Search found 3578 matches

by goodenyou
Thu Mar 14, 2024 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15192

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

Leesbro63 wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:31 pm
goodenyou wrote: Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:20 pm Gilligan's Island today would have to cast a "Billionaire and his Wife" to have the same impact it did 50 years ago.
Believe it or not, it’s 60 years ago!
I'm trying not to show my age!
by goodenyou
Thu Mar 14, 2024 2:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle
Replies: 180
Views: 15192

Re: 5M, probably enough to retire to a frugal lifestyle

Gilligan's Island today would have to cast a "Billionaire and his Wife" to have the same impact it did 50 years ago.
by goodenyou
Mon Mar 11, 2024 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Reducing risk and increasing diversification as we approach retirement
Replies: 7
Views: 664

Re: Reducing risk and increasing diversity as we approach retirement

You will have a projected $3.7 million of assets after the house sale in 3 years. In 3 years (when you start retirement), you will start a 5.4% distribution rate for 6 years. $200,000/$3.7 million 6 years after you start retirement with the start of an additional $90,000/year, you will have a 4.4% distribution rate if you consume $1,200,000 to start (6 x $200,000/yr) and your portfolio remains flat $110,000/$2.5million I don’t know if my math and times are correct, but that seems to be a bit rich distribution rate for a 40 year retirement. Your distribution rate will also go down again 15 years later when SS starts when you have an additional $40,000 of income, so that may help I think your AA choice of 70/30 would be fine. I would set asid...
by goodenyou
Sun Mar 10, 2024 4:49 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10701

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

In the process of building a large custom home that is significantly over budget. Many upgrades. Both of us are still working and are enjoying consuming much more since we have met many of our goals. We enjoy working enough and it helps slow consumption of our nest egg. We have realized that our time is limited and we want to enjoy what time is left after many years of working hard and saving. Still frugal in many ways, but spending much much more than we did the in past 25 years.
by goodenyou
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: need advice on 401 after leaving job
Replies: 17
Views: 1859

Re: need advice on 401 after leaving job

I would favor moving it to an IRA at Fidelity. Do you have any other qualified accounts? You can aggregate IRAs and not 401ks for purposes of RMDs. You are very concentrated in one stock and that is very risky, especially at your age. I would sell the stock and go to cash. Call Fidelity and have them administer the transfer, and then re-invest all the proceeds (including Stable Value) at your desired AA in a 2 or 3 fund portfolio using Total Stock (VTI), Total Bond (BND) and/or International Stock, or the equivalent Fidelity alternatives.

I favor simplicity as we age. Simple investments and simple administration of investments.
by goodenyou
Sat Mar 09, 2024 4:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay Cash or Asset Backed Mortgage at 7.75% for a $1.5M home
Replies: 24
Views: 2218

Re: Pay Cash or Asset Backed Mortgage at 7.75% for a $1.5M home

Similar situation here. Decided on no mortgage and no construction loan either. Still in the process of building and writing big draw checks. The frictional cost of borrowing with fees and the high interest rates favored using cash. We went from owning for 25 years to renting for the past 4 to owning again. I have to say renting a house was easy and much cheaper, but it was temporary housing and not the way we wanted to live our lives.
by goodenyou
Wed Mar 06, 2024 6:37 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VUSXX
Replies: 17
Views: 2731

Re: VUSXX

I will add another distinction between VMFXX and VUSXX that I posted on another thread. I have check-writing capabilities on the Sweep Account (VMFXX) and the account is directly linked to my bank. I have quick access. I have been writing very large construction draw checks (6-digits) out of VMFXX to cash-fund a new house construction. Therefore, I had been keeping a very large balance in VMFXX. There is a remote chance that a check could be corrupted and cause a huge headache for me. Therefore, I have moved the majority of the balance to VUSXX and only transfer draw amounts to VMFXX when a draw is requested. I do not have any overdraft link between VMFXX and VUSXX. I would potentially be exposed for the amount of the check and for a short ...
by goodenyou
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VUSXX
Replies: 17
Views: 2731

Re: VUSXX

techbud wrote: Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:05 pm That's what I don't understand... if you are in a no-tax state, then you'll only pay federal tax on the dividends that the MMF earns. Since VUSXX and VMFXX are yielding essentially the same, I don't follow why you say that VMFXX will win. Seems to me that they would be the same?
They are.
by goodenyou
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:52 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Research on primary residence vs stock market+renting?
Replies: 51
Views: 5066

Re: Research on primary residence vs stock market+renting?

Curious if there's any academic research out there on the optimal choice between buying a typical primary residence versus investing in a broad index and renting. Especially curious if there's some sort of comparative formula one could use based on today's interest rates and overall market valuations. This is not possible because A) Folks do not buy the same house that they choose to rent. Folks tend to overspend on their housing expenses when they buy. So, if you based your assumption on (A), then, buying a house is clearly a losing financial proposition except in an extreme housing bull market and the house buyers buy and sell at the right time. KlangFool Klang is right on target. I fully expect that I may lose money on my over-built, ov...
by goodenyou
Mon Mar 04, 2024 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank
Replies: 41
Views: 2658

Re: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank

I've no experience with LVP, we have wood plank looking ceramic tile through out our primary home (built 2017) and hard wood in our vacation home (built 2010). Through this experience I will not install hardwood flooring in a home again. Our hardwood has pretty serious fading near the windows and the extreme high traffic areas near entry doors are showing a lot of wear. Water is a constant concern with the hardwood too and the vacation home is in the mountains where we have snow for 6 months of the year. Personally I think the hardwood is harder to keep clean as well. The ceramic tile (and grout) look as good today as when it was installed. Cleaning is quick and easy. We have sealed the grout once at install and a second time a couple year...
by goodenyou
Sun Mar 03, 2024 7:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank
Replies: 41
Views: 2658

Re: Pet accidents: hardwood vs tile vs luxury vinyl plank

Currently in the process of building a home. Went through this too. 2 dogs. We decided on ceramic tile throughout the entire house. Tile is currently being installed.
by goodenyou
Sun Feb 25, 2024 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: RMD First World Problem/Options..
Replies: 10
Views: 782

Re: RMD First World Problem/Options..

When you don’t get satisfaction from work, and you can strategically structure your taxable dividends and interest, it would probably make sense to Roth convert up to a lower bracket than you will be in at RMD age of 75. You possibly have 14 years until one person claims maximum SS, and 19 years until RMD. Your kids will appreciate Roth inheritance, especially if they are financially successful like their parents.

You can also consider moving to a lower tax state, if you live on a higher taxed state.

Most of us here on this forum live in the First World, so our problems arise here. No need to apologize.
by goodenyou
Sat Feb 24, 2024 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VMFXX vs VUSXX
Replies: 15
Views: 2326

Re: VMFXX vs VUSXX

I posted a response to this on another thread about fraud. I just converted to VUSXX from VMFXX because I had a very large balance in VMFXX to cash finance a large home construction. I have been paying the GC by check writing out of VMFXX. My concern was the exposure to check writing and possible headaches if something happened with the checks. By having a 2-step process with VUSXX (sell and immediate notification by text and email), I can then write the check for just the amount of the Draw out of VMFXX Settlement Fund, and the Draw check can clear leaving a much smaller balance in VMFXX. The bulk would remain in VUSXX. When a check is written out of VMFXX, there is no notification until you login and check that the check had cleared and t...
by goodenyou
Thu Feb 22, 2024 6:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Be careful - could happen to anyone [fraudulent bank transactions]
Replies: 77
Views: 12245

Re: Be careful - could happen to anyone [fraudulent bank transactions]

Thanks everyone who chimed in on this discussion-

I have re-thought my strategy as well. I have check-writing authority on my Settlement Fund, since I am writing very large checks to the contractor for funding a home construction. I think that the strategy to keep the money in a non-check writing Treasury MM account until there is a Draw is more prudent. I can then sell VUSXX for the Draw amount and write the check for that amount. I don’t like having the ability to write checks out of an account that has a very large balance with the routing number and account number available. I am also going to reduce my balance in my bank checking account for the same reason.
by goodenyou
Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversions for those with large portfolios.(>10m)?
Replies: 14
Views: 1214

Re: Roth conversions for those with large portfolios.(>10m)?

RMD8 wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:45 pm I did read info on wiki.. I’m also familiar with all the obvious pros/cons on this subject involving current/future tax brackets, state taxes, SS, etc.. I know we are going to get hammered with RMD’s @ 72 and trying to decide best ways to minimize that🙄. “Income shift” is probably good explanation of what we are able to do and not have any taxable income for several years. Other than roughly 50k of dividends from brokerage accounts and any funds we liquidate to pay the taxes on the Roth conversions each year.. All the while staying in the 22% tax bracket.
Your RMDs will be at 75.
by goodenyou
Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversions for those with large portfolios.(>10m)?
Replies: 14
Views: 1214

Re: Roth conversions for those with large portfolios.(>10m)?

Also, remember, the living spouse will reach high brackets at a much lower income level as a single filer. Having less in always-taxable accounts may help in that situation.
by goodenyou
Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Roth conversions for those with large portfolios.(>10m)?
Replies: 14
Views: 1214

Re: Roth conversions for those with large portfolios.(>10m)?

For those that FIRO, it’s not usually possible to fill lower brackets with conversions. Depending on your plans for bequests, it may or not be advantageous to your beneficiaries. If they are in a high bracket when and if they receive the money, it will be much welcomed.
by goodenyou
Mon Feb 12, 2024 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Just lost my father (age 60). Questions to begin helping my Mom (age 61).
Replies: 22
Views: 3781

Re: Just lost my father (age 60). Questions to begin helping my Mom (age 61).

Sorry for your loss. Your mom can take survivor benefits at age 60. She will receive 71.5% of the deceased worker's BASIC amount at age 60 (she is 61 and will receive a bit more) up to 99% of the deceased worker's amount if she waits until HER FRA (which is probably 67), if she claimed at that time. She can claim on her own record later and receive an additional 24% of her PIA at age 70, if she turns off Survivor Benefits and claims on her own record at 70. There are factors that go into that decision tree. She could claim on her own record at a minimum of 62 and then turn on Survivor benefits at her FRA (she will have turn off her own). She would get the deceased spouse's full PIA at that time. She does not reduce her future benefit on her...
by goodenyou
Mon Feb 12, 2024 2:43 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Who is buying bonds?
Replies: 69
Views: 8745

Re: Who is buying bonds?

Like others have posted, in our target date funds in our 401k plans. The investments are about 40/60 stock/bond. So, we are buying.
by goodenyou
Fri Feb 09, 2024 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Income risk & money markets
Replies: 9
Views: 793

Re: Income risk & money markets

Re-investment risk.
What do these words mean for when to invest in a bond fund and why? (Horses?)
Analogy/Metaphor:
Horse out of the barn means that it has run away and can't put it back in (for a while).
by goodenyou
Wed Jan 24, 2024 11:48 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Mark to Market caused the 2008 Crisis?
Replies: 22
Views: 2107

Re: Mark to Market caused the 2008 Crisis?

Policy decisions can't prop up irrationality in perpetuity. There will always be a day of reckoning when irrational exuberance exists, especially with leverage. Knowing when the markets are irrational and not being apart of it, or limiting your participation in it, can be the hard part. It's important to stress test your portfolio.

Greed will get you eventually.
by goodenyou
Sun Jan 21, 2024 10:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Windfall investment advice
Replies: 11
Views: 2007

Re: Windfall investment advice

That is very sad. So sorry for him, his family and you. Life is fragile.
by goodenyou
Sat Jan 20, 2024 10:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Windfall investment advice
Replies: 11
Views: 2007

Re: Windfall investment advice

I would be very reluctant to give any detailed advice to someone in that predicament other than basic advice and to seek out a professional to assist them. The stakes are high and very complex for that individual, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable giving advice.
by goodenyou
Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:59 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What motivated you to save money?
Replies: 232
Views: 27995

Re: What motivated you to save money?

Never wanted to be a slave to debt or any other work that I might not enjoy. Financial freedom is very liberating. I don't regret or resent the very hard work it took to get there. Goal-setting and achievement are also extremely important.
by goodenyou
Wed Jan 17, 2024 11:56 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Benefits of Diversification in Retirement
Replies: 1
Views: 462

Re: Benefits of Diversification in Retirement

Sequence of Return Risk.
by goodenyou
Wed Jan 17, 2024 11:51 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Spousal Social Security Rule is Dead [Update - no change]
Replies: 9
Views: 2920

Re: Spousal Social Security Rule is Dead [Update - no new change]

One of the most confused aspects of Social Security. Spouse and Survivor benefits. They both start with "S" so many confuse them.
by goodenyou
Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:48 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where to invest for income
Replies: 17
Views: 3106

Re: Where to invest for income

nextmilenium: I believe you may be an excellent candidate for a Single Premium Immediate Annuity (SPIA). I own two and they are the best investments we ever made (I'm 99). A SPIA provides the largest guaranteed lifetime income of any investment. We bought ours from https://www.immediateannuities.com/ when we were in our late 70s. Use Google for more information and other sources. SPIAs are usually bought, not sold, because of their low commissions and intense price competition. Best wishes. Taylor Jack Bogle's Words of Wisdom: "I probably prefer an immediate annuity which starts paying you right away." I think they are losing money on you! :D SPIA is an interesting option. I just ran the calculator at Schwab and for $300,000 (a p...
by goodenyou
Sun Dec 24, 2023 9:59 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I Super-Size my Mega-Backdoor Roth?
Replies: 19
Views: 2452

Re: Should I Super-Size my Mega-Backdoor Roth?

Just like diversity of assets in portfolio management, having diversity of sources of assets (qualified, taxable, Roth) helps with tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. If you have a match, be careful that you don’t crowd out the match by funding your MBR 401k too quickly, if the match is done per pay period.
by goodenyou
Wed Dec 20, 2023 1:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Young, high net worth and potentially retiring
Replies: 48
Views: 8346

Re: Young, high net worth and potentially retiring

marketmaker6565 wrote:

Anything else I should be thinking about?
Unlike the poor, whose greatest challenge is poverty, the wealthy’s greatest challenge is usefulness or purpose.
by goodenyou
Tue Dec 19, 2023 6:23 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account
Replies: 66
Views: 11294

Re: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account

Fourth, if you are going to hold bonds in taxable in the 32% bracket, you should probably own a muni bond fund. 3 funders got another one. WCI, I also have a large percentage of assets in taxable. Is your statement above driven by a comparison of after-tax yield of muni's to after-tax yield of treasuries? If so, since the risk is higher with munis - what premium in after-tax yield do you look for? Do you consider it a bad idea told hold individual treasuries in taxable even if the after-tax yield is less than with muni's - because of the risk issue? The risk is barely higher. Ten basis points seems like plenty of compensation for that risk to me. I have individual TIPS in taxable so I guess I'm okay with treasuries. But I haven't found any...
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 16, 2023 2:51 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account
Replies: 66
Views: 11294

Re: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account

Thank you for reading this and providing any thoughts you may have. This community's wisdom, all of your generous advice, has had a profoundly positive affect on my life - thank you! My first question: years ago, I made the mistake of opening a bond fund (VBTLX) in my taxable brokerage account at Vanguard. I will post the specific details below but it is currently below what I bought it for. I was thinking of using it to fund my back door Roth contribution for 2023 and in January for 2024 and place those contributions into the exact same VBTLX fund. I assume this will not trigger any unwanted taxes and will start to shift some of my bond holdings to a better Roth IRA position? Is that correct? I would then use the taxable funds I would hav...
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:14 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Winning the game and Dry Powder
Replies: 157
Views: 25984

Re: Winning the game and Dry Powder

TheTimeLord wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 10:04 am
goodenyou wrote: Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:55 am The problem I have is that my dry powder would stay dry for a such a long time that it would probably never ignite.
But if you have won the game does that even matter?
If that were the case, then it would be best deployed for legacy. That would likely be in VTI.
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Winning the game and Dry Powder
Replies: 157
Views: 25984

Re: Winning the game and Dry Powder

The problem I have is that my dry powder would stay dry for a such a long time that it would probably never ignite.
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 16, 2023 9:43 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bonds in Portfolio? Why...I am so confused
Replies: 388
Views: 88374

Re: Bonds in Portfolio? Why...I am so confused

Your long post is a very good statement for the OP (getting back to trying to provide some clarity to the confusion). I would question, though, how you can know your bottomline conclusion. I agree that what you say is likely, probably very likely. Still, strange things can happen, and history doesn't always play forward, so while it would seem the worst is over, there could be other forks in the road, even in the near term. The reason for holding bonds is it provides diversification in asset classes, not safety, not ballast or the other terms that are used. To me, that's another way of stating your reason above. And, I would point out to the bold language above "you can skip bonds and do cash", it's not an all or nothing, you can...
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 16, 2023 8:25 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?
Replies: 126
Views: 21049

Re: How Much Do You Value Your Time At?

I know that it is much more valuable as I get older.
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 16, 2023 8:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account
Replies: 66
Views: 11294

Re: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account

Thank you for reading this and providing any thoughts you may have. This community's wisdom, all of your generous advice, has had a profoundly positive affect on my life - thank you! My first question: years ago, I made the mistake of opening a bond fund (VBTLX) in my taxable brokerage account at Vanguard. I will post the specific details below but it is currently below what I bought it for. I was thinking of using it to fund my back door Roth contribution for 2023 and in January for 2024 and place those contributions into the exact same VBTLX fund. I assume this will not trigger any unwanted taxes and will start to shift some of my bond holdings to a better Roth IRA position? Is that correct? I would then use the taxable funds I would hav...
by goodenyou
Fri Dec 15, 2023 4:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account
Replies: 66
Views: 11294

Re: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account

Fourth, if you are going to hold bonds in taxable in the 32% bracket, you should probably own a muni bond fund. 3 funders got another one. WCI, I also have a large percentage of assets in taxable. Is your statement above driven by a comparison of after-tax yield of muni's to after-tax yield of treasuries? If so, since the risk is higher with munis - what premium in after-tax yield do you look for? Do you consider it a bad idea told hold individual treasuries in taxable even if the after-tax yield is less than with muni's - because of the risk issue? The risk is barely higher. Ten basis points seems like plenty of compensation for that risk to me. I have individual TIPS in taxable so I guess I'm okay with treasuries. But I haven't found any...
by goodenyou
Fri Dec 15, 2023 4:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account
Replies: 66
Views: 11294

Re: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account

In general (but not all) interest rates have increased by roughly a factor of 10 from early 2022 (a 6-mo T-bill in early 2022 was .5%, now they are 5.5%). Those with lot's of bonds / fixed income in taxable accounts will be paying a lot of taxes on that this year. Good to have the return, but the taxes, if in taxable accounts instead of tax deferred, are paid up front. This is an important point. The amount of interest is so significant for us that we have to be careful to not underpay our income taxes this year. We have had be sure to pay 110% of 2022 taxes and then be prepared for a big tax bill in April. We have left our home building fund in VMFXX as we are building this year, and also have used STT, so we have racked up very large int...
by goodenyou
Sat Dec 09, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account
Replies: 66
Views: 11294

Re: fixing the sin of holding bonds in a taxable account

I am with the others above that suggest selling Total Bond for a tax loss harvesting and buying VWIUX as a replacement in taxable.
by goodenyou
Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:09 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread
Replies: 2224
Views: 287009

Re: Purchasing MYGAs (multi year guaranteed annuities) - mega thread

I have a 4 year MYGA at Oceanview that matures in September 2025 at age over 59 1/2. I was reluctant to complicate my investment portfolio with this type of investment, but it seemed straightforward. Now with this cybersecurity/ransomware issue, it will make me re-think the plan of doing a 1035 when this MYGA matures. Reading accounts of delays getting your money out at maturity is somewhat disconcerting as well. The administrative friction for the additional benefits is reducing my incentive to going back into a MYGA at maturity.
by goodenyou
Tue Nov 21, 2023 7:11 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?
Replies: 66
Views: 7803

Re: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?

vnatale wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 5:43 pm
Watty wrote: Tue Nov 21, 2023 8:25 am If you are in management then be sure to check with your HR department before giving much investing advice other than to get the 401k match since you could be setting the company up for a lawsuit even if your suggestions are sound and well intended. A manager saying something about how your money should be invested is a lot different than coworkers talking around the proverbial water cooler(Do they even still make those?)
That was MY reaction when I first read here the references being made to that water cooler!
No more water coolers. Everyone brings a Yeti or a plastic water bottle these days.
by goodenyou
Tue Nov 21, 2023 9:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?
Replies: 66
Views: 7803

Re: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?

Every pack of cigarettes has a warning that smoking causes cancer. Not many smokers are unaware of it.

We ought to have a PSA running that says “Save for retirement. Your dignity may depend on it.”

Lord knows we already have many PSAs reminding us of what is good for us.
by goodenyou
Tue Nov 21, 2023 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?
Replies: 66
Views: 7803

Re: How to help coworkers with retirement planning?

With financial advice, I match the effort of those asking the questions. If they're not asking, I don't offer.

Trying to help people that are not making the effort because you are trying to get them to see the wisdom never comes off well. It's like lecturing people on diet and exercise.
by goodenyou
Mon Nov 20, 2023 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CAVA stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2377

Re: CAVA stock

Have you seen the new (Progressive, I think?) ad where the guy checks out at the counter of a fast food salad place? The clerk say that will be $16.00...and the guy replies " Oh, I am only paying for my order (he was by himself)".

That's the problem....
by goodenyou
Sun Nov 19, 2023 2:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: CAVA stock
Replies: 25
Views: 2377

Re: CAVA stock

It’s considered a Zombie stock by some. It has been criticized as PE duping the public into enriching the PE holders when it went to IPO.
by goodenyou
Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Called to the Principals office [401(k) investment choices questioned]
Replies: 107
Views: 14061

Re: Called to the Principals office

We get this all the time when are forced to call Fidelity in order to roll after-tax 401k contributions out to a Roth IRA. My wife's 401k does not allow for different investment based on different sources (pre-tax or after-tax). There is a very sizable balance in her 401k that is 100% bonds. It represents a small portion of our net worth and a small fraction of our allocation to bonds based on our desired AA. The reps at Fidelity always feel compelled to bring up the "overly conservative" investment choices we have made in her 401k, but quickly gets it when we explain that the account is a small fraction of our investments and asset allocation. Most investors are unfortunately financially illiterate and also forego opportunities t...
by goodenyou
Sat Nov 18, 2023 12:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: For those retired or FI, how much do you spend annually?
Replies: 499
Views: 79476

Re: For those retired or FI, how much do you spend annually?

I haven't read through all the posts, so forgive me if this has been said/covered:


Spending in retirement is a progressive concept. The tax is of course progressive, but so is Medicare surcharges (IRMAA). The more you (need) spend, the greater your Medicare premium will be as well. Robust spending can also become a problem when one spouse passes and the surviving spouse ends up paying higher taxes as a single filer. The surviving spouse may also lose pension or other guarantee sources of income.

Having high fixed costs in retirement can create a very significant tax burden beyond many investors realizations.
by goodenyou
Sat Nov 18, 2023 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dealing with health insurance denials clearly in error
Replies: 26
Views: 3067

Re: Dealing with health insurance denials clearly in error

Did the physician's office collect BOTH the technical and professional components of the fee? Look at the EOB and also ask if the office collected both. If the (non-radiologist) specialist is wise, they won't read the CT themselves as a final report. You take on a lot of liability reading radiology studies without being a radiologist. I do this everyday in my practice. It happens everyday where insurance companies screw it up, or a physician's office doesn't forward the demographics to the radiologist for the radiologist to bill it. If that is the case, tell the physician's office to forward the professional fee (if collected) to the radiologist and get your report and stop the bills. It's a war of attrition with prepaid health plans and th...