Search found 1123 matches

by William Million
Fri Mar 22, 2024 1:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pretty set financially, but considering relocation to VHCOL (Bay Area) for the career/adventure
Replies: 49
Views: 5286

Re: Pretty set financially, but considering relocation to VHCOL (Bay Area) for the career/adventure

Only you know the answer to the professonal ambition vs. start a family priority equation. Everyone's different.

Personally, I love the Bay Area, consider it the country's highest quality of life, but don't think you're getting compensated to make that move. That, along with the fact that your wife is unenthusiastic, would cause me to say no.
by William Million
Thu Mar 21, 2024 11:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card - Is it worth it?
Replies: 16
Views: 2401

Re: American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card - Is it worth it?

If you use the restaurant credit and need the 25 elite nights/automatic plat status, it's possibly worth it. For anyone else, it's not a great value.

I have high status with many hotel chains (lifetime Plat with Marriott). Best value in hotel credit cards are Chase/IHG cards, due to the 4th night free when staying on points. I travel a lot and probaby will get 30-40 free IHG nights this year - leveraged points redemptions. Hyatt also good for points.

Very hard to get that kind of value in the Marriott Bonvoy family. I also care about the lounges. Bonvoy US lounges are pretty awful now - though decent outside US. IHG Intercontinental Clubs are still awesome.
by William Million
Mon Mar 11, 2024 6:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Emerging markets flat
Replies: 57
Views: 4477

Re: Emerging markets flat

I'm leery of any company that can't meet the requriements to list on the NYSE as an ADR. I invest modestly in developing markets, but feel the lack of accountability and share dilution have a downward pull on the stocks, in spite of the economies often growing faster.
by William Million
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?
Replies: 133
Views: 15857

Re: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?

I'm trying to decide between CA and NV to live (have the luxury of not being tied to the location of a job). In general, I slightly prefer CA due to variety - mountains, coastline, wine country, cultural/sports events, etc - though NV is very beautiful in its own right. However, when comparing costs, I'm amazed how much cheaper NV prices out, especially in terms of electricy, property taxes, income taxes, HOA fees, gas, etc. It seems one of the main financial incentives for Californians is very long-term home ownership, since property taxes hardly ever increase if you hold the home as your primary residence. However, this doesn't help a new home buyer. (NV has something similar but new buyers inherit the tax rate of the sellers.) Am I miss...
by William Million
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:07 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?
Replies: 133
Views: 15857

Is Calif Really That Expensive - Or Am I Missing Something?

I'm trying to decide between CA and NV to live (have the luxury of not being tied to the location of a job). In general, I slightly prefer CA due to variety - mountains, coastline, wine country, cultural/sports events, etc - though NV is very beautiful in its own right. However, when comparing costs, I'm amazed how much cheaper NV prices out, especially in terms of electricy, property taxes, income taxes, HOA fees, gas, etc. It seems one of the main financial incentives for Californians is very long-term home ownership, since property taxes hardly ever increase if you hold the home as your primary residence. However, this doesn't help a new home buyer. (NV has something similar but new buyers inherit the tax rate of the sellers.) Am I missi...
by William Million
Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Travel to China in the Last Year or so
Replies: 42
Views: 5262

Re: Any Travel to China in the Last Year or so

HanSolo wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 10:09 pm
William Million wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:19 pm
HanSolo wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 2:47 am Suppose a person tries to use cash for everything? Is there a risk of starvation?
Varies by place but in large cities you should be fine. However, why would you not install an app like wechatpay or alipay on your phone?
larrydmsn wrote: Sun Mar 03, 2024 1:46 pm But again, set up and use AliPay or WeChat Pay if you aren't paranoid about your phone security.
Not paranoid, I just don't want to bother.

Visiting China isn't a must-do for me (been there, done that). I like countries that don't try to force you into their apps.
China's extreme (due to blocking apps), but all Asian countries necessitate downloading some new apps (for taxis, local SIM card, food delivery, etc). Also the common apps for chatting vary by countries (line, wechat, telegram, etc).
by William Million
Sun Mar 03, 2024 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any Travel to China in the Last Year or so
Replies: 42
Views: 5262

Re: Any Travel to China in the Last Year or so

I was born Chinese and have lived in the United States for decades. I went to China quite frequently in the past few years, can atest the advancement of mobile payments in recent years. Most, if not all, ordinary Chinese people welcome the convenience and efficient mobile payment options. From my understanding, the challenge facing foreign visitors is not only getting familiar with the pay apps, but financial environment in China requires such payment app users to go through authentication process, during which personal info such as passport data, in addition to credit card, is required to validate who you say you are. Once you passed authentication, you can link us issued credit cards for mobile payments seamlessly, albeit the third party...
by William Million
Sun Feb 25, 2024 4:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Berkshire Hathaway annual letter is out
Replies: 41
Views: 7338

Re: Berkshire Hathaway annual letter is out

I love the no dividend policy of BRK.
by William Million
Sun Feb 11, 2024 12:54 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Why BlackRock not used as much?
Replies: 45
Views: 5432

Re: Why BlackRock not used as much?

Bogleheads are buying iShares right and left.
by William Million
Sat Feb 03, 2024 9:32 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: China trip paranoia [visa requirements]
Replies: 68
Views: 6535

Re: China trip paranoia

If you're American, you can stay 144 hours without a visa:

https://www.visahq.com/china/how-long-c ... thout-visa

If you're worried about your electronics, just don't use them - you can always use a burner phone. However, the last thing the Chinese government cares about is your finances.
by William Million
Tue Jan 30, 2024 12:14 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I afford $2 million house?
Replies: 32
Views: 3638

Re: Can I afford $2 million house?

You can afford it with your income stream.

However, I can't fathom why you would want to hold a $1.2 million home and rent it out for $3k/month. A sub-market loan on a lousy investment is still a lousy investment.
by William Million
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: California Real Estate Qs
Replies: 27
Views: 1848

Re: California Real Estate Qs

TIC in San Francisco is really complicated and it might be worth consulting a local real estate attorney before buying. If the TIC can convert to condo, it goes up immediately in value - best scenario. I personally would not buy a TIC. If the TIC owners decide to rent out the unit (as landlords), the tenants have a lot of rights they would not have if the unit were a condo. I personally would not buy a TIC. Desirable places might sell over asking price. However, nowadays (as opposed to 2 years ago), many places in SF sell at or a bit below asking price. Given the problems in the city, some condos sell for their price 7-8 years ago. HOAs are a big factor. There are lots of units for rent now in San Francisco. They might want to try out renti...
by William Million
Mon Jan 29, 2024 4:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?
Replies: 89
Views: 14729

Re: Anyone wished they had worked a few more years before retiring?

If you can retire, then retiree.

Most of us don't realize how cool retirement is until we retire.
by William Million
Wed Jan 24, 2024 4:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Rpth Question: Late Dividend After Changing Brokers
Replies: 1
Views: 294

Rpth Question: Late Dividend After Changing Brokers

Hi-

I switched brokers for my Roth account in 2023. I just got (1/24) a very late dividend for one holding to the old broker, which they sent me in the form of a check (account is closed).

Can I deposit in the new Roth account without it counting against my 2024 contribution?

Many thanks.
by William Million
Sat Jan 20, 2024 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Blocking Extreme Sun/Heat in Window
Replies: 33
Views: 2840

Re: Blocking Extreme Sun/Heat in Window

Technology in glass has come a long way, so replacing the current might do the trick. An external shade might also work, if HOA approves.

Personally, I would never put a plastic film over window panes. I just hate the way it looks/works.
by William Million
Sun Jan 07, 2024 10:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How do you get out of value investing
Replies: 30
Views: 5293

Re: How do you get out of value investing

If it's in your IRA (no tax consequences), just make the change.
by William Million
Sat Jan 06, 2024 1:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pros and Cons of settling in midwest vs Seattle WA
Replies: 44
Views: 4791

Re: Pros and Cons of settling in midwest vs Seattle WA

I dislike Seattle, but given the difference in earning power, it's a no-brainer for Seattle.

Yeah, the wages are unstable. Life is unstable.

You guys are on track to retire at 50 with the Seattle wages. Hard to beat that. As I said, for me, no-brainer.
by William Million
Sat Jan 06, 2024 12:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Scholarship/FAFSA Experience for Higher Income Families?
Replies: 60
Views: 8828

Re: Scholarship/FAFSA Experience for Higher Income Families?

Even average students get some scholarship money at private colleges. This sometimes makes them competitive with than in-state public for high net worth families.

Best way to save: 1st 2 years in community college.
by William Million
Wed Jan 03, 2024 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should I never put stock in taxable account or traditional 401k?
Replies: 8
Views: 1452

Re: Should I never put stock in taxable account or traditional 401k?

Stocks in taxable. Over time, they appreciate more. If you put them in a traditional retirement account, taxes will be higher.
by William Million
Wed Jan 03, 2024 2:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: BND or Stable fund
Replies: 106
Views: 10954

Re: BND or Stable fund

In a falling rate environment, BND.
by William Million
Wed Jan 03, 2024 1:19 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help - Can Marcus Lock Our Savings Account Willy-nilly?
Replies: 44
Views: 6265

Re: Help - Can Marcus Lock Our Savings Account Willy-nilly?

If you sometimes log on from abroad, Marcus locks up. That's why I don't use it anymore.
by William Million
Sun Dec 31, 2023 4:11 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: For those with TSP, do you use bonds at all or just G fund?
Replies: 22
Views: 2814

Re: For those with TSP, do you use bonds at all or just G fund?

I recommend a mix. G does better with rising rates, F with falling rates.

As OP says, equities better in Roth, since longterm appreication will likely be far greater.
by William Million
Thu Dec 28, 2023 4:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives [Amazon Prime Video]
Replies: 151
Views: 24177

Re: Amazon Rate increases - alternatives

Take it when you need it for something. Otherwise, cancel/suspend.
by William Million
Sun Nov 05, 2023 9:10 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now that long TIPS yields are 60 bp off their highs I will…
Replies: 2955
Views: 623818

Re: Now that long TIPS have pushed past 2.50% I will…

While I wanted 3% real, I've been happy to get well over 2% real TIPS. Door is now closing.

I don't expect to see 2%+ again till sometime in the 2030s. We should be a similar thread at that time.

Been fun and thanks for all the knowledge shared.
by William Million
Thu Oct 19, 2023 9:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VTEB Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF at 4% Yield
Replies: 26
Views: 5026

VTEB Vanguard Tax-Exempt Bond ETF at 4% Yield

High earners with a lot in taxable must be loving VTEB at 4% yield. I don't believe it gets to that level often.
by William Million
Wed Oct 18, 2023 7:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now that long TIPS yields are 60 bp off their highs I will…
Replies: 2955
Views: 623818

Re: Now that long TIPS have pushed past 2.50% I will…

Looks like this might be the final hurrah for TIPS. 1 more Fed rate hike.

I no longer believe we'll reach 3% real, so will settle for 2.5%. Could be 10-15 years till we see these levels again.
by William Million
Mon Oct 16, 2023 7:38 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Private Client - "free" personal advisory service offer for six months
Replies: 20
Views: 3119

Re: Chase Private Client - "free" personal advisory service offer for six months

I could just walk into my local branch and meet with one of the CPC reps there. I am curious about this. I know that a ton of Chase branches list a “private client” rep available. Are these actual private bankers, or just a regular teller who provides expedited service to the private client account holders when they come in? If the former, chase must have a huge number of private clients to support that many bankers at that many branches. I am a Chase Private Client. This is separate from their advisory/investment services. My branch has a dedicated person that I can call or email with banking questions and if not available they get back to me usually same day. There is also a dedicate 800 number to call if you can't get in touch with your...
by William Million
Sun Oct 15, 2023 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase Private Client - "free" personal advisory service offer for six months
Replies: 20
Views: 3119

Re: Chase Private Client - "free" personal advisory service offer for six months

I believe JP Morgan provides investment advising for Chase Private Clients. You could always try the free 6 months, but I wouldn't pay for it.
by William Million
Sat Oct 07, 2023 12:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now that long TIPS yields are 60 bp off their highs I will…
Replies: 2955
Views: 623818

Re: Now that long TIPS have pushed past 2.50% I will…

Any idea why the 2032 Jul 15 TIPS real interest rate is much higher than those that are similar time-frame? It's over 2.9% and those around it more like 2.5%.

I thought the low coupon rate would make it more attractive. Something less appealing about the 2032 Jul 15 TIPS?
by William Million
Fri Oct 06, 2023 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are there any ETFs that "mimic" investing in individual Treasuries and/or TIPS?
Replies: 10
Views: 2319

Re: Are there any ETFs that "mimic" investing in individual Treasuries and/or TIPS?

I don't understand the point of a TIPS ETF. We use funds in order to diversify risk. TIPS risk is the same with a fund or individual bonds. With an ETF, you gamble that the fund will pick the right durations at the right time for you. If you buy your own TIPS, you pick durations that suit your needs. You can also guarantee that you lock in TIPS when real rates are high (like now and not when rates are sub-zero, like a few years ago.) With either individual bonds or ETFs, you can change your duration as appropriate. The default for an ETF, or for a bond ladder, is to keep a constant duration; the default when holding individual bonds to maturity is to decrease the maturity by one year and the duration by almost one year every year. (The dur...
by William Million
Thu Oct 05, 2023 9:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Powerball to Reach $1.4 billion for Saturday
Replies: 7
Views: 1337

Powerball to Reach $1.4 billion for Saturday

For a lottery, it's a "good" investment. Losers of past rounds have financed this larger jackpot.

Definitely worth a $2 ticket for the mental lift.
by William Million
Thu Oct 05, 2023 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Are there any ETFs that "mimic" investing in individual Treasuries and/or TIPS?
Replies: 10
Views: 2319

Re: Are there any ETFs that "mimic" investing in individual Treasuries and/or TIPS?

I don't understand the point of a TIPS ETF. We use funds in order to diversify risk. TIPS risk is the same with a fund or individual bonds.

With an ETF, you gamble that the fund will pick the right durations at the right time for you. If you buy your own TIPS, you pick durations that suit your needs. You can also guarantee that you lock in TIPS when real rates are high (like now and not when rates are sub-zero, like a few years ago.)
by William Million
Fri Sep 29, 2023 11:40 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now that long TIPS yields are 60 bp off their highs I will…
Replies: 2955
Views: 623818

Re: Now that long TIPS have surged past 2.25% I will…

So did inflation. Nominal yields out of context are pretty meaningless. Spending power is all that matters. It was one of the very rare times when according to Peter Lynch's rule, one should have sold stocks to buy long-term bonds. People who bought 30-year bonds at 15% made a killing. (E.g., my mother.) Hard to see when 15% yield any time soon, but real yield seems going up fast these days. Is there a level attractive enough to go all-in? say 3%? It's certainly tempting to think a US government guaranteed 3% yields... Good question. I’m trying to figure out when to buy longer duration. That's the key. 3% real is always a good fixed income investment. At that rate, any reasonable investor backs up the truck. Doesn't mean 3% real will beat ...
by William Million
Fri Sep 29, 2023 8:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Dividend Fund Provides More Income Than Bond Fund
Replies: 134
Views: 23364

Re: Dividend Fund Provides More Income Than Bond Fund

Many Bogleheads dislike companies paying dividends since this creates a taxable event. This is flawed logic. Companies are paying the owners part of profits. That's why we buy stocks.
by William Million
Mon Sep 25, 2023 5:15 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now that long TIPS yields are 60 bp off their highs I will…
Replies: 2955
Views: 623818

Re: Now that long TIPS have surged past 2.25% I will…

Hey!! Someone has moved the goalposts and Nedsaid has noticed!! Didn't this start out at 2.00%? I noticed now that the new target to trigger McQ's action on TIPS has moved to 2.25%. The good professor is a mighty clever fellow I tell you. If it ever gets to 3.00%, then it is time to run for the hills as it would signal that inflation is getting out of control. Rather than stocking up on TIPS, perhaps we should be stocking up on emergency food supplies. After all, you can't eat TIPS. :wink: This is getting to be like the Doomsday Clock. It is getting to be warning of increased inflation. It is the doomsday clock. Interest rates are rising because the market is less confident that the government stands behind it's debt (the perpetual shutdow...
by William Million
Sat Sep 23, 2023 5:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Government shutdown?
Replies: 6
Views: 1180

Re: Government shutdown?

A short shutdown, combined with the ongoing UAW strike and FED tightening, might present a buying opportunity in stocks.

But bad if you need to fly, get a passport, visit a national park/Smithsonian museum, etc.
by William Million
Sat Sep 23, 2023 12:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early
Replies: 118
Views: 16553

Re: Quitting a high paying job and retiring early

Makes no sense to quit and work for 10% of your current salary, unless it's charity work.

Question is how much do you need? Currently have 3.5 million. At 3.5% SWR, you'll have $122,500/year pre-tax. if you can make that work, quit and never look back.

If you want/need $$175,000/year, work until you have $5 million - 2-3 years more? You're still retiring at 52/53 - which is awesome.
by William Million
Fri Sep 22, 2023 11:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The TSP’s G Fund
Replies: 38
Views: 6633

Re: The TSP’s G Fund

Yes, the last 2 years now make a huge difference. 10 year average now has G ahead of F - 2.11% to 1.68%.

https://www.myfederalretirement.com/tsp-returns/

G is a great fund, but I gradually tilt away and toward F when rates are more likely to fall.

As I said: If I get it wrong, whatever. F and G are both awesome.
by William Million
Wed Sep 20, 2023 5:35 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: The TSP’s G Fund
Replies: 38
Views: 6633

Re: The TSP’s G Fund

This is an area where mild market-timing might make sense. If rates are extremely low, tilt toward G. When rates seem to be nearing their peak, such as the present, start to tilt toward F.

Worst case: You still own a great fund, whether F or G.
by William Million
Sat Sep 09, 2023 10:36 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?
Replies: 361
Views: 50127

Re: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?

Were they boglheads? Did they invest in low cost index funds? Did they have a reasonable withdrawal strategy? I think a better title for this thread should be “do bogleheads run out of money…..” Most people never saved to begin with and definitely ran out of money. My parents were very typical and had not saved much money at any point in time. There were periods of time where folks did not get many opportunities to save. I believe the entire population is worthy to speak about on this topic rather than try and identify a specific "Bogle" class of investor. We can talk about anything we want but, talking about not having any money when one did not save any is pretty fruitless. Perhaps start a new thread on how much funds are neede...
by William Million
Sat Sep 09, 2023 10:17 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Engagmenet in 5 months - prenup questions for newbie
Replies: 105
Views: 11278

Re: Engagmenet in 5 months - prenup questions for newbie

As others have said, you don't need a prenup. Assets/earning power very similar. However, you need to be on the same page in terms of life priorities. A disagreement over SAH versus working parent is akin to different religions. You can work it out, but you need to discuss thoroughly before marriage. If you can't resolve this matter to the satisfaction of both parties, marriage might be a bad idea. FYI, if I were parent of the bride, I would be concerned about her marrying a guy holding attitudes you've expressed. Marriage involves individual sacrifice for the good of the family, especially for the (future) kids. That you're preoccupied about not losing half of what you'll earn suggests to me that you don't fully appreciate that the SAH par...
by William Million
Fri Sep 08, 2023 6:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Sauna?
Replies: 27
Views: 2518

Re: Sauna?

I have a sauna and love it in winter. It's obviously a luxury purchase, takes up space (our architect deisgned a sauna room) and uses a lot of electricity.

But I love it in winter and feel it keeps me healthier. I never liked hot tubs.
by William Million
Fri Sep 08, 2023 4:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving to Spain
Replies: 49
Views: 5565

Re: Moving to Spain

I own a house and live part year in Spain. I recommend you rent to start out. It is not as easy to sell houses in Spain as in the US, so you don't want to get stuck with something you can't easily unload. Also, houses generally have a 10% sales tax, so it's hard to flip a house without losing money. As you noted, tenants have exxtensive rights in Spain and rents tend to be lower than in the US. If you own your US residence, I recommend you sell before you become a Spanish tax resident - no $250k/$500k exemption on gapital gains in Spain. You should become aware of the Spanish tax system and bilateral tax treaty. If you live there full year, Spain might tax things that you wouldn't expect to pay tax on in the US, such as a wealth tax that v...
by William Million
Thu Sep 07, 2023 6:58 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Now that long TIPS yields are 60 bp off their highs I will…
Replies: 2955
Views: 623818

Re: Now that long TIPS have cracked 2.00% again I will…

Thank you, and understood. I'm buying in taxable, but I figure it's not too bad as my state tax rate is high and SCHP dividends seem to be exempt from that. Me too. It makes sense even in states without income tax. I would have to pay tax on profits from any other fixed income product in taxable I would buy anyway....the only difference is timing, and most alternatives are not state tax free. The timing is advantageous for I-bonds (hopefully) but the yield nowadays is at least 1% less and there sre strict purchase limits. Sure, it's best to keep fixed income products in IRAs and stocks in taxable, but unless that magically meets your AA requirements it's probably not possible for most of us to do perfectly. The axioms "don't buy TIPS ...
by William Million
Thu Sep 07, 2023 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving to Spain
Replies: 49
Views: 5565

Re: Moving to Spain

In Spain, the language is Castillian; in Latin American, it's Spanish. If you use "Spanish" instead of "Castillian" in Spain, it implies certain political views that are not appropriate to discuss here and not relevant to OP's inquiry.

OP- There's a very active Facebook group of US expats in Spain: https://www.facebook.com/groups/america ... spaingroup

You can search the database for the questions you ask.

While I'm only a part year resident, my impression is many Americans move to Spain for the awesome lifestyle and also for affordable pre-Medicare healthcare. So it works well for someone who wants to retire before 65 but in the US would be burdened with high healthcare costs.
by William Million
Thu Sep 07, 2023 4:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving to Spain
Replies: 49
Views: 5565

Re: Moving to Spain

I own a house and live part year in Spain. I recommend you rent to start out. It is not as easy to sell houses in Spain as in the US, so you don't want to get stuck with something you can't easily unload. Also, houses generally have a 10% sales tax, so it's hard to flip a house without losing money. As you noted, tenants have exxtensive rights in Spain and rents tend to be lower than in the US. If you own your US residence, I recommend you sell before you become a Spanish tax resident - no $250k/$500k exemption on gapital gains in Spain. You should become aware of the Spanish tax system and bilateral tax treaty. If you live there full year, Spain might tax things that you wouldn't expect to pay tax on in the US, such as a wealth tax that va...
by William Million
Mon Sep 04, 2023 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: TSP G Fund or VMFXX?
Replies: 18
Views: 1940

Re: TSP G Fund or VMFXX?

Syncronym wrote: Mon Sep 04, 2023 6:56 pm
Tdubs wrote: Mon Sep 04, 2023 8:19 am Whether you should have all of your Bond allocation in G is a different issue (I don't).
May I ask your reasoning? I do have all of my bond allocation in G and am curious about arguments against.
G is a great account. However, now might be a great time to diversify into F (while you can get it cheap).
by William Million
Mon Sep 04, 2023 6:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?
Replies: 361
Views: 50127

Re: Does Anyone Actually Run Down Funds in Retirement?

Many of us can mitigate the risk of a sharp and prolonged downturn within the first 10-15 years of retirement through deciding when to start social security.

For instance, Joe retires at 62 and lives on a SWR. If no market collapse, he puts off applying for social security, gaining a healthy annual return by waiting. If the market turns south, Joe starts social security, giving his investments time to recover while reducing his SWR.

Not everyone can afford to do this, but it does create some flexibility, just as a reverse mortgage might bail out an 80 year old in a financial squeeze.
by William Million
Mon Sep 04, 2023 2:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 to Roth IRA?
Replies: 9
Views: 1709

Re: 529 to Roth IRA?

OK, thanks. Not really worth it then. Well maybe not worth it with your specific example, but maybe worth considering an overfunding situation. I currently fund my DD's Roth while she is in college and had already planned on helping her jumpstart retirement savings into early adulthood after graduation. She will have some funds left over in her 529, so I can now consider direct rollover of $35K (over many years) into her Roth. I was planning on using the leftover 529 for future grandkids as a legacy fund, but not sure I want to take this route..... I would be interested in hearing others thoughts on 529 to Roth and/or Legacy 529. For better or worse, my child's 529 is funded about right for completion of college next year. I suppose I coul...
by William Million
Sat Sep 02, 2023 8:25 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 529 to Roth IRA?
Replies: 9
Views: 1709

Re: 529 to Roth IRA?

OK, thanks. Not really worth it then.