Search found 772 matches

by familythriftmd
Wed Mar 27, 2024 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washington DC trip ideas
Replies: 20
Views: 778

Re: Washington DC trip ideas

Other threads dedicated to this, but briefly I like:
Museum of the Bible
African American History Museum (you'll need to reserve tickets ahead of time, but it's free)
Natural History Museum
American History Museum
Jefferson Memorial and walking around the harbor

I stayed at Holiday Inn by L'Enfant Plaza and it was good.
by familythriftmd
Wed Mar 27, 2024 5:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?
Replies: 249
Views: 17810

Re: What Toys Have You Bought That Have Been Worth it?

meadowrue wrote: Fri Mar 22, 2024 7:19 am A really nice set of Denby Pottery dinnerware. I love to cook and serving meals on high quality dinnerware makes it that much better.
We have Denby Blue Jetty. Very nice dishware.

However, I think I kind of like the Corelle Ware that I've picked up from the Goodwill better. Stacks better, fits in dishwasher better, I'm less worried about the children breaking it, etc.
by familythriftmd
Fri Mar 15, 2024 9:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Re: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

Thanks everyone! I bought desktop version for what it would have cost me to file online, anyway. I'll let you know how it goes!
by familythriftmd
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Re: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

The whole Schedule D is pretty much proceeds minus basis equals gains straight from 1099-B, and a couple check boxes. Amazing what people are prepared to pay to not do that themselves. Well, this is what I mean in its essence; they are demanding a $50 premium for a measly schedule D. I'm not sure if there's a way to file the rest with TurboTax and then send the IRS a schedule D "a la carte". No one cannot file just schedule D alone, IRS expects you to efile the whole thing or mail the whole thing. Not a TT issue. You CAN switch from online to desktop if you want and have not already paid for the online fees. I recall seeing instructions how to do this. The export file format for a return is compatible across online and desktop ve...
by familythriftmd
Wed Mar 13, 2024 6:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Re: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

Hyperchicken wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 11:06 pm The whole Schedule D is pretty much proceeds minus basis equals gains straight from 1099-B, and a couple check boxes. Amazing what people are prepared to pay to not do that themselves.
Well, this is what I mean in its essence; they are demanding a $50 premium for a measly schedule D. I'm not sure if there's a way to file the rest with TurboTax and then send the IRS a schedule D "a la carte".
by familythriftmd
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Re: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

sailaway wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:04 pm Are you using the desktop version or the online version? The former will let you fill everything out without upgrading.
Do you know if I switch from the online version to a downloaded version (e.g. from Staples online) if it will automatically sync all the data from the online version as long as I use the same login info?

Also, why would the Deluxe version for online do less than with desktop Deluxe?
by familythriftmd
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Re: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

i don't use turbotax but from reading around it appears the deluxe gives you help completing the schedule D but perhaps you don't need assistance. In that case did you try: We'll automatically generate and fill out Schedule D when you report 1099-Bs and other capital asset sales: Open (continue) your return if it's not already open. Search for Schedule D and select the Jump to link at the top of the search results. Answer Yes to Did you sell any of these investments in 2023? OR Okay! if you see Time to kick off your investments! Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your capital asset sale(s). If these include stock, we'll also fill out Form 8949 for you. https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/small-business-proce...
by familythriftmd
Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Re: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

sailaway wrote: Tue Mar 12, 2024 9:04 pm Are you using the desktop version or the online version? The former will let you fill everything out without upgrading.
The online version. Is there a way to switch to the Desktop at this juncture? I have a Mac, by the way, although I could dust out the ole' Lenovo if I have to.
by familythriftmd
Tue Mar 12, 2024 8:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier
Replies: 21
Views: 1783

Schedule D -- Turbotax Premier

My "EF" or whatever you want to call it is divided into savings accounts, checking accounts and money market fund, the latter of which is it at Vanguard.
Before money market, I had some of the "EF" in VTEAX municipal bond fund. I was advised that that wasn't a good idea for something I'd need urgently, so I switched instead to VMRXX money market (by the way, let me know if you think VMFXX is better). That generated a $299 capital gain by doing so, which is item 1c in form 1099-B from Vanguard.

So...
Turbotax says that I need to upgrade from Deluxe to Premier for the purposes of schedule D. Should I believe them? If not, what am I supposed to be doing instead?
by familythriftmd
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:11 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

I looked on a random date and Delta operates using A330-900neo, while Air France uses a 777. If the same on your date of travel, I would definitely go with Delta. The aircraft is very new, and in coach it's a comfortable 2-4-2 layout. Air France uses 3-4-3 on its 777s, which is MUCH tighter. (The 777 has a wider fuselage, but by about the width of one seat; to squeeze in that tenth seat per row, they make the seats and aisles really narrow.) The OP is traveling in early July: We'll be there in early July before the Olympics get up and running. Air France downgauges to a Boeing 787 in July. However, the Airbus A330 is also more comfortable than the Boeing 787 in Economy. The Boeing 787 is 3-3-3 on Air France, but the plane is only half a se...
by familythriftmd
Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Electrical Outlet Covers
Replies: 48
Views: 3811

Re: Electrical Outlet Covers

Why can't you unscrew the existing covers and replace them with new covers?

Are the outlet covers ugly or do you just not like beige?
by familythriftmd
Sun Mar 10, 2024 7:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1514

Re: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]

Old Goat wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:56 am We spend time on Mackinac Island every summer. It is one my family's favorite places. The Grand Hotel is our choice but there are many nice hotels on the Island.

I would not worry about the ferry but if you're concerned the trip from St Ignace is shorter than from Mackinaw. Time on the Island with a small child will be fine, probably easier than the long drive to the tip of the mitt.
Although if you're coming from Mackinaw, you won't have to worry about sitting in traffic on the bridge approach, unless you're coming from UP/WI/Ontario
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 5:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wool slippers worth it?
Replies: 53
Views: 5399

Re: Wool slippers worth it?

I actually like my slippers from Skechers. I can't believe after 2 years they're still holding together after wearing them every day!
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

MGBMartin wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:32 pm
mikejuss wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:46 am Legroom, legroom, legroom: book economy plus.
Or business class.
If you have kids just tell them they’re paying for it. When they ask what you mean tell them it’s coming out of their inheritance.
True enough, but I'm not at that stage of life where I feel comfortable paying for business class; my wife even more so.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

HereToLearn wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:30 pm
familythriftmd wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:21 pm Air France and Delta both do direct from MSP to CDG.
If we book regular economy, what sounds better to you guys?
I cannot remember the correct term, but I think Delta, AF& KLM all flight share. I booked on Flying Blue for last fall's trip into AMS and out of CDG and for one of the flights, I could only check in via Delta, even though I purchased the tickets from KLM.
True, but it also says when you're booking what it is you're booking. Booking on Air France it'll ask me if I want the Delta option or the Air France option. Having flown out of MSP multiple times I have actually seen the Air France aircraft, in addition to obviously lots of Delta planes.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

Air France and Delta both do direct from MSP to CDG.
If we book regular economy, what sounds better to you guys?
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

neilpilot wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:16 pm
mikejuss wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:46 am Legroom, legroom, legroom: book economy plus.
Bad advice for frugal Bogelheads. Yesterday I booked a September RT, Memphis to Shannon.

For the same flight, the pp airfare was $569 for Basic Economy, $749 for Economy and $1699 for Economy Plus.

We went with the lowest fare. So I'm saving $2260 by tolerating a bit less leg room on 7-8 hour flights.

ps - We typically travel without checked baggage, so won't face the additional checked bag fee with Basic Economy.
Holy cow that's an enormous difference!

I too can deal for a while.

We're only staying in Paris first and last night. We'll be there in early July before the Olympics get up and running.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

Re: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

Thanks!

Thanks for the tip on Aer Lingus. Thought there might have been a good reason for being cheaper.

Looked up to AMS Schipol and that is not cheaper for my dates in July.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG
Replies: 38
Views: 2655

How do you decide air travel priorities? Flight to CDG

We live in La Crosse. We're going to go to France next summer.

I'm trying to decide about American through ORD to CDG vs driving to MSP 2.5 hours and then doing direct (for about the same price), vs saving a bit and doing Aer Lingus for cheaper. That'll connect in Dublin. So that would effectively be a ground connection and an air connection.

How do you decide what matters most when you're trying to decide between different options?

There'll be four of us going and the range is about 4000 total for the Aer Lingus vs about 6000 for the more expensive La Crosse American option. Gas and an overnight hotel for the park and fly comes in to play for MSP option, the hotel being about $200 if we do Hyatt Regency Bloomington.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 11:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1514

Re: Mackinac Island, Michigan

Vacationing with a one year old will be a challenge anywhere you go. Life on the island should be no harder than anywhere else. But the ferry to the island might be. Last time I went, several years ago, we took tne Arnold Ferry Line, and that boat was very noisy. I suspect the others might be as well. That and the possibility of rough seas might be disturbing to a baby. Shepler's Ferry has a lower deck, so that could work. We were on the lower deck with Arnolds. The noise came from the engines, not from the wind. And rough seas would be felt regardless of which deck you're on. ps: I've been to the island three times. The first two were pleasant rides on the ferry's upper decks. Last one was a rough sea on the lower deck. Looks like Star Fe...
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:46 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1514

Re: Mackinac Island, Michigan

cheese_breath wrote: Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:08 am Vacationing with a one year old will be a challenge anywhere you go. Life on the island should be no harder than anywhere else. But the ferry to the island might be.

Last time I went, several years ago, we took tne Arnold Ferry Line, and that boat was very noisy. I suspect the others might be as well. That and the possibility of rough seas might be disturbing to a baby.
Shepler's Ferry has a lower deck, so that could work.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:44 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1514

Re: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]

Oh, also since you have a one-year-old, I'd try to stay within walking distance of the ferry terminal if you do stay mainland so you don't have to worry about getting a kid in and out of the car. Just put the baby in the stroller and off you go.
by familythriftmd
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]
Replies: 19
Views: 1514

Re: [Visiting Mackinac Island, Michigan with a small child]

I am thinking about taking a trip to this island with my wife and a 1 year old. This will be our first vacation with a child and we have fear of the unknown related to traveling with a child. We are otherwise well traveled, mostly for outdoor activities. Question: 1/ what are some of the things we should think about when traveling with a child? 2/ do you think Mackinac Island, Michigan is conducive to travel with a child? I otherwise like the idea of traveling to a place that doesn't require/allow a car. But I don't know if this will be a bad idea with a 1 year old. Mackinac is my FAVORITE place in the US! I've only been once, but would love to go again. Where are you coming from? I think that Mackinac would be just fine with a child. Prob...
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12263

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

Interesting. The following is a joke: Maybe need to leave the timeshares to these companies as their "inheritance." Yeah, it's an incredible racket. I don't pretend to know all the details but based on my conversations with my family member the problem is the contract liability (usually yearly maintenance fees) falls back onto the estate if no one steps up to accept the inherited timeshare. From my understanding is was impossible for my family member to settle the estate until the liability was addressed. The one that took the longest was from one of big name timeshares (I won't name it). I would argue that it might be personally actionable if someone on BH was duly warned about a bad timeshare company by name. On what planet? My...
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 28, 2024 2:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12263

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

Interesting. The following is a joke: Maybe need to leave the timeshares to these companies as their "inheritance." Yeah, it's an incredible racket. I don't pretend to know all the details but based on my conversations with my family member the problem is the contract liability (usually yearly maintenance fees) falls back onto the estate if no one steps up to accept the inherited timeshare. From my understanding is was impossible for my family member to settle the estate until the liability was addressed. The one that took the longest was from one of big name timeshares (I won't name it). I would argue that it might be personally actionable if someone on BH was duly warned about a bad timeshare company by name. That’s quite a str...
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 28, 2024 12:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Has anyone invested in marijuana stocks?
Replies: 91
Views: 12831

Re: Has anyone invested in marijuana stocks?

one_speed wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:32 am It's an illegal substance federally. That affects business's access to banking, limits them to heavily regulated state by state specifics, lots of complications most businesses don't have (or, don't have as much of)

And, you're loaning money to drug dealers, so there's that.
Not that I would buy THC index fund or stock, but how would buying a stock or fund on the open market result in money being lent to drug dealers?
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 28, 2024 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25945

Re: What inferior good do you love?

dunk1234 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 11:13 am When talking about inferior goods, it's natural to assume that less expensive means more inferior. What's interesting to me about the topic is the phenomenon of cheaper goods being (surprisingly often) superior. I would argue that toyota corollas and baguettes are two examples of superior goods that cost less than inferior substitutes such as ford broncos and happy meals.
True, so by that logic then maybe someone on here might mention their Ford Bronco or avidity to McDonald's food!
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 28, 2024 12:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Want to leave timeshare.
Replies: 111
Views: 12263

Re: Want to leave timeshare.

diy60 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 9:02 am
student wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2024 8:57 am Interesting. The following is a joke: Maybe need to leave the timeshares to these companies as their "inheritance."
Yeah, it's an incredible racket. I don't pretend to know all the details but based on my conversations with my family member the problem is the contract liability (usually yearly maintenance fees) falls back onto the estate if no one steps up to accept the inherited timeshare. From my understanding is was impossible for my family member to settle the estate until the liability was addressed. The one that took the longest was from one of big name timeshares (I won't name it).
I would argue that it might be personally actionable if someone on BH was duly warned about a bad timeshare company by name.
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone consider retiring to Vancouver, Washington?
Replies: 79
Views: 21758

Re: Anyone consider retiring to Vancouver, Washington?

Just moved from Vancouver/Clark Co area to Central OR after living there for 17 years. Traffic was becoming unbearable any time of day, poor condition of the roads, endless building of strip malls, storage facilities, cheap looking apartments, and trash strewn roadways not to mention almost daily rain from October to May. County is run by a bunch of yay-hoos who have sold their souls to any developer wanting to turn any parcel of land into something unattractive and unuseful. All of Portland’s problems are seeping into the Vancouver area. Yes, absolutely! Very car-centric, poor transit options, and not very walkable. If that is fine with you, then go ahead. But I personally find it to be a little bit (or a lot) soul-sucking. I'd say if you...
by familythriftmd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 5:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am not seeing how bonds have mitigated losses during downturns
Replies: 27
Views: 4424

Re: I am not seeing how bonds have mitigated losses during downturns

sls239 wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:39 pm Bonds are not *inversely* correlated with stocks.

But they are close to *zero* correlation, a small positive correlation.

Which is what you want. If they were inversely correlated, you would lose way too much since the long term trend for stocks is to go up significantly. Anything actually inversely correlated with stocks would be a horrible long-term investment.
That is a really good point! I used to think of it as a bummer that the correlation wasn't negative, but you have enlightened me.
by familythriftmd
Mon Feb 26, 2024 7:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 56478

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

Now it's $40. I was just now looking into getting an Aeropress because I like French press coffee, but also want to filter the coffee through a paper filter because unfiltered coffee raises cholesterol level (and filtered coffee may even decrease it). Aeropress seems like the perfect way to do it, and people seem to love it. Aeropress is great and it's definitely worth having. Next time you use the french press, you can insert a basket filter on the bottom of the press. Then when you press it down, you get filtered coffee. Thanks, I'll try that. I've been pouring the French press coffee through a cone filter, but the filter gets gummed up and after about half a cup, it drains very slowly. Some pressure would help - which is why I like the ...
by familythriftmd
Sat Feb 24, 2024 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions about Whole Life
Replies: 133
Views: 10303

Re: Questions about Whole Life

The guy is so patronizing that I'd want to cash it out and fire him just to stick it to him!

But certainly don't go about getting more. But also seems like you can take out the $20,000 as "free money" and do whatever you want with that. Forget the past and move on.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best < $100 purchase?
Replies: 299
Views: 56478

Re: Best < $100 purchase?

Now it's $40. I was just now looking into getting an Aeropress because I like French press coffee, but also want to filter the coffee through a paper filter because unfiltered coffee raises cholesterol level (and filtered coffee may even decrease it). Aeropress seems like the perfect way to do it, and people seem to love it. Aeropress is great and it's definitely worth having. Next time you use the french press, you can insert a basket filter on the bottom of the press. Then when you press it down, you get filtered coffee. Thanks, I'll try that. I've been pouring the French press coffee through a cone filter, but the filter gets gummed up and after about half a cup, it drains very slowly. Some pressure would help - which is why I like the ...
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25945

Re: What inferior good do you love?

tenkuky wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 5:25 pm
familythriftmd wrote: Thu Feb 22, 2024 3:39 pm The talk above about Olive Garden reminded me about Fazoli's. I think they're pretty good for an inferior product. They also come around with breadsticks. Too bad they have closed so many around the upper midwest.
And I loved Cici's Pizza which let you customize any pizza and eat any amount off a buffet. With coupons, it was ridiculously cheap.
Hmm I'm not familiar.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:04 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 130
Views: 20952

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

The 160k my wife and I have invested for retirement thus far (you just starting out) is 100% in VTI. We keep a 6 month emergency fund in cash and the rest is VTI/VTSAX. Maybe once we have 250k I will consider adding some international. We are kind of just plowing it all into VTI for the time being since we have another 32 years investment horizon before retirement. I lump sum our Roth each year and DCA via biweekly paycheck contributions to TSP/401k so all bases are covered. I do not care about the price of VTI. I'm not quite sure why you won't have a domestic/international mix until a certain number. Also to OP: no it's not too late. It definitely wasn't too late in 2014, either. It’s nothing profound, it is just that VTI is what I starte...
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request
Replies: 23
Views: 3626

Re: Portfolio Review Request

Welcome to the forum!

Wealth Front has made it rather complicated. Good on you for planning to do 3-fund!

for AA bond:equities, it's mainly about comfort. Have you ever panic-sold stocks before? If so, then you'll want to be heavier on bonds.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?
Replies: 130
Views: 20952

Re: Is it Too Late to Invest in VTI?

BizarroJerry wrote: Tue Feb 20, 2024 8:01 pm The 160k my wife and I have invested for retirement thus far (you just starting out) is 100% in VTI. We keep a 6 month emergency fund in cash and the rest is VTI/VTSAX.

Maybe once we have 250k I will consider adding some international. We are kind of just plowing it all into VTI for the time being since we have another 32 years investment horizon before retirement. I lump sum our Roth each year and DCA via biweekly paycheck contributions to TSP/401k so all bases are covered. I do not care about the price of VTI.
I'm not quite sure why you won't have a domestic/international mix until a certain number.

Also to OP: no it's not too late. It definitely wasn't too late in 2014, either.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 22, 2024 3:39 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25945

Re: What inferior good do you love?

The talk above about Olive Garden reminded me about Fazoli's. I think they're pretty good for an inferior product. They also come around with breadsticks. Too bad they have closed so many around the upper midwest.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What inferior good do you love?
Replies: 232
Views: 25945

Re: What inferior good do you love?

I used to enjoy when Sun Country Airlines would have those Folgers dippers infusion sachets for their "coffee". Now they have real Caribou, but I miss the old cheap stuff; it seemed part of the discount airline experience. I guess Sun Country overall might be an inferior good that I love.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset Allocation for Early Career Physician: What Would You Do If You Could Do It Again?
Replies: 65
Views: 5255

Re: Asset Allocation for Early Career Physician: What Would You Do If You Could Do It Again?

By the way, I finished residency in 2020, so not sure I'm the ideal source for feedback that you mentioned. So bear that in mind.
by familythriftmd
Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:47 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Asset Allocation for Early Career Physician: What Would You Do If You Could Do It Again?
Replies: 65
Views: 5255

Re: Asset Allocation for Early Career Physician: What Would You Do If You Could Do It Again?

This question was brought up on the BogleDocs facebook group. We thought it would be beneficial to bring this discussion to the forum for further comment and insight. Asset Allocation for an Early Career Physician - What Would You Do If You Could Do It All Over Again? I'm an early career physician just starting out in practice after residency training. I'm in my mid 30s and plan to work for 30 or so years until retirement. My salary is roughly $800k/year and I maximize tax protected accounts (my practice 401k, personal and spousal ROTH IRAs, individual 401k, HSA, and 529s for our children). I also plan to contribute additional savings to my taxable brokerage account. All in all, we plan to save roughly 30% for retirement each year. I know ...
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need a Suit - Recommendations?
Replies: 23
Views: 2112

Re: Need a Suit - Recommendations?

Calvin Klein makes some great suits separates at Macy's that are usually on sale in some fashion. Blue or navy would both be pretty versatile. I didn't catch the event, but in May I'd think blue would be good.
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I quit or slog through
Replies: 62
Views: 7622

Re: Should I quit or slog through

What would you think about finding a career coach? It might seem overpriced for some, but then you can see if there is a way to a) make work more fun for you now or b) get help finding a job that will work for you til you reach the age at which you'd feel more comfortable retiring (especially as you mention your son living with you and your wife having expensive health care needs)
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I am Financially Ignorant and Seeking Guidance
Replies: 33
Views: 3748

Re: I am Financially Ignorant and Seeking Guidance

Welcome! It's going to be so awesome to make progress on this! I agree with the recommendations on Remit Sethi. He's like a cooler Dave Ramsey. Also a huge help to you would be Michelle Singetary! Once you get past the emergencies, then you'd probably want to hit up Bill Bernstein's books. As you intimated, this is going to be a great opportunity to show your kids what it is like to be disciplined and a good financial steward. They may not always enjoy the lesson, but it's worth it. Cars too fancy? (seems like they all are in New Jersey) -- then sell and get a cheaper but serviceable one. e.g. sell a Lexus SUV from 2021 and buy a 2009 Toyota Camry. House too big? You could sell that, move into a smaller one and maybe use the profits to acce...
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio review request after a few years
Replies: 2
Views: 364

Re: portfolio review request after a few years

retired@50 wrote: Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:45 am
The bonds / bond funds should be in the 403b or the 457 plan(s).

...

Get the bond funds out of the Roth accounts. Just hold stock index funds in the Roth, and ramp up the bond percentage(s) in the tax-deferred space (403 / 457).

Regards,
Good point! I'll have to add that to my written financial plan.
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How much did you pay Vanguard this year?
Replies: 66
Views: 7004

Re: How much did you pay Vanguard this year?

02nz wrote: Tue Feb 13, 2024 5:32 pm
I think a better question is: How much is Vanguard paying you? Since taking my Vanguard ETFs to other brokerages, I've been paid tens of thousands of dollars in brokerage bonuses for holding the same funds I held at Vanguard. :moneybag
What do you mean?
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone in Canada?
Replies: 8
Views: 624

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

Or you could buy a new phone if it's time to upgrade. You could switch to something like Verizon Prepaid and port the number. You'll need to add money to the account, but then it should just be an additional $5-10 per day to roam when it detects that you're out of the country. So again, you would need to add money to the account ahead of time and also turn on the feature ahead of time. If you over-fund it, then it's no big deal because it'll use that account to bill you for future months, anyway.
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone in Canada?
Replies: 8
Views: 624

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

Maybe you could buy a Telus (telecoms company in Canada) Sim
https://www.telus.com/en/mobility/acces ... sories_sim

Then get the $35 plan and not renew.
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Cell phone in Canada?
Replies: 8
Views: 624

Re: Cell phone in Canada?

Does it need to be smart or is dumb OK?
by familythriftmd
Wed Feb 14, 2024 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: portfolio review request after a few years
Replies: 2
Views: 364

portfolio review request after a few years

Hey guys it's been a few years now since a portfolio check-up request. Just thought I'd get some thoughts from anyone interested! Thanks! Numbers are up to date as of 1/31/2024 when I last updated my spreadsheet Emergency funds: $51k. It's usually closer to $60k but we had moving expenses and stuff. $19.4k in Chase, mostly checking. $6.8k in local credit union, mostly checking. $31.6k is in money market Vanguard VMRXX. Debt: medical student loan debt $302.4k. Utilizing the SAVE plan, which pulls out around 1.8k per month from my cash flow. Tax Filing Status: married filing jointly Tax Rate: 24% Federal marginal. I used Forbes online calculator and it estimated effective tax rate is 18.33%. 5.3% State of Wisconsin marginal, 4.83% effective. ...