Search found 2799 matches

by fredflinstone
Tue Feb 20, 2024 4:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Meredith Whitney makes a bold prediction regarding the housing market
Replies: 19
Views: 3900

Meredith Whitney makes a bold prediction regarding the housing market

Whitney isn’t suggesting property prices will suddenly plunge across the U.S. within the next couple of years, but she does believe some markets will be better for buyers, while others will benefit sellers.

“I think you’re going to see a bifurcated housing market where you see continued strength in some areas and then disproportionate weakness in others,” Whitney told Business Insider, adding price changes will likely slowly unfold over the next decade.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/going-ca ... 00614.html

So, basically, she is predicting that some housing markets will perform better than others. Bold.
by fredflinstone
Fri Nov 17, 2023 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Are 55+ Communities a Baby Boomer Thing Only? If so, who will buy when Boomers want to sell?
Replies: 237
Views: 30287

Re: Are 55+ Communities a Baby Boomer Thing Only? If so, who will buy when Boomers want to sell?

The average age in Sun City West, a large 55+ community located near Phoenix, is 75 years. Source: https://datausa.io/profile/geo/sun-city-west-az/ The life expectancy in the US is 76. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20220831.htm Taken together, these two facts suggest that a lot of homes in Sun City West will be sold in the next few years. Not only due to deaths but also because some elderly people may be unable to live independently as their age into their late 70s and 80s. I assume that most people who purchase homes in Sun City West are in their 60s. If so, there will be demand for these homes from the youngest Baby Boomers (e.g., those who are currently in their early 60s). However, at some point -- ...
by fredflinstone
Fri Aug 25, 2023 7:30 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Japan trip, June 2024
Replies: 60
Views: 4764

Re: Japan trip, June 2024

I went in June a few years ago and loved it. Tokyo: I enjoyed walking around, eating at various restaurants (sushi, premium wagyu, ramen, tofu, pork tonkatsu, etc). I really liked Ueno Park, especially the paddle boats. I liked strolling around Nakameguro, a trendy, upscale neighborhood. I enjoyed renting inexpensive bikes at Yoyogi park and riding around listening to birds saying "caw, caw!" Your kids may enjoy Akihabara and Odaiba but please please skip Borderless (highly overrated). You might enjoy Karaoke. If you can get tickets to Ghibli museum, you and your kids might enjoy it. If you like to hike, Mount Takao is absolutely wonderful. Trust me on this. Take the subway there and stroll up the mountain. It's gorgeous. I enjoye...
by fredflinstone
Thu Apr 20, 2023 4:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Weekend Visit to Berkeley, California
Replies: 16
Views: 1637

Re: Weekend Visit to Berkeley, California

Tilden Park, Lawrence Hall of Science, Rose Garden.
by fredflinstone
Mon Dec 19, 2022 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to choose a general contractor
Replies: 26
Views: 3245

Re: how to choose a general contractor

3, 4. I had not considered hiring an architect. Is that something I need to do? 5. No. I don't think I've ever even spoken to an architect. 6. No. This type of thing is not in my wheelhouse. 7. I will not be there to oversee the work. I am a big believer in getting a great set of architectural plans for major projects like this for a few reasons. 1. The key to maintaining a good relationship with any contractor is to be as specific in the contract for the work to be done and nothing helps nail down the specifics like a good set of plans showing the work to be done. Everything is in black and white on paper for all to see. 2. A set of plans helps to address issues you might not have thought of such as locations of outlets, plumbing, air han...
by fredflinstone
Mon Dec 19, 2022 3:52 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to choose a general contractor
Replies: 26
Views: 3245

Re: how to choose a general contractor

I am looking to hire a general contractor for a major construction project. What kinds of questions should I ask? What red flags should I be looking for? Thanks everyone. To OP: Notes and questions: 1. Is the "major construction project; new home construction, or a major remod/addition, or a commercial project, or a high rise building? 2. Is the project valuation; 500k, 1 million, millions? 3. Are you having an architect complete your plans and also (importantly) your "spec book" for your project? 4. Are you working with an architect continuously from idea to plans to ??? 5. Are you on a great working relationship with a reputable licensed architect in your area? 6. Have you completed major construction projects on your own ...
by fredflinstone
Sat Dec 17, 2022 3:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: how to choose a general contractor
Replies: 26
Views: 3245

how to choose a general contractor

I am looking to hire a general contractor for a major construction project. What kinds of questions should I ask? What red flags should I be looking for? Thanks everyone.
by fredflinstone
Tue Nov 01, 2022 6:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Colorado Springs vs. Vancouver (WA)
Replies: 67
Views: 7086

Re: Colorado Springs vs. Vancouver (WA)

Enjoy11 wrote: Sun Oct 30, 2022 2:10 pm I don’t know about WA. But I do know NW Colorado Springs, which is where you’re going to want to live. That’s going to take a budget of $575,00 to $675,000 for the house.
There are a few townhouses in the NW priced at about $400K:
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5031 ... 3307_zpid/
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/4212 ... 3628_zpid/
by fredflinstone
Tue Nov 01, 2022 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Colorado Springs vs. Vancouver (WA)
Replies: 67
Views: 7086

Re: Colorado Springs vs. Vancouver (WA)

If you love hiking, Colorado Springs is a good choice. The Manitou Incline is particularly popular (and unique). There are many beautiful trails in the area.
by fredflinstone
Wed Jun 29, 2022 4:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tales from this insane real estate market [Home sales]
Replies: 2905
Views: 515287

Re: Tales from this insane real estate market

Here are some observations for one small neighborhood I track closely in Colorado:

==> Supply is up. A year ago there were only a couple of homes for sale. Today there are eight.

==> Among four homes that sold in June, selling prices were 20-25 percent above where they were in spring 2021. All four of these sales probably closed in April or early May. The market seems to have softened significantly since then, presumably because of the increase in mortgage rates.

==> Today, homes are sitting on the market. Three of the eight properties currently on the market were listed at least seven weeks ago.

==> Half the homes now on the market have reduced asking prices.
by fredflinstone
Thu Apr 14, 2022 7:46 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why have stock market returns been so poor for so long in Japan?
Replies: 112
Views: 13875

Re: Why have stock market returns been so poor for so long in Japan?

Call_Me_Op wrote: Thu Apr 14, 2022 7:09 am
fredflinstone wrote: Wed Apr 13, 2022 5:13 pm What, if anything, can Boglehead investors learn from this?
Fairly obvious, no?
no
by fredflinstone
Wed Apr 13, 2022 5:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Why have stock market returns been so poor for so long in Japan?
Replies: 112
Views: 13875

Why have stock market returns been so poor for so long in Japan?

Japan is perhaps one of the world's loveliest countries, but those who have invested in Japanese companies typically have not fared well in recent decades.

The Nikkei 225 is down 31 percent since August 1989.
The S&P 500, by comparison, is up 1,158 percent.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ) is down 4 percent since its inception in March 1996.
The S&P 500, by contrast, is up 583 percent.

What, if anything, can Boglehead investors learn from this?
by fredflinstone
Fri Jul 30, 2021 5:36 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How do I qualify for ACA subsidy with $90K in income?
Replies: 29
Views: 4746

Re: How do I qualify for ACA subsidy with $90K in income?

To pursue a higher ACA subsidy, you may be able to lower your investment income by shifting assets
- from high-dividend stocks or stock funds into low-dividend stocks such as QQQ (current yield: 0.48 percent)
- from high-interest bonds to low-interest bonds such as 5-year treasuries (current yield: 0.89 percent)
- from yield-producing assets into precious metals, land, Bitcoin, or other non-income-producing assets.
by fredflinstone
Mon Jul 26, 2021 11:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Boglehead Tips for Long Flights
Replies: 101
Views: 15447

Re: Boglehead Tips for Long Flights

I have a small suitcase that I store in the overhead bin. In addition, I have a small drawstring bag that contains my phone, keys, headphones, and wallet. That one stays in my hands or lap the entire trip.
by fredflinstone
Mon Jul 26, 2021 3:55 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Actual headline: "Analyst: A stock market pullback is 'going to happen at some point.'"
Replies: 33
Views: 4649

Actual headline: "Analyst: A stock market pullback is 'going to happen at some point.'"

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/analyst ... 44620.html

"When we have so much liquidity pervasive throughout the system and it has to have somewhere to go. So it's really hard to fight this melt-up at this particular point. That's something to consider in the short term. But I think in the long term, you still need to be aware of the fundamentals and what you own. And there may be some upside there. But going forward into the fall, there may be some downside, too."

Hard to disagree with that.
by fredflinstone
Tue Jul 20, 2021 4:00 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wisdom tooth - do they really need to be pulled out
Replies: 8
Views: 1434

Re: Wisdom tooth - do they really need to be pulled out

Some say most wisdom teeth extractions are medically unnecessary or even harmful.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17666691/
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 3:08 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anyone out there not (yet) own any real estate?
Replies: 121
Views: 18997

Re: Anyone out there not (yet) own any real estate?

I do not own any real estate, having sold two homes in the last few years. Impeccable timing, right?
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 3:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

Re: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

Vanguard Fan 1367 wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 7:07 am A relative wrote some songs hoping to make some money. The money didn’t happen for him.
Thanks. I'm under no illusions.
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 3:03 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

Re: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

Your best bet, which I know sounds fanciful, is to find someone famous who wants to record the song. After he registers the copyright it might be best for him to make his own video performing the song and to put it out there and hope that it goes viral. A couple people suggested this. I was wondering if this would be counter-productive. What artist would want to buy a song that has already gone viral? Artists won’t but look what happened with Bieber and Usher. Is he interested in performing it? Can you give us more detail, is he in a band, what’s the type of music, what instruments etc. no band. It's just him. This partcular song is a genre called "folk pop" or "folk rock." It kind of sounds like The Lumineers. He recor...
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 2:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

Re: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

manatee2005 wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 2:51 am How old is your son?

Is the song electronic music?
He is 17 years old. The genre is folk pop I think. He produced it using a mixture of software (Logic Pro), his voice, and an instrument.
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 2:56 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

Re: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

In 2021, if your son is serious, he needs a youTube and/or TikTok presence that is built up over time. Get subscribers and hope something goes viral, that's really the best path today. If he really has talent and really has hustle, it can be done, but it takes a while. There are hordes of people fighting for eyeballs, so it's all about creating content and pushing for subscribers/likes/etc. The hard part is that people are creating multiple videos a week, and nobody can realistically write decent music at that pace, so he'll need to do more or find partners. Anyone with any following is going to want paid. So, he could pay someone to perform his song on a channel with subscribers. That gets eyeballs. The other option is to use your contact...
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 2:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

Re: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

Watty wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 7:38 am
Jags4186 wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 6:57 am Your best bet, which I know sounds fanciful, is to find someone famous who wants to record the song.
After he registers the copyright it might be best for him to make his own video performing the song and to put it out there and hope that it goes viral.
A couple people suggested this. I was wondering if this would be counter-productive. What artist would want to buy a song that has already gone viral?
by fredflinstone
Wed May 26, 2021 2:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

Re: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

Shallowpockets wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 7:25 am
fredflinstone wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 3:30 am He has a few contacts in the music industry, but how does one go about selling a song? Does it need to be copyrighted?
There you go. He already has a few contacts in the industry. Maybe try asking them.
They are contacts not friends. They might be interested in the song because it is a very good song, but they are not people whom he would feel comfortable asking for advice.
by fredflinstone
Tue May 25, 2021 3:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.
Replies: 35
Views: 5389

My son wrote an amazing song and would like to sell it.

He has a few contacts in the music industry, but how does one go about selling a song? Does it need to be copyrighted?
by fredflinstone
Thu May 20, 2021 8:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A lost decade for stocks and bonds on the horizon?
Replies: 693
Views: 63707

Re: A lost decade for stocks and bonds on the horizon?

No idea, but I own some gold. Should be ok even if inflation rises dramatically .
by fredflinstone
Fri Apr 16, 2021 4:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting for life - a bad idea?
Replies: 735
Views: 87727

Re: Renting for life - a bad idea?

If even renting does not give you enough flexibility there is another option you may wish to consider: living out of AirBNBs full time. This is less costly than many people think and provides almost limitless flexibility. Have you had any experience with this or know anyone that has? I'm retiring next year and considering selling my house and doing something like this for a year or two before deciding where to settle down. I have not done it and I do not personally know anyone who has done it. However, if you Google around you will see that some people have done it. There are Youtube videos showing how to negotiate discounts on long-term AirBNB rentals (30 days or more). Also, if you buy an AirBNB gift card on Amazon.com using an Amazon Re...
by fredflinstone
Fri Apr 16, 2021 4:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: TIPS yield curve has dramatically steepened. Why? What does this mean for investors?
Replies: 27
Views: 4170

TIPS yield curve has dramatically steepened. Why? What does this mean for investors?

Right now the 5-year TIPS yields -1.74%, whereas the 30-year TIPS yields 0.01%. That is a huge difference compared to (say) 2019 when these yields were almost equal. For example, on 1/2/2019, the 5-year TIPS yielded 1.00% and the 30-year TIPS yielded 1.19%. So the difference in yields has increased from 0.19 percentage points to 1.75 percentage points.

I don't understand why the yield curve for TIPS has steepened? What is the market telling us?

And why would any individual investor prefer a short-duration TIPS to a long-duration one, since credit risk of both is (theoretically) zero and both are (theoretically) adjusted for inflation?
by fredflinstone
Wed Mar 31, 2021 7:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Investment choice- surgery center vs stock market
Replies: 27
Views: 3406

Re: Investment choice- surgery center vs stock market

At a P/E of 6, I vote for the surgery center.
by fredflinstone
Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:48 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

That’s a great idea. The only downside, which I think you have already considered, is getting stuck in a place that’s less than advertised. I’m wary of even short term air b and bs these days because of a couple stinkers. Also why do the beds routinely have a mattress made out of slate? Other than that It sounds like a great opportunity to travel the world at a reduced cost. I've stayed in roughly two dozen AirBNBs and Homeaway places. So far about 90 percent have either matched or exceeded my expectations. Those are pretty good odds. You’re doing way better than me. I’d say 1/4 have been disappointing. It only takes on stinker to put a damper on a vacation. Many are great. As good or better than advertised. Some are duds. One thing I’ve l...
by fredflinstone
Sun Mar 14, 2021 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

Prior to the pandemic, I was traveling full-time, dividing my time between airbnb's, 3/4 star hotels, and cruise ships, all over the world. I was enjoying the lifestyle very much, and I intend to return to it once I am fully vaccinated and some of my favorite destinations open up again. (I'm early retired, no family.) I relied heavily on airbnb, but to be honest I was not always pleased with the results. -As airbnb has become more popular, I found properties were becoming rundown and worn, and not always cleaned and maintained very well. There were exceptions to this, of course, but the lack of standards was frustrating. Many times the photos did not match the reality. And reviews were misleading because often times guests did not want to ...
by fredflinstone
Sun Mar 14, 2021 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

JonnyDVM wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 6:37 pm That’s a great idea. The only downside, which I think you have already considered, is getting stuck in a place that’s less than advertised. I’m wary of even short term air b and bs these days because of a couple stinkers. Also why do the beds routinely have a mattress made out of slate? Other than that It sounds like a great opportunity to travel the world at a reduced cost.
I've stayed in roughly two dozen AirBNBs and Homeaway places. So far about 90 percent have either matched or exceeded my expectations. Those are pretty good odds.
by fredflinstone
Sun Mar 14, 2021 10:26 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

IMO wrote: Sun Mar 14, 2021 3:54 am Do you mean full time in multiple years vs. say for a year? Even if you made a deal with the owner of an AirBnB for a longer term stay like a year, it seems like it would be more expensive than finding a nicer apartment and buying/renting some inexpensive furnishings.
I probably wouldn't stay in the same place for more than a couple of months, and I imagine I'd stay in some places only a day or two. Being nomadic is what appeals to me about this lifestyle.
by fredflinstone
Sat Mar 13, 2021 4:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

angelescrest wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 3:40 pm This is really interesting; I did not know it was an option. No time to watch the videos—how much of a discount is the monthly rate, and how are the contracts handled (I.e, what are the terms and when can you leave).
The monthly rate is anywhere from 0% to ~30% cheaper than the daily rate. I'm not sure but I think the terms are just like those of a shorter stay except that there is a higher penalty if you cancel.
by fredflinstone
Sat Mar 13, 2021 4:02 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

Tellurius wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 3:39 pm How long would you stay in each country?
It depends on many factors. I know I'd like to spend several months (at least) in Japan -- a country that I love.
by fredflinstone
Sat Mar 13, 2021 4:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Re: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

Orangutan wrote: Sat Mar 13, 2021 3:51 pm This sounds like a plan that seems ideal at the surface, but comes up with a thousand little unforeseen headaches.
Travel can be quite stressful. Things don't always go as planned. Despite this, I have mostly fond memories of my trips abroad.
by fredflinstone
Sat Mar 13, 2021 3:34 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?
Replies: 57
Views: 9218

Anyone here live in AirBNBs full time?

I'm looking at prices in locations I'd like to visit and see that monthly rents are often lower than what I'm paying here in the US. This is especially true once the cost of utilities and furniture are taken into consideration. This is true not just in developing countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, but in wealthier countries like Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand. The idea of traveling the world as a full-time nomad for a couple of years greatly appeals to me, especially if I can do so for roughly the same cost as living in the US. In my research on full-time AirBNB living, I learned the following: It is often possible to negotiate discounted rates before booking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD-OTuoNVSw https://www.yout...
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

As she is living with you, you will have to report her when you apply for ACA health insurance. They ask for all people living in the home. As for your son, you will need to estimate out the amount of income your son receives from a job. They will ask for the amount of hours he works per week, hourly wage, his employer, and his employer's phone number. Medicaid = income from everyone living in household. ACA = income from tax household https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information/household-size/ The son getting coverage will have to report income with documentation as they are part of tax household. If he earns less than ~12K he will not have to file a tax return. In that case, would he have to report income?
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

slyfox1357 wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 4:21 pm I may have missed this key input.....your son's name is Bamm-Bamm, correct? :D
I am a faithful husband. If you are suggesting otherwise, I am deeply offended.
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

Have not read the entire thread but I'd go up to the cliff (or old cliff I guess) which I think is 4x FPL for AGI with Roth conversions. So if 4x FPL is $88k for your tax filing status and you can live off 40k in above the line income plus whatever else, I'd convert 48k from traditional to Roth at the end of December. This is interesting. Before today, I had assumed lower income is better -- provided our income is high enough to be eligible for ACA rather than Medicaid. So I was thinking of targeting $35,000 or $40,000 or so. But here is someone suggesting that I'd be better off aiming for a much higher income. I looked at my state's ACA website and somewhat to my surprise the subsidy difference for a high-deductible bronze plan for a fami...
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

PaulieLilly wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:34 pm This allows us to fully fund our HSA which also reduces our MAGI allowing for a little more Roth conversion.
Great point.
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:05 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

If you have any tax inefficient holdings that may throw off large amount of capital gains distributions, try to move them into tax advantaged accounts. You do not want a large capital gain distribution from a fund that you didn't even sell to cause your AGI to spike and potentially lose a very valuable ACA Premium Tax Credit (PTC). If you have unrealized capital losses in your taxable holdings now and also hold tax inefficient stock funds with unrealized gains, you can use the losses to offset the gains to move the tax inefficient holdings out of taxable and into Tax Advantaged accounts. If you are planning to do Roth conversions every year while you have low income, make sure you run your numbers carefully with tax software to make sure y...
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

SuzBanyan wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:57 pm Although projecting (and having) lower income is generally better, you may want to make sure that you have enough income that you do not qualify for Medicaid. This is especially true if you live in a state that did not expand Medicaid but also may apply if you want more (and are willing to pay for) more insurance choices.
Thanks. That is something I was wondering about.
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

if anyone is still following this thread, a follow-up question:

I just learned that large cost-sharing reductions are available for Silver plan enrollees among those with income equal to 100% to 250% of the federal poverty line. If our income is low enough to qualify, is a Silver ACA plan a no-brainer?
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

Kenkat wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:53 am As long as your 22 year old daughter is not a full time student, you cannot claim her as a dependent regardless of level of support (fails age test). You also cannot claim her as a qualifying relative if she makes more than $4300 in 2021 (fails income test). So you should be good on not claiming her as a dependent as she is not eligible.
That makes things simpler. Thanks!
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

This should help answer some of your questions: https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information/income/ (also see the link there on who is counted as part of your household). Here's a calculator (for lack of a better word coming to mind) that can help you figure out if your daughter will be a dependent (and how to avoid that happening): https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent My understanding is that you can get the advance credit (subsidies) by providing a letter that explains your change of circumstances. Here's a post describing why some people (those who will be near the top of the subsidy eligible income range) might consider not taking the advance credit and instead getting the subsidy back when they ...
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

snowman wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:21 am Your plan makes sense. I suggest you work with navigator - ACA registered agent in your state. Find a good one; they will advise you on best/easiest way to enroll and estimate your income in a way that will gain approval.
Excellent suggestion. I will see if I can find someone suitable.
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:38 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

Nate79 wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 10:44 am
fredflinstone wrote: Tue Mar 09, 2021 9:34 am We will live off of our investments (dividends, interest payments, principal) going forward.
What is your taxable income from all sources expected to be in 2022?
I would guess an AGI of $35,000 - $40,000 but we can move that number lower if needed (for example, by incurring a capital loss or by putting money into a HSA).
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?
Replies: 48
Views: 3544

Re: Qualifying for ACA subsidies in 2022 -- does my plan make sense?

The advice on this Forum is incredible. Thank you so much everyone.
by fredflinstone
Tue Mar 09, 2021 9:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Renting for life - a bad idea?
Replies: 735
Views: 87727

Re: Renting for life - a bad idea?

It depends on the individual's circumstances. The following factors arguing in favor of owning vs renting: - home prices low relative to rents - individual in question has little need/desire for flexibility - individual is handy and/or enjoys home maintenance - individual lives in a place like Florida or Texas in which homesteads are completely exempt from creditors - individual believes that home prices will rise during the next few years. - indivdual cannot obtain a home he or she wants as a renter - individual desires a large mortgage for tax purposes. In some circumstances, renting is a reasonable option -- particularly if flexibility is important to you. If even renting does not give you enough flexibility there is another option you m...