Search found 835 matches

by kerplunk
Fri Jan 19, 2024 11:06 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My father (Boglehead by proxy) passed away
Replies: 35
Views: 5381

Re: My father (Boglehead by proxy) passed away

Thanks for the helpful information (as well the condolences), everyone. Here are some answers to your questions: My sister and I are on very good terms and there would be no disagreement or trouble regarding any decision made. We both have well-paying jobs. Executor - I am named the executor in his will. IRA beneficiaries are all listed as 50% me and 50% my sister. Girlfriend - Although not in his will, he told me he wanted to make sure his girlfriend was taken care of. It may have to come as a gift from my sister and I, but we'll see. (I partially blame her for contributing to my dad's death, so it's even more complicated.) Assuming mortgage / DTI - I work for a technology company where much of my compensation is in RSUs. This is why my DT...
by kerplunk
Wed Jan 17, 2024 3:51 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My father (Boglehead by proxy) passed away
Replies: 35
Views: 5381

Re: My father (Boglehead by proxy) passed away

bob60014 wrote: Wed Jan 17, 2024 3:44 pm "passed a few days ago"?

Take a breath, relax and take time to grieve.
Sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your kind words. He passed on January 7th, so I have had some time to grieve with family. We had to transport the body out of state which is why the funeral was only yesterday.
by kerplunk
Wed Jan 17, 2024 3:31 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: My father (Boglehead by proxy) passed away
Replies: 35
Views: 5381

My father (Boglehead by proxy) passed away

Over the past 13 years, this community has helped me help my dad with so many of his financial, tax, and healthcare questions. I am forever grateful to you all. My dad passed away, suddenly, at the age of 64, a few days ago. Funeral was yesterday. Now, I have to figure out a few things, and I was hoping you all could help me with his affairs one last time. - Summary [/u] My dad had a house with a mortgage ($300K remaining, valued at $650K), traditional IRA ($800K), Roth IRA ($70K), checking account ($10K), savings account ($5K), HSA ($5K), and partial ownership of a cabin and some rural land with my uncles and aunt ($125K value). His will stated that he wanted to give me full ownership of his house, $10K each to 3 of his brothers and sister...
by kerplunk
Sun Oct 22, 2023 2:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Fast Money: Verizon $10/mo discount per line retention credit
Replies: 40
Views: 8890

Re: Fast Money: Verizon $10/mo discount per line retention credit

I did this last week. It didn't work the first time I tried it. I tried it a second time and got an email 2 days later. All 5 of my lines are receiving a $10/month discount for a year. Pretty sweet!
by kerplunk
Sun Oct 22, 2023 11:47 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Strategy Review for Parents Turning 65
Replies: 19
Views: 1986

Re: Medicare Strategy Review for Parents Turning 65

General questions: 1. Does it matter which Medigap provider you use? (Should they always just choose the cheapest available?) 2. Can you switch Medigap providers each year (and not need to go through underwriting), as long as you stay within the same plan? (They are not in one of the 5 states that allows you to switch without underwriting.) Always compare the employer health package with the individual medicare option-vs the employer package of course start with the premium comparison consider that in some states it is a benefit to lock in a 65 yr old age band that future premium increases can be based on for medicare supplement especially with the big carriers written under a group certificate like UHC and the Blues employer plans will be ...
by kerplunk
Sun Oct 22, 2023 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Medicare Strategy Review for Parents Turning 65
Replies: 19
Views: 1986

Medicare Strategy Review for Parents Turning 65

My parents (divorced many years ago) are both turning 65 early next year. I would like to run my plan for them regarding Medicare enrollment by the Bogleheads. Mother Birthday: January 5 Location: Minnesota Health: Generally good Employment: Yes; enrolled in employer health insurance. Age 65 plan: Enroll in Medicare Part A and keep employer health insurance. After she leaves the company (retires) in a few years, sign up for Medicare Part B and Medigap Plan G. Father Birthday: March 10 Location: Florida Health: Extreme alcoholic; has had a few hospital stays and trips to ER in the past few years. Employment: Retired Age 65 plan: Enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, and Medigap Plan G. Is there anything else I should be thinking about or am mis...
by kerplunk
Wed Mar 29, 2023 2:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mega Backdoor Roth and 1099-R
Replies: 1
Views: 519

Mega Backdoor Roth and 1099-R

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
by kerplunk
Sun Mar 19, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Backdoor Roth IRA Mistake (Tax Question)
Replies: 17
Views: 1408

Backdoor Roth IRA Mistake (Tax Question)

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎
by kerplunk
Fri Jan 13, 2023 12:24 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Top Load vs Front Load washers?
Replies: 58
Views: 7729

Re: Top Load vs Front Load washers?

I've used many different types of washing machines and dryers.

LG front-loading is my pick. Cleans clothes the best. Doesn't shake when you are washing heavy blankets. Very efficient. Very gentle on everything. I'll never go back to a top loader...
by kerplunk
Sat Sep 24, 2022 1:04 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please help a non techie with FIOS installation
Replies: 16
Views: 1620

Re: Please help a non techie with FIOS installation

I'm intrigued why you would consider cable a lesser product than FIOS. FIOS is simply a brand name. The cable companies all run fiberoptic networks. All that matters is the speed and quality of service you get. Optimum offers way faster speeds than Verizon does where I live. One could order 5gb service with Optimum. There are select cases where traditional cable companies offer true fiber connections to their customers, but that is not commonplace -- a very small percentage of cable customers even have access to that. 5 Gbps is not a common offering and it is not "cable." At some point in the connection there will be fiber optic lines used, but that is much less likely as the connection approaches a residential property. The most...
by kerplunk
Fri Sep 23, 2022 2:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please help a non techie with FIOS installation
Replies: 16
Views: 1620

Re: Please help a non techie with FIOS installation

Jags4186 wrote: Fri Sep 23, 2022 9:19 am Be happy the Verizon guy said he couldn’t do it. My Verizon guy lazily hooked our Fios box up to the legacy COAX line. Well that limits my FiOS connection to 100mbps. They sent me a coax cable in the mail and told me to run it through my window if I wanted faster speeds.

Strangely, Optimum can run 1gig+ over coax.

Just go with a cable provider. Verizon is a PIA.
I would not recommend choosing a lesser product because of one bad experience with an inexperienced installation technician.
by kerplunk
Fri Sep 23, 2022 9:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please help a non techie with FIOS installation
Replies: 16
Views: 1620

Re: Please help a non techie with FIOS installation

Your FiOS (fiber optic) lines are on telephone poles? Odd, ours are buried. You must be in the northeast. Anyway, if you have Ethernet cable (cat 5e) running to your garage or outside of your house, that is all the technician needs. The ONT can be installed outside (or in your garage). It will need a power source. If you are looking for more geeky help on this, consult someone on DSLReports forums. Good luck!
by kerplunk
Tue Sep 13, 2022 5:06 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Really Bad Day - 09/13/2022
Replies: 141
Views: 24201

Re: Really Bad Day - 09/13/2022

I finally got around to selling the funds in my previous employer's 401(k) today -- my largest account -- effective today's market close. That's why it is a RBD. I'll give everyone a heads up before I take a risk like that again so you all can prepare.
by kerplunk
Fri Aug 19, 2022 11:28 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Exchange of 3M For Neogen. Worth it?
Replies: 15
Views: 6064

Re: Exchange of 3M For Neogen. Worth it?

You are unlikely to find any fortune tellers in the Bogleheads community. This is one reason most of us only invest in widely diversified funds like a total U.S. stock market index. Best of luck with your decision.
by kerplunk
Sat Aug 13, 2022 12:55 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215654

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual accounts

I apologize if this has already been mentioned, but mutual fund only accounts are important for those of us who are employed by financial services companies. FINRA Rule 3210 - https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/rulebooks/finra-rules/3210 For example, if you work at JPMorgan as an IT Help Desk associate, you cannot have brokerage accounts outside of JPMorgan. This is unless the firm is willing to supervise those external accounts. Most firms will not take on that burden. Fidelity offers mutual fund only accounts, but you can only sign up using a paper application. I just did this a few months ago. Oh it's been mentioned... but the bulk of this crowd just dismiss this as noise and been a luddite and scared of change and/or technology 8-) I...
by kerplunk
Fri Aug 12, 2022 10:52 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New fee for Vanguard mutual [and brokerage accounts - July 2023 updates]
Replies: 2094
Views: 215654

Re: New fee for Vanguard mutual accounts

I apologize if this has already been mentioned, but mutual fund only accounts are important for those of us who are employed by financial services companies.

FINRA Rule 3210 - https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/ru ... rules/3210

For example, if you work at JPMorgan as an IT Help Desk associate, you cannot have brokerage accounts outside of JPMorgan. This is unless the firm is willing to supervise those external accounts. Most firms will not take on that burden.

Fidelity offers mutual fund only accounts, but you can only sign up using a paper application. I just did this a few months ago.
by kerplunk
Sun May 01, 2022 11:34 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Saving $10k+ a month for house downpayment, where to invest?
Replies: 16
Views: 3227

Re: Saving $10k+ a month for house downpayment, where to invest?

Stormfloatter wrote: Sun May 01, 2022 7:58 pm You just lost 12000$ with interest going from 3% to 5%. Basically 10% of your yearly saving (10k month)

If you keep waiting you will lose much more than that. If you find a house you like just buy it.

1 month from now, we will be talking about 7% rates for a 30 years.

And houses will not go down in price. Houses will raise with inflation.

Find the house you want to live in for the next 10 years at least and buy it. You have the means now. You will not have the means later.
These are some pretty bold predictions.
by kerplunk
Mon Apr 18, 2022 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: College Decision
Replies: 225
Views: 21000

Re: College Decision

USNews Rankings - National Universities

#38 - Georgia Institute of Technology
#42 - Case Western Reserve University
#48 - University of Georgia
#55 - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
#59 - University of Pittsburgh
#63 - George Washington University

I would choose Georgia Tech for technology or business majors. (UGA for one year and then transfer to Georgia Tech.)

If she is serious about medicine, Case Western or Pittsburgh are going to be a better options.
by kerplunk
Fri Mar 25, 2022 11:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Debit Card with Daily Spend Limit for Elderly Parent
Replies: 11
Views: 1563

Re: Debit Card with Daily Spend Limit for Elderly Parent

Thanks for the good ideas and well wishes, everyone. In regard to his drinking problem -- it's been a 40 year issue for him and he has no intention of quitting or seeking help. I have accepted that. I'm just attempting to make sure he doesn't run out of money and have to rely solely on social security. (Or the kindness of his son...) Yes, I live by him. The issue with cash is that I would have to provide him with it every day. He frequently stays with his girlfriend for weeks at a time, so that would be difficult. I think the prepaid debit card is the way to go. His bank (Chase) offers a secure checking account with debit card. This will act as a prepaid debit card for him, and I can setup alerts that will text him when his balance is low. ...
by kerplunk
Fri Mar 25, 2022 10:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Debit Card with Daily Spend Limit for Elderly Parent
Replies: 11
Views: 1563

Debit Card with Daily Spend Limit for Elderly Parent

My retired father has a problem with alcohol and spending.

When he is sober, he is is completely on board with the financial plan and budget we created for him. When he is under the influence, he spends wastefully and has no recollection of spending. He is on track to completely wipe out his retirement savings in 5 years at this pace.

For those wondering, I do have power of attorney over him. I would like to replace his credit cards with some type of debit card or prepaid spending card that has a daily spend limit. Any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated.

I am looking at Navy Federal's GO Prepaid card, but I do not have any experience with it.

Thank you!
by kerplunk
Tue Feb 08, 2022 11:33 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread
Replies: 347
Views: 41319

Re: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread

retiredjg: Yes, "mutual fund only" accounts are available to the general population at Fidelity.

FWIW, I also have my HSA with Fidelity. Fidelity does not offer mutual fund only HSA account types, but my company will supervise this account because they do not offer HSAs as a product.

jeffyscott: I called a few other investment companies and they did not offer mutual fund only accounts. To be clear, a mutual fund only account does not have any ability to trade securities like stocks and ETFs. If you know of any that offer mutual fund only accounts, please provide a list to help others in the future. Thank you!
by kerplunk
Mon Feb 07, 2022 10:31 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread
Replies: 347
Views: 41319

Re: Vanguard Brokerage versus Mutual Fund Account Decision thread

(Sorry for bumping a thread that has not been active for a few months, but I didn't want to create a new thread to share my experience.) I work in IT at a large financial firm, and due to FINRA Rule 3210, I cannot have a brokerage account at anther financial firm unless my employer supervises the account. (My employer refuses to supervise outside accounts.) I have been a Vanguard customer for over a decade, and after multiple emails from Vanguard telling me to migrate my account and multiple customer service representatives telling me that they will force my hand "sometime in 2022," I have decided to move to Fidelity. The move to Fidelity was not easy. You cannot signup for a mutual fund only account online; it can only be done wi...
by kerplunk
Wed Jan 26, 2022 11:20 pm
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️
Replies: 264
Views: 19415

Re: Happy 98th Birthday to Taylor Larimore 🎂🍰🎉🎊❤️🎁⭐️

Just saw this and wanted to wish a happy birthday to someone who has truly made a positive difference in so many lives. Thank you, sir!
by kerplunk
Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: After-tax 401(k) - Convert employer match first?
Replies: 6
Views: 411

Re: After-tax 401(k) - Convert employer match first?

Thanks, everyone! That is exactly what was I was confused about. My question has been answered. I really appreciate the wisdom from you all over the past 10+ years.
by kerplunk
Sun Jan 02, 2022 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: After-tax 401(k) - Convert employer match first?
Replies: 6
Views: 411

After-tax 401(k) - Convert employer match first?

Good evening, fellow Bogleheads! It's been a while! Hopefully, this question will be an easy one for you all.

My employer allows after-tax 401(k) contributions. Do I need to convert any pre-tax 401(k) and (pre-tax) employer match contributions to Roth before making after-tax 401(k) contributions? I have around $10,000 in employer contributions and $7,000 in my own pre-tax contributions.

(If yes, does the timing matter? Or as long as it is within the same tax year, it's OK?)

Thank you!
by kerplunk
Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:43 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax-Loss Harvesting Advice
Replies: 5
Views: 419

Re: Tax-Loss Harvesting Advice

FiveK wrote: Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:34 pm 1. You probably don't want a Wash Sale, so don't try to have one.
2. For tax loss harvesting purposes, leave the IRAs alone.

Read through those two links. Did they help?
Thanks -- I'll exchange $30,000 of Total Stock Market for $30,000 of 500 Index in Taxable, and I won't touch the IRAs.
by kerplunk
Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:26 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax-Loss Harvesting Advice
Replies: 5
Views: 419

Re: Tax-Loss Harvesting Advice

I really appreciate the responses.

Please correct me if my interpretation is wrong, but I should sell $30,000 in taxable and then convert $30,000 from Traditional IRA to Roth IRA and that would be a wash? I don't think I am understanding the best approach.
by kerplunk
Sun Mar 22, 2020 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Tax-Loss Harvesting Advice
Replies: 5
Views: 419

Tax-Loss Harvesting Advice

I am a little rusty on tax-loss harvesting techniques. Could someone please tell me the optimal thing to do in this situation? 1. I assume I should exchange $30,000 in my taxable account for a similar fund in the same account. 2. I assume I should exchange $38,000 and $26,000 from my Traditional IRA to my Roth IRA for a free conversion. Is this correct? These are the current unrealized gains : Taxable Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares: -$30,000 Traditional IRA Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund Admiral Shares: +$15,000 Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund Admiral Shares: -$38,000 Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares: -$26,000 Roth IRA Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares -$5,...
by kerplunk
Sat Feb 29, 2020 10:18 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Where is Livesoft!?
Replies: 147
Views: 32925

Re: Where is Livesoft!?

Just came here to say that livesoft is a Bogleheads legend. He’s the Michael Jordan of this forum. It would be a significant loss if he didn’t come back. Hope everything is well, livesoft!
by kerplunk
Mon Feb 10, 2020 5:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Online bank recommendations
Replies: 32
Views: 3854

Re: Online bank recommendations

Discover is who I use.
by kerplunk
Fri Feb 07, 2020 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Downside to using Cash Back credit cards
Replies: 40
Views: 5783

Re: Downside to using Cash Back credit cards

As others have said, your credit score will bounce right back up to where it was -- or possibly higher. If you plan to make more large purchases like that, you may want to ask for a credit line increase so your utilization ratio won't be so high.
by kerplunk
Sun Jan 19, 2020 9:20 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?
Replies: 7203
Views: 1413755

Re: What's Your Credit Card Rewards Strategy?

I believe that my credit cards rewards strategy is more Bogleheads-like than most. I use Navy Federal Credit Union credit cards. Two cards (More Rewards and Flagship Rewards) yield 3 cents per dollar spent on travel, transit (broad category), gas, restaurants, supermarkets, and 2 cents per dollar on everything else. It’s so simple and straightforward. Here’s a post about the Flagship Rewards card I saw on the myFICO forums which got me interested originally. Yes, it's a travel card. But that seems a little harsh and hasty a review of the Flagship card. Pardon my off-topic diversion. I don't have it but have considered it. I think it can be a great card depending on what else is in someone's wallet. For someone who can get qualify for member...
by kerplunk
Thu Nov 21, 2019 10:35 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Agressive Investing of $6mm?
Replies: 48
Views: 5717

Re: Agressive Investing of $6mm?

If you ever figure out how to get “max possible returns,” please let us know.

I suggest the following:

48% total us stock market
12% total international stock market
40% total US bond market

Rebalance once a year.
by kerplunk
Sun Nov 17, 2019 8:56 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Good DNS to use?
Replies: 15
Views: 1856

Re: Good DNS to use?

1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 are excellent. These are what I use. I’m an IT senior network engineer.
by kerplunk
Sun Nov 17, 2019 10:36 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Fed dental plans in 2020: keeping, dropping or switching?
Replies: 33
Views: 4307

Re: Fed dental plans in 2020: keeping, dropping or switching?

Please correct me if I’m wrong, but most dental insurance plans will only pay out $1,000 to $1,500 max in one year. After deductibles and copays, you’re saving only a few hundred dollars by having dental insurance.
by kerplunk
Sat Oct 26, 2019 3:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Wireless exterior video camera
Replies: 20
Views: 2879

Re: Wireless exterior video camera

Unless you have a strong Wi-Fi signal outdoors -- a properly setup Wi-Fi home network would not have this, by the way -- then the better option is using PoE cameras. These are hardwired and powered with Ethernet cable. Amcrest makes great ones.
by kerplunk
Mon May 13, 2019 9:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage or Pay Cash
Replies: 21
Views: 2777

Re: Mortgage or Pay Cash

He’s not working. He wants to take SS early because his dad died at age 69 and he does not expect a long lifespan for himself.

New house has no HOA. Property taxes $7,000. Insurance is $1,100. Water/trash/sewer is $80. It’s a new home, so repairs are almost nonexistent and the only maintenance is small lawn which he will trim himself.
by kerplunk
Mon May 13, 2019 7:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage or Pay Cash
Replies: 21
Views: 2777

Re: Mortgage or Pay Cash

This is why I love this forum. So many more options to consider.

- He is single.
- His expenses are low: $20,000/year not including housing.
- His taxable account has some pretty substantial LT capital gains, but I’ll need to verify

Thanks everyone
by kerplunk
Sat May 11, 2019 5:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Mortgage or Pay Cash
Replies: 21
Views: 2777

Mortgage or Pay Cash

Hi everyone,

My 60 year old father has $1,275,000 at Vanguard.

$500,000 in taxable
$725,000 in IRA
$50,000 in Roth IRA

40% Total US Stock Market
10% Total International Stock Market
50% Total Bond Market

He is buying a house that costs $469,000.

Which scenario makes more sense financially?

Scenario A - Put 20% down ($93,800) and get a mortgage ($375,200) at 4% interest. Vanguard account would have $1,181,200.

Scenario B - Pay $469,000 in cash. Vanguard account would have $806,000.

He will get Social Security in 1.5 years for $2,000/month.

Thank you so much for your advice/guidance. This community always brings up good points that we never think about. Thank you!
by kerplunk
Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:59 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Pension rollovers
Replies: 2
Views: 488

Re: Pension rollovers

Many factors to think about.

Start with comparing your pension to https://www.immediateannuities.com.
by kerplunk
Wed Jan 16, 2019 9:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: John Bogle has died at age 89
Replies: 856
Views: 81304

Re: John Bogle has died at age 89

I just want to echo what everyone else has said.

Mr. Bogle was a truly altruistic person. A legend.

Thank you, Mr. Bogle.
by kerplunk
Tue Jan 15, 2019 8:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Replies: 11
Views: 1593

Re: Maximizing Social Security Benefits

Watty wrote: Mon Jan 14, 2019 10:30 pm
kerplunk wrote: Mon Jan 14, 2019 8:41 pm Anything else they should consider?
If either of them were previously married and widowed, or divorced after ten years of marriage then their prior spouse's Social Security benefit would come into play.
My father was married 10+ years and has been divorced from my living mother (60 years old) for 15 years. Does that have any effect on my father’s SS?