Search found 995 matches

by Rager1
Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes - Ord Divs vs Qual Divs
Replies: 5
Views: 382

Re: Taxes - Ord Divs vs Qual Divs

You are correct. The ordinary income tax is on the difference between total ordinary dividends and qualified dividends.

Ed
by Rager1
Sat Jan 27, 2024 3:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: All-US Balanced Index ETFs?
Replies: 6
Views: 910

Re: All-US Balanced Index ETFs?

How about "rolling your own" by 60% VTI and 40% BND.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Jan 04, 2024 3:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New issue and auto roll Tbills at Fidelity
Replies: 10
Views: 1575

Re: New issue and auto roll Tbills at Fidelity

Here's a link showing upcoming auctions as well as the results of auctions.

https://www.treasurydirect.gov/auctions/upcoming/

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Dec 31, 2023 3:50 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is Altruist a good custodian for me, the client?
Replies: 6
Views: 847

Re: Is Altruist a good custodian for me, the client?

wahoowad wrote: Sun Dec 31, 2023 7:38 am .....There are no account fees, either for me or passed on to me through my advisor. It has tools to help my advisor achieve better outcomes for me...
I'd carefully look through all of the disclosure documents to make sure this is a true statement. They must be paid somehow.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard Cash Plus Account?
Replies: 20
Views: 4191

Re: Advantages of Vanguard cash plus account?

I'm not familiar with the Vanguard Cash Plus account, but I am familiar with the Vanguard Advantage Account Vanguard used to offer.

One risk of signing up for this new account is that Vanguard might decide to pull the plug on it in the future.

That's what happened to the Vanguard Advantage Account. We had used this account for several years, had all our income and expenses automatically handled in the account, and had to scramble to move our cash management to another brokerage when Vanguard decided to eliminate it.

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Dec 24, 2023 6:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Christmas Message
Replies: 140
Views: 14652

Re: A Christmas Message

Taylor, thank you for your brave actions that helped the Allies win the war.

You're an amazing person who has accomplished great things, including starting the Bogleheads!

Merry Christmas.

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Nov 19, 2023 6:51 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Is it possible to over contribute to TSP?
Replies: 22
Views: 2578

Re: Is it possible to over contribute to TSP?

If you are contributing the max to TSP, one way to over contribute is to take a loan. The interest paid on the loan goes back into the TSP on your behalf.

However, you have to sell something within the TSP to fund the loan.

Ed
by Rager1
Wed Nov 08, 2023 12:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS Link for Creating Tax ID
Replies: 8
Views: 1059

Re: IRS Link for Creating Tax ID

Try this link. It won't cost you a dime.

https://irs-taxnumber.org/form/?apply=Trusts

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Oct 26, 2023 2:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Auto Roll TBills
Replies: 40
Views: 8580

Re: Fidelity Auto Roll TBills

I roll 4 different 28 day T Bills each month, and, except for twice this year, they have worked with no issue. Fidelity agreed that they have a glitch in the auto roll feature.

I posted this to inform others to be on the lookout for this problem. They also advised me that others have had the same issue.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Oct 26, 2023 1:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Auto Roll TBills
Replies: 40
Views: 8580

Re: Fidelity Auto Roll TBills

No.

(CUSIP 912797HC4) maturity date was 10/24/23, and the new T Bill (CUSIP 912797HM2) announce date 10/24/23, auction date 10/26/23, maturity date 11/28/23.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Oct 26, 2023 12:40 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Fidelity's Auto-Roll- Be Careful of potential issue
Replies: 10
Views: 2561

Re: Fidelity's Auto-Roll- Be Careful of potential issue

For those who use the Fidelity Auto Roll service, be aware that the auto roll feature doesn't work every time.

Earlier this year, I had an auto roll that didn't work. I called them but they couldn't explain what happened. Today, I had a second failure with the auto roll feature. Fortunately, when I didn't see an open order on Tuesday for today's T Bill auction, I placed an order to make sure I didn't miss the T Bill.

I spoke to Fidelity again today and they advised me that there is a glitch in their system with the auto roll feature and they are working on a solution. They were not able to give me a resolution date on the glitch.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Oct 26, 2023 12:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity Auto Roll TBills
Replies: 40
Views: 8580

Re: Fidelity Auto Roll TBills

For those who use the Fidelity Auto Roll service, be aware that the auto roll feature doesn't work every time.

Earlier this year, I had an auto roll that didn't work. I called them but they couldn't explain what happened. Today, I had a second failure with the auto roll feature. Fortunately, when I didn't see an open order on Tuesday for today's T Bill auction, I placed an order to make sure I didn't miss the T Bill.

I spoke to Fidelity again today and they advised me that there is a glitch in their system with the auto roll feature and they are working on a solution. They were not able to give me a resolution date on the glitch.

Ed
by Rager1
Fri Oct 06, 2023 11:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?
Replies: 141
Views: 20382

Re: Considering Tesla model y long range, what do I need to know?

When I purchased my first Model S in 2014, there were 64 Tesla Supercharger stations in the lower 48 states. Now I'm on my second Model S Long Range and at the end of September, 2023, there were 1,756 Tesla Supercharger stations in the lower 48. That doesn't look like they are going away. (Compound growth rate of 44+%)

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Sep 28, 2023 3:15 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Can no longer manually update outside investments
Replies: 6
Views: 768

Re: Can no longer manually update outside investments

I've had the same problem, now and in the past.

Consequently, I've stopped using this Vanguard "feature", and I'm now doing it in my own in my spreadsheet.

Another disappointment with Vanguard.

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Sep 24, 2023 3:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Assumptions for SS when planning
Replies: 37
Views: 3558

Re: Assumptions for SS when planning

RiotAct wrote: Sat Sep 23, 2023 9:14 pm Mid-30’s here… I assume that Social Security will not be a thing anymore by the time I retire.
I also assumed there would be no social security payments. When they kicked in, it provided extra income resulting in withdrawing less than planned from the portfolio.

Ed
by Rager1
Fri Sep 22, 2023 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to track TBills for reinvestments?
Replies: 24
Views: 2360

Re: How to track TBills for reinvestments?

On the link i posted, look on the Upcoming Auctions Tab, the third entry down shows:

17 week, CUSIP 912797JB4 Announcement date--9/26/23, Auction date--9/27/23, Issue date--10/3/23

Ed
by Rager1
Fri Sep 22, 2023 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to track TBills for reinvestments?
Replies: 24
Views: 2360

Re: How to track TBills for reinvestments?

mikebh wrote: Fri Sep 22, 2023 1:35 pm

how do you get CUSIP and Maturity exact date, when you place an order at TD (Treasury Direct) ?
Somehow I see only transaction number, but no CUSIP and no Maturity date ether. I placed my order for 17 weeks TBill.


I use this website from Treasury Direct to get all of the T Bill infomation I need:

https://www.treasurydirect.gov/auctions/upcoming/

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Aug 31, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: "Don't leave home without it" when traveling overseas
Replies: 58
Views: 6064

Re: "Don't leave home without it" when traveling overseas

Some countries require an International Drivers License. Be certain to find out if the country(s) you're planning on visiting requires it.

They can be purchased at most American Automobile Association locations.

Source: https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html

Ed
by Rager1
Mon Aug 28, 2023 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to get Tesla/EV $7500 Tax Credit if income exceeds 300K?
Replies: 16
Views: 4820

Re: How to get Tesla/EV $7500 Tax Credit if income exceeds 300K?

• All Tesla vehicles delivered on or after April 15, 2022 are not eligible for purchase.
• Third-party dealerships and third-party individuals are not eligible to purchase leased vehicles.
• Model 3 and Model Y leases are not eligible for purchase regardless of delivery date.

Source: https://www.tesla.com/support/leasing/lease-end-options

Ed
by Rager1
Tue Aug 22, 2023 12:59 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "These will be the best 10 stocks in 2023, analysts say"
Replies: 120
Views: 23014

Re: "These will be the best 10 stocks in 2023, analysts say"

rkhusky wrote: Tue Aug 22, 2023 8:10 am The article is now dated 1/3/23 and the list now has nine names, with three of the original list gone. The title is “These Will Be The Best 9 Stocks In 2023, Analysts Say”.

Sorry rkhusky, I didn't see your post when I posted mine.

Ed
by Rager1
Tue Aug 22, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: "These will be the best 10 stocks in 2023, analysts say"
Replies: 120
Views: 23014

Re: "These will be the best 10 stocks in 2023, analysts say"

I just clicked on the link to IBD that Nisiprius posted in the OP.

Looks like some of the original stocks have been replaced with new ones.

And, it's now down to 9 stocks instead of 10.

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Jun 18, 2023 7:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: HELOC [Should I get a Home Equity Line Of Credit?]
Replies: 25
Views: 3314

Re: HELOC [Should I get a Home Equity Line Of Credit?]

crgn48 wrote: Sun Jun 18, 2023 8:58 am Thoughts on getting an interest only HELOC to fund a renovation involving turning a detached garage into an apartment? Apartment would be rented out for additional income. Total project is estimated to be $60,000.
If the owner is at least 62 years of age, an alternative to a HELOC is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). If you meet the age requirement, I'd recommend you compare the two options before deciding which way to go.

Ed
by Rager1
Wed Jun 14, 2023 5:21 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Receiving someone else's consumer loan statements
Replies: 10
Views: 665

Re: Receiving someone else's consumer loan statements

Have you tried to contact the loan owner to make him/her aware of this situation?

They would more than likely want to get this corrected.

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Apr 16, 2023 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Which EV should I buy in California?
Replies: 60
Views: 6722

Re: Which EV should I buy in California?

Jon Luskin wrote: Sun Apr 16, 2023 11:37 am ....And, my understanding of EVs is that the battery degrades over time...
I purchased a new Tesla Model S in 2014 that I drove for 80,000 miles over an 8 year period. When I sold the car, the battery had degraded 6%.

I realize that is a sample of only one but it was my experience.

Good luck in your decision.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:15 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Treasury bills for dummies
Replies: 3
Views: 662

Re: Treasury bills for dummies

Here's a link to the Treasury Resource Center that will answer your question:

https://home.treasury.gov/resource-cent ... value=2022

Ed
by Rager1
Wed Mar 01, 2023 6:27 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Purposes I Bonds are used for -
Replies: 49
Views: 4716

Re: Purposes I Bonds are used for -

We've used I Bonds for many years to make car payments to ourselves. When we're ready to purchase a new auto, we cash I Bonds to raise the required cash.

We started this in the mid-90s when we payed off our final car loan. We decided to keep making the payment, but to ourselves. It's worked very well for us.

Ed
by Rager1
Mon Feb 27, 2023 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Applying 2022 refund to 2023 taxes (federal)
Replies: 23
Views: 1545

Re: Applying 2022 refund to 2023 taxes (federal)

Yes, if you apply overpayment of 2022 Federal taxes to 2023 estimated taxes, it is applied to the first quarter of 2023 estimated taxes.

Ed
by Rager1
Sun Feb 12, 2023 4:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: bonehead-level LTCG tax question
Replies: 11
Views: 1263

Re: bonehead-level LTCG tax question

Looking at the 2023 Long-Term Capital Gains tax rate at the federal level, the first $89,250 has a 0% rate.

However, these rates are effective for 2023 only. By one to two decades from now, there's no way to know.

Ed
by Rager1
Sat Jan 28, 2023 8:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Should I accept this Met Life Long-Term Care Inflation Offer?
Replies: 15
Views: 1973

Re: Should I accept this Met Life Long-Term Care Inflation Offer?

We have a John Hancock LTC policy started in July, 2004. We bought the best policy offered at that time with a 5% inflation rider, unlimited lifetime benefit, 100% Home Care benefit and a 90 day waiting period. It also includes a rider for Stay at Home Modifications. Over the years, JH has offered a reduced premium if we reduced the inflation rider. With our experiences of taking care of our parents (no LTC), we've always declined their offers and have paid the increased premiums in the 3 years they raised them. In real (inflation adjusted terms), our premiums have increased over the past 16 years at a compound rate of 1.68%. Our daily rate and Home Modifications have increased (again in inflation adjusted terms) at a compound rate of 2.48%...
by Rager1
Sun Jan 01, 2023 1:20 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Portfolio percentages helper
Replies: 4
Views: 528

Re: Portfolio percentages helper

The easiest way I know is to total all of your assets in your portfolio. Then, determine the amount of money in each asset you want to track.

Once you have these numbers, divide each asset total by the total of your entire portfolio. That will give you the percentage of each asset in your total portfolio.

For example:

Stocks..........$1,000.......50%
Bonds..............$500......25%
Cash...............$500......25%

Total.............$2,000....100%

Ed
by Rager1
Sat Nov 19, 2022 1:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What have your (long term) investment returns been?
Replies: 47
Views: 4441

Re: What have your (long term) investment returns been?

We've tracked our XIRR for the past 15 years, both in nominal and real (inflation adjusted) returns. We use XIRR because it measures our portfolio performance considering all or our income and expenses. We must thank White Coast Investor for posting "how to" do XIRR calculations years ago. Once he posted, we went back and filled in all of the "ins" and "outs" of our portfolio which we continue to this day. While we know 2022 is going to be brutal, it'll be interesting to compare it to our performance in 2008. Here are the year-by-year numbers: Year Nominal Real 2007 8.09% 3.85% 2008 -14.21% -14.28% 2009 14.74% 11.70% 2010. 8.35% 6.75% 2011 7.90% 4.80% 2012 8.66% 6.80% 2013 6.87% 5.29% 2014 5.79% 5.00% 2015 0.13...
by Rager1
Thu Sep 29, 2022 10:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strange Login Situation
Replies: 11
Views: 1107

Re: Strange Login Situation

I had continuing issues with Yubi Key at Vanguard, and I deleted it and re-registered it using different browsers, hoping for long term success.

I wasn't able to get it to work successfully, so I stopped trying and no longer use it at Vanguard.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Sep 15, 2022 9:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VTIP Negative Returns
Replies: 9
Views: 1276

Re: VTIP Negative Returns

winski58 wrote: Thu Sep 15, 2022 9:27 am Invested a substantial amount in VTIP at the beginning of the year and my current balance has also decreased substantially. These funds are for immediate/long term investing. Thinking of bailing and buying treasuries. Your thoughts?
Your timeline can't be immediate/long term. Also, you should examine why you made the purchase in early 2022. Did something change in your investing goal that leads you to consider doing something else?

It sounds like you're tempted to sell because the value went down. Investing involves ups and downs and that is part of the game. Also, you purchased a short term TIPs fund and that's different from other treasury offerings.

My thought is to continue holding this fund for the long term.

Ed
by Rager1
Tue Sep 13, 2022 7:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: CPI and SS COLA
Replies: 30
Views: 2986

Re: CPI and SS COLA

Remember that SS increases are calculated using the CPI index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), not the CPI.

Ed
by Rager1
Mon Sep 12, 2022 2:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 100/0 to 50/50 in One Fell Swoop
Replies: 92
Views: 11968

Re: 100/0 to 50/50 in One Fell Swoop

ProsperGoalzz wrote: Sun Sep 11, 2022 11:09 am

....I hate locking in 20% losses on 50% of my portfolio.....
I would appreciate some encouragement and wisdom. Some sugar to help the medicine go down....
Look at it this way. From the overall portfolio point of view, 20% of 50% = 10%. Not a significant amount and in the long term, your portfolio is less risky than before.

Ed
by Rager1
Tue Sep 06, 2022 6:21 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Pulling funds from market for Home Downpayment
Replies: 14
Views: 1378

Re: Pulling funds from market for Home Downpayment

Hi Dan, welcome to the forum.

If selling stocks is the only option you have to source the downpayment, then I agree that selling the international and its loss makes sense. Then sell the remaining amount you need from the total stock market index.

WIth those two sales, you'd offset $4,000 of the capital gain on the total stock with the loss in international. The additional $5,000 gain in total stock will be subject to capital gains.

Ed
by Rager1
Wed Aug 31, 2022 4:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A Change in Vanguard Flagship Service
Replies: 65
Views: 11421

Re: The End of Vanguard Flagship Service?

Hey Mel,

Glad they finally did the deed on the more wealthy Flagship Clients. Welcome to the Club!

Ed
by Rager1
Wed Jul 27, 2022 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: VT v VTI
Replies: 10
Views: 2223

Re: VT v VTI

rjm_cali wrote: Wed Jul 27, 2022 6:50 pm ....I'm just a simple 2-3 fund kinda guy looking for a 20% international tilt.
How about 80% VTI and 20% VXUS? That keeps it simple, cheap, and gets you the international tilt you want.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Jun 16, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: New to investing, looking for advice on whether to break up with my family's financial advisor
Replies: 50
Views: 4194

Re: New to investing, looking for advice on whether to break up with my family's financial advisor

"The total rate of return over the past 22 years has been 14.39%."

OP, is this the total rate of return, or, the average annual rate of return for the 22 year period?

There is a significant difference between the total return and the average annual rate of return.

Ed
by Rager1
Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:31 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What convinced you that you can't outperform the market?
Replies: 179
Views: 15853

Re: What convinced you that you can't outperform the market?

In 1996, I read the book "Buffettology" by Mary Buffett and David Clark. In this book, the authors described the method that they said Warren Buffett uses to identify stocks to purchase. I decided to take some money from our portfolio and invest it in individual stocks, using the methods described in that book. My objective was to compare the performance of our stocks to Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index fund in the future. I wanted to see if we could "beat" the Total Stock Market Index with our purchase of individual stocks. Using the methods Buffett and Clark identified, I developed what I called "The Mother of All Spreadsheets" to identify which individual stocks to purchase in our test portfolio. I back-t...
by Rager1
Mon Mar 14, 2022 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mitigating Future Large Taxation Bill Due to Vanguard Mutual Funds
Replies: 23
Views: 1552

Re: Mitigating Large Taxation Bill Due to Vanguard Mutual Funds

MrCheapo wrote: Mon Mar 14, 2022 3:26 pm ........but any suggestions how to minimize overall tax bill would be appreciated.
Unfortunately, I don't see any way to avoid paying the capital gain taxes due.

Ed
by Rager1
Mon Mar 14, 2022 12:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Financial advisor advice for friend
Replies: 33
Views: 2929

Re: Financial advisor advice for friend

Ladeedaw wrote: Mon Mar 14, 2022 10:34 am .....his dad recommended to him...... He's meeting with him later this week.
Might his father have signed up to be an advisor?

Ed
by Rager1
Mon Mar 14, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: long term gains question and tax implications
Replies: 5
Views: 582

Re: long term gains question and tax implications

If you reinvested those dividends and capital gains distributions, they add to your cost basis.

So, you invested the initial amount of $50,000 and you invested an additional $25,000 in distributions.

When you sell, the capital gain will be on the difference between the sales price and the $75,000 you invested.

Ed
by Rager1
Sat Mar 12, 2022 2:36 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 2000-2003 vs 2007-2009 Which was worst?
Replies: 88
Views: 6641

Re: 2000-2003 vs 2007-2009 Which was worst?

Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index (VTSAX) inflation adjusted returns for the time period between YE 1999 and YE 2002 were:

2000 -13.5%
2001 -12.25%
2002 -22.79%

Cumulative loss for the three year period = -48.54%. $1 became $.59 in purchasing power.

Between YE 2007 and YE 2009 the inflation adjusted returns were:

2008 -37.05%
2009 +25.42%

Cumulative loss for the two year period = -11.63%. $1 became $.79 in purchasing power.

Ed
by Rager1
Tue Feb 15, 2022 3:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Decumulation tracking in retirement - anyone doing it?
Replies: 57
Views: 7358

Re: Decumulation tracking in retirement - anyone doing it?

We don’t do a glide path projecting the future, but we track all portfolio activity in inflation adjusted terms. At the beginning of retirement, we know what the starting portfolio balance is. Capture the CPI-U index number at that point. Starting with day one of retirement, capture income and expenses in a XIRR spreadsheet, by date. Movement of money within the portfolio is not counted, only money added to, or taken out of the portfolio. At the end of each month, total the net amount of activity, and capture the CPI-U index number. At the end of the year, run the XIRR calculation for that year’s activity. That gives the XIRR for that year, nominally. To adjust for inflation, use the following formula: ((1+the nominal return)/(1+inflation f...
by Rager1
Thu Feb 03, 2022 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Estate Tax Returns
Replies: 14
Views: 1831

Re: Estate Tax Returns

I had experience with H&R Block last year when I was executor of an estate in Virginia.

The person I dealt with was an Enrolled Agent and Master Tax Advisor. The total cost for preparing the federal and state tax returns and the K-1's was $690.

If you can find a person in your location with those credentials, I'd highly recommend H&R Block to you.

Ed

edit: I forgot to add that the final tax returns (federal and state) for the decedent was included in that price.
by Rager1
Tue Feb 01, 2022 11:02 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Spreadsheet budget mistake (fixable?)
Replies: 7
Views: 1263

Re: Spreadsheet budget mistake (fixable?)

Here’s the way I do a high-level review of cash flow using a XIRR spreadsheet.

Each day there is activity in the portfolio, I input that activity, either positive or negative. At the end of the month, I total all the activity for that month. That shows me the net change of all activity for the month in the portfolio. At year-end, totaling each month’s activity shows the net activity for the year.

Using the XIRR spreadsheet also allows me to capture the rate of return for the portfolio.

Ed