Search found 37 matches

by swats
Tue Nov 26, 2013 12:36 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: MIL in financial trouble
Replies: 21
Views: 3627

Re: MIL in financial trouble

If your MIL is needing money to cover basics like medical, food or car repairs then your wife should help her.
My parents provided everything for me till I was able to support myself, so now if they need my help I would help to the best of my abilities.
by swats
Wed Oct 09, 2013 11:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fair or not [Financially supporting one child over another]
Replies: 57
Views: 5862

Re: Fair or not

Thanks for all the replies.
Trying hard to be a good parent hence asking the experienced parents here. I guess sleepless nights and changing diapers was the easy part.
My son is almost 12. So far its been easy-breezy with him.
Its frustrating as a parent to see my daughter who is so bright to see her getting average grades.
I guess having everything easy come by can make a kid make no effort.
by swats
Wed Oct 09, 2013 9:41 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fair or not [Financially supporting one child over another]
Replies: 57
Views: 5862

Fair or not [Financially supporting one child over another]

Hi,
I don't know if I am in minority here but I would like to know how the parents in this forum deal with such a situation. I have a son who is good in studies and easy to get along with. The opposite is my tween daughter who is not interested in anything but the latest fashions and turned from a sweet little girl to a girl who shows attitude at the slightest thing. We were putting aside some money each month for the kids future. Now, we are rethinking. We know its not fair but we feel we should spend our hard earned money on the kid who deserves it. Are we thinking too much or is it just a phase?
Thanks!
by swats
Fri Jul 19, 2013 9:10 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Replacement lenses for eyeglass frames
Replies: 9
Views: 22298

Re: Replacement lenses for eyeglass frames

I recently got replacement lenses for the existing frames from Walmart for $40. The existing frame was not from Walmart.
by swats
Tue Mar 12, 2013 2:25 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dependent care child tax credit using TT
Replies: 2
Views: 440

Re: Dependent care child tax credit using TT

Thanks for your reply.
Yes, I asked my HR and they said its not required to provide the information in Box 10 as the wages in Box 1 is minus the FSA.
How to get around it in Turbo tax?
I was hoping someone would help me out.
by swats
Mon Mar 11, 2013 1:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dependent care child tax credit using TT
Replies: 2
Views: 440

Dependent care child tax credit using TT

Hello all,
I would appreciate some help regarding Dependent care child tax credit. I was enrolled in Dependent care FSA for 2012 for amount $3000. My total expenses for 2012 were $5000. I want to take the Dependent care child tax credit for $2000 by filling Form 2441. My W-2 does not show the Dependent care benefits on Box 10. Box 1 does show the reduced wages. How do I take the credit using Turbo tax?
Thanks.
by swats
Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Deleted
Replies: 20
Views: 6839

Re: Need EIN from closed daycare, how to find?

You could try contacting other parents who have used the day care.
Some day cares have their tax id listed on their website.
by swats
Fri Aug 10, 2012 9:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dilemma:Quit or work
Replies: 22
Views: 2326

Re: Dilemma:Quit or work

Thanks for all your replies.
I get help from DH on weekends. He is very involved with the kids.
My DH got laid off this year. So, between my paycheck, medical and his unemployment check we got along fine. He took the longer working hours when it came along.
by swats
Fri Aug 10, 2012 9:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dilemma:Quit or work
Replies: 22
Views: 2326

Re: Dilemma:Quit or work

Yes, I get dependent care credit as I spend $500 per month on child care. Also, I put money in FSA for medical and child care and put money in 401K. I get very good medical from my work. Thats another reason I am flip-flopping.
by swats
Fri Aug 10, 2012 8:12 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dilemma:Quit or work
Replies: 22
Views: 2326

Dilemma:Quit or work

I am in the eternal dilemma of quitting and stay at home for kids or keep working. I would like some inputs from Bogleheads. My DH brings in the bigger paycheck (6 figure) at home. Mine is around $45K. He goes to work at 7a.m and comes back 7:30p.m. So I get no help from him. I have to drop the kids at kidcare at 7:30a.m and pick them up at 6p.m. We pay $500 for kid care. My kids are 9 and 7 year old. I did take a break when the kids were small and had to start from scratch when I entered the work force again. On one side I am finding I am stressed out and kids are tired. The other side thinks of loss of extra income for retirement, college fund etc and the thought of boredom when kids are in school.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
by swats
Tue Aug 07, 2012 3:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: I just don't get it..........
Replies: 10
Views: 1536

Re: I just don't get it..........

People who don't reply to mails and have Iphone in their hand the whole day.
by swats
Fri Jul 13, 2012 7:09 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Perhaps The House Fund Is No Longer Needed
Replies: 21
Views: 2662

Re: Perhaps The House Fund Is No Longer Needed

Absolutely like your post livesoft.
by swats
Thu Jun 28, 2012 2:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop recommendation - under $500
Replies: 32
Views: 4543

Re: Laptop recommendation - under $500

Thanks for all the replies.
I am not very tech savvy hence I don't know much about bytes, size, speed.
@pochax by light work I meant to check my e-mails, web surfing, do my taxes etc.
by swats
Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Laptop recommendation - under $500
Replies: 32
Views: 4543

Laptop recommendation - under $500

Hi,

Looking for a laptop under $500. There are so many in the market that its hard to make a decision. It will be used for light work. Do the members have any recommendations?

Thanks!
by swats
Thu May 31, 2012 12:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V
Replies: 3372
Views: 1560763

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part V

Reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L.James. Wondering what the hype is about.
by swats
Wed Jan 18, 2012 12:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What's Your Favorite Username?
Replies: 89
Views: 6367

Re: What's Your Favorite Username?

Munchkinman---I think of a guy who likes munchkins.
by swats
Wed Nov 30, 2011 8:13 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance with health issues
Replies: 23
Views: 1859

Re: Term Life Insurance with health issues

How overweight is he? Since he is diabetic he won't get better than a standard risk class anyway, so the height/weight may not be much of a factor unless he is obese.
I am not sure what is his exact weight but I guess he would need to lose atleast 20 pounds. I believe when a person get diabetes at a young age, the insurance companies put them in a high risk category and decline them.
by swats
Wed Nov 30, 2011 7:19 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance with health issues
Replies: 23
Views: 1859

Re: Term Life Insurance with health issues

Thank you all again for the informative posts. My brother got some coverage from his employer and other places which don't require medical tests upto $250,000. It would be better to have some more coverage as he has wife and kids. His A1C is under 7, HBP under control but BMI is overweight. As djorg said he should try again after losing some weight.
Another question, how does one go about looking for a reputed independent agent?
by swats
Tue Nov 29, 2011 7:23 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance with health issues
Replies: 23
Views: 1859

Re: Term Life Insurance with health issues

Thanks for all the replies. My brother's diabetes, BP is well under control. No other medical history. Thats the reason we were surprised by the rejection.
I will ask him to look around for an independent agent.
by swats
Mon Nov 28, 2011 2:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Term Life Insurance with health issues
Replies: 23
Views: 1859

Term Life Insurance with health issues

Hello,
Could the members please advise which company provides insurance for my 35 year old brother who has been declined by some major insurance companies as he has diabetes and BP.
Thanks!
by swats
Thu Nov 24, 2011 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What are the stupidest things you wasted your $ on
Replies: 75
Views: 7827

Re: What are the stupidest things you wasted your $ on

A bigger house with a bigger mortgage which I didn't need.
by swats
Wed Oct 12, 2011 1:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prescription drugs savings program
Replies: 1
Views: 502

Prescription drugs savings program

I was wondering if bogleheads enroll in the prescription drugs savings program. Many of the popular medications website offer some discounts if one registers. So far I have been wary of registering due to privacy concerns but it could save me bunch of money.
by swats
Tue Oct 11, 2011 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Welcome to Bogleheads? Why did you make your first post?
Replies: 46
Views: 5410

I was one of the many Americans living pay-check to pay-check. Got a wake-up call which directed me to this forum. Many thanks to this forum for being my lighthouse.
by swats
Mon Aug 22, 2011 10:00 am
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: A new Forum leader
Replies: 35
Views: 6681

Salutations to the forum leader livesoft! I am a fan of his posts.
by swats
Mon Jun 13, 2011 3:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: am I being unreasonable? Trying to "sneak" savings
Replies: 158
Views: 24767

Make her call Suze Orman in "Can I afford it?" segment.
by swats
Wed Jun 08, 2011 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Anyone else here struggling to save? Just curious - Thanks!
Replies: 131
Views: 15625

Sometimes I get depressed wishing I could keep up not with the Joneses but with the Bogleheads. We do put some money away each month but with kids one ER visit or car maintenance etc slows one down. I have twenty five years to go for my retirement and I am hoping slowly and steadily I will reach my goal.
by swats
Mon May 23, 2011 7:31 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: About drinking water
Replies: 54
Views: 5752

The water analysis in our area is good. Filtered pitcher water definitely tastes better than tap water but I find the carbon particles left behind at the top and sometimes in the water distasteful.
by swats
Sun May 22, 2011 9:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: About drinking water
Replies: 54
Views: 5752

About drinking water

I was wondering what do Bogleheads use for drinking water. Do you use tap water or bottled water or pitcher (Brita, Pur etc) water?
We use Brita to filter our water for sometime now. I am thinking should we switch to tap water and are wasting money on filters?
by swats
Thu May 19, 2011 12:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: The Umbrella Bucket
Replies: 60
Views: 10688

When they say "Save for a rainy day" they also meant save for a new umbrella.
by swats
Thu May 12, 2011 2:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Thoughts on Necessity of an Emergency Fund
Replies: 42
Views: 4240

We have a nine month emergengy fund which can be used in case of job loss but we sometimes use it for unexpected emergencies/expenses like car repairs, medical bills, summer camps etc.
@crypto: Do you mind me asking what industry you are in?
by swats
Sun May 08, 2011 10:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn mower emitting black fumes
Replies: 11
Views: 1996

It was the air filter. I tried running without the filter and the engine started. I just changed the filter and the mower is running fine.
Thanks again bogleheads for saving me a bunch of money!
by swats
Fri May 06, 2011 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn mower emitting black fumes
Replies: 11
Views: 1996

Thanks for all your replies.
I was mowing the lawn when it started fuming. I have a Craftsman (~$300) mower. Will check the air filter before taking to the repair shop.
by swats
Fri May 06, 2011 10:21 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn mower emitting black fumes
Replies: 11
Views: 1996

Lawn mower emitting black fumes

My 3 year old lawn mower started emitting black fumes and now it won't start. What could be the problem? I checked the gas and the oil levels. They are fine. Any advise would be appreciated!
by swats
Wed Feb 16, 2011 2:01 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Move money from taxable to ROTH?
Replies: 6
Views: 1220

Thanks for your advise guys.
We (married filing jointly) fall in the 25% tax bracket. I will fund for 2010 & 2011 to a Roth IRA from my saving account and keep my Vanguard fund (VSCGX).
by swats
Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:10 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Move money from taxable to ROTH?
Replies: 6
Views: 1220

Move money from taxable to ROTH?

Hi,
Before being a bogglehead fan I had opened a Vanguard taxable account. Upon reading this forum and the books recommended I realized I had gone to Step #4 instead of Step #2 i.e. fund Roth IRA. Can I move my VG taxable account opened in January to fund my ROTH for 2010?
Any advise would be appreciated for this newbie.
by swats
Wed Jan 19, 2011 11:37 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Starting out Investing
Replies: 3
Views: 836

Thank you for your reply.
I have already started reading "Bogleheads Guide to Investing".
This forum really opened my eyes about savings and investing!
by swats
Wed Jan 19, 2011 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Starting out Investing
Replies: 3
Views: 836

Starting out Investing

Helo everyone,
I just started out investing and put my money in Vanguard LifeStrategy Conservative Growth Fund (VSCGX). I started reading the bogleheads forum couple of days back and have had so much information to process.
I realized I should max out my 401K first, fund my Roth IRA etc.
How do I manage my VSCGX account and dividends?
Any help and advice would be appreciated.