Search found 507 matches

by ShowMeTheER
Sun Jul 16, 2023 6:09 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Laid off 50 y.o., considering early retirement, feedback please
Replies: 65
Views: 9337

Re: Laid off 50 y.o., considering early retirement, feedback please

Would feel good about this with the part-time work included; or otherwise commit to full retirement for 2 years and see if the money feels too tight to enjoy your time. If so, you can always go back to work.
by ShowMeTheER
Sun May 07, 2023 4:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pension with Critical and Declining status
Replies: 23
Views: 3091

Re: Pension with Critical and Declining status

chalet wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 9:57 pm is anyone asking why the plan is not making changes now? like reducing the payments?


Stinky wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 8:11 pm I seem to recall that Congress has taken action recently to shore up some multi employer plans. You might check that out.

yes, and I think it is less likely they will do it again. One plan was turned down by the PBGC. then gven a lot of money by congress.
They typically just ride it out as long as possible, knowing that the govt’t will step in to fund it eventually (most often during an unrelated crisis). You’ll know the full lobby is on when they start quoting how much existing paid benefits will be cut. Whichever congressional reps are nearest to the plan participants will start to take interest.
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Mar 15, 2023 7:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Paying off debt advice and budget review
Replies: 16
Views: 2236

Re: Paying off debt advice and budget review

Here are some thoughts: 1) you seem to view your money and spending in an interesting way, but to simplify you make $237K per year, spend probably $130K per year ignoring the loan payback (with some going toward home equity) and have $82K in debt. Little in non-retirement savings, but very good retirement savings and solid home equity. 2) income vs expense doesn’t sound amazing on the surface, but your partner has income so there should still be opportunity for plenty of saving as you share the core expenses Somebody can figure out your fed/state/city/fica tax bill for us, but it ain’t cheap. 3) I’d say you can and should still contribute max to 401k. Big tax giveaway if you don’t take full advantage. 4) you are a spender, but regardless yo...
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Mar 03, 2023 4:12 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Disney World Vacation
Replies: 57
Views: 4389

Re: Disney World Vacation

My vote is yes, do it and experience it. Lots of naysayers but there really is no other place like it. For WDW, book a full week and experience a lot of what is offered across the 4 parks. Summer is brutally hot. I prefer fall when you get a break from temps and darkness comes earlier. One tip would be avoid full days at the parks. Stay someplace nice and enjoy the hotel scene as well during 1/2 day park days.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Nov 03, 2022 11:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I on track or am I doing something stupid?
Replies: 28
Views: 5662

Re: Am I on track or am I doing something stupid?

You are doing very well. Keep it going, and keep it simple.
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Oct 29, 2022 12:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I Bonds purchase strategy going forward
Replies: 21
Views: 3977

Re: I Bonds purchase strategy going forward

Consider if inflation protected bonds are part of your investment plan/strategy. If yes, buy. If not, don’t.

This would be painful to go thru each year for a mere $10K if you are considering them only as a short-term investment.
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Oct 15, 2022 6:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Bank Interest Rates
Replies: 1
Views: 443

Re: Bank Interest Rates

No.

Check depositaccounts.com
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Sep 07, 2022 5:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is this really how it is? Saving for Goals
Replies: 24
Views: 3448

Re: Is this really how it is? Saving for Goals

Supply and demand is making it challenging for buyers, especially at entry levels. Incredible what has happened. Too much money created and it’ll take more time for the rising rates and inflation to counteract the consumer impact of all of this. Housing will probably be the last to fall, and it’ll take a heavy punch to knock it down.
by ShowMeTheER
Tue Jul 05, 2022 7:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review - Pension Rollover?
Replies: 6
Views: 698

Re: Portfolio Review - Pension Rollover?

1. Roll
2. tIRA
3. Roth
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Jun 05, 2022 7:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How do I upgrade house without losing FIRE status
Replies: 33
Views: 3963

Re: How do I upgrade house without losing FIRE status

You turn back the clock by about 3-4 years all things considered. Not that big a deal all things considered, given your age.
by ShowMeTheER
Sat May 21, 2022 5:49 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Currently Big Law - Should I Pursue This In-House Opportunity?
Replies: 22
Views: 2378

Re: Currently Big Law - Should I Pursue This In-House Opportunity?

I think you’re giving up too much at this time, between salary, comforts of WFH and bonus.

I’d say tell former colleague that timing just isn’t working out and you’d be interested to check back in 90 days from now to see if the role is still available.

By that time, you may determine that you are ready to be done with Big Law regardless.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Apr 28, 2022 10:01 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Account locked at Treasury Direct and cannot get through on phone
Replies: 255
Views: 44908

Re: Account locked at Treasury Direct and cannot get through on phone

2.5 hour wait for me. Called at 8:15am EST.

Very nice person on the line once I got thru, and quick and easy unlock
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Apr 09, 2022 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Too late to use COBRA?
Replies: 6
Views: 783

Re: Too late to use COBRA?

If your employer still hasn’t provided paperwork, they should jump at your mention of that… and your ability to still sign up there should be OK. I am not sure how the coordination of benefits will work with the marketplace plan. Might be worth a shot though from the sounds of it. Assuming you can’t cancel your marketplace coverage, once billing time comes if you have both… the key is if your COBRA coverage will be primary.
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Mar 12, 2022 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio / Finance Checkup
Replies: 7
Views: 1053

Re: Portfolio / Finance Checkup

With that income, regardless of some of the omitted details yes you are fine to retire within 30 years u less your expenses are completely outrageous.

No need to slow down on on investing. Focus on that self employment income stream.
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Jan 30, 2022 9:52 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Help - I think we bought the wrong house
Replies: 17
Views: 3875

Re: Help - I think we bought the wrong house

Sounds like a lot of work, and that you aren’t too torn up about letting it go at this point.

I’d find what you want, sell, and move on
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Jan 16, 2022 6:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: First time buyers - how much home can we afford?
Replies: 8
Views: 1499

Re: First time buyers - how much home can we afford?

With stable jobs, cash saved, (presumably) nice pensions, 529s funded adequately… yes you are fine at 700K or 800K. Get what you want and enjoy it for a long time.
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:07 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Employer 401k contribution taken back after 5 years of leaving the employer.
Replies: 62
Views: 7181

Re: Employer 401k contribution taken back after 5 years of leaving the employer.

lostinjersey wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 10:21 am Many plans permit nonvested amounts to remain in an employee’s account for 5 years after they leave - in order to simplify administration if they are rehired.

Forfeiting the nonvested balance is then done after the 5 year mark has passed.

This is standard practice. Nothing unusual at all.
This is accurate
by ShowMeTheER
Tue Jan 11, 2022 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review / Input Please
Replies: 6
Views: 1235

Re: Portfolio Review / Input Please

You appear to be in great shape, assuming SocSec is in play. Is that the case?

You’ll be looking at $2.5M+ in all likelihood at age 62. Solid standing to cover expenses and have some fun in retirement!
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Jan 09, 2022 4:32 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice for investing $100k
Replies: 6
Views: 1222

Re: Advice for investing $100k

VOO - $25K per month for 4 months
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Jan 09, 2022 4:10 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review - 5 Year Update
Replies: 3
Views: 872

Re: Portfolio Review - 5 Year Update

It’s been five years since my last portfolio review. Reference Post: https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=208103 Age: Her 37 Him 36 Yearly Expenses: 80k Household Income: 280k Savings Goal Per Year: 40% Residence: MO Desired Allocation: 90% Stocks 10% Bonds Current Allocation: 90% Stocks, (80% US, 10% Int.) 5% REIT, 5% US Bonds Desired Retirement Age: 55 Debt: Mortgage - 2.75% 10 Years Remain - $141k Equity: $255,000 Vehicle - 2.49% 3 Years Remain - $17k Emergency Fund: $35k Total – 10 Months $22.5k I Bonds $12.5k Money Market Crypto: 30k His HSA - $12k Vanguard 500 Index Admiral Shares - .04% Expense Ratio His 401k – $397k Vanguard INST Index - .035% Expense Ratio Vanguard Extended INST Index - .05% Vanguard TTL INTL S...
by ShowMeTheER
Tue Dec 14, 2021 11:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review: Simplify Holdings + Transitioning From Two Incomes to One?
Replies: 6
Views: 768

Re: Portfolio Review: Simplify Holdings + Transitioning From Two Incomes to One?

You are doing very well - congrats. Dropping to 1 income is sensitive and personal. Only you know best. What is the split between you and spouse on the $400K HHI? Easier to pull the trigger if it’s lopsided, but you do have a serious mortgage. For the foreseeable future, employees have the advantage so I would not be hesitant to make demands of current employer, or drop out entirely if it’s better for your family to have a stay at home parent. Doesn’t have to be a forever decision. Never too early to refinance IMO… especially with an $800K mortgage. This will likely be the most valuable move you make, of all the items you are pondering. My portfolio resembles yours, and every time I sit down to look at breaking the Target Funds… I determine...
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Dec 03, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request.: Warning, Hot Mess Ahead :)
Replies: 20
Views: 3492

Re: Portfolio Review Request.: Warning, Hot Mess Ahead :)

A few things that might be helpful in order to provide more guidance:

1) provide total % of portfolio, for each account. For example, in H&H brokerage is it 3% or 8%. Hard to tell as of now.

2) for any taxable item, and especially inheritance, can you list the amount that is taxable if sold?
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Dec 02, 2021 3:07 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review/(60/40-LTT or Inflation Hedged Bonds?)
Replies: 18
Views: 2582

Re: Portfolio Review/(60/40)

Looks solid.

8 funds is probably unnecessary, but appears to accomplish your goals and address your concerns (and we don’t know the CG standing of each fund anyway, in order to suggest otherwise)
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Nov 13, 2021 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Refinance Mega Thread
Replies: 12862
Views: 1277090

Re: Refinance Mega Thread

Current Condo value: ~210k Loan amount: $177,512 (02/01/2020) Current balance: $165,372 Interest rate: 3.75% Monthly P+I: $822.09/mo Refinance InterFirst Loan amount: $169,500 (incl. closing costs = $3519 [J]) 15yr interest rate: 2.115% 15yr monthly P+I: $1099.75/mo https://imgur.com/nAN8mig Are these numbers good? I only plan to stay at this condo for about 3 years, however. I am planning to proceed Monday, can someone please confirm. Break even calculators are telling me I will benefit. I am just curious if the closing costs are good. Better was quoting a higher rate and that with points It's seems pretty solid for not doing the whole application match game. Quick payback for you even at that closing cost. If you are pretty sure about 3 ...
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Nov 13, 2021 4:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Made Disasterous Non-Boglehead Mistake How to Start Over??
Replies: 51
Views: 8449

Re: Made Disasterous Non-Boglehead Mistake How to Start Over??

Make a plan to move it back in over a 2 year period, for example. (Obviously this has hit you hard and it lingers, so suggesting a full lump sum back in is probably unrealistic)
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Nov 13, 2021 4:41 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Mother's portfolio - advice requested
Replies: 20
Views: 2287

Re: Mother's portfolio - advice requested

Yes, those fees are silly and unnecessary.

Does your mom need the money? If so, when? Are you and siblings directly included in the money or is this just inheritance preservation? What is your mother’s income/tax rate(s)?

She likely can’t avoid taxes if you move funds, but the cost might not be so bad depending on the rest of the facts.
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Oct 22, 2021 6:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio Review Request
Replies: 8
Views: 1310

Re: Portfolio Review Request

Looks very strong, and simple.

Is your $5M target excluding house? Do you plan to move and/or lessen house cost as you approach retirement (or goal)?
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Oct 10, 2021 9:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Am I on the right track?
Replies: 25
Views: 2396

Re: Am I on the right track?

So you’ll collectively retire with around $2.5M and $52k/yr social security, and desire to use about $140K/yr in retirement. You’re in good shape. If you run into any issues it’ll be waaaay down the line, or otherwise if you go too crazy on spending.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:20 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Sanity check - new house purchase
Replies: 8
Views: 1129

Re: Sanity check - new house purchase

I’d suggest going for the 30 year mortgage, and pay it off more quickly (or refi entirely) as things progress.

If you can qualify on new purchase w/o needing to sell existing place simultaneously, do so. A much more enjoyable move experience. It doesn’t sound like you are in any danger of screwing up the cap gains exemption.

I would not rent the old place, but personal choice there. I prefer to keep it simple especially with 3 young kids.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Oct 07, 2021 3:00 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where Do I Go From Here - Asset Location [2022 Update]
Replies: 590
Views: 85411

Re: Where Do I Go From Here - Update 4 - Learning More; Drafting Investment Plan

It has been an exhilarating 3 weeks since joining. I have learned so much my 🤯. I’ve taken the time the past week or so to educate myself on the wiki and with some of the On Investing and other commenter recommended podcasts. I also commented up a storm but will be easing up on that now a bit. People here have been so friendly, helpful, fun, knowledgeable, encouraging and patient. Even the ones who weren’t- and especially the one who asked me where the rest of my money got to that I only had $1.8 mil (and a portfolio of only $1.2 mil) despite being a long time reasonably high earner - I learned a lot from. I’d say that is the comment I learned the most from, so thank you, commenter. My latest? -I opened a tIRA (my first IRA ever) w Fidelit...
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Oct 07, 2021 2:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?
Replies: 113
Views: 12607

Re: Anxiety over home purchase - Am I buying too much house?

I’d suggest you’re fine to move forward. $700K loan on $300K income… and another $650K in combined savings beyond that…only on Bogleheads would that be of grave concern. Nice that SC is a low property tax state too.

I would advise that this is a lot of house for another 4 years or so until the kid(s) fill it up, but new build so interior and structural maintenance should be super light.
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Sep 19, 2021 1:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Where Do I Go From Here - Asset Location [2022 Update]
Replies: 590
Views: 85411

Re: Where Do I Go From Here

Great expense control. You are racking up the cash with a good job.

Start a taxable account if you are comfortable, investing in equity index fund(s).

Ride your current situation for another 5 years (or more) and retire in style.
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Sep 17, 2021 7:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do you get a raise before being fired?
Replies: 47
Views: 7618

Re: Do you get a raise before being fired?

If your lunch mate is correct, this would be the first time in the history of management that this exercise was done. Ignore her.
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Sep 10, 2021 4:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New job - sign on bonus discussions
Replies: 6
Views: 969

Re: New job - sign on bonus discussions

If it’s a job you want, go with #1.

Ask yourself if option #3 is worth risking losing the offer. My hunch is it’s likely not going to change your world and therefore not worth the risk.

If you are on the fence with accepting at all, then swing for it all with #3.
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Thoughts on a potential home purchase in a HCOL market?
Replies: 25
Views: 3312

Re: Thoughts on a potential home purchase in a HCOL market?

After reallocating existing equity, you are looking at $1.2M on $0.5M annual income, and plenty in taxable to attack with. Seems fine to me.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Aug 26, 2021 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Ex-employer is giving me the run around to issue W2C
Replies: 7
Views: 1314

Re: Ex-employer is giving me the run around to issue W2C

I have been involved with this before - on the inside and with ADP - it’s a disaster but even still should not last more than 1 month from the time the amounts are agreed upon/submitted.
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Aug 20, 2021 5:28 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: At 47, is this the right mix for my 401(k)
Replies: 95
Views: 9775

Re: At 47, is this the right mix for my 401(k)

You could simplify the listed holdings with a 90/10 or 80/20 mix of VINIX/FAGIX

Clearly, 100K in an individual stock has big risk, big reward potential. Common advice here would be to move out of that into something more diverse, but be mindful of tax impact as you do so.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Aug 19, 2021 4:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Severance Pay
Replies: 16
Views: 3171

Re: Severance Pay

Not a severance package
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Aug 18, 2021 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I stay or should I go? (return to office)
Replies: 26
Views: 4422

Re: Should I stay or should I go? (return to office)

I’d stick it out. Don’t factor the pension insolvency too heavily… incredibly unlikely anything bad will happen to it to cut your benefit. Also, they’ll probably send you back to work from home by mid-Nov once virus season kicks up. Give it until end of 2021 and if it’s simply awful then throw in the towel.
by ShowMeTheER
Thu Aug 12, 2021 8:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Terminated Pension Plan Eliminating Lump Sum?
Replies: 7
Views: 1489

Re: Terminated Pension Plan Eliminating Lump Sum?

Lump sum will remain.

Yes, they’ll purchase annuities (i.e., transfer their liability to an insurer) after the initial elections come in and get processed, but that doesn’t mean that future options of payment will only be annuities.

Participants will make their distribution elections… and many will choose a lump sum. The remaining participants - those already receiving an annuity, those that choose an annuity to start ‘now’, and those that defer their choice - will then deal with the winning bidder/financial firm for future payout. Both annuity and lump sum should be a future option if that is what the plan offers now.
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Aug 07, 2021 3:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New job offer
Replies: 6
Views: 1439

Re: New job offer

Of course take it
by ShowMeTheER
Sat Aug 07, 2021 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 1 year with Bogleheads Portfolio Review
Replies: 11
Views: 2298

Re: 1 year with Bogleheads Portfolio Review

1. Definitely consolidate. Sell if this would better align with your desired investment mix. It appears that this would be proper in your case but not critical. More than anything… consolidate all of those brokerage accounts to one house. Makes me anxious just reading it :)

2. How much in gains are you dealing with?

3. My opinion… you are doing great on savings as laid out. Make sure you enjoy life/money as the next priority. If you are doing that and still have leftover… invest it.

4. Yes and yes (to the extent that she wants to invest more after TSP)

5. Consider 529 if tax breaks worthwhile and if it fits for you. We started one pre-kids and I have never regretted.

Where did you get that refi rate? I have a similar balance… thanks.
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Aug 06, 2021 11:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Offered Severance Pkg.-Need advice.
Replies: 42
Views: 10370

Re: Offered Severance Pkg.-Need advice.

I think they screwed up your 403b contribution, not you. Likely they should not have taken a deduction (and no match either, but you knew that). If this was a rare event for them (your lump sum severance) then I’m not surprised.

Their risk though, not yours, so push back only if you want that cash in the bank.

Too bad it ended on a sour note, but 2 months from now you will barely remember and you’ll be enjoying your next phase.
by ShowMeTheER
Fri Aug 06, 2021 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Can I Retire Today?
Replies: 96
Views: 16429

Re: Can I Retire Today?

Yes. Enjoy your time.
by ShowMeTheER
Tue Aug 03, 2021 8:14 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Advice on complicated retirement plan
Replies: 21
Views: 3547

Re: Advice on complicated retirement plan

You are in good shape. You can basically live on your salary alone, plus pension and soc sec, until death. Your husbands income is savings/spending/fun money.

Enjoy it and don’t stress.
by ShowMeTheER
Sun Aug 01, 2021 3:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Job offer: bird in hand, two in the bush?
Replies: 22
Views: 2949

Re: Job offer: bird in hand, two in the bush?

Accept #1 in order to lock in your exit from Current Co.

Continue with interview process for #2. If offered #2, take #2 and tell #1 sorry but something else has come up.
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Jul 21, 2021 5:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio review
Replies: 14
Views: 1947

Re: Portfolio review

I think you’re doing great. 529s are heavily funded but it’s a high class problem to have.

One thing that stands out IMO is… you are in 32% bracket and have plenty of savings and plenty more to come… max the 401k.

You have some cash held but also note no bonds. I think this a reasonable trade off and wouldn’t dwell on it too much.
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: New Job Offer Advice
Replies: 16
Views: 2209

Re: New Job Offer Advice

Take the job. If current Co offers you a big old raise/promotion to stay, then consider it at that point. On the surface though, this a big jump for your career and something that you desire. You are 35 and at a prime time to go for the big time.
by ShowMeTheER
Wed Jun 30, 2021 4:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is this job offer ruined?
Replies: 134
Views: 19429

Re: Is this job offer ruined?

Doubtful that they will just cut you off completely. They might come back and say 0% is the best they can do. At that point evaluate your interest in the job change. It sounds like you want the job so don’t let 10% sway you.