Search found 978 matches

by ps56k
Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes - Ord Divs vs Qual Divs
Replies: 5
Views: 366

Re: Taxes - Ord Divs vs Qual Divs

delamer wrote: Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:31 pm Remember that capital gains can be short-term or long-term.
Only the latter are taxed at 15%/20%. The former are taxed as ordinary income.
As I understand - the Qual Divs are taxed as Long Term Cap Gains - the 15/20%
also -
Cap Gain DISTRIBUTIONS are different than just normal Cap Gains - and are also taxed as Long Term Cap Gains -
by ps56k
Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Taxes - Ord Divs vs Qual Divs
Replies: 5
Views: 366

Taxes - Ord Divs vs Qual Divs

dumb question ... I understand the difference -
BUT - looking at our brokerage 1099
Ord Divs -------- 36,728
Qual Divs ------- 17,978
Cap Gain Dist - 10,604

I'm guessing that the Qual Divs and Cap Gain Dist are treated as Long Term Cap Gains and taxed at that lower 15/20% rate -

What about the number for Ord Divs ?
Is that total amount taxed as Ord Income - OR - is the amount actually taxed the difference between Box 1a and Qual Divs ?
In other words - is the taxed amount.... 36,728 or (36-17) 18,750 ?

Ordinary dividends are taxed as ordinary income at an individual investor’s regular marginal tax rate.
Qualified dividends are taxed at the lower capital gains rate
by ps56k
Sun Mar 03, 2024 7:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS 1040 / 8606 / where to track 403b
Replies: 5
Views: 526

Re: IRS 1040 / 8606 / where to track 403b

ok - so for the 403b - there is no other info we need to track, like on a 8606 -
- no cost basis to track - it's all full amount calc for later withdrawal
- no deduct vs non-deduct - it's all full deduct amount
- later when 403b is withdrawn - simple calc to add to Ord Income
- RMD will be based upon 403b end of year balance
then.... on the withdrawal - for RMD - calc for specific 403b and take that amount out - from 403b or group with Trad IRAs
by ps56k
Sun Mar 03, 2024 3:42 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: IRS 1040 / 8606 / where to track 403b
Replies: 5
Views: 526

IRS 1040 / 8606 / where to track 403b

wife has a 403b account -
and we both have Trad IRA and small Roth IRA

Where exactly should we track and/or report the contributions and balances of the 403b with regard to our IRS 1040 ?
I'm not sure if we just treat it as a Trad IRA and wherever we enter IRA info, we also just include the numbers from the 403b
??
8606 -
by ps56k
Tue Dec 12, 2023 1:34 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare IRMAA Part B is incorrect - $209.50
Replies: 3
Views: 895

Re: Medicare IRMAA Part B is incorrect - $209.50

So - looked at their Premium bill again -
confused....
it looks like the $70 "giveback" is calculated in reducing the IRMAA amount -
but the TOTAL DUE still has the $70 amount included -

The Medicare Premium bill shows these numbers -
Part A - 0
Part B - 174.70
Part B IRMAA - 209.50 <------- this is the mismatch - should be 279.50
Part D IRMAA - 53.80
and the line items add up to = $438.00 and the Total Due is still listed as = $508.00 (which includes the + $70)
by ps56k
Mon Dec 11, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare IRMAA Part B is incorrect - $209.50
Replies: 3
Views: 895

Re: Medicare IRMAA Part B is incorrect - $209.50 (giveback)

Thanks - will pass that along - just grabbed a random link below for the explanation -

Will have to investigate the topic .... why offer the giveback now as they appear retired awhile..
Wonder if they just changed carriers - if not - what would trigger it now vs in previous years ?
And - how is the giveback amount determined - $70 seems like a fixed number vs a percentage ?

https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicar ... ck-benefit
by ps56k
Mon Dec 11, 2023 11:51 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare IRMAA Part B is incorrect - $209.50
Replies: 3
Views: 895

Medicare IRMAA Part B is incorrect - $209.50

A neighbor asked about their recent Medicare Premium Bill - for January 2024 -

The bill shows these numbers -
Part A - 0
Part B - 174.70
Part B IRMAA - 209.50 <------- this is the mismatch - should be 279.50
Part D IRMAA - 53.80

Looking at the online tables for IRMAA - that number should be 279.50 -

SO - any ideas why their IRMAA is exactly $70 less than the posted number as to what it should be ?
Asked if they overpaid recently, but they don't think so -

------------ IRMAA Part B and IRMAA Part D
Greater than $322,000 and less than or equal to $386,000 $279.50 $53.80
by ps56k
Thu Oct 26, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 21 years old. Received $100k. What do i do with it? How do i start investing?
Replies: 21
Views: 3101

Re: 21 years old. Received $100k. What do i do with it? How do i start investing?

you might mention where/how this $100k was received -
there might be various taxing considerations -
by ps56k
Fri Oct 13, 2023 2:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: mutual fund portfolio vs just using the SP500 ie - VTSAX
Replies: 6
Views: 1048

Re: mutual fund portfolio vs just using the SP500 ie - VTSAX

Was just saying - or validating- that a simple SP500 or 3 fund portfolio will probably be the best overall long term investment portfolio-
by ps56k
Fri Oct 13, 2023 1:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: mutual fund portfolio vs just using the SP500 ie - VTSAX
Replies: 6
Views: 1048

mutual fund portfolio vs just using the SP500 ie - VTSAX

Recently was looking at our various mutual funds and stocks - and have finally realized that is is dumb to not just follow the simple portfolio or at least use the SP500 as a benchmark. In reviewing some of our mutual funds - they all did well - 37% up 45% up - but that was their return and they all beat their benchmark. The question is - what is the benchmark or the sector - and how does that compare to the SP500 (or our VTSAX) over the 1,3,5,10 year period..... In most cases - it lags behind the SP500 - so why not just stick with the SP500 I am now using the SP500 - or my Vanguard Total Stock fund VTSAX - as my benchmark or comparison for any and all other investments... I may slice things up to the 3 fund, or the Coffee - but not go craz...
by ps56k
Sun Oct 01, 2023 4:16 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard funds - Asset Alloc Mix - how to determine - VIMAX
Replies: 2
Views: 619

Re: Vanguard funds - Asset Alloc Mix - how to determine - VIMAX

Tnx … for hunting down which pull-down to click

Size Investment % Cat. Average % Index %
Giant 0.00 1.88 0.24
Large 11.22 7.57 7.82
Mid 87.90 47.38 90.32
Small 0.28 40.68 1.62
Micro 0.02 0.47 0.00
by ps56k
Sun Oct 01, 2023 1:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard funds - Asset Alloc Mix - how to determine - VIMAX
Replies: 2
Views: 619

Vanguard funds - Asset Alloc Mix - how to determine - VIMAX

I was looking at our Quicken reports - the Investing Asset Allocation -
and noticed that the Vanguard Mid Cap Index VIMAX does not show as "mid cap" -
the asset mix is shown as - 87% small - 11% large - 1% other

I was looking all over, but can't find any site that details any "asset alloc" numbers - even the Vanguard site -
Just thought it was weird that a "mid cap" fund is not showing in Quicken as having any mid-cap allocations -
by ps56k
Wed Sep 27, 2023 4:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215616

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

did my update with Quicken today -
and got the $25 fee applied from my MM Settlement account - sure hope it is yearly and not monthly !

[wish we could just PASTE an image vs a URL ] ....
by ps56k
Fri Sep 08, 2023 12:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215616

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]

Migrated to the brokerage account awhile ago.
Only have 1 Vanguard account - with several Vanguard mutual funds…

So - is the $25 per account… only have one - ??
by ps56k
Mon Aug 07, 2023 4:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Converting Mutuals to ETF'S
Replies: 33
Views: 3670

Re: Converting Mutuals to ETF'S

I have a really basic question - since I have several of the usual Vanguard mutual funds - TAXABLE accounts -

At the end of the year, we get hit with some large Cap Gains, that get re-invested....
So - the market value is now increased with these gains.... but you have Cap Gains taxes now to be paid -

If these Vanguard mutual funds get converted to Vanguard ETFs - in a TAXABLE account -
how are these valued, at say the end of the year - vs the mutual funds ?

Which, if either, is "worth more" taking into account any Cap Gains and taxes paid in that year ?
by ps56k
Wed Jul 26, 2023 5:52 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: What's the difference between these two Vanguard treasury mutual funds?
Replies: 4
Views: 2345

Re: What's the difference between these two Vanguard treasury mutual funds?

Wonder what the suggestions are for 2023
and the Treasury Short Index bond fund
vs just plain blended Short Term bond funds
by ps56k
Thu Jul 13, 2023 4:00 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar ratings - Vanguard Total Stock & Intl Stock
Replies: 15
Views: 2876

Re: Morningstar ratings - Vanguard Total Stock & Intl Stock

tnx for the text -
I usually look at the 1,3,5 yr perf along with other things -
but just happen to notice the M* rating - don't usually focus on it -
by ps56k
Thu Jul 13, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Morningstar ratings - Vanguard Total Stock & Intl Stock
Replies: 15
Views: 2876

Morningstar ratings - Vanguard Total Stock & Intl Stock

Just noticed that these two Vanguard funds only have a 3-star rating from Morningstar -
Any thoughts ....
all the other Vanguard funds I own or researched have the 4-S and 5-S rating

https://www.morningstar.com/funds/xnas/vtsax/quote

https://www.morningstar.com/funds/xnas/vtiax/quote
by ps56k
Tue Jul 11, 2023 4:49 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215616

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual accounts [July 2023 updates]

I don’t think this should have been MERGED -

The letter and $25 yearly fee is for each VANGUARD BROKERAGE ACCOUNT - which is not related to the conversion discussion.
by ps56k
Tue Jul 11, 2023 4:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215616

Vanguard will charge $25/year for paper statements

[Thread merged into here --admin LadyGeek]

Just received a letter from Vanguard -
that will start charging $25 a year to receive paper statements unless you go to E-Delivery....

I don’t think this should have been MERGED -

The letter and $25 yearly fee is for each VANGUARD BROKERAGE ACCOUNT - which is not related to the conversion discussion.
by ps56k
Tue Jul 11, 2023 1:47 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Total Stock vs Value - Windsor, Value, etc
Replies: 4
Views: 833

Re: Vanguard Total Stock vs Value - Windsor, Value, etc

My yearly wrestling.... which to hold and which to sell/exchange - and why - in TAXABLE accounts
I happen to already have most of the 7 high tech mega cap stocks -
so always looking at the same stock correlation... mutual funds having exact same top 10 holdings -

Total Stock as a benchmark - 6 of same stocks and 1/3/5 yr performance of 2,12,9
Wellsley - 3 of same and -3,2,4 .... so don't need it anymore ? - already have the stocks, and Vanguard Bond funds
Value - 5 of same and -3,12,8 ..... so don't need it - already have same stocks - and same Tot Stock performance
Windsor - 1 of same and -2,16,8 .... long time oldie - coin toss ??
by ps56k
Tue Jun 06, 2023 5:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Bond funds - which strategy
Replies: 9
Views: 1835

Re: Vanguard Bond funds - which strategy

To confirm, you are asking about a single bond fund specifically in a taxable account? Yes - for a taxable account - and just an academic discussion - no real specific scenario - I was looking for insight as to what might push toward each of these different choices for bond funds. So... taxable account - - you want some ballast against the equity .... so Total Bond - - but then you might have those divs pushing up your Ordinary Income bracket - - you might migrate to the Muni world - to help with taxes - but do you go Intermediate Term or Long Term - but then, things keep changing - so go with a Short Term Treasury fund to better react to the rates - or lastly - just go back to basics and go with a 60/40 fund, in spite of the tax implicati...
by ps56k
Tue Jun 06, 2023 2:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Bond funds - which strategy
Replies: 9
Views: 1835

Vanguard Bond funds - which strategy

Wondering what a good overall strategy might be for fixed income - bond funds -
Thinking of a couple of reasons - ballast - Muni for taxes - long vs short durations

So - to consolidate into just holding a single Vanguard bond fund... which one

- Total Bond - VBTLX
- Short term Treas - VSBSX
- Wellsley 60/40 blend - VWIAX
- Inter Term Muni - VWIUX
- Long Term Muni - VWLUX
by ps56k
Fri Mar 31, 2023 8:44 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Schwab mobile app - moved Order Status
Replies: 0
Views: 207

Schwab mobile app - moved Order Status

Just updated - Schwab Mobile App -
The Order Status icon used to reside on the bottom row for easy access. I can’t remember if the App allowed configuration of that bottom row dock, or it was just the default fixed configuration.
Anyway, the latest version has moved the Order Status …
—> Trade icon —> Order Status
by ps56k
Tue Mar 28, 2023 11:44 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403b plan - How to keep records vs Trad IRAs
Replies: 5
Views: 445

Re: 403b plan - How to keep records vs Trad IRAs

After thinking about it … for way future RMD time
Guess just have to have the end of year balance.
then wonder if Fidelity will offer their auto RMD calculator for the 403b account like they have on their IRA accounts.
Just full RMD amount added as normal income without the potential hassle of any 8606 forms…
Where exactly does the 403b withdrawal amount get entered on the 1040
by ps56k
Mon Mar 27, 2023 6:31 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: 403b plan - How to keep records vs Trad IRAs
Replies: 5
Views: 445

403b plan - How to keep records vs Trad IRAs

Was going over some tax forms in TTax and was looking at our 8606 for our existing Trad IRA accounts.
I may have stumbled into a major oops - BUT -
How should we be tracking our 403b contributions, end of year balances, and other amounts needed for future withdrawals.
Basically - are these deductible, non-deductible, do they have a basis record keeping req...... do I enter them on 8606 ??

What should I have been keeping track of ?? :shock:
by ps56k
Sun Mar 05, 2023 5:08 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VBTLX vs VGSH - and go with ETF's or Mutual Fund
Replies: 3
Views: 651

Re: VBTLX vs VGSH - and go with ETF's or Mutual Fund

What about the whole issue of - Cap Gains -
With the mutual fund, there are real dollars generated at end of year that are either taken, or reinvested -
With ETF, where do those extra dollars go ?

At the end of the year - after receiving any Cap Gain distributions -
the MF and ETF market values would be the same,
but the MF would have also generated some extra cash Cap Gains ?
by ps56k
Sun Mar 05, 2023 4:24 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Shall I convert my Vanguard Mutual funds to Vanguard ETFs?
Replies: 19
Views: 3050

Re: Shall I convert my Vanguard Mutual funds to Vanguard ETFs?

What about the whole - capital gains - issues…
Where does that go now… if the mutual fund generate $$ in the form of cap gains, where is that $$ in the ETF world?
by ps56k
Sat Mar 04, 2023 5:18 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: VBTLX vs VGSH - and go with ETF's or Mutual Fund
Replies: 3
Views: 651

VBTLX vs VGSH - and go with ETF's or Mutual Fund

Two part Q&A -
Part one..... holding Total Bond VBTLX in a taxable Vanguard account - was market ballast & 80/20 allocation.
Thinking of exchanging all into the Vanguard Short Term Treas VGSH fund.
Does this make sense, as the total bond has 8.5 yr maturity, and the short term is 1.9 yr

Part two - if we exchange within the Vanguard account - should we go with the ETF - VGSH or the Mutual Fund - VSBSX
and... if we go ETF... should we continue to hold in Vanguard account, or just consolidate in our Schwab stock/ETF account
by ps56k
Tue Feb 14, 2023 1:02 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: saving IRA 5498 statements - which file folder
Replies: 11
Views: 966

Re: saving IRA 5498 statements - which file folder

Just realized that our Fidelity Trad IRA is not always getting the Form 5498 at the end of year -

Called Fidelity, and they said without any taxable transactions, there would not be a 5498 issued for that year.
WOW - here I was thinking that the 5498 would appear every year with the year end balance for future RMD calculations.

Now I have to make a note in our IRA folder using the Fidelity end of year report -
and copy the end of year balance - for the 8606
by ps56k
Sun Sep 11, 2022 5:14 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: What is Schwab fundamental index?
Replies: 24
Views: 4568

Re: What is Schwab fundamental index?

Was just reading about these types of funds in my latest issue of - Schwab - Onward - Sept 2022 -
SO.... does Vanguard have any funds that use this "fundemental indexing" approach ?
by ps56k
Fri Sep 09, 2022 5:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Total Stock vs Value - Windsor, Value, etc
Replies: 4
Views: 833

Vanguard Total Stock vs Value - Windsor, Value, etc

As time goes on, and you look at the portfolio holdings of the Vanguard large stock funds -
it seems like more and more they pretty much have the same large cap weighted stocks.
Looking at Vanguard Total Stock - vs the old Windsor and the newer Total Value -
they all still have the previous growth and now viewed as value stocks....
So - does it make any sense to hold these (now) value funds - or just hold Total Stock and be done...
by ps56k
Tue Jul 26, 2022 8:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AGI creep vs Total Bond vs Muni Bond
Replies: 2
Views: 485

Re: AGI creep vs Total Bond vs Muni Bond

right - keep forgetting about the tax brackets and what they actually tax at the step up rates... just X % rate vs Z % rate
The only other impact would be seniors with Medicare - and how the creeping AGI impacts their IRMAA
by ps56k
Tue Jul 26, 2022 5:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: AGI creep vs Total Bond vs Muni Bond
Replies: 2
Views: 485

AGI creep vs Total Bond vs Muni Bond

Another weekend - Another BBQ discussion....

Slowly experiencing AGI creep due to Cap Gains, Divs, etc... which then borders on the next tax bracket up -
So... you might have Total Bond VBTLX in a taxable portfolio as ballast -
https://investor.vanguard.com/investmen ... file/vbtlx

but maybe, to reduce AGI creep, migrate from Total Bond to intermediate VWIUX
https://investor.vanguard.com/investmen ... file/vwiux

or migrate to the long term Muni VWLUX -
https://investor.vanguard.com/investmen ... file/vwlux

any thoughts on this strategy to reduce AGI creep - BUT - still retain some diversity of holding bonds
by ps56k
Sun Jul 17, 2022 1:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Quicken new Schwab and Chase downloading protocol
Replies: 18
Views: 2378

Re: Quicken new Schwab and Chase downloading protocol

Danw wrote: Fri Jul 15, 2022 5:24 pm Does this change apply to Chase credit cards?
Not sure of your question....
Chase is changing the protocol used to download transactions from your Chase accounts into Quicken.
Since your CC is part of your "Chase accounts" - and if you use Quicken - the downloading process will change.

BUT - since Chase is eliminating the Direct Connect protocol - it not only impacts downloading,
but also eliminates the SENDING of bill payments via Quicken directly to Chase Bill Payment...
Now - as I will be reverting - to a manual 2-step process.
1 - Enter a Bill Reminder into Quicken Chase Register for a specific Payee
2 - Manually access Chase online website, go to Chase Bill Payment menu, and enter the payment for the specific Payee.
by ps56k
Fri Jul 15, 2022 3:37 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Quicken new Schwab and Chase downloading protocol
Replies: 18
Views: 2378

Re: Quicken new Schwab and Chase downloading protocol

I'll just put this old Schwab info for reference reading - it will be the same for CHASE - https://www.schwab.com/legal/public-security-tips-popup Q: What is an API and how does it impact aggregation services? A: An API or an "Application Programming Interface" makes allowing access to data easier, is more accurate and is more secure. The use of API's are a best practice in the industry and utilize a token-based approach which enables clients to authorize third parties to download requested account information on their behalf in an encrypted form, without storing their usernames and passwords. Q: How will the Schwab API work? A: Through Schwab's API connection, third party data aggregators who agree to data access terms with Schwa...
by ps56k
Thu Jul 14, 2022 9:30 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Quicken new Schwab and Chase downloading protocol
Replies: 18
Views: 2378

Re: Quicken new Schwab and Chase downloading protocol

Emails are getting sent out concerning the Chase/Quicken changes… There are a few different threads on this topic over on the Quicken Forum. https://community.quicken.com/discussion/comment/20281228/#Comment_20281228 Here is the email… Chase Bank is changing the way it connects with personal finance management solutions like Quicken. To keep Quicken connected to your Chase account, you'll need to switch your connection method on or before September 26, 2022. Once you change your connection, you won't be able to access Chase Bill Pay in Quicken. Any scheduled or recurring payments you've already set up will still go through. However, to schedule new payments, make changes, or make account transfers, you'll need to use Chase's website or mobi...
by ps56k
Tue Jul 12, 2022 12:42 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RMD - which types of mutual funds to withdraw
Replies: 3
Views: 376

Re: RMD - which types of mutual funds to withdraw

22twain wrote: Tue Jul 12, 2022 12:30 pm Are you going to spend the money, or re-invest it in a taxable account?
It's just a BBQ discussion.... would guess the money is "not needed" -
just the forced RMD withdrawal - and proceeds would be re-invested, spent, etc -
by ps56k
Tue Jul 12, 2022 12:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: RMD - which types of mutual funds to withdraw
Replies: 3
Views: 376

RMD - which types of mutual funds to withdraw

Was wondering on the strategy for which RMD mutual funds to withdraw from a simple Trad IRA...
Maybe in "normal" situations vs current recession times.....

ie - Fidelity - 1, 3, 5 yr returns
- Growth Fund... -27, +15, +15
- Blended Fund.. -15, +5, +6
- Tot Bond Fund. -10, 0, +1.5
by ps56k
Sun Apr 03, 2022 12:27 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Total Bond Market Down >4%
Replies: 63
Views: 12767

Re: My BND fell down and can't get up -- what's with safe bond returns?

bgf wrote: Thu Mar 12, 2020 2:57 pm never though id TLH my bonds but... well, can i swap AGG for BND? safer to go with intermediate term?
As we get pushed into higher tax brackets -
have been moving our taxable bond income holdings from Total Bond VBTLX into the Muni world - both IT VWIUX and LT VWLUX -
So... guess it doesn't matter - as ALL the bond types have some level of TLH correlation to interest rates, inflation, etc -
by ps56k
Fri Mar 18, 2022 3:20 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Morningstar still work - or only as Premium service
Replies: 4
Views: 554

Re: Does Morningstar still work - or only as Premium service

weird - using FF on desktop -
and went back, turned off Ad Blocker and deleted M* cookies - now works as usual
by ps56k
Fri Mar 18, 2022 2:32 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Does Morningstar still work - or only as Premium service
Replies: 4
Views: 554

Does Morningstar still work - or only as Premium service

I went to - https://www.morningstar.com/ - to look up a mutual fund,
and after typing the ticker into the top search area - nothing happened...

SO - is it only working as a Premium service now ?
by ps56k
Tue Mar 01, 2022 12:38 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: How to consolidate TRowe funds - yet minimize CG
Replies: 2
Views: 343

How to consolidate TRowe funds - yet minimize CG

Over the years we have bought some - TRowe funds, along with our Vanguard funds.
At this point, my TRP funds I don't think are doing any better than my overall Vanguard Total Stock fund - VTSAX -

TRP -
Health Sciences - PRHSX - $4k Ord Div - $1k Qual Div - $16k CG
Comm & Media - PRMTX - $1k - 0 - $19k
New Horz -------- PRNHX - $12k - 0 - $35k

SO - any thoughts -
and if I sell, any thoughts on how to minimize CG so as to not Tax bracket creep -
by ps56k
Wed Feb 23, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Qual Divs vs Ord Inc vs Cap Gains - ETF vs Mutual Funds
Replies: 3
Views: 351

Qual Divs vs Ord Inc vs Cap Gains - ETF vs Mutual Funds

Every year - around tax time - I usually reflect on what is driving up my taxes. For years, I thought it was the Cap Gains from several mutual funds, along with my occasional buy/sell of stocks. As time went on - it appeared that Cap Gains were not "killing me" - as I've posted over the years. The tax rate was 0% for the lower AGI, and as I got pushed up into the next CG bracket, it was still only 15% for AGI of $80k-$500k. SO - next target was Ordinary Income .... and Ord Divs vs Qual Divs. It appeared that several mutual funds had it all - Ord Divs, Qual Divs, and Cap Gains. I would think a goal would be to drive down Ord Divs, or at least drive up Qual Divs - or increase the ratio ? Lastly - taking all this into account - does ...
by ps56k
Thu Feb 17, 2022 4:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ultimate Buy/Hold portfolio - 10 buckets
Replies: 17
Views: 3131

Re: Ultimate Buy/Hold portfolio - 10 buckets

Tnx for the followup and links to the other threads. Had not run across these compared to the other simple/coffee type allocation portfolios…
by ps56k
Thu Feb 17, 2022 3:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ultimate Buy/Hold portfolio - 10 buckets
Replies: 17
Views: 3131

Ultimate Buy/Hold portfolio - 10 buckets

Just happen to see this article and thought I would share - it's a 10 bucket portfolio - Marketwatch (subscriber)

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this- ... 1645065209

Basically- creates these 10% buckets - .... with 50% in US and 50% international
Wondering what Vanguard fund or funds would represent each bucket ?

S&P 500 -
US Large Cap Value
US Small Cap Value
US Small Cap Blended
REIT

Intl Large Cap Value
Intl Large Cap Blended
Intl Small Cap Value
Intl Small Cap Blended
Emerging Markets
by ps56k
Fri Feb 11, 2022 8:07 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard's new mobile app (formerly known as "Beacon")
Replies: 702
Views: 81744

Re: Vanguard's new mobile app (formerly known as "Beacon")

Cheez-It Guy wrote: Fri Feb 11, 2022 6:36 pm Any notable changes in yesterday's update? I can't test because I still have a functional copy of the old app I don't want to replace until it either stops working or the new one adds enough functionality.
Same here … I’m NOT updating my App until forced. I hate the loss of all the easy info and functionality.

Same thing just happened with my Fidelity App and they force changed the functions this week..

ARGH …
by ps56k
Fri Feb 11, 2022 10:41 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Fidelity App has now changed - no longer a great feed
Replies: 2
Views: 573

Fidelity App has now changed - no longer a great feed

Have used and promoted using the Fidelity APP for a quick way to see your "watch list"
and everything about those specific stocks and news surrounding them.

Well - today - Fidelity changed all that - the integrated Feed is GONE...

It was a great feed - listing the market, then some of the stocks on the Watch List
with any news tiles about that specific stock,
along with other news tiles related to that stock or industry...
then scroll down to the next area... it was GREAT - and now its GONE -

What are these companies thinking - first it was Vanguard, and now its Fidelity -

ARGH
by ps56k
Fri Jan 07, 2022 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Tracking 403b - vs Trad IRA vs RMD vs Turbotax
Replies: 1
Views: 166

Tracking 403b - vs Trad IRA vs RMD vs Turbotax

We have a single Fidelity Trad IRA - and also a Fidelity 403b from our teaching days. (thinking of a rollover from the 403b into the IRA to make record keeping simplier) Have noticed over the years, as we review our Turbotax data, that the IRA worksheet wasn't always keeping track of the ongoing Cost Basis - and I don't think I was enterring the year end Market Value. Both are solid entries now for future RMDs when they happen... SO... was thinking about the "IRA Market Value" - and then thought about our 403b..... What happens with that ? There is no tracking in Turbotax - so... do I need to keep track of it manually - and do I need Cost Basis ? Also found the IRS note - that the RMDs must be taken from each "group" - S...