Search found 25150 matches

by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cameras, Binoculars and Jackets for Alaska Cruise
Replies: 21
Views: 1267

Re: Cameras, Binoculars and Jackets for Alaska Cruise

On my last Alaska cruise I brought a DSLR with a 600 lens and was able to get some really good photos of bears fishing for salmon and other wildlife shots. Still, it's not exactly convenient to haul that kind of equipment and if I were to go again I'd probably just try using my iPhone 15 Pro Max, possibly with a small adjunct lens to further improve telephoto capability, e.g., https://www.sandmarc.com/products/telephoto-lens-edition-iphone-15-pro I wouldn't expect DSLR quality images, especially if you might want to enlarge prints, but suspect the tradeoff for convenience would be worth it. My second choice would be a bridge camera like the Sony RX10 IV, with a fixed but powerful telephoto zoom lens. Easier to carry than a DSLR body and se...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?
Replies: 24
Views: 3473

Re: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?

^I don't recall having to do any of this. But it only works on my EFTPS account so far so maybe they aren't picky about who sends them money.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Two ETFs in one taxable account vs two?
Replies: 5
Views: 402

Re: Two ETFs in one taxable account vs two?

two accounts adds un-needed complexity. One is all you need.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

Update: I removed the 8283 form and re-added a new 8283, re-entered all the data (Section A only) - the only difference was removing an apostrophe in the description for methodology in determining the value - and surprisingly the IRS accepted the return within a couple hours. It's possible the form was updated by the vendor since I started entering data a few weeks ago, but who knows... there are a lot of e-file fields where they don't like punctuation. I've never completely figured out which ones cause them to gag so I tend to use none. I've filed the exact same way (with the apostrophe) for the past several years without a problem, so I think the punctuation change was just coincidental, but I was determined to change something just to s...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Any thoughts on sector rotation - March 2024?
Replies: 20
Views: 872

Re: Any thoughts on sector rotation - March 2024?

I'm not a fan of sectors, period. Much less rotation. All my equity is in a taxable account. Among other issues, rotation generates tax expense I don't want.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

naturedude wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 1:11 pm
TheTaxGuys wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:39 am This issue is about Form 8283 non-cash charitable donations. A form 8283 with a donee name or organization name must contain a signature document attached to the return.
Sounds like it's more than an HRB issue then. The IRS must have changed something as I've filed the form for years without any filing issues. The donee acknowledgement signature in Part V is supposed to be for Section B, Part I.

My form only has related donations in Section A, Part I, but it is still getting rejected.
I've never filed a doc either; On my own return, I had a large item on Schedule A questioned a couple of times but always CP letter, never rejects.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

johngalt wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 1:52 pm Update: I removed the 8283 form and re-added a new 8283, re-entered all the data (Section A only) - the only difference was removing an apostrophe in the description for methodology in determining the value - and surprisingly the IRS accepted the return within a couple hours. It's possible the form was updated by the vendor since I started entering data a few weeks ago, but who knows...
there are a lot of e-file fields where they don't like punctuation. I've never completely figured out which ones cause them to gag so I tend to use none.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 1:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

Thank you to all who have posted the same problem to know this is an H&R Block system issue. Come on, HRB, get your software updated! I wanted to get this done tonight to get my refund moving. We know governments like to play time delays with refunds the closer we get to April 15th. Do we have any evidence that this occurs? I have not seen it. I file a lot of returns at the end of March and early April and nobody has reported delays to me. To the contrary, the delays I tend to see are at the beginning of the filing season. Yeah, I'm just lying to troll on here after trying to e-file my federal and state returns last night. Get real. HRB gives a "rejection report" that has information on it just like the OP wrote about. I was ...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 51
Views: 2189

Re: navigation system for car

Hi, tuna. My humble suggestions: 1. Get a smart phone, if you don't own one. Flip phones and Nook tablets are soooo 2010. They went out with Britney Spears and Ricky Martin. When I was in my 30s, a very smart 19 y o punk rocker with purple hair taught me: "Protagonist, you gotta stay contemporary or you will start growing moss." The child is father to the man. 2. Download the free Waze app. They use real time traffic data. For years I commuted between MA and NYC frequently. One route or another seemed to always be backed up, and which one was a coin flip. I tried everything else. Waze did a MUCH better job keeping me on the best route than any of the others. There are plenty of good dashboard phone mounts out there. You need not ...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online Social Security application [question]
Replies: 17
Views: 1156

Re: Online Social Security application [question]

When you get the determination letter, check their work. They had my amount wrong.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 51
Views: 2189

Re: navigation system for car

For those of us who invested in a good phone, I'm not sure why we'd want to put so much wear and tear on its battery by using it for navigation. Not to mention whatever direct sun exposure it might get through the windshield. I'd rather keep the phone cool, hidden away in a protective case, and in airplane mode while an inexpensive Garmin unit does the hard work, and a better job of it. At least in my case, I maybe use my smartphone as a navigation aid once or twice a year. The rest of the year I know where I'm going and it is safely in my pocket turned off. The wear and tear those two vacations a year put on my phone are much less than the cost of a Garmin or subscription based software. However is I were a driving sales person or taxi dr...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quarterly Tax Payments when retired?
Replies: 5
Views: 483

Re: Quarterly Tax Payments when retired?

if you have tax withheld on the IRA distribution it is deemed to be uniform throughout the year so timing isn't an issue. I do this and skip ES payments entirely.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial implications of long jury duty
Replies: 24
Views: 1796

Re: Financial implications of long jury duty

cabfranc wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:29 am If I am selected, is not being paid beyond X days reasonable to raise as an excuse? And if I simply state this fact to the clerk/judge, are they going to ask for documentation of my income, spouse's income, and savings? In other words, is "my employer does not pay me for jury duty" a valid excuse even if it does not result in "financial hardship?"
I think this is a distinction without a difference. It all comes down to what the court will accept which is probably variable by location.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Portable Audio - your configuration?
Replies: 9
Views: 570

Re: Portable Audio - your configuration?

iPhone 12-mini + Jabra BT earbuds.

I have a BT over the ear headphone but I only use it in the house - too much for portable situations.

If it is real cold outside I sometimes use this when working around the house outside so the earbuds don't fall out.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092D ... le?ie=UTF8
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?
Replies: 24
Views: 3473

Re: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?

prd1982 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:28 am
jebmke wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:39 am It appears that the IRS site (not EFTPS) requires ID dot me and will not accept login.gov; is that correct?
That’s what I see as well. I’m guessing the IRS is relatively lax about identifying the person who wants to send it money.
It would help if they picked one method and standardized. I'm not keen on maintaining so many alternatives. On the other hand, I have no need to use my IRS account so I'll probably let that go fallow. I was mainly using it to check if my login ID that I recently created for EFTPS worked across the site. Now I know.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't
Replies: 28
Views: 3369

Re: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't

Asyouwish wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 9:40 am
What's POD?
Proof Of Delivery?


Certified return receipt from the post office.
yes; once I respond, I don't think much about their letter since the ball is in their court and I have proof of that.

They once lost my entire file after 18 months of correspondence; while I was OK providing them a complete copy of the return and all correspondence, I reminded them that any time clocks that were running were their problem, not mine.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?
Replies: 24
Views: 3473

Re: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?

It appears that the IRS site (not EFTPS) requires ID dot me and will not accept login.gov; is that correct?
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reported bond fund return inconsistancy
Replies: 8
Views: 383

Re: Reported bond fund return inconsistancy

I only would look at what the fund companies themselves report. Personally, I don't pay attention to historical returns.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 40
Views: 2053

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

The only thing that sucks related to being on Medicare is the part D prescription plans. If the gouging, profiteering and smoke & mirrors were eliminated, Medicare would almost be perfect. I have never gotten any value from D except to prevent penalty build-up. Now that my D plan is almost free, at least it isn't a cost center. Let’s see what transpires in the next few years.😕 I'm fairly optimistic that pharma/insurance cos will find a suitable workaround. :wink: I hope so. Unfortunately, I don’t see the insurance industry giving up any of their profits. That would mean the pharmaceutical industry has to. At a guess, they probably have plenty of room to do so. except what I meant is that they will find a way to jack up prices even with...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Form 8606 related question
Replies: 6
Views: 455

Re: Form 8606 related question

I don't think you can amend past three years. You can submit the 8606s as these are informational in prior years but I think 2019 is a goner. Will see what others think.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 40
Views: 2053

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

Hey gunny2, I was healthy until I wasn’t. Never got sick & rarely had a cold until things started falling apart. Now I’m happy we have the absolute best medical insurance we have ever had with parts A, B & G plan supplement. Thanks; I hear you. I wasn't under the delusion that I could stay healthy forever. But I didn't know about the rate increase if you sign up later (which would have been a reasonable assumption and makes total sense otherwise people would "game the system"). The only thing that sucks related to being on Medicare is the part D prescription plans. If the gouging, profiteering and smoke & mirrors were eliminated, Medicare would almost be perfect. I have never gotten any value from D except to prevent ...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 40
Views: 2053

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

Hey gunny2, I was healthy until I wasn’t. Never got sick & rarely had a cold until things started falling apart. Now I’m happy we have the absolute best medical insurance we have ever had with parts A, B & G plan supplement. Thanks; I hear you. I wasn't under the delusion that I could stay healthy forever. But I didn't know about the rate increase if you sign up later (which would have been a reasonable assumption and makes total sense otherwise people would "game the system"). The only thing that sucks related to being on Medicare is the part D prescription plans. If the gouging, profiteering and smoke & mirrors were eliminated, Medicare would almost be perfect. I have never gotten any value from D except to prevent ...
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 51
Views: 2189

Re: navigation system for car

Jack FFR1846 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:00 am I've had Garman units that I use as backup for my iPhone running Google maps. I offroad in places around New England where there are zero bars and no input but the Garman keeps on giving me location information.
Have you looked at Here? it functions well entirely offline.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 8:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 51
Views: 2189

Re: navigation system for car

tibbitts wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 12:00 am What is everyone using for a cell phone mount?
I have one that clamps on to the vanes of the AC/heat vent but often I just stick my phone in the cup holder on the console; I rarely need navigation except to get back on track if there is an accident that takes me off my regular route.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?
Replies: 24
Views: 3473

Re: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?

diy60 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:36 am
jebmke wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:36 am I am able to log in to EFTPS with it. Have not tried my IRS account.
Did you have to do anything special to use your login gov on the EFTPS site? I have a login gov account from my Global Entry days and I wanted to give it a try elsewhere. Just wanted to double check before I do something stupid and lock up an account. Thanks.
No; once I have the login ID, it works as before; but there is first a login.gov sign in and then you sign in to EFTPS. Works ok but double sign-in is a bit of a pain. I think there is a "remember this browser" option that might allow one to bypass or shorten the first step.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 6:58 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Corrected 1099s?
Replies: 4
Views: 282

Re: Corrected 1099s?

I normally reconcile the broker statement with the financial statement. If the rec is clear, I am pretty confident that the 1099 is good.

Note - they may well not be the same numbers (they rarely are for me) but I should be able to create a good account rec for each account.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 6:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Athene Holding Ltd Depositary Sh dividends adjusted
Replies: 4
Views: 500

Re: Athene Holding Ltd Depositary Sh dividends adjusted

very strange; but I would not expected Fidelity to know anything about that -- it isn't their fund.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 6:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why
Replies: 21
Views: 1742

Re: Medigappers: which plan do you have and why

G -- saves having to process bills during the year.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?
Replies: 24
Views: 3473

Re: IRS rollout of Login.Gov: any updates?

cheesepep wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:56 am
808 wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 3:27 am
tlveik wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:48 pm Looks like the IRS is getting close to adding login.gov as a sign in option.

https://www.nextgov.com/it-modernizatio ... rs/383932/
Or, not ...

https://www.nextgov.com/digital-governm ... es/391033/

https://www.tigta.gov/sites/default/fil ... S070fr.pdf
Not sure why this was posted. The IRS EFTPS website says this: "Secure sign-in via Login.gov or ID.me is required as of October 19, 2023."

Again, does login.gov just require an app on your phone and FaceID to authenticate? Or do I need a driver's license photo, video call, etc?
I am able to log in to EFTPS with it. Have not tried my IRS account.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't
Replies: 28
Views: 3369

Re: IRS says I owe it money, but I don't

GreendaleCC wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:39 pm
effillus wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:32 pm I am not really worried, but I wonder what advice folks here might have for me when I call the IRS this week to see what's going on?
Why call them? Can’t you just respond by mailing them the proof that you paid the owed tax amount?
I always respond on paper with POD. Quicker for me. That way I don’t have to wait in queue or push to find rightagent.
by jebmke
Mon Mar 18, 2024 5:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

bmbutler wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:26 pm Thank you to all who have posted the same problem to know this is an H&R Block system issue. Come on, HRB, get your software updated! I wanted to get this done tonight to get my refund moving. We know governments like to play time delays with refunds the closer we get to April 15th.
Do we have any evidence that this occurs? I have not seen it. I file a lot of returns at the end of March and early April and nobody has reported delays to me.

To the contrary, the delays I tend to see are at the beginning of the filing season.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 40
Views: 2053

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

bberris wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:53 pm Outpatient surgery is part b.
With the rapid increase in laparoscopic procedures, increasingly surgeries that may have been inpatient in days past are now in and out same day. A number of procedures have always been -- skin cancer removal and cataract removal come to mind. A run of the mill gallbladder removal is normally same day. A friend of mine is a general surgeon; more than half of his procedures are outpatient but in a major hospital. He schedules them early. By 7:30 he is in the OR (some patients aren't amused because they typically have to arrive by 5:30am.)
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 7:48 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only
Replies: 40
Views: 2053

Re: Medicare: Getting Part A and D only

Injury and illness can hit hard at any time and for many, the chances increase steadily as we age.

I was and am pretty healthy but have racked up quite a few outpatient events which I think are all Part B
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extra Low Mileage Drivers: How much do you spend on your car?
Replies: 48
Views: 4197

Re: A stupid amount

We bought as new car in November 2022. It replaced a 2007 car. We drive 2500 miles/year. Annual costs right now are: $1000 DMV $3000 Insurance $5000 Depreciation (linear $50K over 10 years) Yes, $3.67/mile is crazy. But we want the convenience and we had the money for the new car. $1,000 a year for DMV or registration? That's crazy! What part of the country are you in? I'm in TX and it's $75. Yes, $3.67 per mile is crazy too. TravelforFun Not sure but I think some states have a PP tax that is based on value so an expensive car might rack up a large PP tax. At some level, high end cars should be viewed like jewelry -- you'd never look at high end jewelry on a $$ per mile basis, or even on a dollars per hour basis for something like a watch.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: basic expense tracking
Replies: 18
Views: 1160

Re: basic expense tracking

It does not work. Lumpy expense is a fact of life even in retirement. Month to month expense does not work. Annual expense gives you a better picture. I expected a lot of variability month to month going into retirement. I will say that I have been surprised at how much variability there is year to year. I didn't have a specific "prediction" per se, but when I look at annual data over the last 15 years, my sense is that I would not have predicted as wide a range as occurred. jebmke, You do. I don't. I do strict "Pay Yourself First" saving method with only 60K per year to spend (except when paying for the college education). And, I spend less on my house with a lowered fixed annual expense. To each its own. If it works f...
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: basic expense tracking
Replies: 18
Views: 1160

Re: basic expense tracking

KlangFool wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:51 pm It does not work. Lumpy expense is a fact of life even in retirement.

Month to month expense does not work. Annual expense gives you a better picture.
I expected a lot of variability month to month going into retirement. I will say that I have been surprised at how much variability there is year to year. I didn't have a specific "prediction" per se, but when I look at annual data over the last 15 years, my sense is that I would not have predicted as wide a range as occurred.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Mobile finance apps - do you use them?
Replies: 52
Views: 3988

Re: Mobile finance apps - do you use them?

I have changed my thinking. I have two credit card companies and my bank. Two apps have face recognition required. All three have screen time set to zero so another code is needed. I only have these on my phone in order to unlock/lock the cards. The rest of the functionality isn't important to me. The bank is mainly a transaction account so the balance is fairly low.

Right now I don't have a need for investment account on a mobile device.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cloud based backup options for sensitive files
Replies: 92
Views: 7397

Re: Cloud based backup options for sensitive files

biscuit5 wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 3:12 pm
I really like Cryptomator (https://cryptomator.org/), which lets you use any regular cloud storage service in a zero-trust paradigm.
have seen suggestions over the years for stuff like this ^^^^, but, what happens when these sites/businesses/softwares disappear or go out of business? then what? Could leave one SOL.
You take make sure your alternate backup (mine happens to be a local NAS but could also be another cloud site) is still intact and then secure another primary.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Replies: 2851
Views: 225856

Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?

early spring birding in Worcester County to see if any early migrants. Not many surprises many Pine Warblers -- singing and observed. We easily counted a dozen or so and there were probably more we didn't even see. A lot of juvenile White Ibis. 22 at one location and several at other locations. A dozen Common Mergansers doing a synchronized swimming act -- all diving and surfacing together. Water levels very high, even at low tide. A lot of areas that used to host shore birds and waders are now too deep; some of it is fresh water from a heavy rain winter but the tidal marshes on the ocean side are getting inundated and will not recover. Had been a while since I was last there. Some stands of Pine are now dead due to water and/or salt intrus...
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Newbie - Municipal Bonds vs MF / ETF Muni Tax Free
Replies: 7
Views: 648

Re: Newbie - Municipal Bonds vs MF / ETF Muni Tax Free

if the value has declined, why do you think there will be a capital gain?
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:41 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10679

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

HuckFinn wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 10:10 pm Taxes were an incredible percentage of our expenses!" We we're pretty naïve early on just thinking we had no control whatsoever...
this is a common misperception, to the point that often they aren't even included in expense estimates when people are looking at their retirement scenarios. Some of it may be due to the fact that quite a few don't look ahead even during their accumulation years. One often sees posts in December and even after the end of the year asking for ways to reduce their taxes on the return they are working on presently. By December and beyond, the alternatives narrow. The farther in advance (up to a point) you think about your tax burden, the more options may be available to you.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

kaufeegurl wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:55 pm Thank you all for the replies. I did a quick search on when the IRS last updated Form 8283 and it was on 2/28. I think the most probable explanation is that Block has not updated their software to reflect the updated form and they are rejecting all e-files with Form 8283. I am going to wait a bit and hopefully Block will get that update done soon. Pony Express is still the fall back option. ;)
Good to know; I have to file this form. I owe them a bunch of money so I'll pay my tab in April and wait until May or June to file.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:31 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cameras, Binoculars and Jackets for Alaska Cruise
Replies: 21
Views: 1267

Re: Cameras, Binoculars and Jackets for Alaska Cruise

here is a recent thread on binos. You won't get image stabilization for $250.
viewtopic.php?t=411213
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block
Replies: 33
Views: 4100

Re: Federal efile rejected * H&R Block

There was an update recently. I too would wait, try to file in early April and then paper file. Nothing to lose waiting.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 25
Views: 2785

Re: Moving in retirement.

We built our dream home many years ago. Between 10-20 acres. Retired now. Mid 50s/mid60's couple. We are well able to tend to what we have, but as we age we have a little bit of concern that we have bitten off more than we can chew. Lots of flower beds, gardening, farm needs. We have begun talking about moving, able to go anywhere, within reason. If we moved, it would be a major upheaval. We could make for a simpler retirement life, make it such that we could get up and go travel a lot more easily. Currently farm needs keep us travelling long periods at once. It is enjoyable, but it as if our hobbies and interests are our master. For those that moved after retirement, why? Was it tough to leave behind things you had built and dreamed about...
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overnight in a DC Hyatt March 2025
Replies: 13
Views: 1519

Re: Overnight in a DC Hyatt March 2025

terran wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 11:45 pm
joetro29 wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 10:41 pm ... I’d want to see cherry blossoms ...
My wife was just telling me about she heard (probably an NPR story) that they cherry trees are being removed after this season for some work in the area, to be replaced with new ones later (maybe 2029?).
Only a few

The tricky part is that the bloom date is highly variable. They are early this year, blooming now. Some years they don’t bloom until April.
by jebmke
Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone purchased a RAV4 hybrid recently?
Replies: 30
Views: 3665

Re: Anyone purchased a RAV4 hybrid recently?

wallygator wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 4:38 am Toyota's redesigns seem to go pretty well.

We still have 2004 RX330 and 2014 Highlander with zero issues and both are first year redesigns.

YMMV I'd do toyota again
Me too. We have had 5-6 over the years. One water pump. They just run. Friend has early Prius with 350K on original batteries.
by jebmke
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving in retirement.
Replies: 25
Views: 2785

Re: Moving in retirement.

delamer wrote: Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:34 pm Anyway, my point is that I give the OP and her spouse credit for thinking ahead about whether their current situation is sustainable. My concern for my friend is that she’s going to be forced to move quickly and with limited control/options when that time comes. Better to take your fate into your own hands by planning ahead.
I agree entirely. These aren't easy decisions since they inevitably involve tradeoffs. And even if you can wrestle it to the ground analytically, inertia can keep you from moving forward.
by jebmke
Sat Mar 16, 2024 5:07 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Non Qualified Retirement Income ??
Replies: 11
Views: 756

Re: Non Qualified Retirement Income ??

non-qualified
by jebmke
Sat Mar 16, 2024 4:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes: Taxable Mutual Fund to Vanguard Brokerage
Replies: 2
Views: 282

Re: Taxes: Taxable Mutual Fund to Vanguard Brokerage

That looks right. I do the same. I rack up all the Treasury pieces from the supporting detail and then divide by the total in 1a from the 1099-Div summary.

In my state module there is also a place I could just put in the dollar amount and skip the entry on the Federal but I have traditionally made the entry on the dialog in the Federal section and it works fine.