Search found 958 matches

by Allan
Sun Mar 17, 2024 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Analyze my Social Security payout
Replies: 9
Views: 900

Re: Analyze my Social Security payout

smitcat wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:50 am No - how and where are you getting these numbers?
Do you know your PIA?
Have you tried using the calculator by Nuerosphere? (it is excellent)
I used the calculator you are referring to 5-6 years ago, but have created a spreadsheet myself showing my actual wages and wages with the inflation factor. my PIA is $3,118, not counting the 8% a year for waiting until age 70.
by Allan
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Analyze my Social Security payout
Replies: 9
Views: 900

Re: Analyze my Social Security payout

I noticed that for the 1st 3 months of 2024 my benefit has not changed, even though last year I exceeded the wage based limit in earned income. By the way, I am self employed and still work. Even if you have already filed your 2023 taxes it will take some time for it to be processed and for Social Security to update your benefit amount. It looks like it should be retroactive once that happens. https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html Each year, we review the records of all Social Security beneficiaries who have wages reported for the previous year. If your latest year of earnings is one of your highest years, we recalculate your benefit and pay you any increase you are due. The increase is retroactive to January of...
by Allan
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Analyze my Social Security payout
Replies: 9
Views: 900

Analyze my Social Security payout

I waited until I was 70 (2021) to take my social security. In analyzing my top 35 years of earnings, for 28 of those 35 years I exceeded the Soc Sec wage based limit, the other 7 top earning years I averaged earning 75% of the wage based limit. The maximum Soc Sec for this year, for someone who waited until age 70, is $4,873. My monthly Soc Sec benefit is $4,372, 90% of that maximum. Do the 7 years of my top 35 years in which I only earned 75% of the wage base limit, really reduce my payout $500 a month from the max? I have called Soc Sec and did not get much help. I noticed that for the 1st 3 months of 2024 my benefit has not changed, even though last year I exceeded the wage based limit in earned income. By the way, I am self employed and...
by Allan
Fri Jan 26, 2024 7:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How Taylor Larimore made a difference in my financial life - Salute to Taylor's 100th
Replies: 53
Views: 10224

Re: How Taylor Larimore made a difference in my financial life - Salute to Taylor's 100th

I have always been inspired by Taylor's unflinching advice regarding the simplicity of investing. He made a real impact on my investing philosophy and practice. But more than that his bravery as a WWll soldier, his character, and his selflessness in helping others. A real American hero! We are fortunate to have him on this forum.
by Allan
Wed Jan 17, 2024 5:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Unsubscribe" to Emails
Replies: 37
Views: 4357

Re: "Unsubscribe" to Emails

nisiprius wrote: Tue Jan 16, 2024 2:02 pm
If it is genuine spam from a sender you've never heard of, then the "unsubscribe" link is a trap to trick you into revealing that the email account is live and that a human is reading it.
Yeah, I figured as much. Thanks
by Allan
Tue Jan 16, 2024 8:19 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Unsubscribe" to Emails
Replies: 37
Views: 4357

"Unsubscribe" to Emails

When you receive an email and you "Unsubscribe", does it always work and does it work "forever"?
by Allan
Fri Dec 08, 2023 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: what happens to IRA when spouse is deceased
Replies: 17
Views: 3127

Re: what happens to IRA when spouse is deceased

Sorry to hear about your wife. Read through the Wiki, but to answer your question, as a spouse you can transfer the IRA to yourself. To claim, you would call them up, inform them of the account number and fill out and send them a beneficiary claim form along with a death certificate. The firm will "retitle" the IRA to you. The process may take a week but is not particular difficult. Based on my experience, Vanguard is one of the easier firms to deal with in this situation. Just make sure you have your statement ready in case they want more info. Is your wife currently RMDing? My wife passed away 20 months ago, her IRA was at Vanguard mine was at Fidelity. As mentioned above, send the death certificate to Vanguard and they will tr...
by Allan
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What are the differences between these 2 funds?
Replies: 13
Views: 1536

Re: What are the differences between these 2 funds?

pkcrafter wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 9:41 am Allen, here is an article that describes the two funds--

https://www.thebalancemoney.com/total-s ... 00-2466403


Paul
Thank you, the linked article explained it well.
by Allan
Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:39 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What are the differences between these 2 funds?
Replies: 13
Views: 1536

Re: What are the differences between these 2 funds?

sco wrote: Sun Nov 26, 2023 6:06 pm So what type of accounts are these in? I certainly wouldn’t make any changes to a taxable/brokerage account.
These are in a Roth and a regular/taxable IRA.
by Allan
Sun Nov 26, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What are the differences between these 2 funds?
Replies: 13
Views: 1536

What are the differences between these 2 funds?

What are the major differences between the Vanguard Total Stock Market Fund and the Fidelity 500 Index Fund. I have large amounts in each, trying to consolidate and simplify.
by Allan
Wed Oct 25, 2023 5:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Moving to Houston, TX - need recommendation for Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Replies: 13
Views: 1693

Re: Moving to Houston, TX - need recommendation for Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Medical Clinic of Houston is one of the best, it is fairly close to where you will be living. Several doctors there, I've used Chris Nevins for almost 20 years, he is great. He is in the MDVIP program

https://www.mchllp.com/
by Allan
Sun Sep 17, 2023 11:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Leaving inheritance to grandchildren-Will you?
Replies: 57
Views: 6981

Leaving inheritance to grandchildren-Will you?

I am redoing my will, and leaving most of my assets to charity and my one daughter. I also have 2 grandchildren. Other than a small token amount, or for education or perhaps a disability, would you leave a substantial (I know that is subjective) amount to grandchildren?
by Allan
Sat Sep 16, 2023 8:01 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 57827

Re: Houston Chapter

Thanks, I signed up for the Oct meeting.
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 12:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

Re: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

FactualFran wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 12:16 pm
Allan wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 8:46 am Given values on this chart, I can't make the current 3.14% yield work.

https://ycharts.com/indicators/5_year_treasury_rate
Those EE Savings Bonds have a market based yield equal to 90% of the average of 5-year constant maturity Treasury yields over a recent period of six months. That yield of EE Savings Bonds is officially announced at the start of every May and November. The most recent announcement in May 2023 was 3.41%. That yield is 90% of the 3.79% average of 5-year constant maturity Treasury yields for November 2022 through April 2023.
Ok, did not know the actual method of how the return was calculated, now I know! Thanks.
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 12:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

Re: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

exodusNH wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 10:22 am
Allan wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 9:05 am The Treasury Direct site shows being down until 12pm EST today.

Searching around, it seems even if I don't redeem my matured EE bonds, I have to report the accrued interest on my federal tax return this year.
They haven't matured. They have doubled. They mature at 30 years.
Thank you, yes I now see that printed on the actual bond.
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

Re: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

The Treasury Direct site shows being down until 12pm EST today.

Searching around, it seems even if I don't redeem my matured EE bonds, I have to report the accrued interest on my federal tax return this year.
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 8:52 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

Re: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

GreendaleCC wrote: Sun Sep 03, 2023 8:47 am Why are you using an I bond calculator for EE bonds?
Sorry, using the Treasury Direct site for both my iBonds and series EE.
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 8:46 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

Re: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

Given values on this chart, I can't make the current 3.14% yield work.

https://ycharts.com/indicators/5_year_treasury_rate
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

Re: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

Just saw this on the "internet": "Series EE bonds purchased before May 1, 2005, earn interest based on 90% of the average market yield of five-year Treasury securities."
by Allan
Sun Sep 03, 2023 8:31 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: My 2003 EE Bonds Matured
Replies: 14
Views: 1118

My 2003 EE Bonds Matured

Title says it all, my EE bonds matured this month and doubled in value, I bought them 20 years ago. Today, the iBond calculator shows they now pay $3.14%. Moving forward, what is this interest rate based on? I am trying to determine if I should cash them in now and take the tax hit on the acrrued interest. I have MMA at Fidelity paying well north of 5%.

Allan
by Allan
Sun Jul 09, 2023 1:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Deferred Variable Annuity as a gift-taxable?
Replies: 2
Views: 279

Deferred Variable Annuity as a gift-taxable?

15 years ago I put $140,000 with Fidelity in a deferred variable annuity, into 3-4 different mutual funds. It has grown to $630,000, I understand the gain is taxable at ordinary rates for me. I am reworking my will (I'm 72), I don't need this money now nor will I ever need it. If I either gift the annuity to a valid charity now or leave it at my death, does the charity have to pay taxes on the gain? I assume not.
by Allan
Thu Jun 22, 2023 8:29 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When would you consider leaving money to an adult daughter in a trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 4064

Re: When would you consider leaving money to an adult daughter in a trust?

Thanks for all of the replies. If I do an irrevocable trust for my daughter's benefit, specifying how and how much money will be disbursed annually, if there is money left in the trust when she dies, can I specify with clarity and assuredness that the residual will go to a named charity, not my daughter's heirs.
by Allan
Wed Jun 21, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When would you consider leaving money to an adult daughter in a trust?
Replies: 35
Views: 4064

When would you consider leaving money to an adult daughter in a trust?

Say you had a son or daughter who was not great with money, a bit of a spendthrift. If you wanted to leave them a portion of their inheritance in a trust with some guidelines on how much they could withdraw each year, what is the minimum amount that makes it worthwhile to do this. Obviously, $500k is not enough, $5 million probably would be. But given the cost of administering and doing an annual tax return, would $2 million be enough to go through the paperwork and cost of doing?
by Allan
Mon May 15, 2023 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Social Security & Teacher's Retirement (Texas)
Replies: 10
Views: 1284

Social Security & Teacher's Retirement (Texas)

My daughter, in her 40's, worked a regular job for a few years and probably had 5 full years of paying into social security. She dropped from the workforce, then went back to work and has been teaching for 7-8 years, she has about 15 years left before retirement. What happens to the social security money she paid in?
by Allan
Sun May 07, 2023 2:50 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Houston Chapter
Replies: 140
Views: 57827

Re: Houston Chapter

Inner Looper (Memorial Park area) interested, would love to get notification other than just seeing it on the forum.
by Allan
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pay1040™ Tax Payment Quesition
Replies: 7
Views: 609

Re: Pay1040™ Tax Payment Quesition

I made 2 very large tax payments on my Chase VISA this week using pay1040.com. I see nothing on their website specifying their location.

https://www.pay1040.com
by Allan
Mon Apr 10, 2023 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: LTC Premium Increase 96.6 %
Replies: 31
Views: 4111

Re: LTC Premium Increase 96.6 %

When we bought LTCi policies from John Hancock in 2003, I was quite concerned about the possibility of premium increases, because it seemed to me that a bad and not-unlikely situation would be the policy becoming unaffordable in retirement and letting it lapse just when we were getting to the time when it might be needed. In retrospect that concern was very well founded. It was because of that concern that I elected an option that allowed the policy to be fully paid up in ten annual payments. Compared to lifetime payments, that roughly doubled the annual premium. (Electing 5% compounded increases in the coverage redoubled it). I figured that paying it off in ten years at least limited the time during which we would be exposed to premium in...
by Allan
Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 2nd Marriage Social Security Question
Replies: 8
Views: 937

2nd Marriage Social Security Question

I posted this question on another thread and decided to re-ask the question here. I am re-marrying in a few months, both of us are over 70. I didn't start my Soc Sec until 70, therefore my benefit is higher than my soon-to-be spouse. If I should pass away would my wife be able to take my higher benefits?
by Allan
Thu Mar 09, 2023 6:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Are Social Security payment adjustments always correct?
Replies: 2
Views: 424

Are Social Security payment adjustments always correct?

I've been on Soc Sec for 2 years. Last year my income was higher than expected, so my medicare payments will go up this year. However, for this year they reduced my Feb & March payments down to $1, from the expected $4,400 (before medicare). Is it worth me questioning them or trying to drill down and understand their calculations, or are they always correct on these things.
by Allan
Sun Jan 29, 2023 7:01 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: ImmediateAnnuities.com
Replies: 29
Views: 4509

Re: ImmediateAnnuities.com

rgs wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 4:43 pm
Re Stan - I am curious why you rate them well? They are not very forthcoming with info on the website compared to the others. Stan seems (at least to me) to be giving minimal info but wants one to call them. I understand this is their business model (to have customers call them) but I would like to do some online comparison shopping before calling them.

ImmediateAnnuities.com offers much more online, not to mention being highly rated on Trusted pilot as well as our own @Taylor.
I've found Stan the Annuity Man to be just the opposite of what you describe. Very soft-sell, tons of free information from printed material or videos. And his annuity calculator is one of the best.
by Allan
Tue Jan 24, 2023 4:13 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Age and probability of needing long term care?
Replies: 221
Views: 22380

Re: Age and probability of needing long term care?

hppycamper wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 10:25 am

I have read that LTC policies sold many years ago were good deals. But I doubt anyone can find policies like that now.
Yes, I bought a policy with John Hancock in 2001 with annual premiums of $3,000 for 10 years, then it was paid up in full. Today it would pay me $152,000 annually for LTC, and benefits increase 5% a year. In retrospect one of my better financial moves.
by Allan
Sun Jan 22, 2023 7:54 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Shipgo-Luggage Shipping Service for Travel
Replies: 1
Views: 330

Shipgo-Luggage Shipping Service for Travel

Just wondered if anyone has used this luggage shipping service.

https://www.shipgo.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA2 ... fsQAvD_BwE

[Topic moved to Personal Consumer Issues forum. --moderator Kendall]
by Allan
Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QLAC limits increased under Secure Act 2.0
Replies: 13
Views: 1946

Re: QLAC limits increased under Secure Act 2.0

For anyone interested, Stan the Annuity Man has a QLAC calculator.

https://www.stantheannuityman.com/qlac-calculator/
by Allan
Sat Jan 07, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st RMD for IRA with some non-deductoble contributions
Replies: 12
Views: 673

Re: 1st RMD for IRA with some non-deductoble contributions

Question: Given my example of an IRA with 1 million$ in value, contributions of $500,000 made up of $450,000 ((90%) deductible and $50,000 (10%) in non-deductible ($500,000 in growth), does that mean that 90% of the RMD of the now $1 million would be taxable and 10% would not taxable?
by Allan
Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st RMD for IRA with some non-deductoble contributions
Replies: 12
Views: 673

Re: 1st RMD for IRA with some non-deductoble contributions

jebmke wrote: Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:31 am RMD is the same.

The taxable amount will be prorated based on the allocation of the cost basis on Form 8606 when you prepare your income taxes.
As I think about it, that makes sense. My question is really how does the non-deductible portion effect taxes, given my example of my 1st RMD being $34,400. So if my non-deductible portion is 5%, then 95% of RMD is taxed? Is that correct?
by Allan
Sat Jan 07, 2023 8:30 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 1st RMD for IRA with some non-deductoble contributions
Replies: 12
Views: 673

1st RMD for IRA with some non-deductoble contributions

1st RMD is next year, according to the 2022 table (I know this might change) the percentage for 1st RMD is 3.44%. Say for example I had an even one million$ in my IRA, but $50,000 of that was non-deductible IRA contributions. What would be my year one RMD?
by Allan
Thu Jan 05, 2023 6:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: QLAC limits increased under Secure Act 2.0
Replies: 13
Views: 1946

QLAC limits increased under Secure Act 2.0

I understand under the Secure Act 2.0 increases the limits to a maximum of $200,000 that can be contributed to a QLAC. Does this change the calculus for anyone considering a QLAC?

Also, does the rise in interest rates increase a QLAC payout?

Allan
by Allan
Sun Dec 11, 2022 6:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529 plan, daughter not going to college
Replies: 56
Views: 10081

Re: 529 plan, daughter not going to college

I have a similar question. Many years ago I set up a 529 for my grandson. His college costs are covered by others and he does not need what I contributed to the 529. Can I transfer to my step-grandchildren for their use, without penalty?
by Allan
Fri Dec 09, 2022 8:15 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Sad news - Sheepdog passed away
Replies: 135
Views: 25666

Re: Sad news - Sheepdog passed away

So sorry to hear, I once exchanged several PM with him about......Sheepdogs!. We had one at the time and we discussed our love for that breed of dog. A very nice person, he will be missed.
by Allan
Sun May 29, 2022 3:19 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD required this year for deceased spouse?
Replies: 7
Views: 958

Re: RMD required this year for deceased spouse?

My wife would have turned 72 in July of this year, unfortunately she passed away in January. In January before she passed away, Vanguard sent her the RMD amount for this year. After she passed away her IRA was transferred to my IRA account by Vanguard, I will be 72 next year 2023. I am being told by my CPA that I do not have to take the RMD for her for this year, is that correct? Sorry to hear of your loss. Since her 2022 RMD was completed for 2022 before her passing, YOU do not have to take any additional RMD for 2022. Her 2022 RMD could have been avoided had it not been distributed to her because she passed prior to her required beginning date and you could have rolled her IRA over to your IRA without an RMD. But once it was distributed,...
by Allan
Sun May 29, 2022 3:16 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD required this year for deceased spouse?
Replies: 7
Views: 958

Re: RMD required this year for deceased spouse?

GenawithanE wrote: Sun May 29, 2022 2:37 pm did Vanguard distribute funds to her or did they just inform you of the RMD amount?
The RMD amount was sent to my wife 3 weeks before she passed away, the RMD was not done, then I contacted Vanguard and they transferred her IRA to my account and closed her account.
by Allan
Sun May 29, 2022 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: RMD required this year for deceased spouse?
Replies: 7
Views: 958

RMD required this year for deceased spouse?

My wife would have turned 72 in July of this year, unfortunately she passed away in January. In January before she passed away, Vanguard sent her the RMD amount for this year. After she passed away her IRA was transferred to my IRA account by Vanguard, I will be 72 next year 2023. I am being told by my CPA that I do not have to take the RMD for her for this year, is that correct?
by Allan
Tue Feb 15, 2022 8:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F
Replies: 18
Views: 1740

Re: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F

I switched to plan N and my annual premium went from $3,971 (Plan F) to $1,644. Plan N has a very small deductible and co-pay.
by Allan
Mon Feb 14, 2022 6:16 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F
Replies: 18
Views: 1740

Re: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F

Thanks for all of the advice, I am going to look for other plans/options before my renewal next month.
by Allan
Sun Feb 13, 2022 8:57 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F
Replies: 18
Views: 1740

Re: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F

cheese_breath wrote: Sun Feb 13, 2022 8:39 am Does Aetna even know your income?
Good point, not really sure. Obviously Social Security does, as they regulate Medicare premiums. I looked at Plan F costs offered, I saw premiums are $136/month, and my understanding is premiums are the same for every insurance company. I'm just shocked that my renewal premium is close to $4,000.
by Allan
Sun Feb 13, 2022 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F
Replies: 18
Views: 1740

Medicare Supplement Costs Plan F

I have had Plan F since I started on Medicare. I just received notice that my costs at renewal next month will be $3,971 thru Aetna. I am self-employed and continue to work, have had a fairly high income for the last few years. Are the premiums tied to your income the way regular Medicare premiums are?
by Allan
Sun Jan 30, 2022 11:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Take RMD when market is up or down, high or low?
Replies: 22
Views: 2922

Re: Take RMD when market is up or down, high or low?

JoeRetire wrote: Sun Jan 30, 2022 6:44 am
"Down" and "Up" are relative terms, and subject to change.
Good luck with trying to time the market.
Just to be clear, as a long-time Boglehead I would never try to time the market, I just don't believe it is possible to do with any accuracy. My question was:

"The market is down now, no one knows what it will do this year, but in general is it better to take RMD when the market is down or up. What are advantages/disadvantages of each."

Some good actionable advice has been given so far, thank you.
by Allan
Sun Jan 30, 2022 6:30 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Take RMD when market is up or down, high or low?
Replies: 22
Views: 2922

Re: Take RMD when market is up or down, high or low?

SpookyKG wrote: Sun Jan 30, 2022 6:22 am RMDs are based on your Dec 31 balance I believe, so you want to be withdrawing when your money is at that or higher.

It would suck to take an RMD based on a market top from a much smaller portfolio.
Correct on the December 31 balance, A week or so ago Vanguard sent me the amount that needs to be withdrawn. I am just trying to figure if there is a best date/balance to do that based on the overall market or IRA balance. Do I do this now or ride the market for the balance of this year.
by Allan
Sun Jan 30, 2022 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Take RMD when market is up or down, high or low?
Replies: 22
Views: 2922

Take RMD when market is up or down, high or low?

I am taking my 1st RMD this year, these are $ I do not need to live on. Of course the market is down now, no one knows what it will do this year, but in general is it better to take RMD when the market is down or up. What are advantages/disadvantages of each.