Search found 51 matches
- Mon Feb 05, 2018 10:11 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 529 plans...prioritize in-state deduction or low fees out of state?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 756
Re: 529 plans...prioritize in-state deduction or low fees out of state?
I suggest using the in-state plan to save the 5% ($1,000 if all $20,000 is deductible) on your state taxes. That’s a sure thing. You can then invest that extra $1,000 into a very-low-cost fund in your IRA, 401k, or taxable account. Later on, when the kids are in college, you could cut back a little ...
- Thu Apr 27, 2017 8:12 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Using Roth IRA as a savings account?
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4339
Re: Using Roth IRA as a savings account?
If you can keep the balance under $15K, have you considered using a myRA Roth IRA for that purpose: https://myra.gov/how-it-works/t
Current interest rate is 2.375%.
Regards,
Torg
Current interest rate is 2.375%.
Regards,
Torg
- Thu Apr 27, 2017 7:46 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Is $20K I-Bonds considered cash or bond?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 7179
Re: Is $20K I-Bonds considered cash or bond?
I focus on the never-goes-down-even-slightly characteristic that Nisi described and thus tend to think of I-bonds as closer to cash than bonds. From a practical point of view, it suits me personally to include I-bonds in a broader "Cash & Stable-Value" asset class that also includes EE...
- Fri Feb 03, 2017 9:09 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Where to Park Emergency Fund to protect against inflation
- Replies: 32
- Views: 5720
Re: Where to Park Emergency Fund to protect against inflation
Looks like you are doing excellent planning. If your income is not too high to qualify for a Roth IRA, have you considered using myRA (my Retirement Account) Roth IRA’s for part of your emergency fund? You can keep up to $15,000 in a myRA, and it grows tax-free. Current rate is 2.375%. In case of an...
- Mon Jul 25, 2016 9:20 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Roth IRA as temp emergency fund - MMF or BND or ?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1648
Re: Roth IRA as temp emergency fund - MMF or BND or ?
Hello jbsmith05, Yes, myRA accounts are intended primarily “for people who don't have a retirement savings plan through work, or lack other options for saving.” In fact, the pilot program was limited to them and required the accounts be opened and funded via employer direct deposit. However, when Tr...
- Sun Jul 24, 2016 8:55 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Roth IRA as temp emergency fund - MMF or BND or ?
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1648
Re: Roth IRA as temp emergency fund - MMF or BND or ?
Hello Engineer250, In my opinion, you are doing some excellent planning. I think it is wise to use your Roth IRA space while you are in the 15% bracket (and perhaps beyond). Regarding your first question, I personally wouldn’t use the Total Bond ETF for an emergency fund. Along with other potential ...
- Mon Jul 18, 2016 10:10 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: What do you recommend for your emergency fund?
- Replies: 25
- Views: 3973
Re: What do you recommend for your emergency fund?
Hello jbsmith05, Congrats on having a substantial emergency fund. In my opinion, having an adequate safe, liquid emergency fund also allows one to be more comfortable with an aggressive long-term portfolio as appropriate. If you are eligible for a Roth IRA and are not maxing IRA contributions every ...
- Sat Nov 14, 2015 8:26 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Do you believe that Social Security [is actuarially neutral]
- Replies: 130
- Views: 17251
Re: Do you believe that Social Security [is actuarially neutral]
If all goes reasonably well I will (and she will to a large extent) not have to worry about having enough income or worrying about the performance of our portfolio from age 70 till we both die . So, the trade off was funding the gap between the total of: pension income, wife's SS and my spousal SS ...
- Mon Jun 23, 2014 10:11 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Military [Survivor Benefit Plan] and Other Mistakes
- Replies: 22
- Views: 2794
Re: Military [Survivor Benefit Plan] and Other Mistakes
Hi PH, I am a retired officer who elected the usual (55%) SBP quite a while ago. I also have a small TSP account, from a short stint as a federal civil servant. I support all the helpful advice above on how best to try to help your buddy decide to take SBP and keep the TSP. Regarding SBP, I had sat ...
- Tue Aug 27, 2013 6:14 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Birthdate and first social security payment
- Replies: 46
- Views: 75250
Re: Birthdate and first social security payment
I'm not positive but i think the rule you mention only apples to early retirement, not FRA. In your example, I think there will be an August benefit (or entitlement in case of a restricted filing). If he were turning 62 on Aug 15th, then I think his first check and/or spousal benefit would be for S...
- Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:54 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Learn Guitar or Piano?
- Replies: 119
- Views: 13727
Re: Learn Guitar or Piano?
Hi Gordon: Congrats on your upcoming retirement!
Hi Stemikger: Glad you enjoyed the links. I bought the DVD of the Concert for George years ago, and it was fantastic.
Regards,
Torg
Hi Stemikger: Glad you enjoyed the links. I bought the DVD of the Concert for George years ago, and it was fantastic.
Regards,
Torg
- Sat Jul 27, 2013 5:03 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Learn Guitar or Piano?
- Replies: 119
- Views: 13727
Re: Learn Guitar or Piano?
Guitar: VERY easy to start up and not sound terrible, but learning curve gets significantly steeper once you start doing things other than the most basic of simple chords. Piano: Also fairly easy to start and not sound terrible, but difficulty increase a lot with 2-hand technique, and once you star...
- Thu Jul 04, 2013 8:43 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Re-do Quicken based on old Quicken file
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1297
Re: Re-do Quicken based on old Quicken file
mickyvee, I hope you read this before you blowup your current Quicken file. Seems to me you should try to get some good guidance, perhaps via a Quicken forum before taking such drastic action. FWIW, I strongly agree with the above quote. I am not a Quicken expert by any means, but I have investment...
- Sat Mar 30, 2013 8:53 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Joint & survivor pension decision
- Replies: 62
- Views: 9853
Re: Joint & survivor pension decision [SS Survivor Benefit]
Some numbers: Ages 58 and 48 (births in 1954 and 1965; her birthday has passed, his hasn't) FRAs of 66 and 67 She retires in 7 years at 55 when OP is 65. Both have PIAs of $2000 (fictional numbers, but equal) He claims at 70; she at 62. He gets $2640; she gets $1400; total is $4040. He dies at 77 w...
- Wed Oct 10, 2012 7:45 am
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Mike Piper's "Social Security Made Simple"
- Replies: 51
- Views: 7234
Re: Piper's "Social Security Made Simple" Free Until Friday
Hi, Mike. Thanks! I downloaded it to my Kindle, immediately read Chp 11 When to Claim, and found the "Katie and Joe" example closest to our situation. Very helpful. Thanks, again. -Torg
- Wed Sep 26, 2012 7:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: GM Volt
- Replies: 208
- Views: 19234
Re: GM Volt
Sadly, that is true. It is a very big country and overall the population density is low compared to other countries. People seldom work within biking or walking distance of their residence. This makes it very difficult and expensive to design proper public transportation infrastructure. But it seem...
- Mon Jul 18, 2011 7:02 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Cup Finals - US Womens Team Versus Japan
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4783
Didn't realize there was another world cup thread. I'm really happy Japan won. 8-) I was rooting for Japan to win even though I'm a born and bred American. The U.S. choked basically, had tons of chances but couldn't get the job done. Hi Okie Indexer, I haven't read or watched any of the post-game a...
- Sun Jul 17, 2011 8:36 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Cup Finals - US Womens Team Versus Japan
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4783
Re: Congratulations to Japan
Another thriller, a real nail-biter. Though very disappointed in the end result, I'm happy for Japan. Regards, Torg I only watched the first 10 minutes of the game but I obtained periodic updates. Very Very disappointed in the end result. Lots of missed opportunities. Hi Mike, Yes, lots of missed o...
- Sun Jul 17, 2011 7:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Cup Finals - US Womens Team Versus Japan
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4783
Congratulations to Japan
Another thriller, a real nail-biter. Though very disappointed in the end result, I'm happy for Japan.
Regards,
Torg
Regards,
Torg
- Fri Jul 15, 2011 5:05 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Cup Finals - US Womens Team Versus Japan
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4783
Re: Thanks
I'd also like to add that the commentators (Ian Darke and Julie Foudy) did a great job on this game and all the games. Ian: "Can you believe this?!" Julie: "I can believe it!" I love Ian Darke, but it was getting really annoying that first Foudy and then both Darke and Foudy cou...
- Fri Jul 15, 2011 8:06 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Cup Finals - US Womens Team Versus Japan
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4783
Re: Thanks
Watching Wambach score on that header in the 122nd minute on a perfect cross from Rapinoe to tie the game just before the end of Stoppage Time at the end of the second overtime period was incredible. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXFclSGSsGQ You betcha. Over and over again. Thanks! I'd also...
- Fri Jul 15, 2011 6:28 am
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: World Cup Finals - US Womens Team Versus Japan
- Replies: 49
- Views: 4783
Thanks
Mike, thanks for bringing this subject up. My family and I are looking forward to rooting for the USA in the final against Japan this Sunday. That’s going to be another really tough match against a classy team. While all the games have been enjoyable, the USA victory over Brazil last Sunday was one ...
- Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:34 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Selling specific tax lots at Schwab
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4903
It Does Seem Ridiculous, Doesn't It?
Hi FedGuy, My sympathy for your difficulty here. Sorry the "trader" couldn't help. Since you've had two different Schwab people tell you that Schwab can't do what you need it to do, that may be accurate. If it were me, though, I'd call back again and speak with a different trader and ask w...
- Thu Jun 09, 2011 8:01 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Selling specific tax lots at Schwab
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4903
Changing Cost-Basis Method for Sell Orders
Hi FedGuy, I just went into my Schwab One account as if to place a trade. On the Trade Stocks screen (for stocks and ETFs) there is a Change link under Cost Basis Method which brings up the following choices: You can choose an alternative cost basis method for this order only. This method will be us...
- Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:34 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Selling specific tax lots at Schwab
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4903
Is your rep a trader?
Hi FedGuy,
Is your rep a trader or someone specifically associated with your account? You might try asking for the Trading department.
Regards,
Torg
Is your rep a trader or someone specifically associated with your account? You might try asking for the Trading department.
Regards,
Torg
- Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:17 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Selling specific tax lots at Schwab
- Replies: 32
- Views: 4903
Ask for Trader
Hi FedGuy, It's been several years since I've done this, so the process may have changed. Back then, I simply had the trade ready to go on line, but before submitting it called Schwab about placing the trade. The trader would enter the VSP (Versus Purchase date(s) for the desired share lots) info in...
- Tue Nov 23, 2010 10:58 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: poll-equity/bond allocation of almost or recent retirees
- Replies: 21
- Views: 2561
36%
I retired six months ago. No mortgage or other debt. Military retirement pay. Age 59. We currently have (and plan to keep) about 36% in fixed income, not including additional cash for a few expected large expenses in the near-term. Detailed allocation is: 12% TIPS 12% Nominal bonds 12% Cash/Stable V...
- Tue Jun 08, 2010 6:50 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Short Trip to Niagara Falls
- Replies: 29
- Views: 4756
Whirlpool Jet Boat tours
Hi Dug, In addition to the many attractions right at the Falls, you might be interested in one of the Whirlpool Jet Boat tours in the lower Niagara River from either their Niagara Falls, Ontario, or Lewiston, New York, locations. My family and I have taken the tour a couple of times from the Lewisto...
- Sat May 15, 2010 8:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Parents on brink of bankrupcy - Need Help!!
- Replies: 54
- Views: 7923
Dave Ramsey
Tell them to start listening to Dave Ramsey for free here or on the radio. http://www.daveramsey.com/radio/home/ Hi Jeff, I strongly agree with rec7's and 3CT_Paddler's recommendations on Dave Ramsey. (Prepare for Option D and probably selling the boat and one of the vehicles if they don't need bot...
- Wed May 12, 2010 6:57 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Retirees - Help With Forbes Column
- Replies: 59
- Views: 10803
Too Soon to Tell
Hi Mel & Frugal Investor,
Thank you both for responding to my post.
Mel, I’ll send you a PM and let you decide if any of my comments are useful.
Regards,
Torg
Thank you both for responding to my post.
Mel, I’ll send you a PM and let you decide if any of my comments are useful.
Regards,
Torg
- Sun May 09, 2010 9:50 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Retirees - Help With Forbes Column
- Replies: 59
- Views: 10803
Too Soon to Tell
Hi Mel,
Having been retired less than 48 hours, I think I'll have to get back to you later!
Regards,
Torg
Having been retired less than 48 hours, I think I'll have to get back to you later!

Regards,
Torg
- Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:00 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: 1098-T/Education credit question
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1716
Correct
I believe you are on the right track. HueyLD made the key point: that you claim expenses only in the year that you actually paid them, regardless of when they were billed. You do have an option to pay the Spring 2011 bill in Dec 2010 and claim those expenses in your 2010 return, if that is better fo...
- Thu Mar 04, 2010 8:23 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: At What Point Do You Have Enough?
- Replies: 69
- Views: 11910
Kudos for John D. McDonald, Dick Francis & Robert B. Par
In John D. MacDonald's wonderful mystery novels, his fictional investigator Travis McGee talks about taking his retirement in chunks. That is, after every successful case he knocks off for a while: "Trav, how much work like that do you find lying around when you start to get so broke you need ...
- Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:22 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Military Investing
- Replies: 125
- Views: 62706
Insurance, DIC, SBP and Thanks!
Hello EmergDoc, Thanks for your military medical service and for your always helpful advice. I think every military member should read and heed your tips. I have a few minor comments related to insurance and also the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) mentioned. It’s been a while since I retired, but back ...
- Sun May 10, 2009 7:59 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Need help with 401k selection! *Updated*
- Replies: 16
- Views: 3939
Some 401k Plans Match After-Tax Contributions
Hello Honghong, Congratulations on your excellent financial position at such a young age and your aggressive approach to saving. Debt-free, with a six-month emergency fund and a mid-five-figure portfolio -- you have made a great start! If you are concerned about missing the company match, I have a c...
- Sat May 02, 2009 6:48 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Name your top favorite tv shows
- Replies: 188
- Views: 31810
- Tue Apr 28, 2009 3:56 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: 529 Qualified Expenses - Room & Board Question
- Replies: 3
- Views: 6403
CollegeBoard.com for Costs
Hello Lar, I think you have a good plan. The allowable cost of living at home for qualified 529 withdrawals is typically a lot less than the college’s campus room & board costs. If you go to www.collegeboard.com, search for the college(s) of your choice, then click on Cost & Financial Aid, y...
- Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:39 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: It's a LOAN, people...
- Replies: 63
- Views: 9839
Gekko, Thanks for the Ben Franklin Quote
"To relieve the misfortunes of our fellow creatures is concurring with the Deity; it is godlike. But if we provide encouragement for laziness, and support for folly, may we not be found fighting against the order of God and Nature, which perhaps has appointed want and misery as the proper puni...
- Sun Jan 04, 2009 12:27 pm
- Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
- Topic: Songs you've played the most...
- Replies: 70
- Views: 11211
Thanks, imbogled
Many thanks for the link to the video of the Blackbird sound check!
Going from financial stuff to that video is a transition from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Regards,
Torg
Going from financial stuff to that video is a transition from the ridiculous to the sublime.
Regards,
Torg
- Mon Sep 01, 2008 7:34 am
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: How do you keep track of tax lots?
- Replies: 31
- Views: 12083
Quicken 2007
Hello Piper, I have been using Quicken for years and am currently on Quicken 2007. I think it will do what you need. As noted above, it will also transfer the details to TurboTax to show the specific lots in your tax return if you want to do that rather than just putting in "Various." In t...
- Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:17 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Schwab Personal Choice Retirement Account - Any Experience?
- Replies: 15
- Views: 7720
Schwab PCRA Is Good
Hello Apprentice_941, Yes, the 0.15% fee is just a small nuisance, not like a 5.75% load or a $35 fee for a transaction-fee fund. I use the Schwab PCRA for most of my 401k holdings, and it is very convenient. On line transactions are easy, and phone customer support is very good (like all Schwab ser...
- Sun Apr 27, 2008 9:21 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: Fitness over fifty suggestions
- Replies: 52
- Views: 13886
Austin's Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail
Carl Z, Thanks for the tip about the Hike & Bike Trail. We just returned from a 3-day weekend in Austin for a couple of concerts. I spent about 2 hrs on the trail Saturday morning, and it was great. I've never seen so many people working out. Of course, this morning (Sunday) was not so nice, wit...
- Wed Sep 19, 2007 6:23 am
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Whats so great about 1 million dollars?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32161
OT for Unclemick: Concert was Fantastic
It was "1964 The Tribute" (#1 Beatles-tribute band in the world). Kind of a small crowd in the Uptown Theater, but the band was fantastic as always. We've seen them dozens of times, including the following night in Wichita. In addition to the Uptown Theater, other architecture there in KC ...
- Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:22 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Whats so great about 1 million dollars?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32161
Thanks Again, Unclemick
Just wanted to let you know we had a great dinner at Fiorella's Jack Stack BBQ in Kansas City last Friday. We ended up at the one on Wyandotte near 47th St. A lot of great food. In fact, we couldn't finish it all, which is unusual for me. However, we wanted to be able to "Twist & Shout"...
- Sun Sep 09, 2007 5:29 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Whats so great about 1 million dollars?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32161
Thanks, Unclemick
Found it on the map. Looks only about a half-mile from our hotel. Thanks for the quick reply!
Regards,
Torg
Regards,
Torg
- Sun Sep 09, 2007 12:47 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Whats so great about 1 million dollars?
- Replies: 105
- Views: 32161
OT for unclemick: BBQ in Kansas City
Could you recommend any BBQ or other good restaurants near the Uptown Theater at 3700 Broadway in Kansas City? I'm driving there from Oklahoma City for a concert on Friday (14 Sep) and may not have a lot of time....
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Regards,
Torg
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Regards,
Torg
- Sun Sep 02, 2007 8:11 pm
- Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
- Topic: Does a Non-deductible IRA ever make sense? Newbie questions
- Replies: 21
- Views: 5336
Congrats on a Great Plan and Thanks to Your Son
Kathryn, I don't have much to add, but I do want to say that it is wonderful that you will be helping your son take advantage of the HERO act with a Roth IRA. That is awesome. I hope he and his buddies received good info about the HERO act. (If not, perhaps he could diplomatically spread the news.) ...
- Sun Aug 26, 2007 4:52 pm
- Forum: Personal Investments
- Topic: Pros and cons of paying off current home mortgage?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 5430
Hello Clay, Even if there is no prepayment penalty, the current loan balance is not the payoff amount because you still owe interest (probably from the first of the month) on the balance till the date your mortgage company receives the payoff funds from you. So, if were to select the 29th of the mon...
- Mon Jul 16, 2007 10:04 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: AZrunner featured in Arizona Republic
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3982
Try Some 100-Meter Strides for a Little Variety
Hi Allan, I agree with Norm, naturally, on the variety. After you've built up to it, the longer run is probably the most beneficial. If you want to ease into some interval workouts, you could start by doing some 100-meter strides. Warm up first by doing a very slow jog for 10 minutes, then gradually...
- Sun Jul 15, 2007 8:18 pm
- Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
- Topic: AZrunner featured in Arizona Republic
- Replies: 13
- Views: 3982
Thanks, Norm & Good Luck, Allan
Hi Norm: great stuff! Hi Allan: I agree with Doug. You're well on your way. Don't push it too hard too soon. You're doing great already. Four months after knee surgery I had to start running all over again by alternating 100-meter jogs (really pathetic staggering) and 100-meter walks on the track. I...