Search found 2262 matches

by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 3:52 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

If you getting Cashflow Planning, Tax Planing, assistance prioritizing Goals, Portfolio Positioning and other advice it very well may be a good deal. WoodSpinner this is all exactly what I'm getting. the information both companies has shared already is actionable and insightful - things I'm not sure I can get to easily just using Excel and the tools I have available. Maybe another option is to search online for tax modeling and cash flow planning tools - I think running iterative what-if scenarios would be helpful to me. Why not provide links to the websites of the firms you re considering? If they are really so good at what they do, others would appreciate knowing about them. And the firms would appreciate the exposure. I didn't realize a...
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

If you getting Cashflow Planning, Tax Planing, assistance prioritizing Goals, Portfolio Positioning and other advice it very well may be a good deal. WoodSpinner this is all exactly what I'm getting. the information both companies has shared already is actionable and insightful - things I'm not sure I can get to easily just using Excel and the tools I have available. Maybe another option is to search online for tax modeling and cash flow planning tools - I think running iterative what-if scenarios would be helpful to me. I would expect them to bring this analysis to the table …. Or to coordinate a conversation with a deep Tax Expert with you… They did bring this analysis for right now, but having the tools myself to not need them every yea...
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Hondas wont die...they just keep running
Replies: 130
Views: 16006

Re: My Hondas wont die...they just keep running

chuckwalla wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:57 pm The transmission has always been the weak link in Hondas as long as I can remember.
You must not be very old.
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Hondas wont die...they just keep running
Replies: 130
Views: 16006

Re: My Hondas wont die...they just keep running

I used to be a huge Honda fan, I've purchased five new in my lifetime - but I no longer am. My 2018 Odyssey EX-L has 70,000 miles and is in the shop needing a new transmission. $8k. This is a known issue with Odysseys, Pilots, and at least one other model. The REALLY REALLY crappy part is I'm paying $8k to put the exact same model transmission in again - Honda has not come out with a more reliable replacement. The dealer said to plan on at least one more replacement before the van hits 200k miles. Never again, Honda. Did you drain and fill the automatic transmission fluid with OEM fluid every 30k-45k miles? Yep - we did it at 40k. We have all service records. This is a known Honda transmission issue with all models that have the 9 speed tr...
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:19 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: My Hondas wont die...they just keep running
Replies: 130
Views: 16006

Re: My Hondas wont die...they just keep running

I used to be a huge Honda fan, I've purchased five new in my lifetime - but I no longer am. My 2018 Odyssey EX-L has 70,000 miles and is in the shop needing a new transmission. $8k.

This is a known issue with Odysseys, Pilots, and at least one other model. The REALLY REALLY crappy part is I'm paying $8k to put the exact same model transmission in again - Honda has not come out with a more reliable replacement. The dealer said to plan on at least one more replacement before the van hits 200k miles.

Never again, Honda.
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 12:06 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

WoodSpinner wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 11:57 am If you getting Cashflow Planning, Tax Planing, assistance prioritizing Goals, Portfolio Positioning and other advice it very well may be a good deal.


WoodSpinner
this is all exactly what I'm getting. the information both companies has shared already is actionable and insightful - things I'm not sure I can get to easily just using Excel and the tools I have available.

Maybe another option is to search online for tax modeling and cash flow planning tools - I think running iterative what-if scenarios would be helpful to me.
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

Shackleton wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:23 am
bungalow10 wrote: Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:48 am using EFTs instead of index funds and a few other changes.
Do you mean “using EFTs instead of mutual funds”? Because there are EFTs which are also index funds. If you don’t know the difference, I suggest you read/educate yourself further to ensure you know what you are really going to be getting with these advisors. Personally, if sounds like you might need a good tax accountant/planner, which is very different than a financial advisor.
I mean what I said. I use index funds today, but there are benefits to switching to using EFTs, which trade as stocks, instead.
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

I'm not 100% convinced I need this, but I don't really see a downside right now as I do see the value in what they are doing and I have made some mistakes in the recent past (not huge, but enough that I see the value in a professional doing this for me). It’s your money and your tax situation, and I can’t really second guess your judgment. It’s likely going to make you feel better to get a professional involved. Let’s say you sign up, pay your fee, and get excellent advice for 2024. So far so good. My question would be is whether you would get the same value for your fees in 2025, 2026, etc. Many folks have tax situations that are generally stable year to year. I’m not sure that an AUM arrangement will give you value in future years. Would...
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:22 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

If it's mostly the tax efficiency and savings that are driving you this direction, you may be better off finding a pure tax advisor/CPA if they are good, as compared to an advisor with fees based on AUM. I don't see anything wrong with your thought process, even if it is against everything this board is about. This board does not have a monopoly on personal finance, on what is right for everyone, despite what some here think. Just ask some of the posters here who took as gospel that bond funds are "safe", or three fund is fine for all conditions for ever, or "stay the course" etc. and other BH dogma that did not work out so well in recent times. Don't get me wrong, lots of good information here, but you have to make you...
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

I'm strongly considering moving to a professional advisor to manage my portfolio. Between complicated taxes - optimizing tax efficiency, some inherited accounts, and three kids coming up on college, I think it would be worth it to hire someone. I've gotten two proposals - both similar in fees and offerings - both have fees that are a % of the total dollars under management. Neither is associated with any funds/brokerages or take a cut of any commissions. I know this goes against everything this board is about. What I'm asking is if anyone has experience with using these types of firms? Questions I should ask? I think the amount they charge per year could be saved just in improving my tax efficiency. FWIW - both firms were complementary of ...
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 7:10 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Re: Does anyone use professional advisors?

deleted, duplicate response
by bungalow10
Mon Nov 27, 2023 6:48 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does anyone use professional advisors?
Replies: 57
Views: 14651

Does anyone use professional advisors?

I'm strongly considering moving to a professional advisor to manage my portfolio. Between complicated taxes - optimizing tax efficiency, some inherited accounts, and three kids coming up on college, I think it would be worth it to hire someone. I've gotten two proposals - both similar in fees and offerings - both have fees that are a % of the total dollars under management. Neither is associated with any funds/brokerages or take a cut of any commissions. I know this goes against everything this board is about. What I'm asking is if anyone has experience with using these types of firms? Questions I should ask? I think the amount they charge per year could be saved just in improving my tax efficiency. FWIW - both firms were complementary of b...
by bungalow10
Wed Sep 27, 2023 6:57 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with taxable - job loss
Replies: 4
Views: 727

Re: Help with taxable - job loss

muffins14 wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 6:43 am
bungalow10 wrote: Wed Sep 27, 2023 6:39 am I'm struggling with which funds to put it into and do I go all in or DCA?
[/b]
How about FSKAX?
I almost put a big chunk into FSKAX this morning, chickened out, and that prompted my post. I need a gut check and second (third) opinions.
by bungalow10
Wed Sep 27, 2023 6:39 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Help with taxable - job loss
Replies: 4
Views: 727

Help with taxable - job loss

Thank you in advance for reading - I am a long time member and appreciate all the wisdom here. Where I need guidance is our taxable account, but I've provided some background. Background - 45, married with three kids - 16, 13, 10. DH works a low paying job (public schools) and puts all his paycheck into his pre-tax retirement account. He also carries benefits. I'm a high earner, but going through an employment transition - I expect it will take 3-6 months to land, I plan to file for unemployment. No debt, house and cars are paid for. HCOL area. Spend about 10k a month, includes kids activities, travel, entertainment. Does not include savings. Our typical tax bracket is 37%, plus 5% state. We take the standard deduction. Retirement - $1.5MM ...
by bungalow10
Tue Aug 24, 2021 7:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1081838

Re: Share your net worth progression

I apologize, while I have religiously tracked my NW since I was 22, the software crashed and I only have exact numbers from Dec 2017 onwards. 2004/2005 -65,000 goal of 1MM by 40 2013 - third kid born 2014 - DH quits job to be SAH dad and give me career flexibility 2016 - take risk and relo to HCOL area 2017 - 1MM, 38 years old - relocate overseas Dec 2017 - 1.2MM, turned 39. Move back to US in 2018 Dec 2018 - $1.29MM, turned 40, rough year personally and professionally, but laid ground work for good things. Also bought two cars with cash but don’t consider car value in NW Dec 2019 - 1.6MM Dec 2020 - 2.0MM Current - 3.2MM - inheritance, plus good things at work and in market. Paid off house. Thankful for this board and the words of wisdom of...
by bungalow10
Tue Aug 24, 2021 7:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Share your net worth progression
Replies: 4288
Views: 1081838

Re: Share your net worth progression

Delete, double post
by bungalow10
Tue Aug 24, 2021 6:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Price on oak flooring
Replies: 16
Views: 2447

Re: Price on oak flooring

I live in a HCOLA area and prefinished is considered a no-no. I had no idea as we’d remodeled a house in another part of the country and it was fine. Moved here and no house had prefinished and RE agents snub their noses at it.
by bungalow10
Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Child Tax credit
Replies: 83
Views: 8530

Re: Child Tax credit

pizzy wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:34 pm
bungalow10 wrote: Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:35 pm AGI over $400k in 2020, three kids, just got $450.

So weird.
It doesn’t go to $0 until ~$440k AGI
I’ll be above $500k this year, so I guess I’ll have to pay it all back??
by bungalow10
Thu Jul 15, 2021 6:35 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Child Tax credit
Replies: 83
Views: 8530

Re: Child Tax credit

AGI over $400k in 2020, three kids, just got $450.

So weird.
by bungalow10
Sun Jun 06, 2021 12:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA rule
Replies: 16
Views: 1612

Re: Inherited IRA rule

But she would have been entitled to the stretch rules and anyone who inherited that inherited IRA would follow the same stretch rules (including the 1st beneficiaries schedule which is based on the 1st beneficiaries age ). The second beneficiary would also have an IRA still titled Dad Inherited IRA (ie it would not be Aunt Inherited IRA) to specifically track the original owner. I don't think the new 10 year stretch rules consider age when applying. They are based only date of death, I think, for those not subject to RMDs at time of death. Based on the fact that Dad (original owner) died in 2015 - do the old rules or new rules apply? do we still have 10 years to drain the account - starting when we got it (2021), staring in 2015 (when dad ...
by bungalow10
Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:50 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA rule
Replies: 16
Views: 1612

Re: Inherited IRA rule

But she would have been entitled to the stretch rules and anyone who inherited that inherited IRA would follow the same stretch rules (including the 1st beneficiaries schedule which is based on the 1st beneficiaries age ). The second beneficiary would also have an IRA still titled Dad Inherited IRA (ie it would not be Aunt Inherited IRA) to specifically track the original owner. I don't think the new 10 year stretch rules consider age when applying. They are based only date of death, I think, for those not subject to RMDs at time of death. Based on the fact that Dad (original owner) died in 2015 - do the old rules or new rules apply? do we still have 10 years to drain the account - starting when we got it (2021), staring in 2015 (when dad ...
by bungalow10
Sun Jun 06, 2021 11:40 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA rule
Replies: 16
Views: 1612

Re: Inherited IRA rule

To answer a lot of questions here. 1. Account was Dad's, Mom never retitled or re-did the beneficiaries - per what WF told me on the phone . the last statement I have, 30 day's before Mom's death, says "Wells Fargo, custodian of IRA for Dad". there is no FBO listed... 2. Wells Fargo told us that it was Dad's, mom is primary and we (brother and I) are secondary. 4. Wells Fargo needed dad's and mom's death certificates. 3. I sent in surviving child documentation, beneficiary claim forms, as well as the letters of appointment (I am executor). I had to note that the spouse of Dad was dead. To be honest, working with Wells Fargo has been the worst of all the IRA experiences I've had - some were downright great (looking at you Fidelity ...
by bungalow10
Sat Jun 05, 2021 3:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA rule
Replies: 16
Views: 1612

Re: Inherited IRA rule

I read all that and I’m still not sure what it means?


Wells Fargo transitioned the IRA to me, skipping the primary beneficiary because she had passed.

Again...
Dads IRA - he dies at age 60, in 2015
Mom is primary beneficiary, never retitles, she’s 65 at time of death in 2021

Contingent beneficiaries get the IRA, titled as Dads IRA

When do we have to have the account empty?
by bungalow10
Sat Jun 05, 2021 2:14 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inherited IRA rule
Replies: 16
Views: 1612

Inherited IRA rule

I have an inherited IRA question. The IRA was my dad's, with my mom as primary beneficiary and me and my brother as secondary. My question is related to what rules apply, since the death dates of the first two parties are far apart. IRA was in my dad's name - let's call him Dad. His wife was primary beneficiary, let's call her Mom. Dad died in 2015, under different IRA rules and the IRA effectively became my mom's, but she never did the paperwork to move it to her name. Mom died in 2021, with two kids (I'm one) as beneficiaries (per stirpes). The new IRA paperwork says "cust for the IRA of Dad DCD FBO Kid1" Dad died in 2015, under different IRA rules. "The SECURE Act also changed when money is to be withdrawn from inherited I...
by bungalow10
Thu May 27, 2021 5:23 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Funds --> Fidelity (inherited IRA)
Replies: 8
Views: 1108

Re: American Funds --> Fidelity (inherited IRA)

placeholder wrote: Thu May 27, 2021 12:03 am
bungalow10 wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 9:12 pm I have never heard of this. Can you or anyone else provide more info on why an inherited 401k would need to be liquidated?
To clarify liquidated in the sense that the assets are sold and the subsequent rollover is in cash which is fairly typical for workplace plans of any sort.
Ahhh... makes sense!!!
by bungalow10
Wed May 26, 2021 9:12 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Funds --> Fidelity (inherited IRA)
Replies: 8
Views: 1108

Re: American Funds --> Fidelity (inherited IRA)

NancyABQ wrote: Wed May 26, 2021 7:01 pm
EDIT: Actually since this is coming from a 401k, you may have no choice but to liquidate and transfer it as a custodial check (made out in trust to you). Make sure you look carefully into the logistics on this one!
I have never heard of this. Can you or anyone else provide more info on why an inherited 401k would need to be liquidated?
by bungalow10
Wed May 26, 2021 3:30 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: American Funds --> Fidelity (inherited IRA)
Replies: 8
Views: 1108

American Funds --> Fidelity (inherited IRA)

I have a few inherited IRAs I'm consolidating to Fidelity. One of which is my mom's workplace 401k, which is at American Funds. I'm not very familiar with American Funds as a company, but their expense ratios are high. Am I better off moving all her funds to the money market fund prior to transfer or selling and reinvesting post-transfer? I'm curious as to whether or not I will incur any sales fees on the investments in the account today (she's held them for years, but they are "new" to me). I think from what I've read, American Funds charges a 1% (!!!) sales fee on security held less than a years. Most ER on her funds are 1.4%. Or do I transfer as-is and sell them all at Fidelity? advice appreciated, I love this group and I can u...
by bungalow10
Fri May 07, 2021 7:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Country Club
Replies: 56
Views: 6499

Re: Country Club

There is no social membership option.
by bungalow10
Fri May 07, 2021 6:14 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Country Club
Replies: 56
Views: 6499

Re: Country Club

We will still have some kids activities, like soccer. Soccer schedules also tie us to home over the weekend, much fewer weekend getaways, so a club getaway close to home will be nice.

Also, kids sport teams and camps are an additional charge. It’s competitive with public teams, but no great deal. Food is similar - good quality but no discount versus other restaurants.

Also, an easy answer to the epic “where do we go for dinner” question is priceless!
by bungalow10
Fri May 07, 2021 5:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Country Club
Replies: 56
Views: 6499

Re: Country Club

Thanks everyone for the replies and reassurance.

To answer some questions about culture and fit... many of our neighbors belong and we love our neighborhood. Two of my kids spent quite a bit of time there with friends and love it (pre-covid they would go to the beach or to use the pool). We had dinner there last night and DH and I have attended an event there (also pre-covid). We are an active family and the proximity to our house is a nice selling point.

The hold ups for me are the cost and then what if we move? We love our house, neighbors, schools. My job/employment is the only reason we’d move and I’d like to stay stable for the kids through the high school years.
by bungalow10
Fri May 07, 2021 5:40 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Country Club
Replies: 56
Views: 6499

Re: Country Club

winterfan wrote: Fri May 07, 2021 5:30 am You have plenty of money, I'd say go for it, especially if you have friends there already. It sounds like a fun place for the kids during the summer and I think it's great having access to a pool too. I have to ask, how on earth are you paying off a 250K mortgage in a year? Is this from income or other sources? I'm just curious and impressed.
Good question - RSU vesting and a modest inheritance. I’ve paid it down $200k in the last year using my bonus, a small gift and RSUs
by bungalow10
Fri May 07, 2021 2:39 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Country Club
Replies: 56
Views: 6499

Country Club

I’ve read prior threads but thought I’d post a new one for feedback... About us - DH and I are early 40s, kids are 8, 11, 13. I work, DH is a SAHD. Income is $250-500k/year. Mortgage has $250k left (will be paid off in 12 months). College and retirement savings on track. Hope to stay in this house for 10 years min to get youngest through HS Cost - 30k upfront. 10k in maint annually and food min. Lots of opportunities to spend much more than that of course Club - family friendly and walking distance to our Chicago area home. Golf (none of us golf, all want to learn), platform tennis, lake, indoor pool. Youngest wants to do swim team. Older two golf and archery. Kids can go there on their own. Lots of parties and kids activities, club is very...
by bungalow10
Fri Apr 30, 2021 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo no load fund
Replies: 4
Views: 482

Re: Wells Fargo no load fund

123 wrote: Fri Apr 30, 2021 12:05 pm WFTXX - Wells Fargo 100% Treasury MMF - no load. Pretty close to cash.https://www.wellsfargoassetmanagement.c ... l-summ.pdf
exactly what I needed - thank you!!!! (and thank you from my brother who was asking me this same question 10 minutes ago)
by bungalow10
Fri Apr 30, 2021 11:58 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Wells Fargo no load fund
Replies: 4
Views: 482

Wells Fargo no load fund

I need a recommendation for a Wells Fargo no load fund to use to open an IRA. It will only be used for a month or two.

Backstory - I'm inheriting an IRA at Wells Fargo and I'm told I must specify a Wells Fargo fund for initial investment of funds upon creation/transfer. I can't leave them in cash until I can do research. I plan to transfer the account to Fidelity fairly quickly. I can't log into Wells Fargo to research now because I don't have an account - this and a few other things about this process are really turn offs for WF as a whole.
by bungalow10
Thu Apr 29, 2021 11:27 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Probate attorney costs
Replies: 20
Views: 2734

Re: Probate attorney costs

update - attorney got back to me, it's about 11 hours of work (and will get what I think is about $12,000 for that!!!). I'm looking for a less expensive attorney now and may have found one.

I'm also still considering doing it myself, but being as it's out of state, it may be worth it to pay someone. Still reading up - thanks all for the links and stories.
by bungalow10
Wed Apr 28, 2021 8:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Probate attorney costs
Replies: 20
Views: 2734

Re: Probate attorney costs

This is all great advice and feedback, appreciate it. I’m still researching my options
by bungalow10
Wed Apr 28, 2021 6:26 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Probate attorney costs
Replies: 20
Views: 2734

Probate attorney costs

I'm executor of my mom's will. It will be an easy split between me and my brother - we agree on everything, no personal items (all disposed), and we are selling the house. She lived in Iowa, which has a provision that estate attorneys get 2% of the estate gross as fees. It's oddly worded and many people assume it's required, but you can negotiate the amount if the attorney agrees - it's more of a reservation in the event there isn't another agreement in place. Her retirement accounts are excluded (fortunately she had named beneficiaries), leaving more than $500k and less than $1MM in house, car, and cash. No personal items, no investments. The estate attorney wants 2% to represent the estate.... which seems excessive. The attorney says hour...
by bungalow10
Mon Apr 26, 2021 4:58 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What does this mean? re: claims against decedents estate
Replies: 4
Views: 803

Re: What does this mean? re: claims against decedents estate

I think they key words are that they can’t be traced.
by bungalow10
Sat Apr 10, 2021 9:39 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance - help me get my head straight
Replies: 11
Views: 1787

Re: Inheritance - help me get my head straight

everyone - thank you!! this seems so much more clear. I was referencing outdated advice online and this really helped.

I'm going to encourage my brother to keep the Roth funds in the Roth for 10 years (and I will do the same). We will see what else we can come up with on the house - maybe a small mortgage and he can withdraw from the inherited 401k funds to pay it or something if he needs to.

As far as my situation, I'm either in the top tax bracket or the one right before it... so I can hold the taxable funds either until the end or maybe the occasion where I have a low income year or retire really early (I doubt that one will happen, my youngest is 8 yo).
by bungalow10
Sat Apr 10, 2021 6:18 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Inheritance - help me get my head straight
Replies: 11
Views: 1787

Inheritance - help me get my head straight

My brother and I (early 40s, he' single, I'm married with three school age kids) are in the process of inheriting our mom's estate. I am a long time Boglehead and it's served me and my family well, and my brother says he plans to rely on me for advice and guidance on the inheritance. Both of us are debt free and have retirement and emergency funds in place, except I have a very manageable mortgage. 1. The bulk of the estate is in the form of 401ks. I think our best option here is to roll them into inherited IRAs and start taking RMDs. I can use mine to supplement college funds in a few years :shock: Any reason to not roll these over or advice on any decisions we will be asked to make? 2. There is a small amount of annuity paying a guarantee...
by bungalow10
Sat Feb 01, 2020 1:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: paying cleaning lady
Replies: 56
Views: 9443

Re: paying cleaning lady

Trism wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2020 7:17 am
bungalow10 wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2020 7:08 am I used to have a man clean my house. Cleaning it's just something "ladies" do.
Silly labels.

We have a husband/wife team that cleans our house. Both the husband and the wife refer to the husband as a cleaning lady.

When we visit New York, we don't pretend we're staying in Personhattan.
Bad analogy, but I suspect you are trying to play dumb.. or just bad at humor.

Do we need a separate thread to talk about how to pay the cleaning gentleman? Are there different expectations depending on the gender of the person cleaning? Or would it be more appropriate to remove gender from the title and content of this post?
by bungalow10
Thu Jan 23, 2020 12:32 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What is your favorite consumer product?
Replies: 339
Views: 77680

Re: What is your favorite consumer product?

Peloton (the bike, I don't have the tread)

SavvyRest latex mattress - 10+ years old and still in such good shape that I can't justify getting a new one even though I want to upsize to a king
by bungalow10
Fri Jan 17, 2020 12:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Realized we made a major mistake and feeling really sick.
Replies: 162
Views: 17119

Re: Realized we made a major mistake and feeling really sick.

What did you do with the money when you sold? Did you invest it? Make sure you include all the gains from the investments in your comparisons.
by bungalow10
Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:42 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day camps and summer camps
Replies: 23
Views: 1599

Re: Day camps and summer camps

livesoft wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:26 pm
I'm not sure why the OP needs approval from the Bogleheads to do this. We just did it.
I don't think I need approval per say, it's more just to reset my level of "normal". Living in a HCOL area, things like luxury vehicles (which we don't have), European vacations (rare), and take out every night (never) become things that are common.

I was waiting to see if I'd get a BH smack down, or if my spending guage was still mostly okay.
by bungalow10
Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day camps and summer camps
Replies: 23
Views: 1599

Re: Day camps and summer camps

oldfatguy wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:16 pm Does your school district offer summer classes? Our has 4-5 week classes in all the interest areas you mentioned, plus many many more. There is only a nominal registration fee.
Our fee here isn't nominal, it's about the same cost as day camps.
by bungalow10
Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:15 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day camps and summer camps
Replies: 23
Views: 1599

Re: Day camps and summer camps

chevca wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2020 12:52 pm I don't see you list anything but positives, and you say you can afford it. Why are you asking? :happy
The negative is $3000. I could get a new couch for that... but we I also don't spend money on new couches. I think I've been a Boglehead for over a decade.
by bungalow10
Thu Jan 16, 2020 1:09 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day camps and summer camps
Replies: 23
Views: 1599

Re: Day camps and summer camps

Carson wrote: Thu Jan 16, 2020 12:51 pm

Before shelling out a significant amount for each camp, I would ask if you can see their daily routine. At least from what I have seen, many of them have playtime/swimming/physical activities/eating time in their schedule. Which is fine, but they present this illusion that you'll be doing STEM work all day, and they really aren't. Perhaps you could find some enrichment type classes for less cost and have your DH supervise the playtime for free.
These camps are good, we've had the kids in their afterschool programs before - the morning is all STEM activities, the afternoon is story writing, story telling, and improv. They will of course have lunch and I hope some unstructured time.
by bungalow10
Thu Jan 16, 2020 12:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day camps and summer camps
Replies: 23
Views: 1599

Day camps and summer camps

Good day, Bogleheads! I posted a thread six years ago asking a similar question as the one I am today, but my three kids are six years old and my situation has changed. Curious as to the parents of this group's thoughts (and even non-parents) on day camps and summer camps for kids. I have some good opporutnities to send my kids to STEM camps, improv camps and various other interesting, educational, interactive skill building camps. One of my three kids needs it. He's in first grade going into second and we spent a chunk of money on summer speech therapy last year - and it was not a good use of cash. I think having him in an engaging and social environemnt where he naturally works on his speech with his peers (this works for him) is a better...
by bungalow10
Mon Dec 16, 2019 3:10 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Gifts to your employees- how much?
Replies: 113
Views: 9054

Re: Gifts to your employees- how much?

I managed a HQ team of about 25 people. I invited all of them to my house for a holiday party with their spouses and kids. about 1/3 are attending. I'm spending about $1000-1200 total on the party - catering, booze, incidentals.

Really low key, kids are all in the 2-12 age range, should be fun.

We also did a team Secret Santa last week - $20 or so. We invited another team that sits near us that is smaller. It was super fun, out second year doing it and I think all enjoyed it a lot.
by bungalow10
Fri Dec 13, 2019 12:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Day Trip to Downtown Chicago
Replies: 62
Views: 6903

Re: Day Trip to Downtown Chicago

MSI is worth it, but you won't have time. The Bean, Maggie Daley, and the faces sculptures (no idea what they are called, but right by the Bean) are great. The boat tour is really great, definitely exceeded my expectations. I also love the Warhol exhibit at the Art Institute right now - I took my kids two weeks ago. I would do that over Millennium Park/Maggie Daley in the winter. There is parking (SP+) directly under Millennium Park - look online to buy ahead and get a deal. If you want to eat near Millennium Park - Broken English Taco Pub, Xoco, The Purple Pig, The Side Door are all great options. The Purple Pig is hard to get into and might not be worth it with kids. The rest are all accessible for families. Lastly, plan a spring/summer t...