Search found 15535 matches

by Mel Lindauer
Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: navigation system for car
Replies: 51
Views: 2172

Re: navigation system for car

terran wrote: Sun Mar 17, 2024 8:31 pm I suspect most people now use their phone, but back when your car was made something like a standalone GPS made by Garmin was a popular purchase. They look like they're still available and receiving recent positive reviews.
I can second the Garmin recommendation. My kids gave me one years ago with lifetime updates. I've compared it to my phone's GPS and they both do a good job. However, the Garmin has better visual displays showing me which lane to be in and it seems to be just a bit better than my phone all around. However, either will do a decent job getting you from point A to point B.
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Mar 09, 2024 7:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?
Replies: 129
Views: 10610

Re: Have any of you Frugal Zebras Changed Your (Spending) Stripes?

We're growing more stripes. As we get closer to retirement, I told my wife we should ease up on our frugal ways and start to buy some luxury.. We have a good retirement planned and funded. These last few years are just gravy. But we seem to be gripping every dollar tighter and tighter. I need a new car but I can't find anything I like. So I'm going to spend on on my old car and hope she lasts until official retirement. My wife needs new earrings and we shop and shop. She likes nothing. I don't know if it's an unconscious fear of spending money when soon we won't have a paycheck or we're just unable to splurge after a lifetime of frugality. I think after a year or two of retirement, and hopefully a fatter wallet than when we retired, we'll ...
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Mar 04, 2024 1:40 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Toledo, OH Chapter
Replies: 6
Views: 3060

Re: Toledo, OH Chapter

Looks like you now have the required minimum of five interested folks. Now all that's needed is for one of you to agree to be the Local Chapter Coordinator (that person doesn't have to be an investing guru). PM me if you're interested and then we'll get your group and contact information added to the Local Chapters Map and you'll be in business.
by Mel Lindauer
Fri Mar 01, 2024 7:02 pm
Forum: Non-US Chapters
Topic: Is there a U.K bogleheads Chapter??
Replies: 41
Views: 25004

Re: Is there a U.K bogleheads Chapter??

maxInfo wrote: Fri Mar 01, 2024 3:42 pm
78C04J34B wrote: Sat Jan 06, 2024 6:27 am did the UK chapter ever get started? any update?
The way things work, I don't belive it did, no...

although it should have in my opinion
All you need is five or more folks who are interested in establishing a Local Chapter and one of you has to agree to be the Local Chapter Coordinator. If someone wants to start a thread titled "UK Bogleheads Local Chapter?", go ahead and do so and we'll see if there's enough interest.
by Mel Lindauer
Tue Feb 27, 2024 8:46 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

ocean wrote: Tue Feb 27, 2024 1:34 pm https://www.treasurydirect.gov/forms/savpdp0051.pdf

Well...you can learn something new everyday.....I found question four and the answer interesting...
Very informative link for anyone who wants to learn more about the tax-free use of I Bonds for qualifying educational expenses - in this case, Savings Bond proceeds contributed to a 529 Plan.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

Hi Mel, one thing I’m not particularly clear about, can one sell a batch in June and pay tax on that sale, sell another batch in say December, and decide to put all the funds in a 529 , principal and interest from that sale, and do this in the same year?? I haven't seen a definitive answer on this, but my understanding is that the entire proceeds must be contributed to the 529 Plan in order to be entitled to the tax-free treatment. (And don't forget about the income limits.) (If anyone has seen a definitive legal ruling on this, I'd appreciate a link.) Form 8815 makes it clear. 5 Enter the total proceeds (principal and interest) from all series EE and I U.S. savings bonds issued after 1989 that you cashed during 2023 As does the law (26 US...
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

ocean wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 9:01 pm Hi Mel, one thing I’m not particularly clear about, can one sell a batch in June and pay tax on that sale, sell another batch in say December, and decide to put all the funds in a 529 , principal and interest from that sale, and do this in the same year??
I haven't seen a definitive answer on this, but my understanding is that the entire proceeds must be contributed to the 529 Plan in order to be entitled to the tax-free treatment. (And don't forget about the income limits.)

(If anyone has seen a definitive legal ruling on this, I'd appreciate a link.)
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

sport wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2024 8:08 pm
Mel Lindauer wrote: Sat Feb 24, 2024 11:28 pm As for holding on to the 3% I Bonds for as long as possible, I think that's a no-brainer.
Would this be true even if one would have big "tax bombs" in 2030 and 2031?
1. Lots of folks would like to have that problem.
2. You can stagger the redemptions so they don't all come due at the same time. You don't need to wait until they mature.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 26, 2024 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 165347

Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]

When I was an elected official, our city actually hired a firm to send test scam emails to see who would click on the link, showing just how vulnerable the city might be. The link would report the official or city employee who clicked on the link and they would have to get additional training on email safety practices.

I'm proud to say that I never fell prey to any of the "scams", but a number of the city employees did. They would then be updated on safe practices and the "tests" would continue as long as needed.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 26, 2024 11:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: [On-going Scams - Post them here]
Replies: 1372
Views: 165347

Re: [On-going Scams - Post them here]

Sometimes the scammers don’t wait long at all to ask for money. I got a Facebook friend request the other day from a family friend, or what looked like. I thought it was odd because I thought I was already a friend with her but it had her exact name and avatar. Curiosity got the better of me and I accepted it. Shortly after I get a message asking how I was doing so I replied “fine how are you”. Next comes a message saying she was having a hard time right now and could I help her out with some money. Reported to Facebook as someone impersonating the friend. Anytime you get a friend request from someone who you're already friends with, that's a dead giveaway that their account has been hacked. Call them and let them know they need to change ...
by Mel Lindauer
Sun Feb 25, 2024 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Vanguard conversion to brokerage account and RMD
Replies: 9
Views: 891

Re: Vanguard conversion to brokerage account and RMD

Have VG make the corrected RMD File 5329 with a short letter that states that an adminstrative issue with the custodian resulted in inadvertant failure to make the 2023 RMD and that the issue has been corrected. Request waiver of penalty. Keep the letter short, direct and don't feel compelled to provide copious detail. The IRS will grant the waiver. We had a similar problem on an inherited IRA years ago and the penalty was waived. I've filed numerous waivers for TaxAide clients with similar results. Note: the 2023 and 2024 RMDs will be reported on the 2024 tax return. Would you explain the part in bold? Vanguard is already taking action to have the 2023 RMD taken out. I think what he's trying to alert you to is that the 1099R for 2024 will...
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 24, 2024 11:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: converting VTSAX to VTI inside of a traditional IRA at Vanguard
Replies: 43
Views: 5515

Re: converting VTSAX to VTI inside of a traditional IRA at Vanguard

The ETF expense ratio is lower than the mutual fund (.04% for the fund vs .03% for the ETF). Even if they weren't concerned about the portability feature, this lower cost could be important for someone with a substantial dollar amount to invest. And, of course, the ETF could be bought or sold during the trading day, whereas the mutual fund is only priced and bought and sold at the end of the trading day.
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 24, 2024 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

Hi Mel....I stumbled across a site today called Omni calculator. I was trying to do the math to get an idea of what kind of return we have been getting with the various assorted I bond fixed rates....never was great at calculous. They have a calculator that does this for us. Trying to determine an average to use going forward on return for bonds and compare to the not so great options in the different 529 plans. Defiantly going to hold the 3 per cent's as long as possible, sell the 1.2 this year and undecided on the 1.8's... And of course keep it under IRMA. Make sense?...BTW: my sister who floundered all her life financially, who also attended in San Diego has comfortable retired...thanks to you and the rest of the gang...you have changed...
by Mel Lindauer
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:06 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

ocean wrote: Fri Feb 23, 2024 7:33 pm Thanks Mel ...I did post whether anyone has used the 8815 yet?
I looked at it while doing my taxes but couldn't use it since all of my 529 contributions are for my grandchildren which means my I Bond redemptions don't qualify for the tax-free treatment.
by Mel Lindauer
Fri Feb 23, 2024 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I bond redemption that are gifts to grandchildren
Replies: 11
Views: 1267

Re: I bond redemption that are gifts to grandchildren

I purchased the I bond as a gift and put it in my grandchilds name and ssn. I haven't set up their own account or asked their parents to set one up at this time. Do they need to have their own account and me transfer it to them w their parents being custodian since all the gkids are 10 yrs old down to 1 year old? At the time it was my understanding I could only purchase $10,000 as a maximum investment but I did do this for myself as well as each of my 7 grandchildren and I understand it would be best to move the money out of the I bond since it has been over 1 year that the investments were purchased. I appreciate all the help as I just want to help fund my grandkids education and at this time my kids don't even know I have done this, but ...
by Mel Lindauer
Fri Feb 23, 2024 4:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reporter doing story on MAGI
Replies: 0
Views: 1253

Reporter doing story on MAGI

A reporter for a national newspaper who focuses on taxes would like to hear from (and quote) Bogleheads who have tangled with MAGI--modified adjusted gross income--and learned how MAGIs can make a difference. Please write Laura.Saunders@wsj.com.

Deadline: Monday, Feb 26 EOD.


ETA - [When contacting someone in the media, please be mindful that members are posting here anonymously. Providing your Bogleheads username to a reporter will remove that anonymity. Sensitive financial information posted here can then be linked with your username and possibly real name published in the media. To keep your privacy, please don't associate your username here with anything that will be become public. - mod mkc]
by Mel Lindauer
Thu Feb 22, 2024 7:58 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions
Replies: 23
Views: 3787

Re: Questions for Mel or any one else..i bond questions

Hi Mel..and gang...I've been backing up the truck with I bonds since 2001 before we met in San diego over 15 years ago...Thank you, thank you... I am getting ready to open a 529 with fidelity as beneficiary.I am pretty up to date on the workings on how to do it with the sale of the i bonds ,however, still a little unclear about whether or not the Total interest and purchase price ALL go into the 529 or just the interest? Also ..another question, with an example...I have 77 bonds purchased in 2002, fixed rate 1.2...currently worth 188,000. Do I need to start cashing them in soon, so that my adjusted gross stays under the limit..in other words does the amount going in to the 529 count towards adjust gross income..Thanks Lots of good informat...
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is this? "This site asks for consent to use your data
Replies: 3
Views: 819

Re: What is this? "This site asks for consent to use your data

HappyJack wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 4:33 pm Yes, thanks. I have often seen requests about cookies, etc. but not like this. Just wondered if others have seen the same message recently or if I am getting it individually...
No, it's not only you. I just say "no" or "opt out".
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 19, 2024 8:00 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Ibonds - 0% Fixed rate Vintage - dispose or hold?
Replies: 16
Views: 1995

Re: Ibonds - 0% Fixed rate Vintage - dispose or hold?

When redeeming I Bonds, always redeem on or near the first day of the month since you don't earn any additional interest unless you own them on the last day of any month.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 19, 2024 5:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Life skills and resources
Replies: 9
Views: 1392

Re: Life skills and resources

ETK517 wrote: Mon Feb 19, 2024 3:41 pm Save more than you make? Not sure how that works without landing in jail. Spending less than you earn might work a little better. Perhaps the tomes have some value after all. (PTs might quarrel with exercise more than you need, too.)
Yes, perhaps it's better stated by saying "Live below your means." Shorthand, which many (most) financially literate folks understand is LBYM.
by Mel Lindauer
Sun Feb 18, 2024 5:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Southwest Airlines Credit Card Strategy
Replies: 31
Views: 3806

Re: Southwest Airlines Credit Card Strategy

Pam01 wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 4:13 pm
Mel Lindauer wrote: Sun Feb 18, 2024 3:35 pm Be aware that with some Chase SW cards, points expire if the card isn't used in a specific time period.
Southwest points no longer expire.
That's good to know if it does apply to my card. However, I've never been informed officially that the policy had been changed, so I continue to make occasional charges to that card.
by Mel Lindauer
Sun Feb 18, 2024 3:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Southwest Airlines Credit Card Strategy
Replies: 31
Views: 3806

Re: Southwest Airlines Credit Card Strategy

Be aware that with some Chase SW cards, points expire if the card isn't used in a specific time period.
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 17, 2024 5:54 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to surrender I BONDS with a maturity date of 2030 and 2031
Replies: 27
Views: 2728

Re: When to surrender I BONDS with a maturity date of 2030 and 2031

You could do a rollover to 529 for grandchildren and pay no income taxes. For 2024, the interest exclusion is $145,200 if married filing jointly. When a savings bond is redeemed, the interest counts as income for the purpose of the income phase-out. So, you may need to use or rollover the savings bonds over several years to avoid triggering the income phase-outs. If AGI is $90k per year for MFJ, you could do $65k per year and spread it out over several years. I am not familiar with doing "a rollover to 529 for grandchildren and pay no income taxes." Even if possible, I don't know if I can do that since my grandkids are grown and not attending college. I am thinking of selling/cashing in $60,000+ a year; I just don't know if that ...
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to surrender I BONDS with a maturity date of 2030 and 2031
Replies: 27
Views: 2728

Re: When to surrender I BONDS with a maturity date of 2030 and 2031

legalwriter1 wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2024 2:32 pm You could do a rollover to 529 for grandchildren and pay no income taxes. For 2024, the interest exclusion is $145,200 if married filing jointly. When a savings bond is redeemed, the interest counts as income for the purpose of the income phase-out. So, you may need to use or rollover the savings bonds over several years to avoid triggering the income phase-outs. If AGI is $90k per year for MFJ, you could do $65k per year and spread it out over several years.
In order to qualify for the tax-free use of Savings Bonds, the grandchild must be a dependent. Unless the grandchild is claimed as a dependent on one's income tax, the contribution to a 529 Plan does not qualify for the tax-free exclusion.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 12, 2024 10:29 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Time to Build my Own Annuity with 20 year Bonds??
Replies: 28
Views: 4509

Re: Time to Build my Own Annuity with 20 year Bonds??

Don't forget to work I Bonds into your consideration. They're very flexible as to when they can be redeemed without any loss of principle (any time between one and 30 years) and they'll protect your investment from inflation. Sort of a "build-your-own annuity" with inflation protection.
by Mel Lindauer
Sun Feb 11, 2024 7:06 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

AlwaysLearningMore wrote: Sun Feb 11, 2024 5:50 pm Taylor Larimore was a driving force behind the Morningstar Vanguard Diehards forum, and has continued to help others on Bogleheads. His posts are must-reads. The nuggets of Mr. Bogle's wisdom he now includes at the bottom of his posts continue to add depth to his posts.

Image
In my ongoing verbal jousts with my good friend and partner in crime, paratrooper Taylor, I'll remind him that those are the Marine Corps colors on that sweatshirt. :sharebeer
by Mel Lindauer
Sun Feb 11, 2024 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Redeeming Paper EE Bonds
Replies: 18
Views: 1950

Re: Redeeming Paper EE Bonds

[Split into new topic by Moderator Misenplace at OP's request] Question about redeeming a paper Series EE bond... My two kids were given a $100 paper EE bonds each 15 & 18 years ago, respectively. The bonds have nearly reached $100 market value, and we want to cash them. (I know about form 1522.) Each bond is made out to the child's name, but underneath his/her name/address, it says "OR (parent's name)." I assume that means the parent can cash the bond? The form requires you to enter the name of the bondholder. Does that have to be the child, or can it list the named parent? In this and similar situations, EITHER named party can redeem the savings bonds without the knowledge or permission of the other named party. The redeemi...
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 10, 2024 6:22 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What is the Most You Would Buy in the I Bond Gift Box in a Year?
Replies: 14
Views: 1368

Re: What is the Most You Would Buy in the I Bond Gift Box in a Year?

I don't think five years should be a problem. If the fixed rate goes up, keep buying the new ones. And, if the fixed rate goes down below the current rate, start delivering the ones from the gift boxes.
by Mel Lindauer
Wed Feb 07, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Should you buy I bonds if Retired
Replies: 51
Views: 8321

Re: Should you buy I bonds if Retired

For those espousing TIPS instead of I Bonds, I would argue that a combination of BOTH would be ideal. Remember, TIPS can lose money if redeemed prior to maturity whereas I Bonds can never lose principle, and thus offer greater flexibility since they can be redeemed anytime between one and thirty years. Thus, someone who owns both TIPS and I Bonds could use the I Bonds for their flexible/unforeseen needs which would allow them to hold their TIPS to maturity, thus eliminating any possible loss. So the combination of the two offers the best of both worlds (a higher TIPS real rate at present and the flexibility of the I Bonds.)
by Mel Lindauer
Tue Feb 06, 2024 6:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Sanity Check on Strategy to Unwind from a Misguided Annuity Purchase
Replies: 6
Views: 1205

Re: Sanity Check on Strategy to Unwind from a Misguided Annuity Purchase

OP, you've gotten a lot of good, solid advice from Stinky, a former insurance company executive. You can take his advice to the bank!
by Mel Lindauer
Tue Feb 06, 2024 5:50 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: simplifying my financial life -- should i get rid of treasury direct?
Replies: 84
Views: 12549

Re: simplifying my financial life -- should i get rid of treasury direct?

As you say 2FA is what they need ... Don't they already have 2FA? I used to get emailed a OTP (one time passcode) each time I tried to get in, before being prompted for my password. Didn't the virtual keyboard thing go away a long time ago, replaced by mandatory 2FA? I could check now but someone else will know. Yes you are correct, the virtual keyboard is no longer being used by Treasury Direct. Earlier today I logged into our TD accounts to update values, and it was a snap. And I state this as quite likely one of the least technically savvy BH. Spouse has a list of all accounts, account numbers, etc., and is far more tech savvy than I. (Our beagle is probably more tech savvy than I am.) The benefit of reading Mel's I Bonds posts on the o...
by Mel Lindauer
Tue Feb 06, 2024 12:05 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: New Chattanooga, TN Local Chapter
Replies: 35
Views: 25849

Re: New Chattanooga, TN Local Chapter

You have enough to get a Local Chapter started. The only thing you're missing is someone stepping up and agreeing to be the Local Chapter Coordinator. That person doesn't have to be an investing guru. Rather, they simply communicate with the other members about meeting dates, times, and locations.

If you're interested in doing that, PM me and we'll get started on making your group official.
by Mel Lindauer
Tue Feb 06, 2024 12:05 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: New Chattanooga, TN Local Chapter
Replies: 35
Views: 25849

Re: New Chattanooga, TN Local Chapter

You have enough to get a Local Chapter started. The only thing you're missing is someone stepping up and agreeing to be the Local Chapter Coordinator. That person doesn't have to be an investing guru. Rather, they simply communicate with the other members about meeting dates, times, and locations.

If you're interested in doing that, PM me and we'll get started on making your group official.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Feb 05, 2024 11:32 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy Birthday John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy
Replies: 1
Views: 3958

Happy Birthday John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy

It was a long and, at times, frustrating road dealing with all of the bureaucratic stuff that it took to get The John C. Bogle Center for Financial Literacy up and running as Jack had asked me to do. Our paperwork got caught up in the politics of an election cycle as well as other issues (the IRS thought we were a political group). However, with help and persistence from my team and several volunteer Boglehead lawyers, we eventually got all of the i's dotted and t's crossed. We got the by-laws written as well as all of the other 101 things needed to get final approval as an IRS 501c3 charity done. The final IRS approval was signed by Lois Lerner whose name you may recognize from the happenings of that time period. Thanks to all who helped m...
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 03, 2024 5:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: i-bonds - how much is too much?
Replies: 27
Views: 3383

Re: i-bonds - how much is too much?

sport wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 4:23 pm
Mel Lindauer wrote: Sat Feb 03, 2024 2:36 pm You (and others) mentioned using the I Bonds for college expenses, but no one explicitly mentioned that they could be used tax-free for qualifying educational expenses, provided you meet the income requirements.
To get the tax-free benefit, does the student need to be a dependent? If so, grandchildren who are not dependents would not meet the requirements.
Yes, the student could be you, your spouse and/or your children or other dependents. Unless your grandchildren are dependents, you wouldn't be able to claim the tax-free exemption. And, if the child is listed as a co-owner, the bonds wouldn't qualify for the tax-free exemption. However, the child could be listed as a beneficiary and that would qualify.
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Feb 03, 2024 2:36 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: i-bonds - how much is too much?
Replies: 27
Views: 3383

Re: i-bonds - how much is too much?

You (and others) mentioned using the I Bonds for college expenses, but no one explicitly mentioned that they could be used tax-free for qualifying educational expenses, provided you meet the income requirements.
by Mel Lindauer
Fri Feb 02, 2024 10:32 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Morningstar forums
Replies: 9
Views: 1600

Re: Morningstar forums

RustyShackleford wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 7:20 pm Has Morningstar done away with their discussion groups ? I can't seem to find them from the homepage.
I think they've been long gone.
by Mel Lindauer
Fri Feb 02, 2024 8:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: How is the interest rate on TIPS bonds determined?
Replies: 7
Views: 757

Re: How is the interest rate on TIPS bonds determined?

mamster wrote: Fri Feb 02, 2024 6:23 pm I looked at the page in question. I think what the authors were saying is that if the TIPS you buy has a positive real yield at the time you buy it, you are guaranteed to receive that yield if you hold to maturity, not that TIPS always have a positive yield.
That's what we meant to say. However, we're currently working on an updated revision of the book, so we'll clarify that in the updated version to show that the real rate you buy at auction (either positive or negative), is what you can expect to get if held to maturity.

Thanks for pointing that out. We want to eliminate anything that's confusing for our readers.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Jan 29, 2024 3:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reporters doing story on retired or semi-retired single women
Replies: 0
Views: 592

Reporters doing story on retired or semi-retired single women

Two reporters at The Wall Street Journal are looking to profile 4 single women (they could be divorced, widowed or never married) who are either retired or semi-retired. This will be the next in an ongoing series we are writing on retirement. Past installments have focused on people who have saved either a set amount (ex: such as $1 million) or fit into a theme, such as living abroad. Here is a link to the past installments https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-americans-retire-now-b1860f49. We'd like to hear about people's savings, spending and how they spend their time and any advice they might have for other single women. We are looking for people who are willing to see their first & last names and picture in the article. Anyone intereste...
by Mel Lindauer
Sat Jan 27, 2024 7:04 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 will beat Taylor to the punch and post a rather extensive Jack Bogle quote regarding his friend Taylor Larimore. Here is Jack Bogle's post commemorating Taylor's 90th birthday. I have reposted this before, it is appropriate to do this again. by jack bogle » Tue Jan 28, 2014 3:10 pm Happy Birthday to Taylor, from Jack Bogle At 2 P.M. on Sunday afternoon, thanks to Mel, I had the privilege of greeting Taylor by telephone. After doing my best to sing a lusty version of "Happy birthday to you," followed by a commemorative poem that I had written earlier. He loved it, and perhaps you'll enjoy it too: On this freezing day, sitting by my fire I salute a fine man that I greatly admire. I tell you that we need him more and more, H...
by Mel Lindauer
Thu Jan 25, 2024 10:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)
Replies: 6651
Views: 1202152

Re: I Bonds Mega Thread (I Bond Heads Rejoice!)

gavinsiu wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 5:10 pm
spencydub wrote: Tue Jan 23, 2024 3:53 pm Whatever the fixed rate is when you buy them.
I supposed that is true. I was thinking of an average return if we buy some every year. It appears that the rate is available on the treasury site.

https://treasurydirect.gov/savings-bond ... est-rates/

I am surprised that back in 98, the fixed rate was as high as 3.4%.
The fixed rate actually peaked at 3.6% before starting a downward trend that eventually bottomed at 0%.
by Mel Lindauer
Thu Jan 25, 2024 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Vanguard website issues
Replies: 42
Views: 4693

Vanguard website issues

For the past two days, I've been getting this message:
Welcome back,
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Some things show up while others aren't available.

Does anyone have any idea what's going on?
by Mel Lindauer
Wed Jan 24, 2024 9:10 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Forming Frisco-Mckinney-Plano-Allen Chapter
Replies: 11
Views: 5754

Re: Forming Frisco-Mckinney-Plano-Allen Chapter

OK, we now have five folks interested in forming a new Local Chapter. Is one of you willing to step up and agree to be the Local Chapter Coordinator? (That person doesn't have to be an investing pro; rather he/she simply communicates with the other members about meeting dates, locations, discussion topics, etc.) If that's you, then PM me and we'll get things moving along.
by Mel Lindauer
Wed Jan 24, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reporter doing story about Spousal IRAs
Replies: 14
Views: 1705

Reporter doing story about Spousal IRAs

A reporter from a national newspaper is writing a story explaining Spousal IRAs, and she would love to hear from Bogleheads willing to be quoted by name about this topic. Do you have a spousal IRA, or are you contemplating one?

Deadline: EOD Sunday, Jan. 28.

Please write Laura.saunders@wsj.com

ETA - [When contacting someone in the media, please be mindful that members are posting here anonymously. Providing your Bogleheads username to a reporter will remove that anonymity. Sensitive financial information posted here can then be linked with your username and possibly real name published in the media. To keep your privacy, please don't associate your username here with anything that will be become public. - mod mkc]
by Mel Lindauer
Tue Jan 23, 2024 4:03 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Psychological Aversion to Decumulation Phase
Replies: 73
Views: 7374

Re: Psychological Aversion to Decumulation Phase

Here's a link to an "oldie but goodie" Forbes column I did many years ago on this very topic titled "Switching gears at retirement - going from savings to spending mode". I interviewed several Bogleheads for the article, and the short answer for many is that "it's a tough adjustment".

https://www.forbes.com/sites/theboglehe ... ding-mode/
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:00 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂
Replies: 429
Views: 41902

Re: 🎁 🎉Happy 100th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎊🎂

Happy birthday to my dear friend and partner in crime. Hard to believe we've been doing this for more than a quarter-century. We started the Bogleheads on M* in 1998 when you and I were just "kids" :).

Two forums (M* Vanguard Diehards and now Bogleheads.org), 18 Bogleheads Conferences around the country with Jack and #19 to celebrate his life, three books and hundreds of thousand posts later, we're still at it. Life is good, my friend. Hopefully, you'll hang around long enough to wish me a happy 100th!
This Marine salutes his Paratrooper partner. :sharebeer
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Jan 22, 2024 7:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Replies: 413
Views: 39165

Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.

Wait, you are so opposed to taxes that you would give up $24,000, a 26% pay cut, to avoid to avoid a few percent of tax? I'm not sure what you mean by "well ahead", other than sticking it to the tax man while simultaneously sticking to yourself. Talk about the tax tail wagging the dog! (As mentioned before, per capita tax includes both personal and business taxes. Not all of the per capita tax that you calculated is paid by individuals.) Not an issue. We're talking about retirees who already have their assets to spend, not working folks who are still trying to make it (see the thread title). Of course your financial situation is unique to you but you shouldn't [unnecessary comment removed - moderator ClaycordJCA] speak for everyo...
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Jan 22, 2024 6:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Replies: 413
Views: 39165

Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.

JoeNJ28 wrote: Mon Jan 22, 2024 5:54 pm A lot of these bash California posts seem to forget over 95% in this country don’t have multimillion dollar 401ks plus pensions plus taxable accounts throwing off dividends. But hey whatever makes everyone happy.
There's probably as much Florida bashing as there is California bashing.
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Jan 22, 2024 5:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Replies: 413
Views: 39165

Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.

Despite all of this, CA residents still pay the third highest taxes per capita in the country. Here's the rundown: For FY 2021, the District of Columbia surpassed all states with $13,278 in per capita tax collections. New York followed at $10,266 in state and local tax collections per person, with Connecticut ($9,458), California ($9,175), New Jersey ($8,303), and Massachusetts ($8,101) not far behind. At the other end of the spectrum, Alaska was lowest at $4,192, followed by Alabama ($4,245), Tennessee ($4,272), Florida ($4,405), and Mississippi ($4,435). Here's the rest of the rundown using your numbers: Florida per capita tax $4,405 Florida median household income $68,000 California per capita tax $9,175 California median household inco...
by Mel Lindauer
Mon Jan 22, 2024 2:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.
Replies: 413
Views: 39165

Re: No-state-income-tax states are not good for retirees.

. . . Yeah...but then you have to live in Florida. No thanks. . . . But, as retirees...dang...life is good for us here in CA. It was worth all the taxes we've paid for all the blessings we have received. Would not change a thing. Since we're already getting nearly 1000 new residents per day moving to FL, we're glad to hear that some folks like you are staying put. 8-) My wife's family is in CA and I love visiting, but I certainly wouldn't want to live there. Traffic is unbearable and I get sticker shock at the prices for so many things (the high gas prices are so visible everywhere you go and I don't know how anyone can afford to buy a home). I'm happy that life is good for you in CA and that you feel you're getting what you paid for. Diff...