Secondarily, to serve as a backup money long after we are gone. Dont want to touch this for 40-50 or more years. If they dont need that money, which is really what I am hoping, I dont care what happens to the money. Looks like there is no simple easy way to do that. valueinvestor, There is a simple way to do this. Contribute to their Roth IRAs when they started working. When the amount reaches 50K or 100K, you stop. KlangFool Why stop at s...

I am 50. Kids 9 and 15. They would be inheriting money from us, apart from above, and we would help them financially if they need it as long as we are alive. The main intent of this is to benefit from compounding capital over long periods of time without interruption so it can help with their retirement. Secondarily, to serve as a backup money long after we are gone. Dont want to touch this for 40-50 or more years. If they dont need that money, which is really what I am hoping, I dont care what happens to the money. Looks like there is no simple easy way to do that. valueinvestor, There is a simple way to do this. Contribute to their Roth IRAs when they started working. When the amount reaches 50K or 100K, you stop. KlangFool Why stop at s...

Hello Bogleheads! My husband and I have lurked and learned a lot over the past few years, as we worked through a life-changing (for us) windfall. Now that we're settled into our new normal, I thought it would be a good time for a checkup. A bit of context - he works in tech and feels confident of his ability to switch/land jobs as needed. He also has a few side hustles that aren't currently contributing a ton of income but could be scaled up as necessary. She (I) stay home to care for the kids and the home. We generally do a good job living a frugal life, although we enjoy traveling and dining out. We like to DIY and try to be self-sufficient. We're hoping for early retirement or some sort of down-shifting of his career when the kids are o...

terran wrote: ↑Sun Feb 19, 2023 9:51 am I find it interesting that a number of people in this thread are indicating that the other thread was a revolutionary and controversial concept while now it almost seems like dogma on this forum that delaying social security is a good idea as "longevity insurance." Funny what a difference 10 years make.

I thought the same thing.

Another observation: in reading the old post there were a number of contributors who really had a hard time grasping the OP's concept. Not to throw anybody under the bus, and I'm certainly generalizing, but it seems the Bogleheads forum community of today (I'll exclude myself) is out in front of that 2012-2013 group in terms of financial understanding.

By my numbers, the HIghlander hybrid easily has the lowest total cost of ownership, especially when factoring in historical depreciation. If you have any towing needs, the conventional engine has a higher tow rating, but otherwise, the hybrid looks really compelling. The main issue is availability, but you have time to reserve one and hopefully get it for MSRP if you find the right dealer. However, the Highlander has the smallest 3rd row of any of those. The Kia Telluride has been rated as top in its class for multiple years in a row by multiple car sites based on power, handling, and having a lot of features relative to its MSRP. The last point is moot, however, because no one is selling it for MSRP. After contacting numerous dealerships,...

For a few years, I've considered becoming a landlord in my local real estate market (Pittsburgh metro area). A rule of thumb I've come across often, including in a recent thread here, is the 1% rule. In short, monthly rent should be 1% of the purchase price. Even in my LCOL/MCOL area, I'm struggling to find anything that fits this bill. Perhaps the "good" properties are being snapped up by more savvy RE investors before they even hit the market. I can't understand how a $100,000 property is going to rent for $1000 month in any market without either 1) a great deal at purchase or 2) sweat equity to rehab the property or 3) both. What am I missing? I'm not sure such a % rule is that meaningful --- some areas will be less than 1% an...

I know there are other posts but I was hoping that some of you would chime in and give me your opinion. I have until December to decide on which 3-row car to get come December of 2023. I currently drive Subaru Forester (2nd time leasing it). I live in Michigan and I have had zero issues with it in snow. I know someone will bring it up but don't want a minivan as I enjoy SUVs more and may take it to some off-roading. I kept an open mind and test drove: Kia Telluride Honda Pilot Toyota Highlander Subaru Ascent I don't think I will test drive: VW Atlas Hyandai Pallisade For now, I have my heart set to lease for 36-months a Subaru Ascent Premium. Then, if I am satisfied, I will buy a higher-end trim Subaru Ascent as I plan to keep it for long-...

The 529 to Roth IRA strategy under Secure 2.0 is intended to address overfunding of a 529. With penalties and taxes due to withdraw the amount of the overfund, the option to convert the dollars to the Roth IRA of the beneficiary is enticing. Note that there are a bunch of rules and limitations. $35k lifetime limit per 529 529 has to have been opened at least 15 years prior Beneficiary must have earned income in year of the transaction Annual contribution limits apply Money has to have been contributed at least 5 years before transaction (?) And probably others ---- one I'm not sure of is whether beneficiary income thresholds apply The $35K lifetime limit is a pretty severe limitation, given the amounts people can expect 4-8 years of higher...

DS03 wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 3:20 pm Rav4 is a good vehicle, I've had one recently. A step up from that would be a Lexus UX or NX, same reliability & resale value but more refined if he's looking for something like that.

Yep, and most reliable car I've ever had in almost 45 years of driving.

sport wrote: ↑Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:23 am Why a Rav4? A Corolla might be easier to find and would be less expensive.

More versatile, more fun to drive, just as reliable.

From earning, to saving, to investing, to spending -- what are some of your favorite nuggets you've shared or picked up during your time on the forum? Here are my top 10 ---- I can't remember who to attribute each to. Own cars old enough to vote. Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship. Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master. A main key to investing is having “a well-calibrated sense of your future regret". Rich people plan for three generations. Poor people plan for Saturday night. Big hat, no cattle. Save and invest, live below your means, increase your human capital, be flexible. These behaviors never go out of style. Diversification is a protection ...

I don't think you can get there with unknown inflation (as you yourself state) and the uncertainty of interest rates.

My approach is a combination of stocks, bonds, and residential real estate rentals.

The 529 to Roth IRA strategy under Secure 2.0 is intended to address overfunding of a 529. With penalties and taxes due to withdraw the amount of the overfund, the option to convert the dollars to the Roth IRA of the beneficiary is enticing.

Note that there are a bunch of rules and limitations.

$35k lifetime limit per 529
529 has to have been opened at least 15 years prior
Beneficiary must have earned income in year of the transaction
Annual contribution limits apply
Money has to have been contributed at least 5 years before transaction (?)
And probably others ---- one I'm not sure of is whether beneficiary income thresholds apply

You folks have done very well.

Is the 90k year estimated spending inclusive of taxes and health care costs ? That would be my foremost concern given you both have a ways to go before Medicare and before the small pension and modest SS benefits kick in.

Is your job / industry one such that you could go back part-time if you needed / wanted to ?

I think and I say think because I’m not there yet (only semi retired.) But I think I would be sleeping better at night with having more money as opposed to a pile of cash. EnjoyIt, But, there is a point when having more money no longer provide as much comfort as a pile of cash. Aka, your portfolio is big enough. In your case, your portfolio have not reach that point. KlangFool KF, this makes no sense to me. If the portfolio is big enough, you need less cash. Imagine a $5M portfolio, split 50/50 between stocks/bonds, and expenses of $100k per year for 30 years. Why would you need more than maybe a couple months worth of cash ?? BernardShakey, If this does not make sense for you, then, you are not that kind of people. A) There are people out...

KlangFool wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 8:45 am

EnjoyIt wrote: ↑Mon Feb 06, 2023 7:35 am
I think and I say think because I’m not there yet (only semi retired.) But I think I would be sleeping better at night with having more money as opposed to a pile of cash.

EnjoyIt,

But, there is a point when having more money no longer provide as much comfort as a pile of cash. Aka, your portfolio is big enough.

In your case, your portfolio have not reach that point.

KlangFool

KF, this makes no sense to me. If the portfolio is big enough, you need less cash. Imagine a $5M portfolio, split 50/50 between stocks/bonds, and expenses of $100k per year for 30 years. Why would you need more than maybe a couple months worth of cash ??

With regard to your #1, do retirees really need an emergency fund ? HomerJ is talking about in retirement. I would argue that a large cash emergency fund is not required (and maybe cash isn't what you're advocating here). Maybe have enough cash on hand for a couple months worth of expenses plus enough to cover a large one-time expense or two. All funds beyond that should be part of the portfolio (stocks, fixed income, etc.) and simply withdrawn as needed. If stocks are down, draw from FE. I agree that 2022 would have been a good year to live off cash and not be forced sell equities or bonds, but positioning one's portfolio with loads of cash year in and year out has to be a huge drag on returns. BernardShakey, You need to argue and convinc...

With regard to your #1, do retirees really need an emergency fund ? HomerJ is talking about in retirement. I would argue that a large cash emergency fund is not required (and maybe cash isn't what you're advocating here). Maybe have enough cash on hand for a couple months worth of expenses plus enough to cover a large one-time expense or two. All funds beyond that should be part of the portfolio (stocks, fixed income, etc.) and simply withdrawn as needed. If stocks are down, draw from FE. I agree that 2022 would have been a good year to live off cash and not be forced sell equities or bonds, but positioning one's portfolio with loads of cash year in and year out has to be a huge drag on returns. BernardShakey, You need to argue and convinc...

Instead of adding $30,000 or so, what if I had been pulling $70,000? That's a $100,000 swing. And that's $100,000 missing that will never have a chance to throw off interest or dividends or grow in value going forward. We'd still be down $150,000 instead of getting close to even. HomerJ, The great thing about being unemployed for more than 1 year a few times is I had been through this a few times. 1) What is the size of your emergency fund? 1 year? 2 years? It makes a difference for most people in terms of how they "Sleep Well At Night" (SWAN) at a time like that. 2) Emotionally, no one can tell you how you would feel or react when the time comes. This is one of those thing that you learn by experience. 3) The only thing that I c...

OP, 1) Do you max out all your other tax-advantaged accounts? 2) What is your annual savings/investment? 3) Why do you think you need to save for college education? KlangFool 1. So far, we are maxing out all tax-advantaged accounts, would like to continue to do so. 2. Outside of tax advantaged accounts, we try to save about $50k+ or more depending on the year and earnings. 3. Why I think, I need to save for college: Because, I would like to fund their college education, make it little easy on them. Invictus002, Your annual savings is big enough to pay for the college education every year. You do not need to save for the college education in order to fund their college education. It is not one lump sum. You pay across 4 to 5 years for each ...

Here's a few: Squam Lake in New Hampshire in the summer / fall Maine central coast in the summer Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park in June Bodie Ghost town in the Eastern Sierras in CA June Lake, CA California Central Coast (Montana De Oro SP for example) in the summer Northern Vermont in the autumn The White Mountains in New Hampshire in the summer / fall Shenandoah Nat'l Park in Virginia in the autumn Washington DC - so much Chicago (Wrigley Field, Ravinia Festival, Chicago River Architecture Tour at dusk, Art Museum) Boston (Fenway, downtown) NYC (Central Park, jogging on the Upper East Side, The Frick, and love the Tenement Museum Apartment Tours on the Lower East Side) Natchez, Mississippi - outstanding historic town on the ri...

If you look at the SP500 from March 2020 lows to highs hit in less than 2 years, there was an increase in value of about 50%. A large portion of this was fueled by Fed interactions and stimulus money. I haven’t looked back past this, but it seems like one of the largest bubbles ever. Have there been other meteoric rises that were greater than this period in the S&P500? Currently SP500 is only around 10% off it’s all time high. Is it still over inflated? Or is it actually not inflated when you take inflation into consideration? Sorry lots of questions in there. I don’t plan on changing anything investment wise. Just curious. What's it done since Dec 2019 or maybe Dec 2021 ? Those might be more relevant time stamps to consider.

In general, I'm a moderately healthy 50-something male, subject to many of the usual behavioral glitches (don't eat great, exercise much, etc.) I'm interested in information and behavioral/medical modifications that provide fairly clearly demonstrated health improvements, at a cost (financial/behavioral/medical/etc) that makes it worthwhile. Old cranky physician here. Take the below candor in the positive spirit it is intended; I wish you happiness and good health. Making good healthy life choices are one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Most lay medical journalism is infotainment. If you want to be entertained great, but reading more is unlikely to affect your health. You already mention "behavioral glitches" of not ...

1) The Bogleheads' Guide to Retirement Planning is worth mentioning. 2) It is not a part of any codified "Boglehead approach" but many Bogleheads, including myself, feel that if your estimated income using 4% or another withdrawal system is borderline in relation to your estimated expenses, it is appropriate to liquidate a meaningful part of your portfolio and use it either a) to buy an income annuity (SPIA) from an insurance company, or b) to delay claiming Social Security in order to increase the size of the benefit you get when you claim later. Either way, this has the effect of reducing your longevity risk, increasing your available monthly income, but reducing the terminal wealth to be inherited by others. I won't go into th...

Please check me into the Retirement Roll Call for 2023!

After 37+ years at one storied megacorp, I decided today to hang it up for good on September 29th, 2023. It's been a good run that began the week after graduating from college. Lots of memories, great people, and some cool stories to tell.

And thanks to all of you Bogleheads --- you've helped me become confident in my retirement readiness and to thoughtfully consider how to spend my remaining years.

This moment reminds me of a quote:

"I feel like I've stolen a car...a really nice car. And I keep looking in the rearview mirror for flashing lights. Nothing yet."

Thanks.

2- Can I retire in the next 7-10 years? I would like to expand and focus on the real estate "side hustle" Unless I missed it I did not see any college savings. What are your plans for that? As a first-generation immigrant, I am not fully sold on funding my kid's college.. I want them to have some skin in the game and either pay for or fund college themselves. My plan was to leave them the rental property once it all paid off as an inheritance ... haven't really made a full commitment and can be persuaded either way. I'd keep working and pay for some / all of the kids' college or trade school. It's a competitive world out there and giving your kids an outstanding education with little or no debt will serve as a greater gift long-t...

Whether we worry about it or not, it is an issue that cannot be discussed here on this forum. Your thread will be locked. Why ? Not really pending legislation in terms of a bill with specific terms. It's not actionable. The thread referred to earlier was, I believe, reopened in order to discuss specific possible actions, i.e. move money to a bank account, is my money market safe, should I sell my Treasury, what about gold, that sort of thing. Discussing the possible future state of our entire economy is a little too broad. Sure it is. It's as actionable as the question "what do I do with my money because I think the market is risky?" that we see every day. It doesn't matter what you or I think. It's what the moderator thinks. :) ...

Tom_T wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 2:28 pm

BernardShakey wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 2:07 pm

goodenyou wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:57 pm Whether we worry about it or not, it is an issue that cannot be discussed here on this forum. Your thread will be locked.

Why ? Not really pending legislation in terms of a bill with specific terms.

It's not actionable. The thread referred to earlier was, I believe, reopened in order to discuss specific possible actions, i.e. move money to a bank account, is my money market safe, should I sell my Treasury, what about gold, that sort of thing. Discussing the possible future state of our entire economy is a little too broad.

Sure it is. It's as actionable as the question "what do I do with my money because I think the market is risky?" that we see every day.

He squirreled away money for years
While his wife shopped only at Sears
They appeared to be terribly frugal
All the while buying Apple and Google

goodenyou wrote: ↑Tue Jan 24, 2023 1:57 pm Whether we worry about it or not, it is an issue that cannot be discussed here on this forum. Your thread will be locked.

Why ? Not really pending legislation in terms of a bill with specific terms.

We have been thinking about this for awhile and are now looking for properties in Florida. Since our only grandchild is there it’s tough to be 1,000 miles away. Anyhow, we are planning to keep our home in Minnesota and purchase another home in Florida. Obviously we would make Florida our primary residence to save on taxes. A quick run of my numbers puts an extra $1k in our pocket every month. For those who have done this if we purchase a home, open a local bank account, switch our drivers license, register to vote, spend 183 days in Florida per year we should be good. Or is there more to this ? The costs associated with owning and maintaining two homes, and the travel costs, should be carefully considered. Additionally, check out the threa...

We left Virginia for Florida and need to transfer over our insurance policies. Besides the initial shock of the cost differences (with Florida being 8x the cost of Virginia) I'm trying to understand some of the details and would appreciate help/thoughts from other Florida residents. With respect to auto insurance, we had in Virginia, - 250k/500k liability - 250k/500k uninsured motorist liability. - something like $5000 medical - $1000 deductibles In Florida it sounds like uninsured motorist is a completely different beast. For 2 "safe/good" drivers in their late 50s with one car in Florida should we be sticking with the above levels? Also is there anything else we should make sure we have? As an aside we also have an umbrella pol...

What difference does it make what someone else is doing? How is this a actionable? These threads always come down to what individuals can afford and how much stock they hold in the phrase "skin in the game." It is actionable because I have a teenager and I want to see what others see as reasonable since husband and I disagree on what we should provide. We came from different backgrounds and has different experience, yet the one who had the harder time and sacrifice learned more discipline and ended up with more wealth. How is this different than asking on opinions on the least favorite vacation or car? You want to learn from others on what is reasonable even though taste defer. I'm paying full freight for both kids but only becau...

I probably wouldn't semi retire before 25X but I'm conservative. And I have no plans to semi-retire.

For me it's kind of hard to tell how many times X I actually have squirreled away. Assume like many of us, you retire in a given year, then pension starts a bit later, then SS kicks in at 70. The required draw from the portfolio is variable over time....larger at first, then somewhat less with pension, and much less with SS.

You could calculate it piecemeal I guess....3 years with all expenses coming from portfolio, 7 years with pension, remaining years with pension + SS and calculate it that way(?)

rage_phish wrote: ↑Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:15 am I have always lived by the “we’re young and can be aggressive in our investments”. My wife and I are 100% stocks.

But while I still feel like I’m young…I’m actually turning 40 this year


Is there any rules or guidance as to when people generally start adjusting their AA with age?

I was 100% stocks at age 45 with two elementary school children in 2008. That was rough and I would not want to go through that again.

I think 80%/20% or 75%/25% might be reasonable as you get into your 40's but only you can decide.

How did you react (and feel) in March 2020 ? How about throughout 2022 ?

If my spouse is collecting benefits on her own record a year before her FRA, will that early collection date impact her spousal benefit when I begin to collect at my FRA? Yes. The amount she receives will be reduced due to starting her own benefits before her FRA. The amount she will receive will be made up of two parts: her own reduced benefits and her unreduced excess spousal benefits. This might help: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kotlikoff/2020/11/24/ask-larry-why-isnt-my-wifes-spousal-benefit-50-of-my-social-security-retirement-benefit/?sh=d972b8a6ed55 "If a person starts drawing reduced retirement benefits on their own record prior to full retirement age (FRA), the resulting reduction for age that's applied to their benefit rate ...

If my spouse is collecting benefits on her own record a year before her FRA, will that early collection date impact her spousal benefit when I begin to collect at my FRA? Yes. The amount she receives will be reduced due to starting her own benefits before her FRA. The amount she will receive will be made up of two parts: her own reduced benefits and her unreduced excess spousal benefits. This might help: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kotlikoff/2020/11/24/ask-larry-why-isnt-my-wifes-spousal-benefit-50-of-my-social-security-retirement-benefit/?sh=d972b8a6ed55 "If a person starts drawing reduced retirement benefits on their own record prior to full retirement age (FRA), the resulting reduction for age that's applied to their benefit rate ...

nedsaid wrote: I think better times are ahead for Bonds and that is about all I will say. 1+ Ditto for my sentiments. Nominal bonds, especially LTT, have suffered so much since inflation took off 2 years ago that they now represent good long term value, likely positive real returns if inflation continues to subside as expected and approaches the stated 2% goal. I personally don't think we'll return to a sustainable long term 2% figure anytime in the next few years. The new mean may well turn out to be 3% instead of 2%, but that wouldn't be so bad in my view. The problem is that bond real returns are still negative (less than inflation). In order to get positive real bond returns inflation must come down substantially more. That seems to be...

Hi- My wife and I have been pretty fortunate and still have considerable income. We are in mid 40s and have been in 401ks for 20 years each. I make 300+ in a w2 + 401k 7% match setup. She makes 250+ in a 1099 - Solo 401k setup. We have 1.5m in 401ks IRAs, 500k in Roth and max HSAs, ibonds, and 529s and a 750+ brokerage (may go down with a home purchase). Every year, we seem to have the same question about her contributions to a solo 401k, which will be 60k+ this year and maybe 66K in 2023. I'm not in favor of doing Roth conversions at this tax bracket. We do probably have a home purchase coming up--my wife is usually in favor of buying more house for the next 15-20 years, and not worrying as much about that money being put in a retirement ...

I’m thinking of investing 10% of my assets in investment property (excluding personal residence). Question: Is 10% in investment property too much? Stats: Age 34 Single, no kids No house; so renting AA 80% stocks 20% bonds in three fund portfolio 10% doesn't seem like too much, though I'm not sure if you're talking about REITS, self-managed apartments or SFH, or commercial properties. If self-managed residential property, I don't think 10% is too much at all. In fact, a little more than 10% might be desirable for diversification purposes assuming you are ok with putting in the work. I love residential real estate but it is indeed sensitive to locale and you have to be able to do a lot of the work yourself, at least initially. My goal in mi...

4,422 would be the answer

My 2009 Honda Odyssey has 132k miles. Keeping her at least until she's old enough to vote

Northster wrote: ↑Tue Dec 27, 2022 4:52 pm I'm partial to Vasque, which I get at REI. Waterproof and long-wearing sole. I like the tread in the snow, but would be good in rain too. I do fine without wool socks even here in Minnesota. Whatever you get, don't lace too tight or it cuts off circulation. When I ran I always 'clenched' my foot before lacing.

Agree on Vasque. Long-time company selling long-lasting, sturdy hiking shoes.

I get the waterproof models and concur with the long tread wear.

I used to buy them at REI but more recently the store near me no longer carries Vasque. I've purchased via Moosejaw.

For us, the ability to rollover surplus 529 dollars to the beneficiary's Roth IRA with no tax or penalty is nice.

And the increase in the RMD age to 75 helps us out.

Those are probably the most significant to us.

How did you decide on Irvine? I’m from the area and frankly think Irvine is overrated… I would take a hard look at other cities like Laguna hills, Laguna Niguel, mission Viejo, aliso Viejo etc. virtually identical pros but you’ll get a nicer house for the money with more character. We all have opinions and so I'll give mine. Irvine is a fabulous to live and work. Master planned, very well maintained, all the amenities but none of the blight / seediness you see in some other areas. It's a great place to live. Aside from San Clemente, San Juan and some other truly coastal villages like Corona Del Mar or Laguna Beach I can't afford, Irvine beats the rest IMO. Exceptionally low crime rates and fantastic public schools. Great public university....

I'm a fan of FreeTaxUSA and have used it for the last few years. My taxes are pretty simple though.